The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station

A lift inside a chimney sounds unreal.

This one takes you up inside Battersea Power Station for 360-degree views of London, with a hands-on, lights-and-energy pre-show that feels more like a science experience than a standard ticketed attraction. I love the Art Deco setting in Turbine Hall A and I love the way the story turns into something you can touch. The one drawback: the time at the very top can feel brief on certain days, so be ready to shoot photos fast.

Before you ride, you walk through the building’s working power-station past using original records, photos, and screens that set up the experience. Then comes the fun part: you help power lights through interactive displays, followed by the Infinity Room where energy particles react as you move and touch. If you like experiences with a bit of spectacle and a bit of hands-on learning, this is a great fit.

Plan for logistics. You’ll deal with 39 stairs during the full experience, and there’s no cloakroom, so you need to keep your bag small. Strollers are only allowed in The Gallery space, and large luggage isn’t part of the deal.

Key things to love about Lift 109

• 109 meters up: a glass lift experience inside the chimney
• Turbine Hall A pre-show: Art Deco surroundings plus smart storytelling
• Hands-on energy system: interact on a giant multiplayer touchscreen
• Infinity Room effects: energy particles swirling around you as you touch
• London skyline on demand: landmark views from all directions
• Small-bag rule: no cloakroom, carry only a handbag or small rucksack

Battersea Power Station’s Chimney Lift is more than a viewpoint

Battersea Power Station has always been eye-catching. The chimneys are the kind of silhouette you spot from across the river, even if you don’t know much about the site.

Lift 109 turns that landmark into an experience. You don’t just look at London from a deck. You ride up through the building itself, starting with a story in the Turbine Hall and ending with a panoramic reward at the viewing platform 109 meters above the ground.

And the biggest reason I’d put this on your short list is that it mixes two things people usually have to choose between. You get a modern, interactive attraction plus one of the most photogenic skylines in the city.

Entering Turbine Hall A and getting your bearings

Your journey begins in the Power Station’s Art Deco Turbine Hall A. Expect a waiting and briefing area that focuses on the building itself before you move toward the lifts.

The flow is designed so you learn while you stand in line, not after you’re done. You’re guided through the station’s transformation through original records and media displays, so by the time you’re heading upward, you actually understand what you’re looking at.

One small tip that comes from common friction points at attractions like this: arrive a little early. A few minutes can save stress, because it’s easy to assume you should report somewhere obvious when the location is a large complex.

The interactive energy rooms: touch, count, and watch it respond

The first hands-on moment is the lighting installation in the main area. Visitors interact with a giant multiplayer touchscreen, and the group collectively generates energy that powers the lights. It’s simple, but it makes the experience feel shared, like you’re part of a demo rather than just waiting your turn.

Then you hit a dramatic countdown. It signals the next chapter and cues you to step into the Infinity Room.

In the Infinity Room, energy particles swirl, rise, and fall around you. The motion responds to your touch, so you can actually influence what’s happening instead of just watching screens. The vibe here is science-y and atmospheric, which is a nice contrast to the usual museum-style pass-through.

If your group likes photo opportunities, this is also where you’ll get that “before the big moment” momentum. You’ll feel like something is building, which makes the lift ride afterward hit harder.

How the ride works: express lift, glass elevator, and the 109m climb

After the Infinity Room, an express lift takes you to the base of the north-west chimney. From there, you board London’s glass elevator: Lift 109.

This is where the experience becomes very physical. The lift ascent is guided by constellations of light above and around you. It’s designed to keep your eyes up, so the climb feels like part ride, part show.

A note on stairs: even though you’re in elevators, the full experience includes 39 stairs up and down. There can also be a spiral staircase segment before you reach the final viewing lift stage, so don’t plan on this being “elevator-only.”

If you’re traveling with anyone who dislikes height exposure, staying enclosed in the lift is a comfort. Some people find that the glass elevator keeps things controlled and less scary than an open platform.

When you finally emerge to the viewing platform, you’ll feel it right away. The world widens. London looks different at 109 meters, and the power station’s scale becomes obvious from above.

Views over London: 360 degrees, fast landmark spotting, and photo strategy

At the top, you get a wide, 360-degree view. You can scan for the big recognizables, and you can also appreciate the power station itself from a bird’s-eye angle.

On clear days, the skyline is crisp enough that landmark spotting feels like a game. On cloudy or rainy days, you still get value, because the elevation and the angles remain impressive even when visibility is limited.

There’s also practical help for photo moments. In Lift 109, posters point out London landmarks, so you don’t have to guess what you’re seeing. That matters because once you’re up there, you’re working against time and lighting, and guessing wastes precious minutes.

Photo strategy that works: before you step out, decide what you want most. Pick one “must-have” skyline shot, then do slow circles for variety. If you try to shoot everything at once, you’ll run out of time before you even notice the best angles.

One reality check: the time at the top can feel short for some visitors. A slightly longer linger would make it even better, so treat the view as a timed bonus, not an all-you-can-stare terrace.

Price and value: is $22 worth it

At about $22 per person, this sits in the category of paid attractions where you want clear value: a real experience, not just a line and a view.

For the money, you’re getting two things that are hard to bundle elsewhere. You get a guided, story-based indoor experience first, and you get a true height-and-view payoff after. The interactive rooms are part of what you pay for, and they help make the price feel less like you’re paying only for elevation.

Duration is listed as 1 hour. In practice, the pacing feels efficient. You’re not stuck waiting long, and you’re not over-programmed either. If you’re visiting Battersea Power Station anyway, this is a strong add-on because it turns the building into the main attraction rather than background scenery.

What could make it feel pricey is if your top time feels rushed. Still, even with that, the combination of ride-at-height plus hands-on pre-show is a pretty good value for London.

Who should book Lift 109, and who should think twice

This experience works well for families and mixed-age groups. It’s designed for broad appeal, with staff who keep things moving and explain what you’re seeing.

It also suits anyone who likes modern storytelling. The interactive energy generation and the Infinity Room are not the usual “read a plaque, move on” format.

Consider thinking twice if any of these apply:

• You strongly dislike stairs, since the full route includes 39 stairs.
• You need to carry large bags, because there’s no cloakroom and large luggage isn’t allowed.
• You’re hoping for a long, slow hangout at the very top. The view is great, but the platform time can feel limited.

If you’re a mobility-focused traveler, you should plan around the step-free option. A wheelchair lift is available on the hour and half-hour, and the time on your ticket should match your wheelchair lift reservation. If your wheelchair is larger than the maximum allowed size (115cm by 65cm), you’ll need an alternate plan.

Practical tips so you enjoy it more (and stress less)

Bring the right kind of bag. There’s no cloakroom at Lift 109, so stick to a handbag or small rucksack that’s roughly A4 size and carry it with you.

Leave the big stuff at home. No large bags, luggage, bikes, scooters, or strollers inside the Lift portion. If you have a stroller, it’s only permitted in The Gallery space, not during the Lift segment.

Comfort tip: the waiting area can feel cramped at the start for some groups, and seating isn’t guaranteed. If you’re the kind of person who gets fidgety in queues, plan for it.

Timing tip: pre-booked time slots are part of the rhythm, and staff move groups efficiently. Arrive early enough to get checked in without racing, especially since the reporting point inside a big complex can be a little confusing if you don’t expect it.

Last tip: if the weather is poor, don’t automatically cancel. One of the best surprises here is that even with wet conditions and lower visibility, the experience still feels worth it because the ride and indoor effects are still excellent.

Should you book Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station?

If you want one London experience that mixes real height, interactive fun, and a landmark setting, I’d book Lift 109. The story inside Turbine Hall A plus the hands-on energy rooms make it feel like more than a “single photo stop,” and the 109-meter views genuinely deliver.

I’d hesitate only if you can’t handle 39 stairs or you need storage for larger bags. If that’s you, plan carefully around the small-bag policy and the wheelchair lift timing.

Overall, Lift 109 is a smart choice when you’re in the area for Battersea Power Station. It’s short, well paced, and genuinely memorable in a very London way: part old-world icon, part future-looking science fun.

FAQ

How high do you go on Lift 109?

You ascend to a viewing platform 109 meters above the ground.

How long does the Lift 109 experience take?

The experience duration is listed as 1 hour.

What does the ticket include?

Your ticket includes admission to Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

Is transportation to Battersea Power Station included?

No. Transportation is not included.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are not allowed in the Lift. They are only permitted in The Gallery space.

Are large bags or luggage allowed?

No. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, and there is no cloakroom at Lift 109. You should only bring a handbag or small rucksack about A4 size.

Is the route step-free?

The experience includes 39 stairs up and down. If you need a step-free route, you can reserve the wheelchair lift, available on the hour and on the half-hour, matching the time on your entry ticket.

Can unaccompanied minors attend?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Is there free entry for infants?

Yes. Infants age 2 years and under can enter free of charge and do not require a ticket.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.