Five Fun Things to Do in Battersea
Battersea Power Station’s iconic brick tower still proudly stands as a totemic landmark to its industrial past, but the smoke-spewing heart of this south London district has long since been gutted, to make way for the shopping, dining and leisure attractions that make this lively and whimsical cultural playground a must-visit for our loyal legions of capital explorers. Here are 5 fun things to do in Battersea
Battersea Park
So where do we start with the lush and eye-pleasing greenery of Battersea Park? The magnificent and serene London Peace Pagoda is a good place. Situated on the north-eastern edge, this towering structure casts a meditative glow over every visiting ethnicity and faith. It was commissioned in 1985 by Japanese Buddhist order, the Nipponzan-Myōhōji, to promote world peace and unity. The calm air holds strong, carried beyond the pagoda, and suffusing the gorgeous lakes brimming with swans and ducks and swimming ponds sparkling with fountain-like water features. There’s also a children’s zoo with farmyard favourites such as sheep, goats and pigs, as well as reptilean wildlife and colourful, squawking bird species.
Battersea Power Station and Chimney Lift
Now housing a full-on, ultra-modern three-floor shopping and entertainment complex, the power station is a fascinating architectural hybrid of the preserved Grade II listed exterior and the slick retail dining and leisure interior across two Turbine Halls. The Art Deco and Brutalist echoes in these restored halls are a refreshing find – never too anodyne beyond the shopper-friendly polish. If you have a head for heights, try the Chimney Lift to the top of the power station for fantastic views of the London skyline.
Battersea Arts Centre
The two pink lounges in this community arts hub were. perhaps, designed in all their lobster-hued drapery to cast a calming glow on all who enter. Well, pink decor calms aggression. Not needed here, though. The vibe is all sunshine and smiles at this cool as a cucumber arts centre. It’s all laptops, lattes, and wine glasses. The Art Of Mini Golf interactive exhibition on display until 26 July 2026 is best described as a playable art exhibition. The nine-hole golf course was designed by leading female artists, to highlight a bygone age when stiff and snooty golf organisations barred women as members.
Tunnan Thai Restaurant
You can sample an authentic taste of Thailand just across the road from Battersea Arts Centre. Before a spot of theatre or your exhibition visit, pop in and you’ll discover decently priced culinary wonders. Check out the intricately-designed wall reliefs and traditional Thai wood carvings depicting legendary scenes as you tuck into your Khanom Pang Nagoong crispy spice mince prawn starter or Gai Phad Khing stir fried chicken main, and such like. All meals are freshly made every day, and inspired by a rich Thai heritage, rooted in Bangkok.
Battersea Pier and Riverside Walks
You can saunter out of the Power Station weighed down with Ralph Lauren carrier bags after some retail therapy and the pier walk is just outside. Stunning riverside views winding their way along the south bank of the Thames towards Battersea Park. Or you can hop on a vintage mini steam engine courtesy of Battersea Station Land Train. No steam or rails but the ride around the riverside estate is still an electrifying experience on this electric-powered replica. It’s fun for kids, but loads of lazy adults on board. Get pier walking, you parent numpties!
