It’s not every day you get the chance to eat bao or take a spin class at a famous historical landmark. But London’s newly reopened and modernised Battersea Power Station brings a unique experience to visitors who want a taste of many experiences under one roof.
Having still been a functional power station until the early 1980s, many plans for refurbishment have come and gone until the past decade where a successful bid of residential, office and commercial buildings were proposed which has now transformed the space into a bustling urban hub.
If you’re planning a visit to London or live nearby, here are some of the top reasons to plan a visit to Battersea Power Station:
Eat at some of London’s trendiest restaurants
Visiting the station means you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to food: casual cafes, rooftop bars and indulgent bakeries can be found throughout the premises. Here’s a few of our top picks for your next visit:
- Noci, for handmade pasta dishes, inventive cocktails and plant-based dessert options
- Roti King, for an affordable lunch stop that offers a simple menu delicious curry options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike
- Where The Pancakes Are, for their infamous and quirky “brinner” menu where you can get bottomless popcorn, savoury pancakes or banana marshmallow stacks
- Joia Rooftop Bar, for an Iberian-inspired lunch with plenty of fresh seafood options and some familiar tapas favourites
- Cinnamon Kitchen, for a sunday bottomless brunch cooked over an open tandoor grill
Even the London-famous Taiwanese staple Bao announced this week that they’ll be opening a BPS location by the end of the year — definitely a worthy reason to plan another visit to the station.
Shop for everything from fine art to designer eyewear
One of the main attractions of the station is its shops. Well-known brands and luxury boutiques are sharing the space to provide a more curated experience than visiting big-box shopping centres. If you’re seeking out designer brands and higher-end jewellery or fragrances, be sure to visit Chanel, IWC Schaffhausen, Pinko and Zadig&Voltaire.
For more casual shopping or regular wardrobe updates, you can find shops like Uniqlo, Zara, Lululemon and Mango.
You can explore the full list of the shops that are currently open (and some that are coming soon), or you can discover them onsite as you wander around the massive complex.
Go on a memorable day out with unique activities
Whether you’re in the mood to get active, be entertained or bring out your competitive side, there’s a range of fun activities you can plan for your visit:
- For entertainment, you can unwind at one of the boutique cinemas onsite, visit the Turbine Theatre or immerse yourself in a VR experience
- To get active, book a spin class at Boom Cycle, take part in a boxfit challenge or train military-style at BMF Urban Battersea
- For games and activities, take your pick between crazy golf at the soon-to-open Birdies or table tennis at Bounce
Take the kids for ice cream and a visit to the nearby zoo
If you’re visiting the station on a day out with the family, you’ll find a number of things to do that are kid-friendly in the Power Station and surrounding areas. Choose from one of the many bakeries or gelaterias for a midday treat, visit the onsite playground and be sure to check their website for family-friendly workshops, especially around half-term and summer holidays.
A short walking distance down the road (ten minutes by foot) you’ll find Battersea Park, which has a large playground, a boating lake and even a children’s zoo which is home to smaller animals such as otters, rabbits and chinchillas.
Book an art tour or take a candle making workshop
Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll be able to take part in classes, book walking tours and learn a new skill within the station.
The Battersea Games are currently underway until early September, where you can take part with friends in limited-time games such as basketball, rock climbing, boules, racing and life-sized chess.
During the winter months, an outdoor ice rink opens to the public (formerly located outside the Natural History Museum) and holiday-themed stalls pop up along the Thames.
Many of the independent businesses in the Station also put on their own workshops and events. For example, the Poke House is hosting a dog walking club to help Londoners meet others within their community, or there are exclusive supper clubs that can bring together food enthusiasts.
There’s always something happening at the station, so be sure to take advantage of the different tours and workshops they have to offer.
Getting to Battersea Power Station
The station can be easily accessed by public transport if you’re taking the tube or bus, and while onsite parking can be limited, there’s plenty of parking spaces available on JustPark where you can book your space in advance.
Now you’re set to explore Battersea Power Station. With its mix of history, culture, and entertainment, it's a truly unique place to visit.
