It’s been a good few years since I was in Battersea. The last time was probably when on a Thames Path Walk. Work was in the early stages then. Lots of digging, water and mud. The Power Station was pretty much as it had been then, derelict with missing windows. The earliest photo I can find of it that I took was in 2013 from across the other side of the river (north bank). Here you can see the contrast between then and now.
So, why was I visiting now? Well, a couple of weeks ago the new Northern Line Tube Extension opened. Two new stations appeared on the map – Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station with a connection at Kennington. This extension has been planned for many years to coincide with the regeneration of Battersea, Now was the time to go visit and see what they’ve done.
Before I take you there, I would mention that there is talk of extending the new line to Clapham Junction (main rail station). This would be quicker for me, but even so, this was exciting.
As usual, I soon got lost, even on the underground as I signage was not great to find the right platform. The platform (4, I believe it was) is usually a terminus at Kennington, so I had to wait about ten minutes for the tube to arrive (it is hoped by the new year trains will be more frequent). Getting out at Battersea Power Station you encounter huge arrows on the pavement guiding you towards your destination. This means walking by hoardings around work which is still going on in a big way! However, the signage again is not great. I came to a roundabout and turned right as this led to the river. Except at the end it is blocked. I turned back and decided to chat-up the security guard patrolling the apartment block and ask for advice. He was very helpful and directed me to go back to the roundabout and keep going right. This, he said, would take me to the shops. He said there had been a festival here over the weekend.
Turning where advised I found some sign posting and kept going until I was on the other side of the Power Station. With the Power Station on my right and shops on my left I headed towards the river. The shops are a mix of cafes, restaurants, gyms and a big supermarket, but surprising (and rather nice in my view) this was not one of the main chain store supermarkets. Whether that meant it was more expensive, I don’t know as I didn’t venture inside. I guess if you can afford an apartment here, shopping is the least of your worries.
Work is still going on all around, though there are nice seating areas, water features, bars and a pier area (closed) with wooden huts on it. My intention had been to walk back along the Thames Path to Vauxhall, though I had my doubts this could be done, due to all the building work. I walked as far as I could and at the end was a turnstile for contractors/builders working on the sites.
I turned back and reviewed my options. There weren’t many. Either try and negotiate the building works to find the path again, or continue in the other direction towards Battersea Park and cross one of the bridges and walk back to Vauxhall that way. This is what I did. It was a good choice.
I found an information hut about Battersea Power Station which was interesting, and it had models (I do love a model!). After leaving the area, I crossed the busy road leading over Chelsea Bridge and walked into Battersea Park. I had brought a packed lunch, but fancied a nice hot cup of tea. Luckily, there are plenty of places in the park to get one (there are also lots of toilets). I sat by the river with my lunch.
Afterwards I explored the park a little and found the fountains pretty cool. There is a Zoo here too. It is a children’s zoo, but I’ve been round it as an adult (why let the kids have all the fun).
I then crossed Albert Bridge, a most spectacular bridge, to the north side of the Thames and began my walk back towards Vauxhall. This is one of my favourite parts of the Thames Path. In autumn it is most beautiful with its tree lined pavement. Although autumn is upon us, the trees have not yet turned enough, but I may go back again when that happens. This is also a famous place for Blue Plaques, as so many people have lived here. For me, the notable one is Gabrielle Dante Rossetti, a pre-Raphaelite artist, part of The Brotherhood, which included my hero William Morris. Rossetti lived at 16 Cheyne Walk.
I made a slow walk back towards Vauxhall enjoying the architecture and nipping through Pimlico Gardens and soon I was crossing over Vauxhall Bridge to go to the station, for a quicker way home.
It had been an interesting day. Battersea is growing. I only hope they don’t put too many high rise apartments in. Vauxhall has gone crazy with them. In a few years perhaps I will go back again and see the finished area. Maybe by then the Thames Path will be accessible back to Vauxhall without having to deviate around building works. London never sleeps. It is growing all the time.
My London+ 