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The iconic global landmark, Battersea Power Station, is a must-visit destination for GCC visitors to London this summer. Image credit: Charlie Round-Turner
As global travel resumes and direct flights continue from the UAE and wider GCC region to the UK, London is reclaiming its crown as the ultimate summer destination. Statistics from VisitBritain show that the UK was the most visited destination in Western Europe amongst GCC tourists in 2025, with over 466 flight departures every week connecting the two regions.
For those visiting London this summer, Battersea Power Station has established itself as a must-visit destination, offering a seamless blend of curated retail and leisure experiences, culture and family entertainment, inviting visitors to discover a destination that is far away, yet wonderfully familiar.
Culture: History Brought to Life
A hub of culture in London, Battersea Power Station is an iconic Grade II* listed landmark which once generated one-fifth of London’s power, supplying electricity to renowned addresses including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The historic building, with its four iconic chimneys that soar above the UK capital, has been masterfully restored and forms the centrepiece of this new riverside neighbourhood, which offers over 170 shops, restaurants, cafes and leisure experiences, both inside and around the Power Station.
This summer, Battersea Power Station is also the proud host of the monumental Ramses & the Pharaohs’ Gold: The Exhibition at NEON. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition features over 180 authentic Egyptian masterpieces, from colossal statues to intricately carved royal coffins, officially endorsed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Visitors can also ascend 109 meters to the top of the northwest chimney at The Chimney Lift experience, enjoying unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the London skyline and a perfect backdrop for unforgettable summer memories.
During the Eid Al Adha public holidays (25th – 29th May) and private holidays (26th – 29th May), Battersea Power Station is hosting two exciting interactive art experiences – A Line Florist by Anna Bruder and Luxart by Architects of Air, providing a fun cultural fix for families. A Line Florist offers families the chance to personalise hand-drawn flowers within a fun florist-inspired exhibition, whilst Luxart is a bespoke inflatable installation creating a breathtaking world of light and colour.
Ramses & The Pharoahs’ Gold: The Exhibition (left – image credit: NEON_World Heritage Exhibitions) and the interior of the Art Deco Turbine Hall A inside the Power Station (right – image credit: Charlie Round-Turner)
A Wellness & Retail Reset
For those seeking rejuvenation during their travels, Battersea Power Station offers the ultimate wellness reset. The riverside destination provides a tranquil escape from the rest of central London, where GCC visitors can enjoy:
- Riverside Dining & Thames Walks: Stroll along the scenic riverfront Power Station Park before enjoying brunch or sunset cocktails at one of the many terraces overlooking the River Thames, including Wright Brothers, Fiume, Brindisa Tapas and Megan’s. Other foodie highlights include the UK’s first tashas, and the 24,000 sq ft Arcade Food Hall inside the Power Station offering 13 different international cuisines.
- Premium Fitness & Beauty: Re-energize at the state-of-the-art Heartcore pilates studio, enjoy a game of padel tennis at Rocket Padel, or indulge in pampering at So. Shell nail and brow bar.
- Unrivalled Retail Therapy: Shop across 170+ world-class brands including GCC favourites such as Alo Yoga, ZARA, Apple, Diptyque, Rolex, Jo Malone London, and many more.
Unforgettable Family Moments
Battersea Power Station prides itself on being an inclusive, welcoming destination for GCC visitors of every age and taste. The neighbourhood is designed with families in mind, with low traffic, large open spaces including the six acre Power Station Park, ensuring that children are just as entertained as adults.
Family-friendly highlights include:
Hands-on play at the LEGO® store
Immersive fun with the world’s first-ever permanent Peppa Pig store, Macaroni Penguin soft play and drop-off weekend creche services at MEplace Nursery The charming Land Train that tours around the landmark and the Prospect Park playground. Diverse family dining options featuring familiar names and halal-friendly choices, including the beloved Dishoom, Roti King and Cinnamon Kitchen. Beau Limbrick-Cassidy, Director of Communications at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said:
“London remains one of the most exciting cities to visit in the world, and we look forward to welcoming many tourists from the GCC over the summer. Over the past few years, we’ve seen how popular Battersea Power Station has been with Middle Eastern visitors who are seeking a curated experience which features the very best of British heritage and international culture. Whether it’s marveling at Ancient Egyptian artefacts at NEON’s exciting new exhibition, shopping the latest summer collections, or enjoying a delicious meal by the river, Battersea Power Station is the definitive London destination for 2026.”
Travelling to Battersea Power Station could not be easier with the Zone 1 Battersea Power Station Underground station bringing the riverside neighbourhood within 15 minutes of the West End and the City. Battersea Power Station also has its very own Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier and is a 15-minute journey from Embankment, 20 minutes from Blackfriars, 30 minutes from Putney and 40 minutes from Canary Wharf. The riverside neighbourhood is easily accessible by taxi, bike, car and train too.
For more information about Battersea Power Station, please visit www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk and follow @BatterseaPwrStn to keep up to date with the latest news and events.