A lift inside a chimney should not work, yet it does. Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station turns the 109-meter climb into a hands-on lights-and-energy experience before you even reach the glass elevator. I especially like the interactive energy moments in the turbine hall and the Infinity Room setup that makes you part of the show. I also love the payoff: a sharp, photo-ready 360-degree view over London and a bird’s-eye look at the power station itself.

One thing to plan for: you’ll climb 39 stairs during the experience, and there’s no cloakroom. Pack light (handbag or small rucksack only) and think about step-free options if that matters for you.

Key things to know before you go

• Lift 109’s ascent is inside the chimney, with a glass elevator and light-constellation guidance.
• You start in Art Deco Turbine Hall A, where you’ll learn how Battersea Power Station has reinvented itself over time.
• Interactive energy stations include a multiplayer touchscreen and an Infinity Room that reacts to your touch.
• You get 360-degree views from about 109 meters up, with landmarks you can spot and photograph.
• Photo time is real, but the summit stay can feel brief, so come with a quick plan for what you want to capture.
• Access needs real attention: 39 stairs, limited bag storage, and a wheelchair lift only on the hour and half-hour.

Entering Turbine Hall A: the show starts before the lift

Your Lift 109 experience begins in Battersea Power Station’s Art Deco Turbine Hall A. Before you think about height, you’ll get oriented inside a seriously impressive interior. The space uses original records and media displays to set the story of the building—how Battersea’s role changed, and why the place became a landmark long after the power station days.

This part matters because it stops the trip from feeling like a quick ticket-and-ride. You’re not just paying for a viewpoint. You’re stepping into the context that explains why the chimneys are worth seeing and why this structure still pulls people in. If you like aviation museums, old industrial buildings, or anything that mixes history with tech, you’ll feel at home here.

Expect a bit of organized movement through the space. Some people start out slightly cramped near the earlier stages, but it’s usually short-lived, and the flow is designed around your time slot.

Interactive energy: touchscreen lights and the Infinity Room

Then comes the fun part: making energy with your hands, not your imagination.

In the lighting installation area, a whirl-and-glow setup reacts as visitors interact with a big multiplayer touchscreen. The idea is simple but clever—your group’s actions collectively generate energy that powers lights. It’s the kind of activity that turns “waiting around” into “oh, this is actually cool.”

After a dramatic countdown signals the next chapter, you enter the Infinity Room. Here, energy particles swirl, rise, and fall around you. As you touch and move, the motion responds. The effect is science-y without being heavy. It’s also one of those spaces where kids (and adults) get quiet in that surprised way, because it feels like you’re inside a responsive visual system rather than watching a screen.

If you’re the type who loves small interactive moments, this is the section that justifies the trip even before you reach the top.

The ride: from express lift to the glass chimney elevator

Once you’ve done the interactive stages, you head into the next transport moment. An express lift carries you to the base of the north-west chimney. From there, you board London’s glass elevator: Lift 109.

As the elevator starts its upward climb, constellations of light guide the way. It’s not just “we’re going up.” The lighting changes give you a sense of progression and make the height feel less random and more designed. If you’re sensitive to heights, you’ll still be in a sealed, enclosed glass lift for the ascent, which can help.

This section is also where your guide (if you have one speaking to the group) can add useful context. You may get help connecting what you’re seeing to real London landmarks—so you’re not just staring out and guessing.

109 meters above: 360-degree London views and landmark spotting

At the top, the main event is straightforward: you get a 360-degree view of London and a bird’s-eye look at Battersea Power Station from above.

On clear days, the skyline looks sharp and far-reaching. On less friendly weather, the view can still feel dramatic because you’re seeing the city’s scale from a real height—just with lower visibility. Either way, you’ll have the chance to line up photos in all directions, including the power station structure itself in a way you simply can’t get from street level.

Two practical tips for your summit time:

• Pick your first photo angle before you move around. The top view is wide, and it’s easy to burn time wandering.
• If you want landmark photos, scan slowly left-to-right once first. That way you’ll catch the big recognizable shapes before you hustle for the perfect shot.

Also note: the summit portion can feel quick. I’d plan for a short, efficient window rather than expecting a long hangout up there. Treat the top like a viewpoint, not a viewing gallery that gives you half an hour to relax.

Price and value: what $22 gets you in real life

At $22 per person, Lift 109 sits in the “reasonable-for-a-view” category for London, especially because the experience isn’t only the elevator. You’re getting a full hour-style experience that includes:

• entry into the Power Station experience area,
• the interactive energy segments (which take time and hold attention),
• the glass elevator climb, and
• the skyline payoff at roughly 109 meters up.

Is it pricey compared to a free wander through the streets? Yes. But it’s much better value than many straight-up observation decks because you’re paying for an indoor-to-outdoor storyline, not just height.

Food and drink are not included, so you’ll want to pair this with a meal elsewhere in the Battersea area or in the power station’s surrounding venues.

Stairs, bags, strollers, and the wheelchair lift reality check

This is the part I’d read twice if access matters to you.

There are 39 stairs to climb up and down during the experience. If you need a step-free route, you must reserve the wheelchair lift. The wheelchair lift runs on the hour and on the half-hour, and the time on your entry ticket needs to match the wheelchair lift reservation.

There’s also a size limit for wheelchairs: up to 115cm by 65cm.

Other important restrictions:

• No cloakroom. Bring only a handbag or small rucksack you can carry on your body (about A4 size: 210 x 297 mm).
• Strollers are not allowed in the Lift area. They are only permitted in The Gallery space.
• No luggage or large bags, and no bikes or scooters.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

So if you’re traveling with more than a small bag, plan ahead. This experience is designed to keep things moving inside tight spaces.

How long is it really, and when should you schedule it?

The experience is listed as 1 hour, and time slots are offered throughout the day. That means it works well as a focused stop when you don’t want a half-day commitment.

The rhythm usually goes like this: history and early orientation in Turbine Hall A, interactive energy rooms, lift transition, then the viewing platform. The waiting areas can vary by time of day, and if the place is busy, you’ll spend more minutes standing. If you care about comfort, aim for a calmer time slot.

If weather is a factor, don’t skip it just because it’s gray. You’ll still get a view and the chimney experience still feels special.

Who will love this most (and who should reconsider)

Lift 109 is a strong choice if you want:

• a viewpoint that comes with real activities (not just a lift to a deck),
• an iconic London setting beyond the usual tourist circuit,
• family-friendly entertainment that doesn’t feel childish,
• and a photo moment with clear 360-degree potential.

It may feel less ideal if:

• you need step-free access but don’t plan around the wheelchair lift schedule,
• you’re traveling with bulky bags (since there’s no cloakroom),
• or you’re expecting a long, leisurely time at the summit.

Should you book Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station?

Yes—if you’re in London and you like smart, hands-on attractions with a great final payoff. The best reason to book is that you’re not just paying for height. You’re getting an indoor-to-outdoor storyline inside a famous building, plus the skyline view from around 109 meters.

Book it even more confidently if:

• you can travel light,
• stairs are manageable for you (or you’ve reserved the wheelchair lift slot),
• and you want a different angle on London than rooftops and river walks.

If you’re deciding between several nearby things, this is the one that gives you a landmark viewpoint with a built-in interactive show—and that combination usually makes the $22 feel fair.

FAQ

What is Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station?

It’s a chimneyside lift experience inside Battersea Power Station that takes you to a viewing platform about 109 meters up, plus includes interactive exhibits and a history-focused start.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $22 per person.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is about 1 hour.

What’s included in the ticket?

Your entry ticket includes Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station.

What can I see from the top?

You’ll get a 360-degree view of London and a bird’s-eye view of the power station itself.

Are food and drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

Are strollers allowed?

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

Is there a cloakroom for bags?

No cloakroom is available at Lift 109. You should only bring a handbag or small rucksack about A4 size (210 x 297 mm) that you can carry on your body.

How much walking/stairs is involved?

There are 39 stairs to climb during the experience.

Are infants allowed without a ticket?

Infants (2 years old and under) can enter free of charge and do not require a ticket.

Is there a step-free option for wheelchair guests?

A step-free route is available via a wheelchair lift reserved on the hour and half-hour. The entry ticket time and wheelchair lift reservation time should match, and the maximum wheelchair size accommodated is 115cm by 65cm.

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