How (And Why) To Visit Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station, a world-famous landmark on the south bank of the River Thames, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Covering 42 acres, this historic site now includes residential developments, offices, shops, restaurants and a hotel. With its rich history and modern amenities, it has become one of London’s must-visit destinations, with new facilities being added all the time.

Why Visit Battersea Power Station?

Described as a “design icon”, Battersea Power Station has always had a place in the public imagination. Once a visually striking industrial building, it has now been transformed into a modern leisure, residential and commercial complex that retains many of its historical features. For the first time visitors can walk around the inside of the power station, admire its period architecture, and even take a tour of the control rooms or ride a lift to the top of one of the chimneys.

But Battersea Power Station is not just a historic building; there is something for everyone here. You’ll find a mixture of independent and high street shops: the UK headquarters of Apple is located here, but smaller niche outlets also have their place. There are fast food outlets, restaurants and a cocktail bar, as well as a cinema.

The redevelopment plans have also included the area around the power station. The landscaped area on the banks of the River Thames includes a children’s play area and a new exhibition space. The Electric Boulevard is a pedestrianised high street with more shops and restaurants, and the recently opened Art’otel offers 164 rooms in a dazzling environment.

A Historic Building

Built in two halves, the first in 1933 and the second in 1955, Battersea Power Station was the first power superstation, intended to house nine different electricity companies. The exterior was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, whose aim was to create a building that was visually appealing to wealthy homeowners across the river in Chelsea.

The Grade II listed building was in use for 50 years, from 1933 to 1983, and has since become a symbol of London’s industrial heritage. It is one of the largest brick structures in Europe and its famous chimneys are a recognisable part of the London skyline. The interior is no less impressive: the section built in the 1930s features Art Deco ornamentation, whereas the second half (built after the War when money was scarcer) has a more functional appearance.

Between the power station and the river is the Coaling Jetty. At one time this was the arrival point for the vast amounts of coal used to generate electricity. It is now a seating area and events venue.

Exploring The Power Station

Part of the pleasure of a visit to Battersea Power Station is exploring the repurposed interior. It has been designed in such a way as to emphasise the scale of the building and original features have been retained where possible.

You will see fragments of exposed brick and tile work, and some of the old industrial machinery. And Turbine Hall A (the 1930s section) still retains its Art Deco ornamentation. At the entrance to Turbine Hall A is a small exhibition area with information boards.

Weekly guided tours of the power station’s history and architecture take place every Monday. These also allow access to Control Room A, a stunning Art Deco space normally only available for private events. It is also possible to take a self-guided audio tour of Control Room B, a smaller area at the back of the cocktail bar.

The Chimney Lift

For me a highlight of visiting Battersea Power Station was the Chimney Lift experience. This immersive journey begins with an interactive display of the site’s history, followed by a light show featuring images of the power station through time. But then the real fun begins: a glass elevator takes you through one of the chimneys and up to a viewing platform 109m above ground.

Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of London, aided by a toposcope detailing landmarks such as The Shard, London Eye and Battersea Park. And, of course you get a birds-eye view of the Battersea complex and of the other three chimneys…

Eating, Drinking, And Shopping

Battersea Power Station offers a diverse range of dining and shopping options, with more than 150 outlets to choose from. There is a massive variety of shops, both local and international brands, selling everything you could imagine (I could have spent much more time in the massive Lego shop!).

Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. There is also a champagne bar, wine bars, and Control Room B which offers cocktails themed around power (look out for the signature cocktail served in a model of the power station itself…)

How To Visit Battersea Power Station

• The Power Station is open from 10.00 to 20.00 Monday to Saturday, and 12.00 to 18.00 on Sunday, but individual outlets may have different opening times.
• From central London you can take the Northern Line to Battersea Power Station (note that the station is on a spur, and make sure you get on the right train). You can also walk from Sloane Square (12 minutes) or Vauxhall (20 minutes).
• A popular way of approaching the site is via the Thames Clipper Uber boat, with a stop right outside the power station.
• If you have more time in London you could buy a two day Hop-On Hop-Off 2-Day River Thames Sightseeing Pass and combine your visit with other must-see places including Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Tate Modern.

Thanks to Will Emery of the Battersea Power Station Development Company for showing me round the site.

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