The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station

Lift 109 takes you inside one of London’s most recognizable buildings, then up through a chimney to a viewing platform 109 meters above ground. The glass elevator and the moment it reaches the top are the main event, but the visit also gives you a compact introduction to the power station’s working past and its present-day transformation.

I like two things in particular: the interactive energy displays make the wait part of the experience, and the 360-degree view gives you a fresh way to see London and the building itself. One thing to weigh is that the visit can feel short, especially if you want plenty of time at the top.

Key points to know

• The lift reaches 109 meters: You rise inside the North West Chimney in a glass elevator.
• The visit starts in Turbine Hall A: Displays introduce the power station’s past before the ascent.
• You help generate light: A multiplayer touchscreen lets visitors work together on an energy-themed installation.
• The platform gives you a 360-degree view: Clear weather makes a real difference to how far you can see.
• Plan for stairs and a small-bag rule: There are 39 stairs, and large bags, luggage, strollers, bikes, and scooters are not allowed into the lift experience.
• Expect about an hour, but not necessarily an hour at the top: The full visit includes exhibits, transitions, and the lift ride.

Start in the Art Deco Turbine Hall

Your visit begins in Turbine Hall A, where the setting does some of the storytelling before you read a word. The power station’s scale and Art Deco details make it clear that you are entering a landmark, not simply queuing for a viewpoint.

Original records and media displays explain how the building was used and how its purpose has changed over time. This introduction helps put the ascent in context. You are not just riding a lift to a high platform; you are entering a former power station through spaces tied to its identity.

The displays are a useful part of the hour, especially if you are interested in architecture or industrial history. They also give you something to do while your group moves through the experience. Still, if you are mainly here for the skyline, you may be eager to get on with the climb. The opening section is informative, but it is not a long, in-depth history tour.

Make energy together before the ascent

A lighting installation and a large multiplayer touchscreen turn the power station’s original purpose into an activity. Visitors work together to generate energy that powers lights. It is a simple idea, but it makes the subject more tangible than a wall of text would.

The next room, the Infinity Room, shifts the mood. Light particles swirl and respond to your touch, building a visual link between the displays and the lift ride ahead. The sequence gives the experience a theatrical edge, with a countdown marking the transition to the next stage.

I see this as part of the attraction’s appeal for families and mixed-age groups. Children can interact with the exhibits, while adults get the historical and architectural setting. If interactive displays are not your thing, these rooms are brief steps on the way to the main attraction rather than a reason to book on their own.

Ride through the North West Chimney

An express lift takes you to the base of the North West Chimney. From there, you board Lift 109, the glass elevator that carries you up to the viewing platform. The ascent is designed as a show in itself: lights guide the way as the lift travels upward through the chimney.

That enclosed ride may suit you if open-air heights make you uneasy. One visitor with a fear of heights found the enclosed lift comfortable, though everyone has a different response to heights and glass elevators. The ride still gives you a strong sense of the climb, and the view gradually opens as you approach the top.

There is a short staircase to account for during the experience. The full route includes 39 stairs up and down, so check the access details when you book if stairs are a concern. A wheelchair lift is available on the hour and half-hour for visitors who need a step-free route. Your wheelchair lift reservation must match the time on your entry ticket, and the maximum wheelchair size accommodated is 115 by 65 centimeters.

Take in London from 109 meters

At the top, you get a bird’s-eye view over the power station and a 360-degree look at London. The building itself is a striking part of the view: from above, you can appreciate the scale and shape of the site in a way that is hard to grasp from ground level.

You can move around the platform to take photos, and landmark displays help you identify what you are looking at. Guides can also help point out buildings. Some visitors have found a guide’s explanations and humor add to the ride, with Sammy singled out for a cheerful welcome. Guide quality and personal style can vary, of course, but the role is practical as well as entertaining.

Weather matters. On a clear day, the city’s landmarks are easier to pick out and the panoramic view can feel expansive. In rain or poor visibility, the lift ride and the unusual setting still have appeal, but you may not get the far-reaching skyline view you hoped for. If the view is your main reason for going, choose a forecast with clear conditions if your plans allow.

The platform time can feel brief. One visitor estimated being at the top for about five minutes, while others found they had enough time to look around and take photos. This is not a leisurely rooftop lounge visit. Think of it as a short, focused viewing stop within a larger hour-long experience.

What the one-hour visit feels like

The advertised duration is about one hour, including the history displays, interactive rooms, lifts, and viewing platform. The experience moves through several stages, so you are not spending the full hour at the top. Timing can feel efficient, and some visitors have found the waiting or transitions a little cramped at the start.

You may also find that the actual visit feels shorter than an hour, especially if the group moves briskly and you would like more time for photos. If you want a slow-paced visit, set expectations accordingly. The format is closer to a timed attraction than a long guided tour.

Staff help keep the process moving, and check-in has been described as quick. But finding the correct entrance can be less obvious than it should be. Head inside the power station rather than waiting outside, and allow time to locate the Lift 109 check-in point. Arriving early gives you a buffer, particularly if you do not know the complex.

Is $22 good value?

At $22 per person, Lift 109 offers more than a view: the ticket covers the entrance, the history displays, the interactive energy rooms, and the lift to the chimney platform. The setting is its own selling point. Few viewpoints offer the chance to rise through a chimney inside an iconic former power station.

The value depends on what you want from the hour. If you enjoy architecture, city views, and well-designed interactive exhibits, the combination makes the price easier to justify. If you only want a long stretch at a high viewpoint, the short time at the top may leave you wanting more.

There is no food, drink, or transport included. You will need to arrange your own journey and any refreshments separately. The broader Battersea Power Station complex has shops and cafes, so you can pair the visit with time in the building, but those extras are not part of the Lift 109 ticket.

Practical details before you go

Choose a time slot that suits your plans and check your ticket time carefully. If you need the wheelchair lift, reserve it for the same time as your entry. Infants aged two and under can enter free and do not need a ticket.

There is no cloakroom. Bring only a handbag or small rucksack you can carry on your body, approximately A4 size. Luggage and large bags are not allowed, and neither are bikes or scooters. Strollers can be used in The Gallery space but cannot go into the lift experience.

The attraction does not allow unaccompanied minors. If you are visiting with children, plan to stay with them throughout. The exhibits and the lift ride can work well for a range of ages, but the stairs and restrictions on strollers are important to factor into the day.

Who will enjoy Lift 109 most?

I would put this on the list for visitors who want a view with a story attached. It suits people curious about Battersea Power Station, anyone who enjoys an unusual lift ride, and families looking for a short activity with both visual and hands-on elements.

It is also a good choice for Londoners who have seen the skyline from other high points and want a different angle. The chimney setting makes this more than another platform above the city. Even if you know the building from the outside, seeing the station from above gives you a distinct perspective.

If you dislike heights, the enclosed elevator may make the ascent more manageable, but it does not remove the height itself. If stairs, limited bag storage, or a short viewing window would make the visit frustrating, weigh those points before booking. The experience is best when you arrive ready for a compact, carefully staged outing rather than an extended rooftop stay.

Should you book Lift 109?

Book it if you want a memorable view in an unusual setting and enjoy a bit of history and interaction along the way. The ascent through the chimney is the hook, while the exhibits make the hour feel more complete. For the clearest view, aim for good weather, travel light, and give yourself time to find the entrance.

Skip it if you are looking for a long visit at the top or need to bring large bags or a stroller into the experience. For most people drawn to Battersea Power Station, though, Lift 109 offers a distinctive way to see both the building and the city.

FAQ

How high does Lift 109 go?

The viewing platform is 109 meters above the ground, at the top of one of Battersea Power Station’s chimneys.

How long does the experience take?

The experience is listed as lasting one hour. The time includes the history displays, interactive exhibits, lift transitions, and the ascent.

What is included in the ticket?

The ticket includes entry to Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station. Food, drink, and transportation are not included.

Are there stairs during the experience?

Yes. There are 39 stairs to climb up and down. A wheelchair lift is available on the hour and half-hour for visitors who require a step-free route. Its reservation time must match the entry ticket.

Can I bring a stroller or large bag?

Strollers are allowed in The Gallery but cannot be brought into the lift experience. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and there is no cloakroom. A small handbag or rucksack around A4 size is permitted.

Do children under three need a ticket?

Infants aged two and under can enter free of charge and do not need a ticket. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.