I’ve seen London from the Shard. I’ve dangled in a pod on the London Eye. I’ve peered out of skyscrapers that made my ears pop. But nothing beats the view from the top of Battersea Power Station’s chimney.
Earlier this May, I grabbed my bestie Donatella (because some friendships are fuelled by prosecco and shared awe) and headed to Lift 109, the attraction that takes you up inside one of the iconic chimneys of the old power station. You ascend 109 metres – that’s 357 feet in old money – and step out into a glass-wrapped viewing platform that gives you a 360-degree, uninterrupted panorama of London.
And on a sunny day? It’s just so incredibly special. Apart from my rock fan attachment to this iconic building featured on a Pink Floyd’s album, this isn’t just a date-night or best-friend adventure. It’s brilliant for families, for hen parties, for grumpy teenagers, and for anyone who wants to feel like a giant peering over a model village. I’m going to tell you why – and what’s new for half-term.
First, the view (because it’s the star)
You start in the Art Deco Turbine Hall A, where original records and multimedia displays tell the story of the building: how it once powered a fifth of London, how it fell into dereliction, and how it’s been reborn as a global cultural icon. The videos are excellent, properly informative without being boring.
Then you step into the lift. It ascends inside the chimney, guided by constellations of light that pulse as you go up. It feels a bit like being swallowed by a very stylish sci-fi spaceship.
And then – whoosh – you’re at the top.
The view is staggering. You can see the Thames snaking through the city, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Canary Wharf, St Paul’s, the Shard, and even Wembley Arch on a clear day. You can watch planes taking off from Heathrow. You can wave at the other chimney (the power station has two, but only one is open to the public – the other is a private art space, sadly).
The only downside? You get about 10 minutes at the top. That’s it. And honestly, it’s not enough. You spend the first two minutes going “wow”, the next two taking photos, and the remaining six trying to absorb everything before the lift takes you back down. I would happily pay double for 20 minutes. But I suppose they have to keep the queue moving.
Pro tip: Go on a sunny day. The light bouncing off the Thames makes everything look like a postcard. Also, go early or late to avoid the worst crowds.
What’s new for half-term: The London Landmark Quest
If you’re visiting during the May half-term (or any school holiday, really), the Chimney Lift has launched a lovely little activity called The London Landmark Quest.
Here’s how it works:
- Children get a spot-the-landmark card and crayons.
- As they look at the 360-degree view, they tick off famous sights – the Shard, the Gherkin, the London Eye, Parliament, etc.
- Once completed, they receive a special stamp and a sweet treat to celebrate their achievement.
It’s simple, screen-free, and genuinely engaging. My friend’s seven-year-old (who we dragged along on a separate visit) loved it. He spent the whole ten minutes with his face pressed against the glass, shouting “I see Big Ben!” while other adults were trying to take romantic selfies. Perfect.
Fun facts to impress your kids (and your friends)
- The power station was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott – the same architect who gave us Battersea Power Station and Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral (and also the classic red telephone box).
- Each chimney is 109 metres tall. That’s roughly the height of a 35-storey building.
- The building has been featured in countless films and albums, including Pink Floyd’s Animals (the famous flying pig photo) and Alfie (the 1966 version with Michael Caine).
- And here’s my favourite: peregrine falcons have nested at the power station since the early 2000s. They live at the base of one of the chimneys and have fledged more than 30 juveniles. Their eyes are larger than human eyes, and they can spot prey up to 300 metres away. They’re also the fastest animal on the planet – reaching speeds of 200 mph when diving. So while you’re sipping your Red Phone Fizz, a falcon might be eyeing up a pigeon. Nature is amazing.
The neighbourhood: shops, restaurants, and a very good time
The Chimney Lift is just one part of the Battersea Power Station experience. The whole riverside neighbourhood has been transformed from a derelict industrial site into a vibrant destination. Since it opened in October 2022, more than 26 million visitors have come.
The exhibition: Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold: We went face-to-face with 3,000-year-old treasure (and I’m still not over it).
Shopping: Over 150 bars, restaurants, and shops. You’ll find ME+EM, Jigsaw, Reformation, Hackett, Reiss, Abercrombie & Fitch, Zadig & Voltaire, Zara, Chanel beauty, and Mulberry. There’s also a lovely mix of artisan crafts, homewares, and jewellery.
Eating: Dishoom (get the bacon naan), Wright Brothers (oysters and seafood), Brindisa Tapas, Tonkotsu (ramen), Tashas, El Pastor, Joe & the Juice, Where the Pancakes Are, and Leon. Arcade Food Hall is brilliant for street food from around the world. New arrival % Arabica does Japanese coffee that will make you weep with joy.
Drinking: Control Room B is a cocktail bar inside the actual control room – surrounded by original dials and switches. It’s like drinking in a museum, except the cocktails are excellent. There’s also a Champagne bar if you’re feeling fancy.
Wildlife: Keep an eye out for the peregrine falcons. Other birds recorded include black redstart (protected), goldfinch, blue and great tits, and pied wagtail. Butterflies include common darter dragonfly, small white, and red admiral.
Who is this for? Everyone. Honestly.
Families with young kids: The Landmark Quest is a genius way to keep them engaged. The lift ride is smooth and not scary. The views are spectacular. And the promise of a sweet treat at the end works wonders.
Best friends / hen nights: The cocktails, the photo ops, the sense of occasion – perfect for a girly afternoon before dinner at Dishoom. You can even book private events.
Couples: Romantic? Absolutely. Go just before sunset for golden light and a glass of fizz.
Tourists from out of town: If your relatives are visiting, take them here instead of the London Eye. It’s less tourist-trappy, more historical, and the view is better.
Practical details (because mums need facts)
- Location: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, London SW11 8BZ.
- Opening times: Daily, but check the website for seasonal hours.
- Ticket prices: Adults from around £15, children from £10 (family tickets available).
- How to get there: Tube to Battersea Power Station (Northern Line extension), or bus from Victoria/Clapham Junction. Also a lovely walk across Chelsea Bridge from Sloane Square.
- Duration: The whole experience (exhibition + lift + view) takes about 45–60 minutes. But you’ll want to linger in the neighbourhood for hours.
- Accessibility: The lift and viewing platform are wheelchair accessible. Staff are brilliant and very helpful.
Final verdict: 9/10 (loses one point for only 10 minutes at the top)
The Chimney Lift is a genuinely fantastic, family-friendly attraction. The history is fascinating, the view is unbeatable, and the surrounding neighbourhood is now one of London’s best days out. The half-term Landmark Quest is a lovely touch, and the seasonal drinks are a winner.
My only complaint? Ten minutes at the top is a crime against wonder. I could have stayed up there for an hour, just watching the boats on the Thames and picking out landmarks. Please, Battersea Power Station – consider a “slow lane” ticket for those of us who want to linger.
That said, I’ll definitely be back. Probably with my kids. Definitely with more friends. And possibly with a pair of binoculars to spot the falcons.
Go. Take the lift. Wave at London. And don’t forget to claim your sweet treat.
The Chimney Lift is open now. For half-term hours and tickets, visit thechimneylift.co.uk.
Fun fact bonus: The power station’s two chimneys are not identical, one is slightly taller. I’ll let you discover which one.
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
