A Family Friendly London Rooftop Pool? Our Trip to art’otel Battersea

London isn’t exactly the first place you think of when it comes to rooftop pools. But when we were looking to go away for a mini break as a family with our 3 kids, aged 14, 13 and 8, we decided that we didn’t want to travel far from our South London home. So having seen that the weather was due to be okay, I booked us the ultimate London weekend stay, at the gorgeous art’otel Battersea. I knew that the kids would be besides themselves with the rooftop pool! Having seen the stunning views that the pool provided on social media, and the excellent location and facilities that the hotel had, I was pretty sure that we would have a fantastic time. This really was the family-friendly rooftop swimming experience with a view that made us pinch ourselves, and I thought I’d share our experience and some photos in this blog.

If you’re curious about what the hotel and pool are like, if you have to book a stay or if you can buy a London rooftop pool day pass, and if it’s a great rooftop pool to take the kids, then read on!

First Impressions

Arriving at Battersea these days is a whole experience in itself. The redeveloped power station and the surrounding riverside area have turned into a destination, full of shops, restaurants, and quirky finds, and it’s somewhere that we’ve enjoyed several times as a family.

The art’otel Battersea itself fits right in: sleek, colourful, and artistic without feeling pretentious. You get that immediate sense that design matters here, but it’s not intimidating. It’s definitely a cool city break, but still felt family-friendly (there were plenty of other families here).

Once we had checked into our rooms (beautiful and huge, as shown in my snaps below), we headed up to the pool. Once the doors open and you step out onto the rooftop, the London skyline and those famous Power Station chimneys hit you full on – it’s definitely a ‘wow’ moment, and one that makes for a very special swim. 

The Rooftop Pool: Family Friendly or Just Fancy?

Here’s what everyone wants to know: what’s the Battersea rooftop pool with kids situation actually like?!

The pool itself is long, rectangular and chic, and is the kind of pool that looks like it belongs in a glossy travel magazine. Whilst it’s not huge it’s absolutely big enough for families to enjoy. The fact it’s an infinity pool gives it extra ‘wow’ factor (yes, there is a lot of this here!). There is also a much warmer ‘hot tub’ to enjoy, which was nice to dip in and out of, as whilst the weather was a warmish day, it wasn’t blazing hot, so did get a little chilly after a while. Fluffy pool towels and robes were provided, and the loungers were clean and comfy (no plastic ones in sight!).

A few practical details:

• Temperature: Warm enough that even our youngest was happy to stay in for ages.

• Depth: It’s not super deep, which makes it more manageable with kids who are still gaining confidence in the water.

• Vibe: Relaxed. Yes, there were couples lounging with cocktails, but there were also other families  with some really tiny kids, which made me breathe a sigh of relief that we weren’t ruining the chilled vibe! It was actually surprisingly quiet for a Saturday afternoon.

• Timings: The pool is open for families with kids until 7pm.

Can you Book a Day Pass?

Unfortunately if you’re looking for a London rooftop pool day pass, you can’t directly purchase one for the art’otel Battersea rooftop pool as it’s generally exclusive to hotel guests and for private events. However, you can access the pool the following ways, even if you haven’t booked an actual stay:

Attend an Aqua Aerobics Session

You can sign up for one of the hotel’s aqua aerobics sessions, typically held on Monday mornings, which provide access to the heated rooftop pool and include a hot drink and pastry afterwards.

Become a Wonderpass Member:

The Wonderpass is a pass for accessing the art’otel facilities, including the pool. Check the official art’otel London Battersea Power Station website for details on how to sign up and what it includes.

Book a Private Event:

The rooftop pool area is available for private hire for events, such as parties and launches.

Food & Drinks by the Rooftop Pool

One of my big tests of family friendliness is: can we feed and water the kids easily?! The pool terrace at art’otel definitely passed the test, although, as expected, it isn’t cheap.

We ordered a few drinks (couple of cokes and a mocktail virgin mojito) and the bill was knocking on £25 – come prepared! There is a stunning bar and seating area by the rooftop pool, where you can order light bites and other food and cocktails. Whilst we didn’t eat, the food choice was decent, and the drinks menu was large. We had drinks delivered to us whilst in the pool, and the service was great, which was a nice touch.

Verdict

The million-pound question: is a Battersea rooftop pool visit worth it with kids?

For us, absolutely. It felt like a treat, something different, and very magical. I was constantly in awe of the fact that we were swimming ‘among the chimneys’! Watching the children swim against this backdrop of Battersea’s chimneys and the London skyline is a certainly one for the memory bank.

It’s not the cheapest family day out or stay whatsoever, but it’s one of those experiences that feels like proper quality time, and was a mini-holiday without even leaving London.

So if you’re looking for a London rooftop swimming pool with kids that also gives you a taste of city luxury, then the art’otel Battersea pool is a winner. It’s stylish without being pretentious, welcoming to families, and offers a unique London experience you won’t find anywhere else!

Tips for Visiting with Kids

A few things we learned that might help if you’re planning your own visit:

1. Book your stay ahead, and check for events: The pool is popular, and also there are sometimes events held that mean that you might not be able to book the pool. Phone ahead to check, before you fork out on a stay where you can’t use it for half the time!

2. Bring swim essentials: Towels are provided, but goggles, armbands, and favourite inflatables are a must if your kids use them.

3. Timing: Mornings and early afternoons seemed quieter for families. Later in the day, it leans more towards adults relaxing with drinks, although we must have been lucky as it still wasn’t that busy.

4. Pack extras: Sunscreen for the terrace in summer, and maybe a change of clothes if you’re exploring Battersea afterwards.

5. Set expectations: This isn’t a splash park, it’s a stylish rooftop pool. Great for swimming, floating and soaking in the views, less about bombing and being a pain in the bum!

FAQs About Visiting art’otel Battersea Rooftop Pool with Kids

Can you take children to the Battersea rooftop pool?
Yes! Children are welcome. Just keep in mind that it’s a stylish hotel pool, so supervising and keeping the vibe relaxed is appreciated.

Do you need to stay at the hotel to use the pool?
No, but you can’t book a rooftop pool day pass. You’ll need to be a member, signed up to an Aqua Class, or attending an event. 

Is it safe for young children?
Yes, the pool has a shallower end, is heated, but there are no lifeguards, so you must supervise your kids at all times. Bring armbands or flotation aids if your little ones need them.

What’s the food like?
Casual and tasty, think sharing plates, flatbreads, and snacks. Perfect for families chilling around the pool!

What’s nearby if we make a day of it?
Battersea Power Station itself has LOADS of family-friendly activities – shops, restaurants, riverside walks, and even Lift 109 for epic views. We ate at a nearby tapas restaurant on the evening of our stay.

Read some more of my London Adventures here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.