Art and Architecture of Battersea Nine Elms - Pay What You Can Guided Walk

Art and Architecture of Battersea Nine Elms - Pay What You Can Guided Walk

Explore the largest regeneration project in Europe with a local resident. See iconic buildings - US Embassy, Battersea Power Station & more.

By History Speak CIC

Select date and time

Location

Nine Elms Tube Station

Nine Elms Lane London SW8 5DF United Kingdom

About this event

About the walk:

Have you ever seen a pig fly? You would have in December 1976 near the Battersea Power Station! We cannot promise flying pigs but what you will see is iconic architecture, outdoor art and work in progress on the largest regeneration project in Europe. This is a place where the past meets the future. Building and un-building of pleasure gardens, railways, industries, embassies and shopping malls reflect the ever changing aspirations of this pocket of London. At the heart of this place are people who create, build, live and work here. Stories of these people will help us understand how spaces we share in common can be inclusive or exclusive, public or private, connected or disconnected.


What you will see:

We will meet near the Nine Elms Tube Station (Northern Line) and cross under the newly opened Arch 42 to walk around the US Embassy. From there, we will see the floating village of Nine Elms that has witnessed the city grow around it. Finally, a walk down 'Happy Street' to one of the icons of industrial Britain - Battersea Power Station.

Along the way, we will see sculptures and artworks in public spaces. The experience will transform our neighbourhood into a gallery. We end the walk 2km away and the closest tube station is Battersea Power Station (Northern Line.)


Meet Your Guide

Hi! My name is Manasi and I am the Creative Director of History Speak CIC. I draw on my background and expierence as a designer to engage with narratives of the built environment. I have been living in Nine Elms since 2017 and have seen the area develop around me.

In addition to giving you insights on public art and architecture, I draw on interactions with the local community to share untold stories and hidden gems.

Interested in booking a private group tour?

Our group prices start from £16 per person. Find out more and schedule your event here: https://calendly.com/historyspeak/private-walking-tours No payment needed to schedule the event.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 120 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is outside Nine Elms Tube Station - Northern Line. The walk ends at Battersea Power Station Tube - Northern Line.

Is this walk suitable for children?

All ages are welcome to join as we maintain a comfortable walking pace and keep to a maximum duration of 2 hours.

Is the tour accessible?

Yes! The route is step-free and wheelchair-friendly, though some areas may have uneven pavements. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, as spaces are limited.

Why is this tour free?

This is a pay-what-you-can tour to make it accessible to all. If you enjoy the experience, we encourage donations to support our work in bringing diverse histories to the public.

What happens if it rains?

The tour will go ahead in most weather conditions, so please dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. If severe weather is forecast, we will notify you of any cancellations or rescheduling options.

Will there be time for questions?

Absolutely! We encourage discussion and questions throughout the walk.

How do I support your work?

You can support us by leaving a Google review, spreading the word, or making a donation at the end of the tour.

Tags

Organised by

History Speak CIC

We uncover the hidden stories behind London’s landmarks. Our walking tours and workshops take you beyond dominant narratives, offering fresh perspectives on the city’s past. We highlight stories of empire, resistance, and the people who have often been left out of mainstream history.

Join us for a journey of discovery. Explore the legacies of the British Empire in Westminster, uncover the role of women who shaped our world, and look at how art and architecture reflect the city’s changing identity. Our tours are immersive, thought-provoking, and full of those “I never knew that!” moments.

As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest our profits into community projects and education, making history more inclusive and accessible. Come walk with us and see London in a whole new light!

Check out our website - www.historyspeak.co.uk for more information and enquire about a private group tour here: https://calendly.com/historyspeak/private-walking-tours

Free