Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station offers a thrilling journey – in a glass elevator – to the top of one of its iconic chimneys for a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of London.
This July, Citizen Enfants’ experience of the month spotlights Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station. Both children and adults will love seeing London from this new perspective, 109-metres in the sky (hence the name) and with 360° panoramic views.
What is Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station?
Lift 109 is a glass elevator in Battersea Power Station’s north west chimney. The ascent from the entrance to the top of the chimney is 109 metres. In just a matter of seconds you travel through the hollow chimney and arrive at the top to find a spectacular 360°, bird’s-eye view of the London skyline.
The experience begins in the Power Station’s Art Deco Turbine Hall. On entering the Lift 109 area, take a look through the curated display detailing the iconic landmark’s history, architecture and cultural significance. A mix of multimedia and original records and artefacts allow visitors to learn about the building in its past and present incarnations. Fascinating facts about the Power Station are dotted all over the exhibition space. For example, the structure was actually built in two halves over several decades and – at its peak – produced a whopping 20 per cent of London’s electricity before its closure in 1983.
After 10 minutes to look around the exhibition space, a countdown signals the next part of the experience. Step inside the interactive Infinity Room where energy particles swirl, rise and fall around you, gathering pace as they respond to touch. You’re encouraged to touch walls to see this in action.
Then, it’s off to the lift itself, a circular glass structure with space for 16 people and a small bench in the centre. As you journey to the top of the chimney you’ll see rings of light and a soundscape reminiscent of rising energy. It’s a very immersive experience, and creates a really exciting atmosphere as you anticipate reaching the summit.
Who is the experience for?
All ages are welcome at Lift 109, but buggies have to wait in the exhibition space below. There are some loud noises and flashing lights as part of the Infinity Room experience – young children may find this overwhelming. Lift 109 is best-suited to older kids and teens who will not only appreciate the views and thrill of travelling up the chimney, but also understand and value of the history and information on display.
Before entering all visitors pass through security and a scanner (similar to that at an airport) and the whole area feels very safe and secure. Children will love the displays; such as the giant interactive multiplayer touchscreen. Tap on it to generate energy to illuminate a lighting installation above and watch as it whirls and glows brighter. So much of the Lift 109 experience is about energy, in fact, a fun way of tying everything back to the Power Station’s original purpose.
The Highlights
The panoramic view of course. The sight of London stretched out beneath you is quite breathtaking. Children and adults alike will love spotting all the different landmarks across the city. And it’s all there to see: from the Shard to Big Ben, this is the capital in all its glory. Around the edges of the lift, printed guides show you what to look for from each vantage point, helping to spot some of the less obvious sights below. Each trip spends 10 minutes at the top; not long but the photo opportunities are plentiful. It’s worth taking video while up there to examine further once back on solid ground.
The whole experience is slick, well managed and genuinely interesting and engaging. Visitors leave through the gift shop and there’s some cool merchandise on sale if you want to take a little bit of your trip home with you.
What To Wear
The whole experience takes place inside so there’s no need to worry about warm clothes. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, as are sunglasses as the glass lift gets very bright at the top on sunny days.
What else is there to do at Battersea Power Station?
Since opening its doors last year this building has become a go-to shopping destination. There are many high-street and designer names in the redeveloped Turbine Halls. Kids will love the large Lego Store which is just a few moments from the entrance to the lift. There are plenty of places to eat right next to the lift, too, from Crosstown’s delicious doughnuts to awesome burgers at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar. The newly-opened Arcade Food Hall serving 13 types of cuisine is another perfect spot to take hungry youngsters for a bite to eat, and there’s a cinema on site plus a great kid’s playground just outside if you want to really make a day of it.
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