Battersea, London guide

Away from the city’s busy centre, Battersea’s riverside offers a place to breathe. Its stretch of the Thames Path includes a saunter through the park, while the Albert and Chelsea suspension bridges are magically lit up every night. From the Battersea Power Station Pier, catch an Uber Boat to ride past some of London’s most famous landmarks, from the Palace of Westminster to Tower Bridge.

Londoners have been coming to Battersea Park to enjoy themselves since 1858. Today’s leisure activities include mini golf and a treetop zip-line course. You can also row around on its boating lake. And the pump house that used to power its fountains is now a contemporary art gallery. The park is also home to a beautiful Buddhist monument, the London Peace Pagoda.

For 50 years, Battersea Power Station — the largest brick building in Europe — provided electricity to the city. Today, it buzzes with a different energy thanks to a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment. Alongside shops, restaurants and apartments, its park and public spaces are teeming with pop-up events and activities. Tour its 1950s control room, or check out the London skyline from the glass lift inside one of its 103-metre-tall chimneys.

For many Londoners, Battersea evokes images of puppies. The much-loved Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been rescuing animals here since the mid-19th century. You can meet some of its furry inhabitants on an hour-long behind-the-scenes visit. The tours are extremely popular, so book well in advance.

Lavender Hill is this neighbourhood’s traditional high street. Among its eclectic eateries, you’ll find the Caribbean food South London is known for, plus a weekly farmers market. Its iconic former department store, Arding & Hobbs, now houses a brunch restaurant and an Italian deli. And there’s even more world cuisine in the 500-seat Arcade Food Hall at Battersea Power Station.

You’ll find a surprising hotbed of radical theatre inside a former Victorian town hall building. Battersea Arts Centre has turned into one of the most exciting performance spaces in London, featuring everything from slam poetry to contemporary dance. For more live performances, head to The Turbine Theatre or get your cabaret kicks on the Battersea Barge.

Historic pubs cater to many different nightlife vibes here. Some have shelves of board games, while others build entire escape rooms in their basement. There’s live music in pretty beer gardens, and The Latchmere even has its own fringe theatre. Head south towards Clapham for a robust bar scene that includes fine wines, tiki nights and happy hour cocktails.

Battersea Power Station is a retail heaven that houses premium brands across three floors. And Northcote Road is a destination for boutiques and thrift stores alike. For a retro shopping experience, visit Battersea Boot on a Sunday afternoon. The entrance fee for this car boot sale is worth it for the bargains inside, from used homeware and vintage clothing to antique jewellery.

Every November, South Londoners celebrate Bonfire Night in Battersea Park. These days, there’s live music, DJ sets and children’s entertainment alongside the traditional fireworks. In March and October, the park also showcases thousands of works at the Affordable Art Fair. Battersea Power Station stages a barrage of events year-round, from a Light Festival in January and February to The Battersea Games throughout summer.