Things to do in Battersea

Spend the day in Battersea enjoying riverside views, cool eateries and shopping at Battersea Power Station.
Battersea Power Station lit up in red in celebration of its reopening.
Battersea Power Station on the night of its reopening. Image courtesy of Battersea Power Station © Charlie Round-Turner

Famous for being home to Battersea Power Station and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, this south London area is full of exciting hidden gems, delicious food and wild adventures.

Discover the best of the area with this handy Battersea guide.

Where is Battersea? 

Battersea is a trendy south-of-the-river hotspot and district of south-west London. The area is nestled between Clapham, Wandsworth and Vauxhall, with Chelsea sitting above, north of the river.

The best of Battersea Power Station

The Grade II-listed former coal-fired power station has been transformed into a hub for shopping, eating and entertainment.  

Activities at Battersea Power Station 

People walking in front of Battersea Power Station with blue skies behind.

  • Shop ‘til you drop at Battersea Power Station, whether you’re looking for homeware, skincare, clothes or books, you can find it all under one stunning roof. 
  • Flex your ping pong skills at Bounce, which also offers fun team games and shuffleboard alongside small bites, drinks and music from resident DJs.
  • Get competitive with friends and family over a game of crazy golf while enjoying the weird and wonderful world of Birdies
  • Sing along to your favourite tunes at BAO Noodle Shop’s "control room" karaoke room, before diving into its famous Taiwanese dishes.
  • Experience a new reality and choose from more than 50 virtual experiences, including multiplayer games and escape rooms at DNA VR
  • Head to The Cinema in the Power Station to watch blockbuster movies, where you can order food and drinks straight to your reclining seats. 
  • Glide through Lift 109, the glass lift inside Battersea Power Station’s chimney, for unique 360-degree views of London from a height of 109 meters (358 ft). 

Battersea Power Station restaurants

  • Take your tastebuds on a journey through 13 different cuisines at the street food-inspired Arcade Battersea food hall, including Thai, Nepalese, Middle Eastern, gelato and more.
  • Brunch at Where The Pancakes Are for a menu bursting with flavour, that'll set you up for your fun-packed day.
  • Tuck into sustainably sourced vegan cuisine, from smoothies and salad bowls to indulgent burgers and pastries, at Clean Kitchen Club.  
  • Make a quick pitstop at Manna for mouthwatering burgers including smashed beef, fried chicken and vegan options in an easy-going setting.
  • Transport yourself to the beautiful streets of Spain and choose from seasonal small plates at Tapas Brindisa Battersea
  • Make your way over to Megan’s at the Power Station for booths illuminated by fairy lights, riverfront seating and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Admire the view from a riverside table at Fiume with its delicious plates and extensive wine and cocktail list, for Italian alfresco vibes.
  • Try fusion kebabs at Le Bab, mixing international flavours with classic Middle Eastern cuisine.  
  • Enjoy sophisticated seafood, including a variety of shellfish, brunch and daily specials at The Wright Brothers
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth and pick up gourmet chocolates and indulgent gelatos in every flavour at Venchi, or one of Crosstown's indulgent sourdough doughnuts. 

Battersea Power Station bars

  • Make cocktail-related memories at ABC Bar, or enjoy a selection of beers from Tap Room’s 32 taps, both situated in the buzzy Arcade Battersea food hall.
  • Sip on cocktails at Control Room B and take in the perfect combination of industrial and luxury surroundings.
  • Venture to No. 29 Power Station, where the eclectic selection of drinks can be savoured in the relaxed indoor bar or taken outside on the terrace to soak up the sunshine.
  • Admire the view from floor 14 of the art’otel Battersea Power Station's luxurious JOIA Bar. Or head upstairs to the rooftop terrace to sip on cocktails with a backdrop of the London skyline!
  • Try rare global wines at Vagabond Wines Battersea in an atmospheric setting, the ideal spot for a romantic date or fun with friends.

Battersea hotspots

The Peace Pagoda surrounded by trees at Battersea Park.

  • Stroll along the river Thames to Battersea Park and walk through the leafy gardens to reflect beside the Peace Pagoda, one of 80 structures dedicated to peace worldwide. 
  • Discover the world of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as it regularly opens its doors to visitors, and learn how its work transforms the lives of the rescued animals. 
  • Hang out with wildlife from across the continents at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
  • Visit the largest wholesaler of fruits, vegetables and flowers in the UK at New Covent Garden Market and enjoy fresh produce all year round. 

Things to do in Battersea

  • Stop by the Pump House Gallery to discover contemporary art and exhibitions inside the intimate Grade II-listed building.  
  • Spend your Sunday at Battersea Boot to buy and sell new and pre-loved goods. Remember one person's trash is another’s treasure!
  • Catch the latest flicks at The Cinema in the Arches and enjoy hit films from cosy seats with delicious treats.
  • See a show at The Turbine Theatre, bringing outstanding entertainment to the area with a showcase of emerging local talent.
  • Check out comedy, theatre, dance and family events at Battersea Arts Centre

Battersea adventures 

  • Bungee from a whopping 49 meters (160 ft) above the ground with UK Bungee Club. Make sure to enjoy the panoramic views of London before you jump! 
  • Climb through treetops, swing from branches and zipline across the adventure course at Go Ape.   

Delicious food and drink in Battersea

  • Explore the delectable menu at Cinnamon Kitchen, fusing together contemporary cooking, seasonal British fare and vibrant Indian flavours.
  • Treat yourself to Malaysian comfort food and try authentic roti canai, rice and noodle dishes, and a selection of hot and cold teas at Roti King.  
  • Quench your thirst at Battersea Brewery, where the beer is brewed on site and supplied directly to the taproom for extra freshness.  
  • Tickle your tastebuds at Tonkotsu, from hand-pulled noodles and pillowy dumplings to crispy fried chicken and slow-cooked ramen broth.
  • Mosey over to Pear Tree Cafe in Battersea Park for everything from all-day brunch and rump steak sandwiches to warming teas and fruity cocktails. 
  • Choose from the eclectic seating selection beneath twinkling fairy lights and listen to live music or play board games at the Magic Garden pub.  

Getting to Battersea   

Battersea is accessible from all parts of London by bus, rail, Tube, taxi, boat and bicycle

By Tube

The extension of the Northern line has made getting to Battersea easier than ever. Simply hop off at Battersea Power Station Underground station, or enjoy a short walk from Clapham Junction railway station, which you can get to on the Overground.  

By rail

The nearest train station is Battersea Park railway station. Alternatively, you can also journey in from nearby Queenstown Road railway station

By bus

Many London bus routes connect Battersea with the rest of London. 

By boat

Located next to the Thames, Battersea is easily accessible by boat. Take to the river on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and you could be at Battersea Power Station Pier in as little as 20 minutes from central London

Discover more London neighbourhoods

Where to next? Explore more London areas including other south London riverside locations like Richmond and the South Bank, as well as London hotspots including Seven Dials, the West End, Westminster and the City of London