Review of 'Glide at Battersea Power Station (2023)'

https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/

Following a successful first year in 2022, the “Glide at Battersea Power Station” skating rink returns for another season in front of the iconic power station on the south bank of the Thames.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door, but are quite expensive with peak tickets priced at £18/adult though all prices include skate rental. Tickets are for a 50 minute slot with all slots starting at the top of the hour.

Entering the site on the Thames side of the power station you are first asked if you want your picture taken (to be purchased after your visit) before your ticket is scanned at the entrance to the building that houses the skates.

As normal, you take off your shoes, let them know your size and they exchange your shoes for skates, hopefully, of the relevant size. Note that there is a “cloak room” here where you can leave bigger items of luggage that may impair your skating…

The rink itself is quite large, roughly rectangular with a tree in the middle. There is also a “selfie” booth on the river side where you can have your picture taken with an automated camera (again, purchase at the exit). The ice is quite hard and refrigerated. Sessions can be quite crowded with a LARGE number of people let onto the ice at one time. Note that “penguin” skating aids are available for children if required.

At the end of your slot and exchanging your skates for your shoes the picture sales booth is alongside the river. Before this there is a great picture opportunity of a large “Glide” logo in front of the skating rink with the imposing twin smokestacks of the power station behind. On the far side of the ice rink is a glass paned pavilion containing a bar area where you can warm up.

The experience is about the same price as most other seasonal rink in the city but the ice and rink itself is one of the best. As with most London skating it can get very crowded so if you are not happy with that book a late night or other off-peak slot to visit. The location is quite amazing, looks spectacular and has lots of places to eat and visit.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2023-12-28

Location: London (England)

Address: Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD ENGLAND

Public Transport: Battersea Power Station

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8176 6500

URL: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/

This repurposed power station is now home to a large number of shops and restaurants as well as a number of residential tower blocks. It is accessed via a purpose built station on a new extension to the Northern Line Underground line.