Things to Do in Battersea

Battersea is one of London’s most vibrant and social neighbourhoods, brimming with things to do. From the beautiful green expanse of Battersea Park to the iconic Battersea Power Station, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re in the mood for shopping, dining, working out, or exploring. To help you make the most of your time here, we’ve put together a list of the must-see and must-do activities in Battersea.

Where in London is Battersea?

Battersea is located in the southwestern borough of Wandsworth. Sitting south of the River Thames, directly opposite Chelsea, it is well connected to central London by bus, tube and even on foot. Or if you’re staying at our Battersea student accommodation, you’re located right in the centre of it!

The best things to do in Battersea

From family-friendly outings to buzzing nightlife and even a few free gems, here’s a roundup of the best things to do in Battersea.

1. Visit Battersea Power Station

A must-visit location for both Battersea and London as a whole, Battersea Power Station is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This Grade II-listed landmark underwent an incredible transformation and reopened its doors in 2022, now home to some of the city’s most popular brands and top-rated restaurants.

How to get to Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is super accessible, thanks to London’s excellent transport connections. You can get there easily by tube on the Northern Line, by train, or by bus (routes C10, 137, 156, and 452). There’s also plenty of free parking nearby if you’re driving. Plus, it’s a perfect spot to reach on foot, offering a lovely stroll along the Thames.

If you’re staying at our Battersea student halls, you’re located at the perfect location, as you’re only 14 minutes away!

Battersea Power Station shops

Whatever you’re after, Battersea Power Station has something for everyone. From the LEGO store for the big kids at heart, to Adidas and Lululemon for fitness lovers, and luxury names like Chanel and Rolex, this vast retail space is home to over 150 shops. Check out the full list of retailers on their website.

Battersea Power Station restaurants & bars

With a fantastic mix of bars and restaurants, Battersea Power Station has you covered from your morning coffee to late-night drinks. Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular spots to eat and drink at the Power Station:

• Arcade Food Hall – Experience 13 different cuisines at this street-food-inspired market hall.
• Control Room B – This quirky all-day cocktail bar brings the Power Station’s history to life with decorative controls and dials.
• Wright Brothers – Enjoy fresh seafood dishes from Oysters to classic fish and chips.
• Roti King – Serving up Malaysian and Singaporean street food, this restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and tasty dishes.
• Noci – This authentic restaurant creates fresh and delicious pasta dishes, perfect for Italian food lovers.
• Where The Pancakes Are – One of London’s top brunch spots, enjoy a selection of savoury and sweet pancakes from breakfast to dinner.
• Tasha’s – This insta-worthy brunch café is the perfect place for a classic brunch with friends.
• Bread Street Kitchen & Bar – With a globally-inspired menu and seasonal dishes, this fine-dining experience isn’t one to miss.

Discover the full list of restaurants and eateries on the Battersea Power Station website.

Battersea Power Station activities

If you’re looking for something adventurous to do after your food, you don’t have to go far, with a range of activities all under the same chimneyed roof.

• Escape The Power Cut – Play engineer for the day at this 1950s-inspired challenge where you have to fix the building power cut. Complete with cocktails or mocktails.
• Art’otel – The luxurious hotel, situated at the top of the Power Station, hosts regular activities such as rooftop yoga and aqua aerobics. Check out their website to see what’s on.
• DNA VR – From swimming with sharks to visiting outer space, this virtual reality experience allows you to experience the unimaginable.
• Bounce bottomless brunch – Unleash your competitive spirit with a game of ping pong while enjoying a delicious brunch.
• Lift 109 – Enter an interactive exhibition and light display, before taking a trip 109m above ground in a glass lift to experience 360 views of London’s skyline.
• Light Festival – Watch an eye-opening light display in front of the River Thames. Find the next display on the official website.
• The Cinema In The Power Station – Grab your popcorn and kick back to one of the latest blockbusters at London’s most iconic cinema.
• Glide Ice Rink – Open throughout the winter, get your skates on and take to the ice at Battersea Power Station’s ice skating rink.

2. Take a stroll through Battersea Park

Stretching over 200 acres along the River Thames, Battersea Park is a stunning green oasis, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its lush gardens and scenic walking paths, the park offers a mix of free and paid attractions. Hop on a pedal boat and cruise across the lake, visit the animals at Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, or marvel at the Peace Pagoda. With a sports centre, playgrounds, and plenty of picnic spots, it’s a fantastic place to spend the day, no matter the season.

3. Meet some furry friends at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Ideal for students missing their pets, this famous animal rescue centre and rehoming charity runs various educational programs to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. Guests can visit the centre to get a look at the work they do and meet some of the furry residents, knowing your money is going towards a good cause.

4. Catch a show at Battersea Arts Centre

Formerly Battersea Town Hall, Battersea Arts Centre is a vibrant venue offering a wide range of events, from live music and stand-up comedy to captivating theatre performances. For those eager to get hands-on, the centre also runs workshops for budding artists. Keeping things accessible for all, BAC operates on a pay-what-you-can basis, making it perfect for when you’re stretching that student budget to the end of term.

5. Take a leap at UK Bungee Club

Get a bird’s-eye view of Battersea Park from 160ft above the ground, then feel the rush as you leap from a crane platform, experiencing one of the most thrilling adrenaline experiences in the city with this epic bungee jump.

6. Tee off at Birdies Golf

Perfect your putting at this 9-hole crazy golf course. With an exciting cocktail menu to enjoy as you work your way through the course, plus student discounts, it’s the ideal spot for daytime fun or a chilled evening out with friends.

7. Unleash your creativity at Pump House Gallery

The Pump House Gallery is a unique contemporary art space set in a charming Victorian building that once pumped water for Battersea Park’s lake. Now home to a diverse mix of exhibitions, it’s the ideal spot to discover both new and established artists, with work that’s sure to spark your imagination. They also offer regular workshops, giving you the chance to explore your own creativity.

8. Test yourself at Go Ape

Nestled within the grounds of Battersea Park, Go Ape invites you to swing through the trees with a thrilling mix of high ropes courses, zip lines, and obstacle challenges. Test your balance, strength, and courage as you swing from ropes and walk across beams in an adventure that’s as fun as it is daring.

9. Immerse yourself in Battersea Flower Station

For anyone with a green thumb, this award-winning garden centre, plant shop, and florist offers a lovely day out. Whether you’re on the hunt for a stylish plant pot to start your own herb garden or a stunning bouquet for someone special, you’ll find a blooming variety of options to choose from.

10. Take a boat trip

Set sail along the River Thames with the Battersea Barge. With entertainment and a bar on board, you can take in stunning views of London as you cruise through its vibrant boroughs. Or, for a quicker way to get around the city, hop on one of the novel Uber boat services, offering a fresh twist on your daily commute.

11. Bag a bargain at Battersea Boot

Established in 1999, this iconic car boot sale is the perfect spot to snag a bargain or declutter your home. Held every Sunday afternoon, it’s a favourite among designer hunters, vintage enthusiasts, and collectors, offering a diverse range of stalls brimming with hidden gems.

Got some old stuff to sell? Book your pitch.

12. Kick back with a drink

Making your way through one of London’s busiest districts is thirsty work. Thankfully, Battersea isn’t short of options when it comes to bars. We’ve picked out a few of our favourites for you to try.

The best bars in Battersea

• The Magic Garden – With live music, a food menu, and covered outdoor seating, this lively pub is a great choice all year round.
• Battersea Brewery – For beer lovers, this brewery features a tap room on site that pours some of the freshest pints in the city.
• Aspen & Meursault – One of London’s best wine bars, this classy venue hosts wine and cheese tasting sessions with private bookings available.
• Northcote Records – This live music and cocktail bar is the ideal social space for an evening with friends. With 2-for-1 cocktail hour until 7pm every Sunday – Thursday and live sports viewings, it’s perfect for an early drink.
• Infernos – Enter a real-life boogie wonderland at the renowned nightclub favoured by Margot Robbie. This cheesy music lover’s dream is the final destination for every big night out.

13. Grab a bite to eat

Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, a traditional roast dinner or some fine dining, Battersea has a wide range of eateries to choose from.

The best restaurants in Battersea

Here are some of our top picks of the best Battersea restaurants:

• Street Pizza – Opened by Chef Gordon Ramsay, indulge in bottomless pizza, cocktails, wine and beer.
• Archway – Tucked under an old railway arch, enjoy a relaxing ambience and delicious fresh food from a seasonal menu.
• Room 43 – This cocktail bar and restaurant is known for its live jazz music and tasty Persian cuisine.
• Lost Society – Choose from bottomless brunch or a boozy bottomless Sunday Roast at this mouth-watering dining and dance venue.
• Sinabro – With 31 years’ dining experience, you can be sure of a culinary triumph at Sinabro with their signature dishes and regularly updated menus.

The best brunch spots in Battersea

Here are some of the top brunch spots in Battersea we can’t fault.

• Alma Café– Serving up locally sourced and nutritionally balanced breakfast and brunch dishes, Alma Café is the ideal pick-me-up after a Saturday park run or on a slow Sunday morning.
• The Farmer’s Mistress – Going viral on social media, you’ll be spoiled for choice at this Battersea restaurant and brunch venue.
• The Table – Enjoy a warming Shakshuka or classic full English. Just be sure to get there early to beat the queues!

How to get to Battersea

If you’re travelling in from another London district, Battersea is easy to get to and well-connected to all other areas of central London. With the newly opened Battersea Power Station tube line on the Northern line and several train and bus links, you’re only a short journey away wherever you are in London. You can also access this vibrant area by foot or bike, with plenty of routes to choose from.

Is there parking available in Battersea?

Although driving isn’t the advised mode of transport around central London, Battersea can be accessed by car and has plenty of parking. There are private car parks and on street parking dotted around the area and dedicated parking for Battersea Power Station and Battersea Park.

Whether you’re in the heart of Battersea, or staying at our other student accommodation in London, Battersea is a must-see location with lots of things to do and worth the travel.