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Here’s your Battersea free guide to all fun things in this South-West London neighbourhood. There is everything from family-friendly outings to rich cultural and artistic shows and locations.

One of the top attractions in Battersea is its parkark. This inner-city park sits beside the River Thames and is home to a variety of bird and butterfly species. There are also many places to just stroll about or enjoy a sunny picnic.

Come here for a treat on the lush green lawns or something to get your body moving. There are many Battersea park activities to spend the day exploring.

The London Peace Pagoda is one of the best places to experience autumn colours in London. But it remains beautiful no matter what time of the year you visit.

The Pagoda has a rich history and was actually a gift from the founder of the Nipponzan Myohoji– a Japanese Buddhists Movement. Nuns, monks, and other Buddhist followers erected it to commemorate the Hiroshima and Nagasaki tragedies. Construction was finally completed just a short time after the founder, Nichidatsu Fujii, died.

You can see this beautiful structure with gold statues near the riverbank in the park. The sacred statues overlook London and represent different points in Buddha’s life.

Loosen up a bit and enjoy the outdoors while swinging from the trees. With safety harnesses to keep you safe, Go Ape is a treetop obstacle course safe for all ages.

Remember to dress comfortably as your aim is to try to complete it by jumping, climbing, and swinging from one spot to the next. The shortest obstacle is one hour. But, if you’re up for something a bit more difficult, try the Treetop Challenge, which takes between two to three hours.

Work on your swing no matter the weather at the park’s putt-putt course. There are about 12 beautifully designed courses to work through at your own pace.

Closeby you’ll find their cafe which serves hot and cold drinks and wood-oven pizzas. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. There are also a few sweet desserts for a quick energy boost between rounds.

The Pear Tree Cafe is on the bank of Battersea Park’s lake and is open from morning to late. They serve all-day brunch and lunch until 15:00, using fresh ingredients, often with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free alternatives available.

As the sun sets, the cafe comes alive with live music sets from DJs, singers, and Jazz bands.

The menu also switches up a bit and serves bar snacks, sourdough pizzas, and burgers straight from the grill. You can also order a few cocktails, wine or craft beer ales.

The Pump House Gallery is a 19th-century Victorian water tower turned gallery in Battersea Park. It is open from Wednesday to Saturday, and admission is free.

The Grade II listed brick building hosts a gallery and various exhibitions on the park’s rich history. It also hosts regular talks and workshops.

This art deco-style power station powered London with its coal smoke pumping chimneys for many years. Until 1983, when the smoke stopped blowing out from its tops, and the power station closed down.

Now, many years later, the station has been revived into a hub of entertainment, good food, and luxury apartments.

Just a three-minute walk from the Battersea Power Station you’ll find the boutique Cinema in the Arches. Enjoy your popcorn at this five-star movie experience with reclining seats.

The three-screen cinema shows newly released blockbusters, as well as a few classics, with crystal clear images and Dolby Atmos surround sound.

While you’re watching the talkies, you can snack on wine, handmade cocktails, and craft beer. The Sweet Shop also serves some tasty treats.

Film buffs will enjoy the cinemas’ Film Club, where users get all kinds of deals and discounts. Perks include four complimentary tickets upon joining and 10% off all food and drink from the cinema Sweet Shop.

Tip: You get two hours of free parking with a movie ticket purchase, but that won’t be necessary. The Power Station shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes from the general Power Station area to Battersea.

The Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) has gone through many stages since its existence in the late 1800s. Even after a devastating fire in the Grand Hall in 2015, it still managed to rise from the ashes and reopen to its full capacity a few years later.

Here, you can catch any show you can think of; whether comedy, dance, theatre, or live music. They’ve recently launched a ‘Pay What You Can’ programme which encourages guests to pay what they are able to for show tickets instead of a fixed price.

If you‘re a plant lover or aspiring plant parent, you’ll want to drop by the Battersea Flower Station. The award-winning nursery is open from Tuesdays to Sundays on Battersea Park Road.

The urban garden is a plant wonderland and sells everything from budding blooms to compost. It’s the perfect place to be if you’re a plant lover and is especially beautiful because it is surrounded by colourful flowers if you’re spending spring in London.

They don’t just sell flowers; their greenhouse also has houseplants, a few veggies, and succulents for plant newbies.

For a souvenir that doesn’t need watering, stop by their quaint card shop.

If you plan to have a family outing to the park, this zoo is perfect. But, even if you’re not, who says zoos are only for children?

Battersea Park has many things to see, but its zoo deserves a day (or at least a few hours) to itself. The exciting location is passionate about conservation and has a range of animals under its care. They also have a cafe, gift shop, and playground to keep the whole family engaged for the day.

Animals at this zoo range from mammals and birds to reptiles and amphibians. The best time to see and learn more about these cute creatures is around feeding time.

That is when the keepers go inside the enclosures and explain a bit more about the respective animals. Feeding times range, so it’s best to check the website or a pamphlet for a schedule.

After walking around for a while, rest your feet at the Lemon Tree Cafe. This cafe serves a selection of light meals like sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They also serve tea and coffee along with cold drinks.

If you enjoy visiting the food markets in London, you’ll love these hidden gems in Battersea. Visit these markets for a treat or two — and that doesn’t have to be limited to food.

If you know where to look, you’ll also find a few antiques and high-end vintage threads at some of these stalls.

The Battersea boot sale happens every Sunday from 13:30 – 17:00, and the perfect stop after food-stall hopping. No, this market isn’t the kind of boot sale that sells Wellies and Chelsea boots. This is one of the original car boot markets where you find real treasures.

You’ll find recurring traders that sell high-quality items like vintage designer clothes, antique collectables, and a few knick-knacks.

The market is never stale as there are also occasional sellers that come in with just a few items they’d like to get rid of. These items range from high-end to lower-end household items.

You can find this parking space on Battersea Park Road on the Harris Academy grounds. The entrance gate is clearly marked, and you cannot miss it if you arrive on foot. Besides clothes, you can also buy a few snacks while you shop, like burgers, cakes, pastries, and hot and cold drinks.

Tip: Remember to bring cash as many sellers don’t have card machines.

Just a 15-minute walk from Battersea Park is where you’ll find this Sunday market in London. The Nine Elms market runs alongside the Battersea Boot sale, so you have more bargains to shop for.

With over 400 stalls selling clothes, sports gear, electrical goods, and books, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. There are also a few one-of-a-kind handmade items like jewellery and dream catchers. However, the best handmade item will always be the food.

The food traders at this market offer a range of delicacies from all over the world. A popular stall is Chimney Cake House which serves Romanian sweet and savoury pastries. Besides these, there are also a few fresh produce stalls from local growers and farmers to buy from.

If you’ve missed the Sunday Nine Elms Market, don’t worry. You can still visit this wholesale market Monday to Saturday at the same spot.

This market has been serving London for centuries. It is the main produce supplier to many pubs, cafes, and restaurants in the area. So, if you want a taste of where London’s best ingredients come from, make your way over.

The market sells everything from ice to flowers. Items are locally sourced to ensure you get the freshest fruits and veg.

As it is a food wholesale market, you can find an extensive selection of different cuts of meat, fish, dairy products, and pasta — to name a few. Anything edible you can think of, they probably have it.

Their Food Exchange on location is sort of a co-working space for budding chefs and foodies. It is where office work and cooking get done. The production kitchen has all of the equipment and utensils you could possibly need in any commercial kitchen.

Battersea is a lively neighbourhood that always has something to do, whether you’re visiting during the day or night. After a few hours of exploring, it might be time to refuel your body with some food or a drink.

If you’re looking for a restaurant or bar ready for a party, Bunga Bunga is the place to be. This Italian pizzeria serves a three-course Italian menu filled with Italian favourites.

Expect pasta, pizzas, meatballs, breadcrumbed chicken, and more — all prepared in the authentic Italian way. To really get your money’s worth, get their bottomless prosecco and pizza option for 90 minutes of Italian culinary winners.

Of course, there is also a bar for patrons to order at as the sun sets. Drinks at this bar pay homage to influential Italian figures. Get the Balotelli with homemade basil syrup and liqueurs or the Godfather with Grey Goose vodka and Aperol aperitif.

If you come with a group, consider getting their massive cocktail shares to save a few bucks. These drinks come in jugs with straws and serve between four and 10 people at a time.

As soon as the liquid courage sets in, it’s time for karaoke, of course. Every Thursday to Saturday night you can warm up your voice at Bunga’s karaoke nights. Or, if you prefer, start singing early at their karaoke brunches right before the DJ steps in with some dance music.

If you’re on the shy side,  they also have private karaoke rooms for just you and your friends.

Just under the railway arches of Circus West Village is where you’ll find this brewery. It is just off Battersea Power Station and a must-visit for craft beer drinkers and ale lovers.

This microbrewery and taproom is open every day from 10:00 until late. This means you have no excuse not to grab a freshly poured pint if you’re in the area.

The taproom menu includes local beers, including Battersea Brewery’s own, as well as a selection of international brews.

While it is a brewery, they don’t only sell beer. You can also order a few other drinks like wine or something to eat. They mainly serve bar snacks like sandwiches, sharing boards, and pork pies to keep you going through the night.

If you’re hoping to escape reality for a few hours, this fantastical place is exactly what you need to fall down the rabbit hole.

The Magic Garden is a pub and restaurant a stone’s throw away from Battersea Park. The decor has a whimsical theme with mismatched chairs and paintings all over the wall.

The inside is also full of plants and flowers, with floral and leafy illustrations all over the walls.

In addition, there is a garden  outside where you can spend warm evenings. The garden is equally as quirky; with fairy lights and a painted car as the centrepiece. As the nights get colder, you can relax in a tent full of colourful couches and tables.

The menu has recently been revamped, and the kitchen is open every day around noon or mid-afternoon. Expect fresh ingredients and a wide variety of food with complex flavours. Menu items include pea and ham croquettes, truffle fries, ribeye steaks, mushroom risotto, and more.

Are you looking for your next date spot with Italian food and a view? Fiume is right on the River Thames and has amazing views of the city.

The restaurant is stylish and contemporary, with sleek silver and copper fixtures juxtaposed against brick and neutral walls. It’s no surprise that their food echoes this rustic yet fine style in their Amalfi coast-inspired cooking and plating.

The a la carte menu serves pasta, pizza, seafood, and meat — all with accompanying side dishes. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll enjoy this restaurant as there are quite a few vegetarian and vegan options to choose from.

Just like the chef, the mixologists at the bar pay lots of attention to detail when it comes to their craft. Behind the black granite bar is Simone Caporale, an internationally renowned bartender, all the way from Italy.

Drinks include cocktails, mocktails, fine wines, and spirits. Enjoy these at the bar or on the terrace while soaking up the last bit of the afternoon sun.

As you’re sitting right next to the riverbank, why not eat some fish and seafood caught fresh from nearby waters.

Behind the black restaurant front you’ll find some of the best seafood curated and tweaked to get the most flavour out of each fish and shell. The interior is equally as dark and sophisticated, with industrial designs and modern paintings on the walls.

Dishes include cooked and raw oysters, shellfish platters, crab, lobster, and surf and turf options. Fish are freshly caught daily, and only seasonal ingredients are used. There are also small plates available for a light snack.

Dessert includes sweet treats like a decadent chocolate coffee cheesecake, apple and rhubarb crumble, and a selection of sorbets and ice creams.

They also have a brunch menu served from 09:00 on weekends. Wright Brothers keeps with the seafood and nautical theme through brunch. The menu consists of oysters, shellfish platters, and fish-incorporated breakfast dishes.

There is a selection of Bloody Marys to choose from if you love a boozy brunch. But, if you prefer an alcohol-free brunch, there is a big range of coffees, teas, mocktails, and juices to enjoy.

If you’re in a rush, start crossing off your Battersea park things to do list first. This park is in the heart of the neighbourhood and truly has some of the best things to see and do. It has something for everyone at every age and will keep you entertained for quite a while.

Another area to go to that will keep you busy for hours is the Battersea Power Station. This dilapidated and empty building has received a new breath in recent years.

While it is still in the works, what is already open seems promising. There are a few activities to keep you busy as well as many bars, pubs, and restaurants.

Whether you go to the big parks for entertainment or hop around the neighbourhood, one thing is for sure. London’s Battersea, while already trendy, is an up and coming area that you should definitely keep our eye on in the upcoming months and years.

But, that shouldn’t stop you from starting to visit it now.

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