One lift. One chimney. Then London opens up. This is the Lift 109 experience inside Battersea Power Station, with two big wins: the interactive energy rooms before you go up, and the jaw-drop 360-degree views from 109 meters. The main thing to think about: there’s a stairs element (39 steps total), plus strict limits on bags and strollers.

I love how the timing works. You’re not just shoved into a lift and out the door. You start in the Art Deco Turbine Hall with history and hands-on light-and-energy moments, then you move toward the glass elevator for the climb. Just know you’ll want a clear entry plan, because the route to report for the lift is easy to miss when you’re excited and wandering.

Key things I’d mark on your map

• 109 meters up: the chimney lift gives you a real bird’s-eye view of London landmarks.
• Interactive energy exhibits: you work a giant touchscreen to generate energy that powers lights.
• The Infinity Room: touch-based energy visuals make the wait feel like part of the show.
• Glassy Lift 109 ascent: constellations of light guide you up for a fun, photo-friendly climb.
• Staff can make it feel personal: guides like Sammy are specifically praised for keeping the experience lively.
• Weather matters for skyline clarity: clear days show more detail, but it can still be enjoyable in poor visibility.

Battersea Power Station’s Art Deco start: get in the mood first

Your visit begins where the building still feels like a machine: the Art Deco Turbine Hall A. Before you touch anything lift-related, you get a structured run-through of what Battersea Power Station was, how it worked, and how it has been reused over time.

I like this setup because it gives context. If London has taught me anything, it’s that old industrial buildings work best when you understand what you’re looking at. In this hall, you’re not just seeing architecture; you’re learning what the structure was designed to do, and why it’s so instantly recognizable from outside.

You’ll also notice the atmosphere. It’s styled like a modern story experience, not a dusty museum corner. Expect screens, records, and media displays that keep you moving toward the next section.

How the energy exhibits turn waiting into part of the show

Once you’re in the flow of the attraction, the experience shifts from history to hands-on science-with-a-sensory-edge.

There’s a multiplayer touchscreen where you collectively generate energy to power lights. It’s simple enough for kids and adults, but it’s also satisfying because it’s cooperative. You’re not just watching someone else operate it—you’re part of the cause and effect.

Then comes the Infinity Room, which is built around motion and touch. Energy particles swirl, rise, and fall as you interact. A dramatic countdown cues the next chapter, so even if you’re not a “technical” person, you’ll still feel like something is about to happen.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience for a reason. It breaks the usual pattern of tours that feel like walking through a hallway of signs. Here, you do something, you see results, and your brain stays switched on.

The lift route: stairs, express connections, and why they matter

Here’s the practical part: the experience includes 39 stairs total up and down. That means it’s not ideal if you want to avoid steps completely.

If you need a step-free route, you can reserve a wheelchair lift. It runs on the hour and on the half-hour, and your wheelchair lift reservation time must match the time slot on your entry ticket. The maximum wheelchair size accommodated is 115cm by 65cm.

Also, there are limits on what you can bring. There’s no cloakroom at Lift 109, and you’re asked to keep luggage out of the experience. You can bring only a handbag or small rucksack about A4 size (210 x 297 mm) that you can carry on your body.

From experience around London attractions, the no-cloakroom rule is the one that quietly ruins people’s day. If you’re traveling with more than a day bag, you’ll feel the pressure fast.

Boarding Lift 109: express lift first, then the glass elevator

After the interactive rooms, you’re transported by an express lift to the base of the north-west chimney. Then you board London’s brand-new glass elevator: Lift 109.

This is where the whole thing becomes visual. You move upward through a corridor of constellations of light, which acts like a guide line for your eyes. You get that sense of climbing inside the chimney rather than just taking a normal lift.

Then the doors open and you’re finally in the viewing zone. The moment the platform reveals the skyline feels like the payoff you expected from the building itself.

If you’re someone who worries about heights, this still can be a good pick because you’re mostly enclosed in the lift structure while you rise. One review specifically calls out that the glass lift format worked well even for someone who’s scared of heights.

The 360-degree view at 109 meters: what you can actually see

Once you’re up top, you get a 360-degree view of London plus a bird’s-eye look at the power station itself.

On clear days, landmarks can look sharp and obvious. On murkier days, you still get the geographic feel—rivers, major roads, and the overall shape of the city. One of the more honest positives in the feedback is that even when visibility is poor, the experience doesn’t fall apart.

A key detail: time at the viewing platform can be short. Some visitors report being up there for about 5 minutes. That means you should arrive ready to move, not ready to debate settings on your phone for ten minutes. If you’re traveling with multiple people, agree quickly who’s taking what photos so you don’t lose the only small window.

Photo tips: how to get the money shots without slowing the line

If your goal is photos for family and friends, this is one of those attractions where you’ll want a simple plan.

• Take wide skyline shots first, then zoom in once you can identify landmarks in the direction you’re facing.
• Keep your bag small enough to stay hands-free. Since there’s no cloakroom, you don’t want to spend time juggling a bigger bag while you’re trying to frame a shot.
• Be ready for a quick top window. If you only have a few minutes at the top, the best strategy is to do a quick sweep around the platform, then return to your favorite angle for one or two hero photos.

The views are also useful even if you’re not a total skyline nerd. If you’ve never stood above central London before, it helps you understand distances and how the city spreads out.

Time check: why the 1 hour can feel different in real life

The experience is listed as about 1 hour. In practice, that hour includes:

• time in the Power Station experience spaces (history + interactive sections),
• time moving between areas,
• time riding Lift 109 itself,
• and time on the viewing platform.

Because Lift 109 isn’t just a quick ride and out, the total feels balanced. The interactive zones are doing work while you’re waiting, so the attraction doesn’t feel empty between ticket checks and the ascent.

The only timing risk I’d flag is crowding. On busier days, waiting can feel tight in indoor areas before you go up. If you’re sensitive to cramped spaces, choose a quieter time slot if you can.

Accessibility and who this works for

This chimney-lift experience seems to work well for lots of ages. It’s designed for people who want something more active than a typical museum walk.

That said, here’s the reality check:

• Strollers are not allowed in Lift 109. Strollers are permitted only in the Gallery space, not inside the lift area.
• Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, and there’s no cloakroom.
• Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.
• Bikes and scooters are not allowed.
• Baby strollers are in the not-allowed list for the Lift 109 portion.

On mobility, remember the 39 stairs unless you’ve reserved the wheelchair lift timed correctly. If your group has mixed mobility needs, plan the reservations carefully before you arrive.

If you’re traveling with kids, I’d say it’s a hit because it’s interactive. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s good because you get shared activities plus the skyline payoff. If you’re solo, it’s still worth it; the lift moment is the same for everyone, and the staff help you get oriented.

Staff impact: when the guide turns it from cool to memorable

A major reason this experience scores well is the human layer. More than once, the guides are described as friendly, informative, and engaging.

One name pops up clearly in feedback: Sammy. People specifically call out how the lift guide made the ride feel brighter and more memorable, even when weather wasn’t perfect. If you enjoy tours where someone adds personality instead of just reading instructions, that’s a strong point for you here.

Value check on the $22 ticket

At roughly $22 per person, Lift 109 sits in the mid-range for London add-on attractions. Is it cheap? No. But I think it’s strong value when you look at what’s included:

• you get the Lift 109 ride itself,
• you get history context inside the building,
• you get interactive exhibits and an energy-based show element,
• and you get a top-tier skyline experience at 109 meters.

In other words, you’re paying for a bundle: the ride plus the build-up plus the view. If you’re already in the Battersea Power Station area, this is one of the rare ticketed attractions that actually uses the building in a way that feels clever, not just decorative.

Pairing it with Battersea Power Station time on either side

This is not a standalone activity in the middle of nowhere. Battersea Power Station is a destination with shops and places to grab a drink and snack nearby, and it’s a nice area to stroll around before or after your lift time.

A smart strategy: schedule Lift 109 first or second, then use the remaining time for the area. That way, if you end up with poor weather, you still get to enjoy the larger location instead of feeling like the whole plan depends on the sky being clear.

Should you book Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station?

Yes, if you want a London view you’ll actually remember, and you like attractions that give you something to do before the big moment. The combination of interactive energy exhibits, a guided build-up, and a true chimney-to-viewing-platform ascent makes this one of the more distinct skyline options in the city.

Skip it or think twice if:

• you can’t do stairs (39 steps total) and you haven’t secured the step-free wheelchair lift reservation,
• you’ll need to bring large bags (no cloakroom),
• you’re hoping for a stroller-friendly lift area (strollers are restricted),
• or you’re expecting long time up top (the platform time can be brief).

If your plans include Battersea Power Station anyway, this is one of the easiest ticket decisions to justify. You’re paying for the building, the ride inside it, and the payoff view.

FAQ

How long is the Lift 109 experience?

The experience is about 1 hour.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your entry ticket includes Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drink are not included.

Can I bring a stroller into Lift 109?

Strollers are not allowed in Lift 109. Strollers are only permitted in the Gallery space.

Is there a step-free option?

Yes, there is a wheelchair lift available on the hour and on the half-hour. You need to reserve it and make sure the wheelchair lift time matches your entry ticket time.

Is there a cloakroom for bags?

No, there is no cloakroom at Lift 109. You should bring only a handbag or small rucksack about A4 size that you can carry on your body.

Are infants allowed for free?

Yes. Infants age 2 and under can enter free of charge and don’t require a ticket.

Is it refundable if I cancel?

Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.