Time to spare in this iconic London district? Whether you’re with the kids, by yourself or on a date, here are the best things to do in Battersea.
What To Do In Battersea?
North of the river you’ll find the well-trodden paths familiar to all tourists, but venture south and you’ll find one of London’s best up-and-coming districts: Battersea . Awaiting exploration here are vibrant antique shops, a Victorian-age park with a peace pagoda that’s tended by a Buddhist monk, and of course, the newly revamped Battersea Power Station. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a full day out in this increasingly popular London hotspot, here are the best things to do.
Spend the day at Battersea Power Station
After a $9 billion renovation, Battersea Power Station is the undisputed epicentre of Battersea, and it would be criminal not to put it first on our list. This imposing Grade-II building sits on the south bank of the Thames and has more than 140 different spots to eat, drink, shop, work, workout, and even sleep. It’s easy to spend the entire day at this fantastic mixed-use development.
For the cocktail enthusiast, Control Room B is a must-visit. Housed in the former control room of the station, this niche cocktail bar is replete with the original control desks, switchgear and synchroscopes, and it serves a playful selection of cocktails such as the ‘Live Wire’, ‘’Battery Licker’ and ‘66 Volts’. For something a little more lively, ping pong bar Bounce will not disappoint. Here you can sink your teeth into some sourdough pizza, enjoy a cold beer and blaze the ping pong table with your friends, Forrest Gump style.
Battersea Power Station isn’t only about indulging. For something that will appeal to the whole family, the development has a crazy golf course, theatre and various VR experiences that will keep you entertained for hours. To decompress after a jam-packed afternoon, a visit to the incredible Lift 109 will leave a lasting impression. This glass elevator sits in one of the building’s iconic chimneys, and it provides a spectacular viewing experience of the city that VR goggles dare not compete with.
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Enjoy the blooms at Battersea Flower Station
London is full of secret green spaces, and Battersea Flower Station is one of them. Nestled between two cafes on Battersea Park Road, this independent florist and garden centre is full to the rafters with flowers, shrubs, houseplants, plant accessories and more. Here you can find thoughtful bouquets hand-tied by local florists, well-tended bonsais, and a greenhouse full of lovely houseplants. This local gem has won various awards, and the friendly team are always keen to talk and help those wandering through. Years ago, this land was where the horses of Battersea Park were kept, and if we look even further back to 1900, it was a Victorian flower shop.
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Stroll through the historic Battersea Park
Speaking of Battersea Park and the Victorian era – this historic green space is a must-see when in South West London. Running alongside the Thames, Battersea Park is a beautiful, sprawling urban sanctuary that goes back to the nineteenth century (history buffs will note that the Duke of Wellington and the Earl of Winchilsea had a rather dramatic duel on the grounds in 1829).
Battersea Park is a lovely spot for an afternoon stroll, picnic, or a simple moment of reflection in the park’s famous buddhist peace pagoda. More than 4,000 trees thrive on the grounds, along with dozens of songbirds, 20 butterfly species and small mammals like squirrels and rabbits. Enjoy the sound of the birds and bees with some delectable coffee and cake at the Pear Tree Cafe, which is directly next to the park’s boating lake.
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Burn some energy at Go Ape
For a more thrilling experience at Battersea Park, venture into the treetops at Go Ape. This outdoor adventure park is as engaging mentally as it is physically, and it’s a great way to burn off some energy, particularly if you have children with you. Challenge yourself to the high ropes of the treetop challenge and zoom along the zip lines for that unexpectedly therapeutic adrenaline rush.
You’ll need a strong stomach for heights at this Battersea adventure park as the treetop crossings are twice the height of standard Go Ape sites. If you’re hungry after your time in the trees, the Pear Tree Cafe is only a stone’s throw away.
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Go antique shopping at Northcote Antiques Market
Stepping into Northcote Road Antiques in Battersea is a little like falling down a rabbit hole. Here, you’ll find 30 different antique dealers selling everything from vintage furniture to Georgian chessboards and retro artefacts. Every corner of the market is jam-packed with intriguing, historic items that evoke the feeling of being in a museum rather than a shop.
The list of goods on the shelves at this Battersea market is endless: find twentieth century chandeliers adorned with Arabesque bronze; china teapots that seeped brews long before the humble teabag went mainstream, and even large household furniture like mahogany wood dining tables. Bibliophiles and antiquarians alike will have a field day exploring the rare books at Northcote Antiques.
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Catch a movie at The Cinema In The Arches
Forget those lovely leather seats in the premier section of your go-to chain cinema: when it comes to a cinema trip, The Cinema In The Arches is in a league of its own. A spot for true film-lovers, this Battersea cinema delivers a truly cinematic experience with Dolby Atmos surround sound, reclining seats and state-of-the-art laser projection for crystal clear viewing.
The film calendar at the Cinema In The Arches delivers an eclectic mix of new releases and cult classics, independent movies and foreign language films. You won’t find any stale popcorn or flat coke here: this cinema serves fine wines, craft beers and handmade sweet treats, in addition to traditional cinema nibbles like popcorn (although it’s not shovelled into the box – it’s politely dispensed). This Battersea cinema is the perfect spot for a date night or a solo cinema trip, and there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink after the movie.
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Samba and sing in Battersea’s vibrant nightlife scene
The streets of Battersea are teeming with locally owned bars, pubs and clubs, each brimming with character. If you’re in Battersea on a Sunday, art-deco club Lost Society has a vibrant, high-energy Brazilian night with live bossa nova, samba dancing, and authentic Brazilian foods like picanha acebolada. For a tipple without the dancefloor, there are plenty of options. Aspen & Meursault serves beautiful low-intervention natural wines in a relaxed but lively atmosphere, and the menu is simply stellar (£2 oysters on weekend afternoons – it’s hard to say no to that). For something even more casual, try Mondo Tap and Battersea Brewery, both of which serve craft beers brewed on the premises by local brewers.
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Enjoy some live music at Northcote Records
Northcote Records is a melting pot of Battersea culture. This bar and music venue has live music six days a week, with everything from indie acoustic folk singers to full jazz bands and high-tempo DJs. There’s a happy hour on weekdays at Northcote from 5-8pm, and the venue serves up fantastic fresh pizza if you’re craving a carby treat. This is one of the busiest bars in Battersea, but it’s one of the best spots to soak up the vibrant culture of the district as it invites people of all backgrounds and tastes, from the quiet jazz lovers to the larger-than-life techno fans.
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Laugh your socks off at a dark comedy show on Battersea Barge
In the 1930s, the Dutch Maria II, now known as Battersea Barge, was tasked with the job of transporting grain between Paris and the northern French city of Rouen. Today, she has a very different job: delivering buckets of entertainment to the district of Battersea. Moored on the Thames overlooking Battersea Power Station, this floating bar and venue always has lively events on, from ‘Warped Wednesdays’ (dark comedy, pizza and drinks), to cocktail masterclasses and cabaret shows. It’s also available for hire, if you’ve been looking for that perfect venue to throw a truly impressive party or event.
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Final Take
Battersea has changed rapidly over the past ten years, and it will likely change even more in the coming years as more people move into the new luxury property developments in the area. Whether you spend the day rambling through Battersea park or shopping your way through the new power station, you’ll certainly want to come back to this lovely London district.
