Clues to Battersea’s past remain strewn along the banks of the Thames. The neighbourhood evolved from farmland to waste land, and then into its current incarnation—an adult’s playground complete with awe-inspiring parks, converted industrial warehouses, pubs and restaurants, and its very own heliport. Battersea’s location on the river is attracting the affections of developers, too. Even Battersea’s iconic power station is slated for a facelift more fitted to the neighborhood’s increasingly discerning tastes.
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The community says:
On the Map
Battersea is within LB of Wandsworth and bordered by Wandsworth, Nine Elms, City of Westminster, RB of Kensington and Chelsea, LB of Hammersmith & Fulham, Parsons Green, and Upper Tooting
From Simply Shabby to Sophisticated Shabby-Chic
The neighbourhood that once began as farmland now boasts dozens of antique shops that commemorate bygone eras and never-out-of-style ephemera.
Small boutiques and galleries take root in newly-renovated, post-industrial spaces.
Organic Markets for Battersea's Discerning Tastes
Northcote Road is home to the neighbourhood's weekend farmer's market.
Temporary food tents may come and go on the weekends, but Battersea's burgeoning culinary kitchen and cafe scene is beginning to thrive.
From cheese to fish and fresh flowers, you'll find everything you need to fill your eco-friendly reusable bag.
Expansive Green Space Along the River Thames
Two hundred acres of lush park space skirt the River Thames.
Weekends come practically pre-planned in Battersea. Make a stop at the farmer's market and then head to the park. Care to run along the river and then run through the fountain?
Sure do.
Tennis courts and astroturf pitches make Battersea's park a favoured location for recreation.
And when you're wondering what's on the other side of the river you've been looking at for so long, wander over the Royal Albert Bridge.
You'll arrive in Chelsea.
Battersea's power station stands as a relic of its rougher past. Although decommissioned, many residents revere it as an iconic neighbourhood landmark.
Residential Charm Infuses an Industrial Riverside
Battersea's really softened up. You'll see.
Nocturnal Culture in Clapham Junction
Battersea's Clapham Junction Station is one of Europe's busiest train depots.
Over 2,500 trains connect Clapham Junction Station and Battersea to the rest of London and greater UK.
Photography
Airbnb works with local photographers to capture the spirit of neighbourhoods all around the world. The photography on this page includes work by:
Rebecca Duke
Rebecca Duke has been working as a photographer for the last decade, after attending Central St Martin’s in London. Her work focuses on people, interiors and travel and has been published in The Sunday Times, Elle Decor and Conde Nast Traveller. Rebecca travels frequently for her work but loved working in her hometown of London for this project. London’s friendliness about this work took this ‘true Londoner’ by surprise.