Top 10 Things to See and Do in Battersea
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Battersea
MIND THE GAP, HEAD TO THE BATTERSEA POWER STATION FESTIVAL AND STAY FOR MORE! HERE’S OUR TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BATTERSEA AFTER YOU’VE ENJOYED YOURSELF CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE NEW TUBE STATIONS
PHOTO CREDIT: Caroline Field
It’s not every day London gets a new Tube station – let alone two! Battersea Power Station is celebrating the opening of Battersea Power Station and Nine Elms on the Northern Line with its very own street party-themed festival on 25th & 26th September. Tune in for live street art, ‘dine around the world’ experience, pop-up shops, food trucks, community choir, street dance, parkour and much more. And whilst you’re around, here’s our picks of fun things to do and see in the vicinity of Power Station (don’t forget to follow follow @BatterseaPwrStn to keep up with the latest news and events at this *powerhouse* of a destination)
1
Go to the movies
Is there something better than a cosy seat, homemade cocktail and a great movie? Look no further than The Cinema in the Arches. This gem of a cinema offers a unique, luxurious experience that includes a serious selection of wines, champagne and craft beer, sweet treats, fresh popcorn, and even club upgrades for the most demanding audience members.
2
Enjoy the art
Located in the centre of Battersea Park, The Pump House Gallery was originally a Victorian water tower. Today, it hosts a range of contemporary art pieces by emerging and established artists alike. gallery and gift shop. Admission is free.
Plus, if have a wedding on your mind – Pump House gallery is licensed for up to 78 people.
3
Get military fit
BMF – Be Military Fit – prides itself on its mission to “train hard and live easy”. The leaders in outdoor fitness, it offers a variety of classes, as well as the innovative URBAN Training System that combines all-round fitness training, heart-rate monitoring, physical challenges, team training, and competition. Sounds exhausting? Possibly. But effective it surely is!
4
Revel in the Buddhist peace
Located in the heart of Battersea Park, The Peace Pagoda was presented to Londoners by the founder of the Japanese Buddhist movement, Venerable Nichidatsu Fuji. Deeply affected by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he pledged to build pagodas worldwide as shrines to peace. The Battersea one was finished just weeks after his death in 1985 and today it stands as a symbol of international peace, affection and respect.
5
Watch a theatre show
Award-winning director and producer Paul Taylor-Mills’ new venture, The Turbine Theatre has already established itself in London’s theatrical landscape. Aiming to platform playwrights new and experienced alike, and knowing Mills’ eye for details, it is definitely one worth paying a visit.
6
Grab a pint
Battersea boasts some good pubs, and their beer gardens are some of the best in London. The Magic Garden offers eclectic interiors, comfy armchairs and a whole lot of events during the year, from auctions to concerts. For an old-fashioned quaint cocktail amongst the blue walls and al fresco dining experience, head to the Duke of Cambridge. The Lighthouse has great food options with veggie and vegan options galore. The Latchmere is normally home to the Olivier award-winning Theatre503, which specialises in ground-breaking fringe plays. And to admire some really stylish, modern interiors, choose a drink at The Oak SW11.
7
Adopt a plant
Run by a team of friendly and talented green-fingered pros, Battersea Flower Station has long been considered Mecca for house plant aficionados. Since it started in 2012, the shop has attracted crowds with its amazing, Secret-Garden-in-Battersea atmosphere, but also the variety it has on offer. When it comes to all things plants, pots and seeds, if Battersea Flower Station doesn’t have it – it probably doesn’t exist. Open seven days a week, it offers deliveries, garden design and flower bouquet making.
8
Hire a boat in the park
The end of September is the very last call to hire a boat for a relaxing potter on the water. Battersea Park has a fleet of rowing and pedal boats that take children and adults alike. Row your boat or pedal your pedalo and soak in the lush, calm surroundings.
9
Step into the VR world
DNA VR prides itself on being the first Virtual Reality Arcade experience in London. It caters to individuals and groups alike, allowing them to choose between arcade games, escape rooms and even a free roaming experience for maximum immersion. They also host events both on and off-site, and the Battersea venue is fully wheelchair-user friendly. Defend the town from orc invasion, face a dragon, survive a zombie apocalypse or even prevent a nuclear disaster – all thanks to one headset.
10
Try seafood
Seafood in London doesn’t get much better than Wright Brothers. The menu changes regularly to offer the very best choice of oysters, Dorset clams, crevettes, mussels and much more sourced from their own businesses based in Billingsgate Market and Brixham Market. And all of it is accompanied by craft beer or the finest wine.
