London area of Battersea guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Battersea neighbourhood

The area spreading out from Clapham Junction, which proclaims itself as Britain's busiest railway station, is mainly home to a complementary mix of trendy young professionals and well-to-do families. The transition from one to the other (but not back again!) is a smooth one in the area between-the-commons (Wandsworth and Clapham) known as "nappy valley", where yummy mummies do brunch with their Bugaboos (a "travel system" for babies) along the lovely, bustling Northcote Road with its posh market and pretty cafes. In the early evening, the bars and restaurants take over to cater for the young-trendies and this pocket including Battersea Rise, St John's Road and Lavender Hill prepares to party in style. Going north towards the Thames from Clapham Junction, is a bit less gentrified than the other side of the track but you'll still find lots of good pubs and restaurants along Battersea Park Road as well as the excellent Battersea Park and Children's Zoo and the iconic, disused edifice of Battersea Power Station. This is almost exclusively a residential area and not a hub for hotels, but it's definitely worth a day trip.

See our recommended nearby Battersea Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, and Meeting Venues.