Battersea Power Station might not be the first place that springs to mind for those seeking panoramic views across London; however, it should be.
Emerging from a prolonged period of closure, this iconic London structure, characterized by its four huge ivory chimneys, has undergone a reimagining.
Once used to fuel all of London, Battersea Power Station is now transformed.
Inside the sympathetically restored interior is an entertainment hub housing various restaurants and boutiques. This art-deco-listed architectural gem has embraced a vibrant new lease on life.
The pièce de résistance, however, is the captivating Lift 109 – Battersea glass chimney lift, playfully reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s whimsical world.
Ascending a staggering 109 meters within one of the art deco chimneys, this enchanting glass lift emerges at the top to give visitors an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of London’s sprawling expanse.
It’s a fantastic experience and one not to be missed, so head to Battersea Power Station for a ride in the world’s only glass chimney lift!
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History of Battersea Power Station
- Battersea Power Station is a famous and historic landmark in London, England. It opened in 1933 and is one of the city’s most recognizable structures.
- The power station was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, a prominent architect known for his work on various notable buildings across the UK. The structure showcases an impressive Art Deco design characterized by symmetrical lines and geometric patterns.
- The power station covers an area of approximately 42 acres, making it one of the largest brick-built structures in Europe. Its distinctive chimney stacks stand at 109 meters, adding to its imposing presence.
- Battersea Power Station was originally built to generate electricity for the London Underground railway system and other parts of southwest London. At its peak, it produced enough energy to power over one million homes.
- After over half a century of operation, the power station ceased generating electricity in 1983 due to high operating costs and outdated technology. Despite being decommissioned, it continued to captivate passing visitors and locals with its architectural beauty.
- Over the years, Battersea Power Station has gained significant popularity through its appearances in various films, TV shows, album covers, and music videos. Notable examples include Pink Floyd’s “Animals” album cover and scenes from movies like “The Dark Knight” and “Children of Men.”
- After several failed redevelopment attempts over the years, ambitious plans were finally set into motion in 2012 to transform Battersea Power Station into a mixed-use development. It now includes residential apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, cultural spaces and the craziest glass chimney lift in the world!
What to Expect from Lift 109
The Battersea Power station lift journey starts in the Turbine Hall, where information can be deemed about its past.
Turbine Hall A is Battersea Power Station’s most striking space.
It has been tastefully restored to its heyday and is the perfect Art Deco/Industrial era showpiece.
From its conception in the 1930s as an industrial powerhouse to its cameo appearances in popular culture, from album covers to films, it gives visitors an idea of why the iconic power station is one of London’s cultural gems.
Prepare yourself for a unique experience
After you have looked at the exhibits in the Turbine Hall, your group will be called to wait by a huge door, ready to take the craziest lift ride in the world!
However, the Lift 109 experience is not simply a matter of stepping into a lift and being taken to the top of a chimney; it is so much more.
To begin with, there is an interactive light show in the Infinity Room while you wait to board the first “normal lift,” which takes you up to the base of the northwest chimney.
It lasts around five minutes and projects scenes of London, abstract images and blasts of colour onto the walls and mirrored ceiling. It’s a great distraction while you wait your turn for the lift.
You will ascend to the next level inside the “normal” lift.
When it arrives, you will step out and climb a few spiral stone stairs lined with facts about Battersea Power Station that lead you to the incredible glass chimney lift.
Step into Lift 109 for a unique experience
Once inside the glass elevator, your ascent starts. The lift is adorned with pulsating lights and harmonious melodies. You can’t help but feel like you are in an adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Rising to a breathtaking height of 109 metres inside the chimney, a glimpse of the sky indicates you are getting near the top.
And suddenly, you have reached the summit, and the glass lift unveils unparalleled 360 degree views across the London skyline.
The urban panorama is spectacular at all times of the day, but at sunset, you can see the silhouette of London bathed in an enchanting glow.
The number of people inside the lift on each ride is monitored so you have space to enjoy the viewing experience and take photographs.
After around 5 minutes, it’s time to descend to ground level to finish your experience of riding inside the iconic Battersea Power Station Chimney Lift.
Lift 109 and all of Battersea Power Station’s attractions are fantastic, so this can’t be missed if you are looking for a unique London attraction to visit.
How much are Lift 109 tickets?
Admission entry to the Battersea Power Station Lift 109 is priced from £16 to £20 for adults, depending on the chosen time of visit. Children’s tickets are slightly less than the adult range.
It is a good idea to secure Battersea Power Station lift tickets online before arriving at peak times, given Lift 109’s popularity.
Walk-in opportunities are available during off-peak periods, such as midweek visits.
How to get to Battersea Power Station
The nearest stations are Battersea Underground on the Northern Line, Battersea Park Train Station (Southern Rail) or arrive by water on a Thames Clipper Boat.
What else is inside Battersea Power Station?
The interior of the Grade ll listed power station has been sympathetically restored and now houses cafes, restaurants, bars and plenty of shops.
You will also find two cinemas, a small theatre and the art’Otel, if you fancy staying the night.
You can enjoy a game of crazy golf at Birdies, table tennis at Bounce, or why not visit the Power of Place Exhibition to learn about the history of Battersea Power Station?
After I visited Lift 109, I enjoyed a tasty lunch at Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen. It is just one of many Battersea Power Station restaurants to try.
And Control Room B is the place to be if you fancy a cocktail in unique surroundings. Sip on a margarita surrounded by the power station’s original dials and controls.
And don’t forget that Battersea Power Station is a short walk from South London’s Battersea Park, a lovely leafy expanse next to the River Thames and home of the Peace Pagoda.
Conclusion
Battersea Power Station has been a constant in my life. I spent much of my childhood visiting Battersea Park, so I would pass the four iconic chimneys and watch the smoke billow from their openings on my way there.
As an adult, riding a glass lift inside one of those chimneys is pretty unbelievable. If you loved watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you won’t want to miss this!
I am blown away by the engineering skill that has turned an unloved landmark into a fantastic place for local people and international visitors to experience this unique London attraction.
Would I recommend you visit Battersea Power Station and ride the craziest lift in the world? 100% I would!!
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