A Brief History of the Station
Battersea Power Station is an iconic and industrial landmark that has shaped London’s skyline since 1929. Initially built to provide up to 20% of the city’s electricity, after years of disuse, the station has been transformed into a vibrant and exciting destination. Today, it offers not only a glimpse into its industrious past but a plethora of modern culture; offering a diverse array of luxury shops, restaurants and public attractions. Whether you are interested in shopping, history, food or entertainment, this is one of London’s coolest spots to visit. So, lets dive into the top things to do at Battersea Power Station!
1. Shop (until you drop!)
The Power Station is best known for its diverse array of clothes shops that range from the High Street variety such as Zara, H&M and Uniqlo to more high-end fashion houses. It is the perfect place to shop as everything is very close together within the station.
2. Explore Lift 109
The refurbishment of one of the iconic white chimneys involved housing a glass elevator which allows for panoramic views of London. The Lift 109 experience is entirely immersive, allowing you to delve into the rich history of this important building and acknowledge its transformation over time. At the summit, you will be 109 metres up and witness breath-taking views of London!
3. Watch a show at The Turbine Theatre
A relatively new addition to the theatre scene and a short walk from the power station, this theatre showcases emerging talent, through a mix of contemporary plays, musicals and innovative productions. This small, intimate venue is perfect for discovering fresh voices and exciting new performances. You can explore the new shows currently running at the Turbine Theatre on their webpage.
4. Play Indoor Sports at Bounce
Sports are a great way to bring together large groups of people and also break the ice during first meetings. Bounce is a ping-pong centre come bar/restaurant where you can play for an allotted time. It is relatively cheap and there is an option of classic or interactive ping pong tables which makes for a fun game! However, if ping-pong is not your thing; you can also find giant chess and badminton for communal use within the station. Bounce also offer a 20% off student discount – so it is the perfect place for an affordable yet fun evening.
5. Dine at Fantastic Restaurants
Shopping definitely cannot be done without fuel – and the array of restaurants at Battersea power station will certainly provide you with the energy needed for a busy day. There are so many options for places to eat at the power station which range from more affordable fast food restaurants such as Leon and Manna (a special mention for their Smash Burgers) to something a little more upmarket such as No.29 Power Station West.
6. Treat yourself to a Beauty Appointment
The active lifestyle is definitely not for everyone – and that is completely fine because Battersea offers a range of beauty and wellness services to help you just relax. Dotted around the station there are plenty of luxurious spas and nail salons so don’t hesitate to check them out.
7. Take a Guided Tour
For those interested in the history of the station, an official guided tour is the perfect way to kick off the day. These informative tours provide not only a comprehensive insight into London’s industrial history but also an experience to see particular architectural features up close.
8. Challenge Yourself in an Escape Room
Escape Rooms have been around for quite a while now, but VR escape rooms are fairly new and exciting. The Station hosts immersive escape room experiences that can be done as a team and is the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon. To find out a little more about pricing, you can check out the price calculator on the website before you visit.
Also, if the concept of a VR escape room doesn’t float your boat, there are plenty of other Escape Room options that are suggested in the article ‘Get Lost With The Best Escape Rooms in London’.
9. Dance the night away at Power Station Lates
Head to the Arcade on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday evening for the ‘Arcade Sound System’ DJ sessions and Happy Hour. It is the perfect way to start a weekend with friends. These events are available to book but space is also kept for walk ins if you are more prone to spontaneity. You can find out a bit more about this on the Power Station Lates page.
10. Explore the River Walk
There is a lot of open space around the Power Station where you can take a stroll to nearby parks and landmarks. The Thames Path offers stunning views of the river and it is a great place to admire the abundance of urban architecture around it.
Overall, Battersea Power Station is the ideal location for students with a vast range of different budgets. Ranging from affordable activities to boozy brunches and retail therapy, this place definitely has something for everyone.
I am a final year student at University College London (UCL) studying BA French and Spanish. I have just returned from an amazing Year abroad in Paris and Madrid. However, there really is no place like home and I am excited to return home to London and explore more exciting opportunities!
