London day help

[mumonthehill]

Looking for some planning help! Going to London for the day, some coming in on the Elizabeth line and some into kings cross. We have lunch booked for 1 at Battersea power station. I was thinking of getting the Uber boat from Embankment is this the best choice? We would quite like to use the boat. Also is there anywhere to meet for a coffee first thing before we head to Battersea or is it just worth heading there. Never been to the power station so not sure. I lived in London but things change! Thanks

There’s tons at Battersea power station and you can get coffee on the river boat itself. Which is a great way to travel, just quite expensive

The river boat is not expensive, its cost of Oyster card trip. The cafe may be expensive. I actually brought my free Waitrose tea on board and it was fine.

It’s like £11 for a single vs. about £3 on the tube and you also pay half price for kids which are free on tube/buses. So yeah I’d call expensive. Although it’s very pleasant especially if it’s sunny.

It’s less than that. Depends if you book in advance too

You can get the Uber boat from Battersea Pier which is right by the Powerstation. I’d recommend taking it to Greenwich giving you the options of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Park (great views of London), market and pubs.

There are a few options in Battersea power station from Grind to Arabica.

There are also cafes in Battersea Park.

344 and 87 buses take you into central London from Battersea power station.

I’m not making it up… It cost us over £30 for a family of 4 to make that exact journey as a one way last week!! £10-something per adult and half price for kids. I actually looked it up because I was shocked at the price of it (comparable to a black cab) and yes we could have saved a teeny tiny bit booking online in advance rather than using contactless/kids oyster but the same journey would have been £3 per adult and free for the kids on the tube so will not be doing that again anytime soon. It was nice though! And the cafe on board was good. If you’re in London for a short time and it’s a touristy treat then do it OP. And then take your time exploring the power stations. The shops are good, the river walk is nice, plenty of coffee spots, can always walk to battersea park. You won’t struggle to pass the time.

Thanks all! Much debate on the boat but it is a birthday treat so maybe this once. Also good to know there is so much to do at Battersea might be worth going straight there and also thanks for the bus info, very helpful!