The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station

The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station: Our Family Adventure 109 Metres Above London.

London has no shortage of attractions, but how often do you get the opportunity to travel up the inside of one of the city's most recognisable chimneys and enjoy breathtaking views of the capital from 109 metres above ground? During our recent family outing to Battersea Power Station, my wife, our two boys, and I experienced The Chimney Lift, formerly known as Lift 109. This unique attraction combines London's industrial heritage with modern technology, interactive exhibitions and panoramic views of the city. As someone who enjoys finding new experiences to share with my family, I was especially interested in what makes this attraction so special. After all, Battersea Power Station has been part of London's skyline for decades, yet the chance to travel inside one of its famous chimneys is extraordinary.

Exploring the History of Battersea Power Station

Before talking about the lift itself, it's worth appreciating this remarkable building's history. Battersea Power Station is one of London's most recognisable architectural landmarks. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, this Grade II* listed building once supplied electricity to much of the capital, including some of its most famous landmarks. Designed with striking Art Deco features, the Power Station eventually closed in 1983. Following an extensive restoration, it reopened in 2022 as a destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure. What I particularly like about Battersea Power Station is how much of its original character has been preserved. The enormous brick structure, industrial details, and four towering chimneys remind visitors of the building's fascinating past. The Chimney Lift takes this heritage a step further by letting visitors explore the building's story before travelling up one of its chimneys.

The Experience Begins: An Interactive Journey Through History

Our experience began in Turbine Hall A, where an interactive multimedia exhibition introduces visitors to Battersea Power Station's history. Rather than simply displaying information on traditional museum panels, the exhibition uses lighting, sound, original records and visual displays to bring the building's industrial past to life. The displays explain how the Power Station generated electricity, its importance to London and the remarkable restoration that transformed it into the destination we see today. For families, this is a welcome addition. It gives children a more engaging way to learn about London's history, while adults can appreciate the architecture and engineering behind the building. I particularly liked the idea that the experience offers something educational before the main attraction. It gives the journey up the chimney greater meaning because you understand more about the structure you're about to enter.

The Main Attraction: Travelling 109 Metres Above London

Of course, the highlight of our visit was the glass lift itself. After exploring the exhibition, visitors head towards the north-west chimney, where the experience becomes even more interesting. The journey takes you through the interior of the famous structure before you board a circular glass elevator that gradually rises towards the top. As the lift ascends, the surroundings change from the enclosed industrial interior to an open view of the London skyline. There's something quite special about travelling through a structure that once played such an important role in powering London. The glass walls let you appreciate the chimney's scale, while the lighting adds another dimension to the ascent. Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for. The lift emerges above the chimney, revealing a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the capital from 109 metres above ground. The combination of the journey and the final view makes this attraction different from London's more conventional observation decks.

Spectacular 360-Degree Views Across London

Once at the top, you're treated to beautiful views stretching across London. The River Thames winds through the city below, with bridges, rooftops, parks and famous landmarks creating a wonderful panorama. Depending on the visibility, you can spot some of London's best-known sights, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and The Shard in the distance. You also get a completely different perspective of Battersea Power Station itself. Looking down towards the building and the surrounding development gives you a greater appreciation of the scale of the restoration project. For anyone who enjoys photography or creating content, this is a fantastic opportunity to capture London from a different angle. I would recommend having your camera or phone ready, as there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the skyline through the glass. One thing worth considering is the weather. A clear day will provide better visibility, while a late-afternoon visit could offer lovely golden-hour views across the city.

Is The Chimney Lift Worth Visiting With Children?

For us, one of the most important considerations when planning a family day out is finding activities that appeal to both adults and children. The Chimney Lift is a good option because it combines several different elements within a relatively short visit. It offers an interactive exhibition for history buffs, the unusual experience of travelling inside a chimney, and, of course, views from the top. It's also a manageable attraction to include within a longer family outing. The experience itself takes about 30 minutes, but I would allow 45 to 50 minutes overall to enjoy the exhibition and ascent without rushing. One practical point for families: pushchairs are not permitted inside the experience, although a buggy park is available. Visitors using the standard route should also expect 39 spiral steps before boarding the chimney lift. If you have accessibility requirements, check the arrangements with the attraction before booking.

Make a Full Family Day Out of It

Another reason I would recommend visiting The Chimney Lift is its location within Battersea Power Station. Once you've completed the experience, there is plenty more to see and do without having to travel elsewhere in London. The Power Station is home to a selection of restaurants, cafés, shops, and leisure attractions, making it easy to combine sightseeing with lunch, dinner, or an afternoon of exploring. As a food blogger, I always appreciate destinations where you can combine an activity with a good meal. Battersea offers plenty of opportunities for exactly that. The riverside surroundings are also worth exploring, particularly when the weather is pleasant. You can walk along the Thames, admire the architecture from outside, or enjoy the open spaces around the development. For families looking to spend several hours together, it's a convenient destination with enough variety to keep everyone entertained.

Our Final Thoughts: Is The Chimney Lift Worth It?

London has plenty of observation platforms with impressive views, but the Chimney Lift stands out for its unusual location and connection to the city's industrial heritage. The journey through Battersea Power Station's history, followed by the ascent inside one of its iconic chimneys, makes this more than a typical sightseeing attraction. What makes it particularly appealing for families is the balance between education, technology and entertainment. You learn about one of London's most important buildings, take an unusual glass-lift journey, and enjoy spectacular views across the capital. Although the experience itself is relatively short, combining it with everything Battersea Power Station has to offer makes for a lovely family day out. Would I recommend it? Yes, particularly for families, visitors to London and anyone looking for a different perspective of the city. If you haven't explored Battersea Power Station yet, the Chimney Lift is a great reason to visit. Just remember to book ahead, check the weather forecast and keep your camera ready for the views at the top! For more family-friendly activities, unique London experiences and restaurant recommendations, explore the Experiences section of The Foodie Connoisseur.