Everything you need to know about The Chimney Lift
- 📍 Where: The Chimney Lift, Turbine Hall A, Level 1, Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London (SW8 5BN)
- 📅 When: Open daily from 10am to 6pm
- 🚇 How to get there: Battersea Power Station (Northern line), Battersea Park and Queenstown Road stations, Battersea Power Station Pier
Fun facts about Battersea Power Station🔎
- Battersea Power Station is one of the world’s largest Art Deco brick structures, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect behind London’s iconic red telephone boxes.
- In early plans, the iconic chimneys were intended to be square, but the design was later revised to the signature cylindrical shape.
- At its operating peak, it produced one-fifth of London’s electricity, powering landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
- Battersea Power Station has the world’s only glass chimney lift, giving visitors a memorable opportunity to stand on top of a historic power station chimney.
I was excited to spend a fun‑packed day in Battersea, as there are so many activities to enjoy. Battersea Power Station is now one of London’s liveliest lifestyle destinations, offering standout dining, shopping and entertainment, with the iconic Grade II*‑listed Power Station at its heart and Battersea Park just moments away.
Even more exciting is that visitors can enjoy a ride up an iconic power station chimney, and the Battersea Power Station lift experience has long been at the top of my London bucket list.
Compared to other major viewpoints I’ve visited in London, at 109 metres it's height is lower than The View from The Shard, the London Eye and Summit at Alexandra Palace, but higher than Up at The O2. Where it truly stands out for me is the journey to the top!
Read on to find out more about this must-visit attraction in my Battersea Power Station Chimney Lift review.
What to expect from the experience
Arrival at Battersea Power Station: Look out for the elegant Art Deco design of Turbine Hall A, which forms the historic core of Battersea Power Station, setting the scene for the entire experience.
Check-in and security: Plan to arrive early, I passed smoothly through a friendly airport style security check with just a small A4 sized bag – no large luggage or unsealed drinks are allowed.
Start your journey in Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s office: Step into a recreated 1920s office filled with the architect’s photos, blueprints and objects linked to the origins of Battersea Power Station. As I love to learn about London's history, I found this part of the experience really fascinating.
Explore immersive elements: I enjoyed getting interactive with a touch activated wall showing how the power station was built, a hands-on model to generate power with moving lights responding, and a quiz table to test my knowledge before the ascent.
Enter the Switch Room: Immerse yourself in Battersea Power Station’s evolution, from its 1930s’ construction and 1983 shutdown to its regeneration and 2022 reopening, as you watch a 360-degree film.
Take the lift to the top: You’ll take a lift up to the base of the chimney, then climb a short flight of 39 stairs, with accessible routes available if needed. From there, the glass Chimney Lift carries you up through the northwest chimney, filled with lights and a subtle audio, before it pops out into the open air at 109 metres’ height, overlooking London.
Rest assured, the lift is enclosed, so you won’t be exposed to the elements. The journey to the top was my favourite part, it really reminded me of the Great Glass Elevator in Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!
Enjoy the views: At the top, admire panoramic views with London icons in sight, such as the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, and a rare bird’s-eye view of Battersea Power Station’s roof. On your return, stop by the Chimney Lift Shop for souvenirs, guidebooks and to collect your official photos.
Author tips💡
- Arrive early: I’d recommend getting there early to avoid queues and to enjoy the exhibition.
- Book ahead: Plan your visit for a clear morning or at sunset for the best views of London.
- Capture the moment: Get your camera ready to photograph the chimney and the skyline.
How to buy tickets
Book your official tickets with Visit London for The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station using the booking button on the page.
Planning your trip and things to do nearby
Visiting Battersea Power Station, one of London’s most iconic riverside landmarks, is easy and accessible. With its own Northern line Tube station in Zone 1, trains connect directly to the wider Underground network.
Battersea Power Station is a multi-attraction, year‑round destination, home to shops, restaurants, bars, cultural events, and riverside spaces.
For those who enjoy a full day out, the surrounding area offers riverside walks, playgrounds, and vibrant neighbourhoods across Battersea, Nine Elms, and along the Thames.
I recommend exploring Battersea Park which is home to the stunning Peace Pagoda, Go Ape Battersea Park and scenic spots to eat and drink. For spectacular sunset views, check out rooftop restaurant JOIA at the stunning art'otel London Battersea Power Station.
Whether you're in Battersea for the views, the food, the heritage, or the riverside atmosphere, Battersea Power Station offers a distinctive blend of history and modern London culture, making it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
Chimney Lift FAQs
Is the Chimney Lift at Battersea worth it?
Yes, the Chimney Lift is a one-of-a-kind experience and the only one that lets you ascend through a real industrial chimney. It allows you to stand on top of an iconic Grade II* listed building that has featured in films, album covers, and major cultural moments.
How long is the Battersea Chimney Lift experience?
Expect to spend from 35 to 60 minutes at the experience; this allows you enough time to enjoy the exhibition and complete the ascent to the top.
Is the Battersea Chimney Lift suitable for kids?
Yes, this family‑friendly attraction is suitable for children aged three and over. It’s an ideal activity as part of a full day out at Battersea Power Station.
Can you take photos from the Battersea Chimney Lift?
Yes, the lift is made of glass, so you’ll be able to take plenty of panoramic pictures during the experience.