Battersea Power Station, London - two tall brick buildings with windows and a sky background
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Battersea Power Station

4.6
·25k reviews·, United Kingdom

Iconic restored power station turned vibrant hub with shops, dining, and the thrilling Lift 109 chimney experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Battersea Power Station, London - two tall brick buildings with windows and a sky background

Battersea Power Station

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic restored power station turned vibrant hub with shops, dining, and the thrilling Lift 109 chimney experience.

4.6
(25k reviews)

"A totally lovely restoration, but the prices go with it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Station

Wander through Battersea Park for green space or enjoy a riverside stroll.

💳 Consider the Uber Boat

A scenic and affordable way to arrive or depart, offering great city views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lift 109 Chimney Experience

Lift 109 Chimney Experience

Inside the Power Station

Ascend one of the iconic chimneys for breathtaking 360-degree views of London. A truly unique perspective!

TikTok
Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

Exterior and Interior

Marvel at the stunning Art Deco architecture of this Grade II-listed industrial icon. A photographer's dream!

TikTok
Power Station Hall Food Market

Power Station Hall Food Market

Ground Floor

Explore a vibrant culinary scene with diverse food stalls offering global flavors. Perfect for a casual bite.

Reddit
Pink Floyd 'Animals' Album Cover

Pink Floyd 'Animals' Album Cover

Exterior

Visit the site that inspired the legendary 'Animals' album cover. A pilgrimage for music fans.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Lift 109

The popular Lift 109 experience offers panoramic views but sells out quickly. Book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak times. TikTok

Embrace the App for Dining

Many food vendors in the Power Station Hall operate on an app-based ordering system. Be prepared to use your smartphone for ordering and payment, as queues can be long for in-person service. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Friday evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, ice skating
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Bustling with events and shoppers
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Battersea Power Station has a special place in my heart ❤️ #batterseapowerstation #wandsworth #southlondon #vauxh #nineelms #nothernline #hiddengemslondon #canarywharf #batterseapark
@hiddengemslondon
132.2K likes • 1.4M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Station

Wander through Battersea Park for green space or enjoy a riverside stroll. TikTok

💳 Consider the Uber Boat

A scenic and affordable way to arrive or depart, offering great city views. TikTok

#batterseapowerstation has finally opened. The problem is it’s in #battersea #london #PlacesToVisit #LearnOnTikTok #londonlife #londonhotspots #britishhumour #luxurylifestyle
@philc84
73.1K likes • 932K views
Had a fabulous time @controlroomb celebrating #nationaldogday ❤️ #handmadecake #pawddrinks #jackandbeyond #newfriends #dogcollar #batterseapowerstation #dogfriendly #cocktailbar #celebrate #lovedogs ...
babymarco_oes
76 likes • 0 views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Spots

Many venues, like Control Room B, welcome your furry friends. Instagram

🛍️ Shopping Galore

Discover unique boutiques and popular brands like Zara. TikTok

We had such a great time at @curatedmakers market in @batterseapwrstn two weeks ago! It was lovely to show off our handmade products to everyone that visited. Thanks to everyone who supported us! So...
modul.objects
52 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond the Station

Wander through Battersea Park for green space or enjoy a riverside stroll. TikTok

💳 Consider the Uber Boat

A scenic and affordable way to arrive or depart, offering great city views. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Spots

Many venues, like Control Room B, welcome your furry friends. Instagram

🛍️ Shopping Galore

Discover unique boutiques and popular brands like Zara. TikTok

💰 Prices Can Be High

Be aware that dining and shopping can be on the pricier side. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(25k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Battersea Power Station is widely praised for its stunning architectural restoration and vibrant atmosphere, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and unique experiences like Lift 109. While many enjoy the revitalized space and its amenities, some visitors find the dining options to be expensive with small portions, and app-based ordering can be a point of contention. Reddit+1

"Fantastic restoration of the power station and surrounding area. The shopping and eating options are vast but the show stopper is how the old power station has been used to create the blend of modern usage requirements within the original power station structure and keeping elements of its heritage on show.

The view of London from the top of lift 109 is spectacular on a good day and well worth experiencing"

Kiran

"We happened to park our car here for a day trip to London. Since we were already at the location, we decided to explore the shopping centre — and it turned out to be a great surprise!

It’s a modern and spacious shopping mall with plenty of nice stores. What really stood out to us was how calm and relaxed it felt compared to the busier shopping areas in central London. It’s the perfect place to shop if you’re looking for something a bit more peaceful.

Also impressive how they’ve transformed the building into such a beautiful shopping space. Definitely a pleasant and unexpected bonus during our visit to London!"

Gavin Bekkers

"An extraordinary blend of history, architecture, and modern urban design. Originally completed in 1933, Battersea Power Station is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its Art Deco architecture and its role in the city's industrial heritage.

Today, it has been beautifully restored and repurposed into a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, arts, and community life. The interior retains the industrial character with original turbine halls, while the retail and leisure spaces are modern and welcoming. The panoramic view from the Lift 109 experience at the top of one of the chimneys is absolutely breathtaking—a must-see for any visitor.

Easily accessible by the new Northern Line extension, and well-connected by bus, riverboat, and walking paths along the Thames. A perfect example of how heritage sites can be transformed into dynamic, functional spaces without losing their soul.

Highly recommended for architecture, andl shopping lovers."

MUSTAFA FARAJ

What People Like

Impressive architecture
Unique Lift 109
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Expensive food
Small portions
App ordering queues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Battersea Power Station via the Northern Line to Battersea Power Station station, which is directly connected. Buses like the 156, 44, 344, and 439 also serve the area. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a scenic river route to the dedicated pier. TikTok+1

Yes, there is on-site parking available, but it can be expensive. It's often more convenient to use public transport or ride-sharing services. TikTok

Absolutely! There are numerous cycle paths leading to the Power Station, and Santander Cycles are available nearby. Secure bike racks are provided.

For a memorable arrival, consider the Uber Boat. It offers fantastic views of the city skyline as you approach the iconic landmark. TikTok

While there isn't a direct train station at the Power Station, Clapham Junction is a major hub nearby, with onward bus or taxi connections.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General entry into the Power Station building and its public areas is free. However, specific attractions like Lift 109 require paid tickets. TikTok

Ticket prices for Lift 109 vary, but expect to pay around £9-£15 per person. Booking online in advance is highly recommended as it often sells out. TikTok+1

The Power Station building is generally open daily from around 10 AM to 10 PM, but individual shop and restaurant hours may vary. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

While same-day tickets might be available, it's strongly advised to book Lift 109 tickets online in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot. TikTok

Yes, exploring the stunning architecture, browsing the shops, and enjoying the atmosphere of the Power Station Hall are all free. Keep an eye out for free events and markets too. Instagram+1

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a wide array of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Lift 109 offers a unique chimney ascent experience. TikTok+1

Yes, it's a great destination for families with plenty of dining options, shops, and the exciting Lift 109 experience. Keep an eye out for family-friendly events.

The exterior, especially the iconic chimneys, is a must-photograph. Inside, the grand Turbine Halls and the unique design elements offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, during the winter months, an ice rink is often set up, providing seasonal fun for visitors. Reddit

Battersea Power Station hosts a variety of events, including markets, festivals celebrating different cultures, and seasonal celebrations. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a diverse range of restaurants and food stalls in the Power Station Hall, offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. Reddit

Many visitors find the food options to be on the pricier side, with small portions sometimes noted. Reddit+1

Most vendors in the Power Station Hall use an app-based ordering system. Be prepared to order and pay via your smartphone. Reddit

Yes, with the wide variety of international cuisines, you'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices across the different food vendors.

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the main dining areas of the Power Station. It's best to dine at one of the many available eateries.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful light on the exterior. Evenings are also great for capturing the illuminated building. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside for personal use. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits.

The view from across the river, or from Battersea Park looking towards the station, captures its full grandeur. The interior Turbine Halls are also stunning. Reddit

While personal photography is fine, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in areas where it might be disruptive. Tripods might be restricted in busy areas.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the building. A versatile zoom lens is useful for interior shots. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Battersea Power Station offers a fantastic day out for families. The open spaces within the Power Station Hall are great for kids to explore, and the variety of food options means even picky eaters will find something they like. Reddit The Lift 109 experience is a definite highlight, offering a thrilling ascent with incredible views that will captivate children and adults alike. TikTok Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the biggest crowds and make the experience more relaxed for younger ones.

🐶 Dog Lovers

Good news for dog owners: Battersea Power Station is remarkably dog-friendly! Many of the restaurants and bars welcome well-behaved canine companions, with some venues even offering special dog treats and water bowls. Instagram Control Room B, a cocktail bar, is particularly noted for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Instagram This makes it a great destination for a day out with your furry friend, allowing you to enjoy the sights and tastes together.

🎵 Pink Floyd Fans

For fans of the legendary band Pink Floyd, Battersea Power Station holds a special significance as the iconic backdrop for their 'Animals' album cover. TikTok A visit here is a pilgrimage to a piece of rock history. You can view the station from the exterior, imagining the band and the inflatable pig soaring above. Reddit While the interior has been redeveloped, the exterior's imposing presence still evokes the album's powerful imagery.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Transformation of an Icon

Battersea Power Station, once a colossal coal-fired power plant, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a derelict industrial giant into a vibrant mixed-use destination. For decades after its closure in 1983, the building stood as a symbol of London's industrial past, shrouded in mystery and undergoing numerous failed redevelopment plans. TikTok Its distinctive Art Deco architecture, however, always hinted at its potential. The recent £9 billion redevelopment project has breathed new life into this Grade II-listed masterpiece, preserving its historic shell while infusing it with modern luxury and amenities. Reddit

The project has successfully integrated residential apartments, office spaces, a diverse retail offering, and a plethora of dining and entertainment venues. This ambitious undertaking has not only revitalized the surrounding Nine Elms area but has also cemented Battersea Power Station's status as a must-visit London landmark. The preservation of key architectural features, such as the iconic chimneys and the vast Turbine Halls, ensures that the building's industrial heritage remains a central part of its identity. TikTok

Experiencing Lift 109

One of the most talked-about attractions at Battersea Power Station is Lift 109, an immersive experience that takes you to the top of one of the building's four iconic chimneys. This unique journey offers unparalleled panoramic views of the London skyline, providing a perspective rarely seen by the public. TikTok

The experience begins with a short film that delves into the history of the Power Station before you board the glass lift. As you ascend, the city unfolds beneath you, with landmarks like the Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament visible on a clear day. The viewing platform at the top allows you to soak in the scenery and capture stunning photographs. TikTok It's a highly recommended activity for anyone looking for a memorable and visually spectacular experience, but booking in advance is essential due to its popularity. Reddit

A Culinary Journey Through the Power Station Hall

The Power Station Hall at Battersea Power Station is a food lover's paradise, housing a dynamic collection of eateries that cater to every palate. From quick bites to sit-down meals, the hall buzzes with culinary energy, reflecting London's diverse food scene. Reddit

Visitors can explore a wide range of cuisines, including Asian street food, Italian pasta, gourmet burgers, and artisanal coffee. Many of the vendors operate on an app-based ordering system, which can streamline the process during busy periods, though some Redditors have noted long queues and high prices. Reddit Despite these points, the sheer variety and quality of food available make it a fantastic spot for lunch, dinner, or even just a sweet treat. Keep an eye out for pop-up events and collaborations that often feature unique culinary offerings. Instagram+1

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