Battersea Power Station

• Delve into the history of the Grade II Battersea Power Station, with its distinctive and huge chimneys.
• Learn about the area as you explore, with the Heritage Trail audio guide.
• Head to the Circus West Village for some tasty food, crazy golf and more.
• Catch a film at the Archlight Cinema once you've checked out the power station's historical past.
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While spending the day at Battersea Power Station might not be the first thing to jump to your mind when you're looking for things to do in Battersea, this Grade II listed building has an absolutely monumental history and is a significant relic of London's industrial past.

Once having provided a fifth of the electricity required for the city of London, Battersea Power Station was a key player in power generation in the capital.

If you've ever driven along the River Thames there is a good chance you've seen the towering structure of Battersea Power Station on the south bank, with its four formidable chimneys rising high up into the sky.

While the station closed in 1975, it remains as a landmark of London's past, and is now a Grade II listed heritage site.

Construction started on Battersea Power Station in 1929, and by completion its sheer scale made it one of the biggest brick buildings worldwide. Even to this day, the size of the building is obvious, with the distinctive structure taking precedence over the surrounding buildings that accompany it on the Thames banks.

Inside is another testament to Battersea Power Station history, with Art Deco style interiors that hark back to simpler times.

Battersea Power Station had a significant role to play in the coal industry of the UK, at one point using over a million tonnes of coal a year.

The coal was largely sourced from Wales and the coalfields in areas of North East England, in particular areas such as Durham, which are known for their mining community and role in the British coal industry.

The huge chimneys of Battersea Power Station are its most distinctive feature, and at over 100m tall from ground level, they would have had plumes of smoke billowing from them when the power station was in its heyday.

During the Second World War, RAF pilots actually used the smoke from Battersea Power Station as a marking point, aiding them in navigation as they returned to the capital.

One of the most iconic cultural moments in Battersea Power Station occurred in 1977, when a giant inflatable pig that was being used for the cover shoot of Pink Floyd's new album 'Animals', strayed from where it had been tied and was seen floating across London, eventually ending up in Kent.

The pig, and the iconic power station, appear on the cover of the album, with the pig floating between the front two huge chimneys.

In recent years, Battersea Power Station development has been a priority, with the building changing hands a number of times. The regeneration project includes the construction of Circus West Village, a new residential area that houses over 1,000 people, as well as new Battersea Power Station restaurants, shops and event spaces.

At Circus West Village you can find everything from spin classes at Boom Cycle under the arches, to crazy golf at Birdies.

On your trip to Battersea Power Station, cinema lovers can also head to Archlight Cinema, a boutique-style venue to catch the latest blockbusters. There are also beauty salons, fitness centres and plenty of places to grab a coffee.

For some family-friendly fun on your visit, check out the Heritage Trail app, which can be downloaded onto your phone and will give you an audio tour accompanied by images as you explore the site.

For things to do with the kids, keep an eye out for what Battersea Power Station events are on, as there are frequently arts and crafts workshops, seasonal Christmas and Halloween events, and more.

The school holidays is always a busy time at Battersea Power Station, with community activities as well as LEGO events, performance classes and workshops, and even face painting for little visitors.

If you're ready for something to eat on your visit to Battersea Power Station, you'll find a great selection of eateries on site, including Megan's for Mediterranean inspired dishes, as well as Japanese food at Tonkotsu, or even seafood at the Wright Brothers. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic to enjoy with a view over the river.

Or, you can hop on the tube to Clapham nearby, where there are many more food options. Chelsea is also across the river, if you fancy heading into town.

To explore a little more of the local area, make sure to take a stroll around the beautiful Battersea Park, an ideal spot for families and dog walkers.

Battersea Arts Centre is also only 20 minutes away via public transport, and is situated in an elaborate town hall that is certainly worth checking out for a slice of London culture.

What to know before you go

• Battersea Power Station opening times vary depending on the retailer or event you are visiting and the time of year, so make sure to double check online before your visit.
• Baby changing facilities area available on Arches Lane. Accessible toilets are also available on site.
• There is a lift for wheelchair and buggy access.
• Most of the retailers at Battersea Power Station are dog friendly and welcome your four-legged friend, but make sure to double check online before your visit.

Getting there

• If travelling to Battersea Power Station by car, there is pay and display parking available at Circus West Village at all hours. Access is from Battersea Park Road and down Pump House Lane. You can also check here for NCP parking options.
• The nearest train station is Battersea Park Station, which is served by Southern Rail. The closest Battersea Power Station tube options are Sloane Square, Victoria and Vauxhall. There is also a Northern line extension to Battersea that is in construction, and is predicted to be completed in 2021. Once this has been completed you will be able to travel via tube directly from Battersea Power Station.
• If arriving from the Thames, you can take the River Bus to the Battersea Power Station Pier stop.
• The nearest bus stops are Sleaford Street and Battersea Park/ Chelsea Gate, where you can catch a number of bus services both in and out of central London.
• If you're cycling, there is a Transport for London Cycle Hire stand nearby, or there are plenty of places to lock up your bike once you arrive.