Sandwiched between stylish-and-swanky Chelsea and hip-and-happening Clapham, you will find the modest and oh-so-demure neighbourhood of Battersea. Okay, perhaps there isn’t anything particularly demure about that big old power station gleaming on the riverside but you catch my drift. For years, Battersea has lived in the shadows of its notable neighbours but has recently had a bit of a glow up and is ready to make its comeback.
From a glorious green space to its very own brewery; there’s plenty of reasons why Battersea is finally getting its time to shine, and with a brand spanking new tube station thrown into the mix, it’s easier to pay a visit than ever before. We’re here to give you the lowdown on the very best things to do in this charming South London district, so here goes.
1. Have a wander round Battersea Park
This is not just a park, this is Battersea Park and there is SO much to do and see here. Need a beautiful backdrop for a picture-perfect picnic? Fancy a quick game of mini golf at Putt in the Park? Want to have a look at the magnificent Japanese Peace Pagoda or have a stroll around the Pump House Gallery? Well, Battersea Park really does have it all. Oh, and did I mention that there’s even a children’s zoo right in the middle? Basically, it’s the park to rival all parks and you won’t want to miss it.
Plan your visit here.
2. Jump on board the Battersea Barge
Hop aboard this award-winning, floating wonderland of all things entertainment. You’ll find a bar, a stage, and a truly unique setting to enjoy an array of musical, comedy, and cabaret performances. Plus everything is just more fun on a boat. Fact.
Nine Elms Lane, SW11 8PZ
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3. Shop ’til you drop at Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station has been the talk of the town (well, city) since its recent revamp, and for good reason. After decades of sitting derelict, the building has been brought back to life and transformed into a state-of-the-art destination for all things shopping and leisure.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where you’d like to partake in your retail therapy, with an impressive variety of shops and high-end fashion brands. Sip on some post-shopping, power station-inspired cocktails at Control Room B, a truly unique cocktail bar with a setting that allows guests the chance to get up-close-and-personal with the Control Room’s original dials, control desks, and switchgear racks.
Catch a show at the Turbine Theatre or embark on a virtual journey at DNA VR, and when you inevitably feel like you’re not ready to go home; book a stay at London’s first art’otel, a super fancy lifestyle hotel, complete with a heated rooftop pool and jacuzzi, located within Battersea Roof Gardens.
Circus Road West, SW11 8AL
4. Join the party at The Magic Garden
This enchanting pub, restaurant, and garden is the perfect place to seek solace from the hubbub of London life. The Magic Garden serves up ‘festival in a pub’ vibes with their extensive and eclectic variety of live music, their delicious food and drinks, and their unbeatable warm and friendly atmosphere. We’ll drink to that!
231 Battersea Park Road, SW11 4LG
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5. Have a pint at Battersea Brewery
Nestled under the railway arches next to Battersea Power Station, Battersea Brewery pride themselves on providing the hardworking people of London with good beer and good times – what more could we ask for? The delicious beer they create is freshly pumped directly from the tanks in their brewery, straight into their on-site taproom so it’s the ideal place to stop for a refreshing pint during a long day of exploring Battersea.
12-14 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB
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6. Stuff your face with bottomless pizza at Street Pizza
There’s only one thing we like more than pizza: bottomless pizza, and Gordon Ramsay has absolutely come through for us with his chain of pizza joints, Street Pizza. We’re talking bottomless sourdough pizza (for only £17, might I add) with a side of immaculate vibes. It’s certainly up our street.
Arch 759 – Arches Lane, Circus West Village, SW11 8AB
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7. Stop and smell the roses at Battersea Flower Station
When in Battersea, be sure to pay a visit to this charming and serene garden centre, plant shop, and florist. Their collection of house plants is unbeleafable; from cacti to cheeseplants, they have everything you need to bring the outside into your home. You’re also guaranteed to have a bunch of fun wandering around their outdoor plant section, and their flower selection is blooming lovely. Okay, I’ll stop with the flower puns now.
320 Battersea Park Road, SW11 3BX
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8. Admire the view from Lift 109
Elevate your trip to Battersea with a visit to Lift 109, where you can experience a breathtaking view of London’s iconic skyline. Although identical to the other three from the outside, the North West chimney of Battersea Power Station contains a glass elevator that will transport you to a viewing platform 109 metres above the ground. You won’t want to miss this new and thrilling way to view our stunning city.
Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, SW8 5BN
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9. Swing through the trees at Go Ape
We all know that growing up is a trap anyway so revert back to your tree-climbing, zip-wiring, fun-filled childhood with a trip to Go Ape. A love (or at least an indifference) for heights is a must for this one as the treetop crossings in Battersea are twice the height of those at most other Go Ape locations – eek. You’re guaranteed big fun in the big city with this adrenaline-filled activity.
Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ
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10. Catch a performance at Battersea Arts Centre
If you’re looking to fill your day with something a bit more theatrical, Battersea Arts Centre is paving the way for creative spaces across the city. Located in the former Battersea Town Hall, this beautiful building is home to a diverse community of artists and creators. From live music and theatre to stand-up comedy and workshops, Battersea Arts Centre is bursting at the seams with events that aim to entertain, inspire, and spark positive change.
Being the world’s first relaxed venue and making sure that most of its shows are available on a pay-what-you-can basis, this innovative venue really does have accessibility and inclusivity at the heart of everything they do.
Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN
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11. Take a tour of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
I couldn’t possibly write an article about Battersea without giving a shoutout to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, could I?
On specific days, the London centre is opening its doors for customers to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the incredible work that they do. Visitors will get the rare opportunity to pay a visit to the kennels and cattery, stop off at the outdoor exercise paddocks, learn about the history of the centre, and hear firsthand how their state-of-the-art clinic and hydrotherapy pool transform the lives of so many animals. Sounds pretty paw-some to me.
4 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4AA
Plan your visit here.
12. Gaze up at the world-famous Sky Pool
Unfortunately to actually take a dip in the world-renowned swimming-pool-in-the-sky, you need to be a resident of the splashiest apartment block in town, but it’s definitely worth a quick look if you’re in the area. Residents of Embassy Gardens get to float on air (literally and figuratively) whilst the rest of us get to gawp up at them resentfully. Seems totally fair.
3 Viaduct Gardens, SW11 7AY
13. Commute in style on an Uber Boat
Take a wander down to Battersea Power Station pier, hop on an Uber boat, and soak up the riverside sights of London right from the middle of the Thames. As well as being a quick and convenient way of getting from central London to Battersea (albeit it slightly more expensive than the bus and the tube), there’s something undeniably exciting about zooming down the river on a high-speed catamaran, especially if you’ve had a drink or two from their onboard bar.
Battersea Power Station Pier, SW8 5BN
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14. Catch a movie at The Cinema In The Arches
Another hidden gem burrowed within the arches next to the Power Station is The Cinema in the Arches. This intimate and luxurious cinema has three state-of-the-art screens for you to kick back and enjoy a movie in. Whether it’s the newest blockbuster or an independent film that takes your fancy, you’ll be watching in true comfort and style with their reclining seats, considerable cocktail menu, and homemade popcorn.
22 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB
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15. Dine under a railway arch
Nestled under one of the old railway arches is one of the newest and cosiest additions to Battersea’s restaurant scene. Archway is a gorgeously intimate Italian restaurant with an ever-changing menu, celebrating the very best seasonal ingredients. The restaurant and its menu epitomise ‘small but mighty’, offering the relaxed and homely feeling of being at a friends dinner party. A friend that makes sensational Italian food and knows exactly the right wine to serve alongside it, I might add.
Arch 65 Queen’s Circus, Nine Elms, SW8 4NE
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16. Bag yourself a bargain at Battersea Boot
If you love the idea of being up at the crack of dawn to hunt out some bargains, but really aren’t an early bird – then we can relate. But also, you’re in luck because the Battersea Boot doesn’t swing open its doors until after lunchtime on a Sunday.
It’s one of the longest-running London car boot sales, having first swung open its doors boot back in 1999.You’ll find all the usual bric-a-brac here along with designer goods, collectables and even high-end antiques – because, let’s face it, you’re in Battersea, after all.
Harris Academy, Battersea Park Road, SW11 5AP
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17. Take a shot at Birdies golf
Last (but not least) on my list of the best things to do in Battersea is Birdies, a quirky mini-golf venue that promises visitors ‘a world of unbridled fun‘. We’re talking banging nineties and noughties tunes, an extensive list of creative cocktails, and a mouth-watering menu provided by Cheeky Burger. With a whole load of dazzling deals running throughout the week, it would be rude not to round up your pals for this ultimate serotonin boost.
6 Arches Lane, SW11 8AB
Plan your visit here.