10 Best Places to Visit in King’s Cross, London:
- Sip Bubbly at Europe’s Longest Champagne Bar
- Get an Underground Art Fix at The Crypt Gallery
- Visit Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station
- Spend The Night in a Prison Cell in a Victorian Courthouse
- Explore Buzzy Granary Square
- Spin Tunes on a Free-to-Play Retro Jukebox
- Visit Some of London’s Quirkiest Museums
- Stroll Along the Regent’s Canal
- Explore an Urban Nature Reserve
- Shop For Books at a Floating Bookshop
London’s King’s Cross neighborhood has undergone a complete reinvention over the last 10 years. Its canalside warehouses have been transformed into hip restaurants and bars, and some of the world’s leading tech companies occupy sleek new skyscrapers. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in the area.
1. Sip Bubbly at Europe’s Longest Champagne Bar
Address: St Pancras International Station, St. Pancras, London N1C 4QL, UK
Phone: +44 20 7870 9900
Heading to Paris by train from St Pancras Station? Indulge in a glass of something chilled at Searcys St Pancras. With a glorious view overlooking the Eurostar train tracks, this bar is perfect for people-watching, offering a wide assortment of champagne by the glass, including British sparkling wines. Enjoy the ambiance in leather banquettes complete with Art Deco lamps and ‘press for champagne’ buttons, along with blankets and heaters for a cozy experience during chilly moments.
2. Get an Underground Art Fix at The Crypt Gallery
Address: Euston Road, London NW1 2BA, UK
Phone: +44 20 7388 1461
The Crypt Gallery offers an alternative art fix, displaying artwork in a maze of underground corridors beneath St Pancras Church. This crypt was utilized for coffin burials between 1822 and 1854 before transforming into an art gallery in 2002, creating a unique backdrop for a year-round program of exhibitions.
3. Visit Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station
Address: Kings Cross Station, Euston Road, London N1 9AP, UK
While you can’t board the Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross Station, you can still visit Platform 9 3/4 for a memorable photo opportunity. Just outside the Harry Potter shop to the left of the main ticket office, a luggage trolley appears to be embedded in the brick wall, attracting a line of eager visitors. You can opt for a professional photo with themed props or snap your own pictures. The shop resembles Ollivander’s Wand Emporium and features an array of Hogwarts-themed merchandise.
4. Spend The Night in a Prison Cell in a Victorian Courthouse
Address: 78 King’s Cross Road, London WC1X 9QG, UK
Phone: +44 20 7183 9400
Located between King’s Cross and Clerkenwell, Clink78 is a unique hostel housed in a converted Victorian courthouse, offering distinctive accommodation in a former prison cell starting at just £65 per night. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy the vibrant hostel atmosphere yet appreciate the privacy of a private room, guests can unwind in the TV room that formerly served as a courtroom and relax with a drink at the ClashBar, named after a punk band historically tried in the court.
5. Explore Buzzy Granary Square
Address: Granary Square, London N1C, UK
Granary Square serves as a lively canalside hub near King’s Cross Station, featuring over 1,000 choreographed fountains that dance throughout the day and illuminate at night. The square is lined with trendy restaurants such as Caravan, known for its industrial-chic decor and delectable brunches, and Dishoom, an eatery serving tantalizing Indian street food. During summer, the steps leading to the canal become a cozy seating area for visitors, and a variety of events take place throughout the year.
6. Spin Tunes on a Free-to-Play Retro Jukebox
Address: St Pancras Station, Euston Road, London N1C 4QL, UK
Channel your inner DJ with the free-to-play retro jukebox at St Pancras Station, which features notable hits spanning the last 50 years. Nestled beneath the South Eastern Trains platforms, this jukebox installation follows the remarkable success of the station’s free-to-play pianos nearby, which have been played by several famous musicians.
7. Visit Some of London’s Quirkiest Museums
Address: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, UK
Phone: +44 20 7611 2222
For an eccentric cultural experience, visit one of London’s unconventional museums. The Wellcome Collection on Euston Road showcases artifacts, artwork, and medical instruments from Sir Henry Wellcome’s personal collection, revealing intriguing relationships between medicine and art. Quirky items on display include Napoleon’s toothbrush, Peruvian mummies, and ancient surgical devices.
Another unconventional venue is the House of Illustration located on Granary Square, celebrating illustration with a permanent exhibition of political cartoons, advertisements, and fashion designs. Engaging workshops and masterclasses offer opportunities for individuals to develop their drawing techniques.
Additionally, dive into the waterways’ history at the London Canal Museum located in a renovated Victorian warehouse. The museum offers regular guided tunnel trips, providing tours through Islington’s exquisite canal tunnel.
8. Stroll Along the Regent’s Canal
Address: Regent’s Canal, London, UK
Regent’s Canal stretches an impressive 8.6 miles, connecting Paddington Basin and Limehouse Basin, and winds through the heart of King’s Cross. You can enjoy a picturesque 30-minute walk along the canal to Camden, taking in colorful houseboats and luxurious waterfront apartments housed in converted historical buildings. Exploring further leads you to charming Little Venice or the trendy bars and restaurants of Dalston.
9. Explore an Urban Nature Reserve
Camley Street Natural Park is a tranquil oasis created from previously abandoned land between King’s Cross and Camden. Covering two acres, this urban reserve boasts diverse habitats including woodland, grassland, and wetlands, drawing in various wildlife such as kingfishers, moorhens, and reed warblers. The park features a visitor center, a floating viewing platform, and ample outdoor seating, making it an excellent spot for families to relax and connect with nature.
10. Shop For Books at a Floating Bookshop
Address: Regent’s Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW, UK
Phone: +44 7976 886982
Word on the Water, London’s only floating bookshop, offers an array of affordable books in a cozy atmosphere. This unique barge also hosts live music and poetry performances on its rooftop, providing a cultural hub for book lovers and the community. The floating oasis, saved from closure after a passionate campaign, is now permanently moored at Granary Square near King’s Cross Station.
