The Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station

A chimney lift over London is strangely fun. At Battersea Power Station, Lift 109 hauls you 109 meters up inside the landmark, with hands-on energy rooms and a 360-degree view you just cannot get from street level.

My favorite part is how the experience mixes history with a real-feeling tech moment. My second favorite is the big skyline payoff at the top. The one thing to plan around is the physical bit: you’ll face 39 stairs during the route, and there’s no cloakroom, so bring only a small bag.

Key things that make Lift 109 worth your time

• A 109-meter ascent inside the chimney gives you that rare “I’m in the landmark” feeling.
• Interactive energy exhibits let you generate power together before you even reach the lift.
• Infinity Room visuals and touch-responsive effects turn the waiting time into part of the show.
• A glass elevator ride takes you upward while light constellations guide you toward the viewing platform.
• Bird’s-eye views of London and the power station make photo time easy, even for first-timers.
• Friendly, fast-moving staff help keep the whole experience smooth, with guides praised for being engaging, including Sammy.

Entering Battersea Power Station and finding your way to Lift 109

Lift 109 starts in Battersea Power Station’s Art Deco Turbine Hall A, so you’re not just lining up outside a viewpoint. The hall is the “ready” moment, where the building’s scale hits you before you go anywhere near the chimney.

If you arrive early, don’t panic. The process is designed to move you in chunks by time slot, and once you’re scanned in, the experience quickly turns from waiting into storytelling. One small practical note from how the route is laid out: you may not feel guided in the first minutes, so it helps to ask staff right away if you’re unsure where the Lift 109 entry point is inside the complex.

Also, expect some crowding at the start. The flow tends to be tight before you’re sorted into the next stage. If you hate feeling pressed, aim for a calmer time slot and arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in without stress.

Turbine Hall A: the history stop that actually sets the mood

Before you climb, you get context for what you’re standing in. In Turbine Hall A, you’ll see original records and media displays that explain how Battersea Power Station operated and how the site has changed over time.

This isn’t history as a lecture. It’s built to prime you for the “energy” theme. You’re learning why the station matters, but you’re also getting ready for the interactive portion. That matters because it makes the later technology and light effects feel tied to the place, not like a random add-on.

You may also notice staff doing small, practical explanations along the way. There’s a name that comes up for this type of guidance: Sammy. When the guide is on form, the whole “story-to-skyline” connection feels sharper, and you spend less time wondering what you’re looking at.

Interactive energy exhibits and the Infinity Room countdown

After the hall, you step into the experience’s hands-on segment. The star here is the lighting installation that whirls and glows while visitors interact with a giant multiplayer touchscreen. The goal is simple and fun: you collectively generate energy that powers the lights.

It sounds gimmicky on paper, but this is one of the best parts of Lift 109 because it breaks up the visit. Instead of “watch, then ride,” you get a short task with immediate feedback. It also helps groups bond, including families and friend groups who want something to do together without sprinting around.

Then comes the Infinity Room. A dramatic countdown signals that the next chapter is about to start. Inside, energy particles swirl, rise, and fall around you, responding to your touch. It’s part sci-fi, part hands-on screen effect, and it turns the pre-ascent moment into the show.

Practical tip: if you want the best photos here, keep your phone ready but be mindful of where people are touching the screens. The room can get busy, and the best shots usually come when you’re moving with the flow rather than stopping dead in the busiest spot.

Lift 109 itself: express transport, glass elevator, and guided light

Once the interactive portion is done, the route climbs. You’ll first take an express lift to the base of the north-west chimney. From there, you board the glass elevator that’s central to the experience, Lift 109.

The ascent is described as exhilarating, and you can feel why. As you rise, constellations of light guide the way, turning the climb into something you watch as much as something you endure. It feels different from a normal elevator because the building’s interior is doing the storytelling for you.

Route note to set expectations: even though you get elevator rides, the overall experience includes stairs. The total stated number is 39 stairs up and down. Some people report a spiral staircase segment as part of the final approach to the viewing platform area. So even if you’re comfortable with heights and love elevators, plan your body for a bit of walking.

If you’re the type who gets nervous in enclosed spaces, you can still be okay. Several people feel better once the ride is clearly controlled and the view payoff is close. The glass elevator also helps because you can see your surroundings while you go up.

109 meters above London: skyline spotting and photo time

The real reason to book is what happens at the top. Lift 109 lands you at a viewing platform about 109 meters above ground for a bird’s-eye view of London.

On a clear day, the skyline can feel shockingly close. You can look in all directions and spot famous landmarks, plus you get a unique view of the power station itself from way above. That combination is what makes this feel like a true “once-in-a-building” viewpoint, not just another rooftop.

Now for timing realism. Time at the top can feel brief, sometimes around a few minutes. The experience is built to keep the line moving and your schedule on track. That means you should treat the top as photo sprint plus landmark check, not a long sit-and-stare.

Practical photo advice:

• Pick your skyline directions immediately as the views open, then do a second pass for details.
• Keep your camera settings simple. Bright city light plus glass reflections can waste time while you troubleshoot.
• If visibility is poor, you’ll still get a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the station and surrounding areas, but you should lower your expectations for far-away landmark clarity.

Weather matters, but it doesn’t completely ruin the experience. Even in wet weather or murky visibility, people still rate the overall ride and the atmosphere highly.

Price and value: is $22 a fair trade for the views?

At $22 per person for about 1 hour, Lift 109 sits in a “worth it if you like views” zone. You’re paying for three things: a genuine vertical ride inside Battersea, an interactive story sequence, and a high vantage point.

Compared with many London paid attractions, the value here is that the experience doesn’t start when you reach the top. It starts in the building with the hall story and the energy rooms. That turns the time into more than a single photo stop.

Is it pricey? For some budgets, yes, especially if you’re comparing it to free viewpoints. But the chimney-lift angle, the glass elevator, and the 109-meter height make it feel like a specific, tailored attraction. If you’re already planning time at Battersea Power Station, this is also a convenient add-on that uses the landmark you’re already there to see.

My rule of thumb: if you want a quick, high-impact skyline view without a half-day commitment, this is a solid pick.

Practical matters: stairs, bags, and the wheelchair lift option

This is where you should plan first, so your visit stays fun.

What you can bring

• There’s no cloakroom at Lift 109.
• Bring only a handbag or small rucksack you can carry on your body, about A4 size (210 x 297 mm).
• Expect bag checks on the way in.

What’s not allowed

• Baby strollers
• Luggage or large bags
• Bikes
• Unaccompanied minors
• Scooter

If you’re traveling with a stroller, note that strollers are only permitted in The Gallery space and cannot go into the Lift area.

Stairs and step-free route

• The experience includes 39 stairs up and down.
• If you require a step-free route, you need the wheelchair lift.
• The wheelchair lift runs on the hour and on the half-hour, and it has to match the time on your entry ticket and your wheelchair lift reservation.
• Maximum wheelchair size accommodated is 115 cm by 65 cm.

If this is a deciding factor for you, don’t wait until the day of. Match your ticket slot to the wheelchair lift schedule from the start.

Who this chimney lift experience suits best

This is a good fit if you want a focused, high-quality London moment without making it complicated.

It works especially well for:

• Families looking for an activity that’s more than just standing in lines
• First-time London sightseers who want skyline views with a clear storyline
• People who like hands-on tech moments and light effects
• Anyone visiting Battersea Power Station who wants a signature attraction tied directly to the building

It may be less ideal if:

• You dislike stairs and cannot use the wheelchair lift
• You need to bring larger bags, because there’s no cloakroom
• You want lots of time to linger at the top, since the top viewing time can feel short

Also, if you’re sensitive to crowding, plan a quieter time slot. Some time slots can feel snug at the start of the experience, mainly before you’re sorted into the next area.

Should you book Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station?

Book it if you want a one-hour experience that combines interactive energy with a real vertical viewpoint inside an iconic London landmark. The 109-meter climb and the glass elevator make it feel special in a way many “views” attractions cannot match.

Skip it if stairs are a dealbreaker for you, or if you need to travel with more than a handbag-sized bag. In that case, the constraints around bags and the 39-stair route could make the day less enjoyable than you want.

If you’re even a little curious about Battersea Power Station as more than a photo spot, this is a strong choice. It’s short, structured, and the payoff is immediate once you rise above the city.

FAQ

How long does the Chimney Lift at Battersea Power Station take?

The experience lasts about 1 hour.

What does the Lift 109 ticket cost?

The price is $22 per person.

What’s included with the ticket price?

Your ticket includes Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station entry.

Is there a step-free option if I can’t do the stairs?

Yes. There’s a wheelchair lift available on the hour and on the half-hour. You’ll need to reserve it and make sure the wheelchair lift time matches the time on your entry ticket.

Can I bring a stroller or a large bag?

Strollers are not allowed in the Lift area, and luggage or large bags are not allowed. There’s also no cloakroom, so bring only a handbag or small rucksack about A4 size that you can carry on your body.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

What are my cancellation options?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep plans flexible.