Walk: Vauxhall to Battersea

Exploring the Thames Industrial Past:
Vauxhall to Battersea

We explore some of London's industrial past on the Thames, including the oldest remaining barges.

This is an area of development - modern residential buildings and tall office towers rise up, while floating houseboat communities struggle for survival and the Grade II listed Battersea Power Station remains neglected.

In contrast, we walk through Battersea Park, past the beautiful boating lake, the pretty Victorian bandstand and the unusual Peace Pogoda. We walk by the magnificent Albert Bridge, a Grade II listed road bridge that uses 4,000 light bulbs to light it at night!

Battersea Power Station

We begin at Vauxhall Station (a few minutes from Waterloo Station).

Brunswick House Café is in a beautiful 17th century house where we introduce ourselves over a coffee.

The walk, which follows the Thames Path heading west toward Battersea, passes:

Battersea Power Station - built in 1933 to provide London's electricity

Battersea Park - opened by Queen Victoria in 1858

Tideway Village - a floating community of houseboats (if path is open)
Albert Bridge - built in 1873. The only bridge in London to still have its tollbooths at either end (though not in use now!).
Lots Road Power Station
The Couper Collection - the oldest barges remaining on the Thames

Did you know?

Battersea Power Station is the
largest brick building in Europe

Go over the new vocabulary at the end

St. Mary's Church, Battersea

Relax in a quiet café or pub at the end to go over the new vocabulary with your teacher and guide. Ask any questions about the walk and language.

Battersea High Street is a short walk from Clapham Junction Station where you can get an overground train to London Waterloo, London Victoria, Croydon and many other destinations.