Looking for the best things to do in King’s Cross? With bookshops, breweries, galleries, and gigs there’s something for everyone in this North London neighbourhood. Here’s the best things to do in the area, from a Londoner!
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Most famous for its connection to the magical world of Harry Potter, King’s Cross has a lot more to offer.
The neighbourhood is full of exciting ventures, being home to a plethora of iconic museums, and music venues. Along with tons of yummy King’s Cross food options ranging from local businesses to trusted chains and new places waiting to be discovered.
Without further ado, here’s the best things to do while visiting Kings Cross, from a local.
The Best Things to do in King’s Cross, London
1. Visit St. Pancras International Station
Euston Rd, London N1C 4QP
Opened in 1868, the station is built in a Victorian Gothic architecture style and holds a lot of history. Even if you aren’t taking a train somewhere, you can still marvel at the beautiful architecture and explore the inside of the station.
Spend an afternoon just looking around and visiting the famous artwork within the station, from the Dent Clock & Meeting Place Statue, to the Statue of John Betejemen, a famous British Poet, or even play a piano gifted by Elton John.
And of course, there’s tons of places to eat and drink. But my favourite is indulging in a glass of bubbly at the Searcys’ Champagne bar, the longest champagne bar in Europe!
2. Find Some Magic by Visiting Platform 9 3/4
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾, Kings Cross Station, London N1 9AP
Right inside Kings Cross Station, you can find the magical platform that young witches & wizards use every year to make their way to Hogwarts! However, there are a few muggle activities as well. You can have a professional picture taken with the famous luggage trolley, and even dress up wearing your house colors.
Only a minute’s walk away you can purchase your photos at The Harry Potter Shop, designed to look like Ollivanders Wand Emporium.
From the first step inside you will be bewitched by all the options from trying Butterbeer to being fitted for your house robes and getting matched with a wand (basically a dream destination for any Harry Potter fan).
Read More: The Best Harry Potter Tours in London
3. Pick Up a New Book at Word on the Water
Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, London N1C 4LW, UK
Being a 100-year-old Dutch barge, Word on the Water is a must-stop for any book or boat lover alike.
Sitting right on Regents Canal Towpath, it’s a sight to see, with books covering every inch.
Offering everything from the classics, to contemporary fiction there is something for everyone & they even have a children’s section too.
The shop also holds live music events as well as book reading, and poetry right on their rooftop stage.
Open daily from 11am – 7pm, anyone and everyone are welcome.
4. Wander & Read at The British Library
96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
Did you know The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom?
It’s open to the public with loads of exhibition galleries to explore inside.
It’s also the largest library in Europe, and houses over 170 million items from prints, to patents, maps to manuscripts, sound recordings, drawings, papers, and books. Each is full of rich history just waiting to be shared.
To gain access to more of the books, you can apply for a free ‘readers pass’ beforehand, which allows you to pre-order rare items, that can’t be taken out on loan while in the library. If you’re an avid bookworm or history enthusiast this pass might be the right option for you!
5. Shop at Coal Drops Yard
Stable St, London N1C 4DQ, United Kingdom
Redeveloped from the historical Coal Drops, this shopping center continues to bring together new and old, and not just with its history. The more than 50 established shops range from small business brands, to household names.
Some favourites are Beyond Retro, a vintage store known for its collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, and Boutique by Shelter, a charity shop donating money towards Shelter and their mission.
You can also find your new houseplant or pot at Botanical Boys or a new record to play from Honest Jon’s.
During the warmer months, there’s open-air art shows and fantastic Spanish tapas to be enjoyed in their outdoor seating. Perfect for a day out in North London.
6. Visit King’s Cross’ Best Parks
Gasholder Park – London N1C 4AB
Camely Street Natural Park – 12 Camley St, London N1C 4PW
Whether you’re looking to take a break from a full day of touring, or just want to enjoy a new one, you must visit the parks in King’s Cross.
Gasholder Park – stays true to its name, once being a Victorian Gas Holder with tons of spaces to relax alongside ample green space and gorgeous views of the canal.
Camley Street Natural Park – also a great choice! Open from 10-4 every day, this nature reserve will allow you to escape the city feel and enter an oasis of greenery home to birds, butterflies, and even frogs!
7. Take a Boat Ride Down Regent’s Canal
Multiple Locations
This is a perfect warm weather activity! Whether you’re looking to add it to your solo day itinerary, or hoping to go with a group, this is a must.
There are a few locations to choose from as the starting point, and each will embark on a different route with remarkable views of London. Or you can just use it as a fun way to get from one part of London to another.
The boat tours are only available, in Spring, Summer, and early Fall, so make sure to double-check before booking! Tickets start at £8.
8. Dine and Drink at the Best Restaurants and Bars in King’s Cross
Multiple Locations
You must stop for food while out in King’s Cross, there’s too many tasty places not to! Here’s a few to get you started:
Dishoom: fantastic Indian street food
German Gymnasium: a redeveloped gym, with delicious German cuisine
Ruby Violet King’s Cross: looking for something sweet? This ice cream parlor serves up luscious handmade ice cream & sorbets
Beer + Burger King’s Cross: choose from four incredible “American Style” burgers & pair it with the perfect beer, choosing from the 20 they have on tap or one of the hundreds they have chilled!
Happy Face Pizza King’s Cross: classic pizza made right in front of you in an open-concept kitchen, that’s sure to put a smile on your face!
Drake & Morgan Caravan: a trendy restaurant is serving up delicious modern dishes!
King’s Cross Bars & Drinks Spots:
Simmons Bar King’s Cross: two for £10 cocktails anyone? They even have a dance floor!
Little Creature Brewery London: you won’t go wrong by stopping here & trying one of their very own craft beers
The Scottish Stores: This casual pub has both beer and wine on tap…that’s a yes please!
The Rooftop at The Standard Hotel: A great stop for those warmer summer nights when you’re looking to end the evening with a glass of King’s Cross wine and great views
Spiritland: cafe by day & bar by night, they’ll quench your cravings at any point of your day in King’s Cross
9. Eat Your Way Through Canopy Market
West Handyside Canopy, 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Only open on the weekends, Friday – Sunday, this market tends to get busy quickly so if you go, plan to get there early.
There are stalls of all sorts, from street food to beer and wine and even arts & crafts.
Canopy Market is a perfect place to go if you’re looking to support small and independent businesses in King’s Cross & the traders also rotate each weekend, so something new to find each time!
10. Enjoy a Meal From The Real Food Market King’s Cross
Kings Cross Square, in front of the station, Euston Rd, London N1C 9AL
Last, but certainly not least, if you find yourself in King’s Cross during the week (from Tuesday to Friday) you have to stop at The Real Food Market.
It takes place right outside the station and you can find anything you’re craving from breads and cheese to fruits and veg, and even delectable artisan desserts.
P.S. – They also have annual food festivals, regular markets and pop-ups!
11. Stroll Through The Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
If you like science, and you like art, the gallery at the Wellcome Collection brings the two together perfectly — not just through current displays, but with interactive workshops and events.
With the mission of exploring health and the human experience, they strive to help people understand science’s connection to life.
A King’s Cross day trip here will not only be filled with some beautiful artwork but will also open your mind to the way the world is changing around us.
It’s also a great resource if you’re doing research as they have a full curated collection of artifacts, as well as a library, and research support.
12. Take a Cooking Class at the Waitrose Cookery School
Granary Square, London N1C 4BZ
Are you wanting to learn how to cook? Do you want to sharpen up your kitchen skills? Well you can!
Just a ten-minute walk away from the tube station is the Waitrose Cookery School.
They offer a variety of class options both savory and sweet. The classes are fairly small, with 20 people total and everyone working in pairs. So whether it’s a date or a solo trip, you can get your chef on!
13. Catch Some Live Music At Kings Place
90 York Way, London N1 9AG
This King’s Cross multi-arts venue holds an assortment of performances from classical orchestra, jazz concerts and even folk music — alongside art in the form of contemporary sound baths, family events, talks, lectures, and comedy shows. Basically, Kings Place does it all.
Tickets are available to pre-purchase and there are even a dedicated amount of “under 30” tickets starting at just 8.50 for select shows.
Not even a minute away is the Rotunda Bar and Restaurant where you can grab a bite before or after the event.
14. View Historic Art at Queer Britain
2 Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4BH
You have to check out the first physical space of Queer Britain while you’re in King’s Cross.
Opening in January of 2022, this is the first-ever museum in the UK dedicated solely to the LGBTQ+ community.
The museum is home to the award-winning exhibition We Are Queer which was curated in recognition of the 50th anniversary since the UK’s first pride march!
Free entry is always guaranteed to the general exhibition, with frequent ticketed events ranging from panel discussions to photography workshops from artists.
15. Enjoy a Drink at Two Tribes Campfire
Tileyard Rd, London N7 9AH
For a unique thing to do in King’s Cross, Two Tribes is calling your name.
This King’s Cross brewery & taproom has a positive mission, working to unite like-minded creatives and share a love for the moment.
The bar is centered around an open-fire pit where the chef cooks and serves as the visiting DJ or band plays.
So, if you’re looking to relax with a fabulous brew, or wanting some stimulating conversation, head to Two Tribes!
16. See Some Art at Central St. Martins
Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA
As part of UAL (University of the Arts London), this gallery is always changing with something new on display.
The Lethaby Gallery offers free entry and in June of each year, they host their annual end-of-the-year show, featuring spectacular student work from the graduating class.
This is a great King’s Cross gallery to visit if you’re a student yourself, or simply a fan of fashion, art, or performance!
17. Take a Walk Through King’s Cross Tunnel
King’s Boulevard, Kings Cross, London N1C
Designed by Allies & Morrison Architects, Speirs + Major, in collaboration with the light artists from The Light Lab, this is no ordinary tunnel.
The walls of the 90-meter journey through King’s Cross are embellished with an LED installation lighting up the walk.
The color display varies in shades from black and white to neons, but more often than not it will be set to pretty pastels.
Open daily from 7am-8pm, the tunnel begins at One St. Pancras Square, and ends at the Kings Cross Underground Station.
Fun Fact: It’s also been used as a catwalk for London Fashion Week!
18. View a Show at UCL’s Bloomsbury Theatre & Studio
15 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH
Owned by UCL (University College London), the Bloomsbury Theatre and Studio puts on everything from student shows, to fundraisers and even hosts outside theater companies.
With most tickets being under £20, you can watch amazing performances that will make you break a smile, but not your wallet!
19. Get Inspired at the Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
With the goal of inspiring people through the power of art, the Foundling Museum is dedicated to sharing the story of the first children’s charity in the UK.
The quaint exterior invites you in and once inside, you’ll find more than just great galleries.
If you head over on a Thursday they might just be hosting a concert that features young musical artists who are studying at a UK conservatory or orchestra — so make sure you time it right!
P.S. – Ticket prices start at £7.50
20. Join a Housmans Bookshop Book Club
5 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DX
You can’t miss the bright yellow sign with green lettering when wandering through Kings Cross!
Being the longest-running radical bookshop in the UK, Housmans has curated an incredible collection of items.
The shelves are filled with radical newsletters, newspapers, pamphlets, and magazines. Oh, and of course — books!
The shop also has a handful of different book clubs you can join like the Feminist Sci-Fi book club, with meetings both in person and online. Check out their website for more dates, times, and information on how to join!
21. Spend the Afternoon at Francis Crick Institute
1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT
This independent charity was originally established in the UK to be a flagship for biomedicine discovery research.
The Francis Crick Institute now is home to over 100 research teams all looking to understand and advance science.
A science lover’s dream, the institute offers seminars, symposiums, and exhibitions that give a peek into what research is being done at the Crick.
They also hold live movie showings that are paired with free popcorn & the odd scientist popping about.
22. Spend an Evening at Goods Way
11 Goods Way, Kings Cross, London N1C 4DP
Looking for fun things to do in King’s Cross? Head to the Goods Way.
With live music often, the Lafayette holds up to 600 people and you can enjoy a show often for under £20.
You can choose from three delectable cuisines at the Courtyard food hall, or cozy up with a drink at Sweetwater (their in-house bar) before or after the show!
23. Walk Around Gasgosian Britannia Street Gallery
6–24 Britannia Street, London WC1X 9JD
This contemporary art gallery first opened in 1980 in Los Angeles but lucky for us, they decided to make a home in King’s Cross too.
The walls are decorated with stunning modern art including the odd feature from the likes of Picasso, Warhol, and Damien Hirst.
There is also a continuous rotation of exhibitions, so with each visit you’re guaranteed to see something different and new.
The Gasgosian Britannia Street Gallery’s online shop is also very impressive, selling items like books, posters, jewelry, cameras and so much more.
24. See Your Favourite Artist Perform at Scala
275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9NL
Originally a cinema, turned Primatarium, Scala’s gorgeous multi-arts venue is now home to a multitude of events from club nights to live music.
Everyone from Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Ray, Bastille, and even the Foo Fighters have performed here! So you’re in great company.
There are three floors, three bars, and one main stage, allowing up to 1,000 people to enjoy the event of the evening.
P.S.– Tickets are often under £100 too!
25. Take a Harry Potter Tour
Multiple Locations
Visiting Platform 9 ¾ wasn’t enough? Have no fear, Hagrid is here! Just kidding, but Harry Potter tours are!
From finding filming locations to trivia tours, these magical trips around the city will have you wishing to visit the wizarding world. Here’s the best Harry Potter Tours in London to check out.
Check Out Popular Harry Potter Tours In and Around King’s Cross:
26. Cool Off at the Granary Square Fountains
Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BH
One of the best known attractions in Kings Cross are the Granary Square Fountains.
Officially opened in 2012 this installation was designed by The Fountain Workshop, made up of 1,080 jets that move together in synchronized patterns, each becoming illuminated with beautiful colors at night.
P.S. – This is a great spot in King’s Cross if you’re looking for a quick cool down on one of London’s hot summer days!
27. Go See IFO at Battle Bridge Place
Battle Bridge Place, Kings Cross, London N1C 4TB
This masterpiece by Jacques Rival (known as the “birdcage”) is an open air art installation that changes throughout the day.
You can walk through, in and around it as well as take a turn on the swing on the swing inside.
In the evening it lights up and becomes suspended in the air!
P.S. – Make sure you visit when it’s all lit up for the full experience!
28. Relax in Lewis Cubitt Square
11 Stable St, London N1C 4DR
Designed by Laure Ollin (the same designer as New York City’s Bryant Park), Lewis Cubitt Square is a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to sit and take a breather from exploring in King’s Cross.
In the summer months it has a 55 jet fountain that lights up in the evening designed by The Fountain Workshop.
It’s also in great location to some of the previously mentioned nearby restaurants, markets and event spaces and will sometimes hold markets of its own!
29. Explore History at the Charles Dickens Museum
48-49 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX
The Charles Dickens Museum was once the famed author’s family home from 1837-1839, where Dickens wrote the classic books of The Pickwick Papers, Nicholas Nickelby and Oliver Twist.
You can spend an afternoon exploring the Victorian Home on your own, or take a guided tour.
If you’re looking for something more interactive, they also offer writing workshops, and even Dickens-inspired magic shows!
30. Visit St. Pancras Old Church
Pancras Rd, London NW1 1UL
St.Pancras Old Church is no typical King’s Cross spot, offering both church services and concerts!
Outside the church, you can also find the “Hardy Tree” — a mysterious churchyard named after Thomas Hardy who oversaw the process of excavating 10,000 graves.
Fun Fact: If you’re a Beatles fan, this is also the location of their ‘Mad Day Out’ photoshoot.
31. Look Around the London Canal Museum
12/13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT
The Canal Museum has exhibitions with masses of information regarding the Canals in England.
From paintings to decorative pottery, London’s Living Waterways and so much more — this is the place to stop if you’re interested in anything canal related.
Tickets are affordable too, starting at only £6.
P.S. – The museum suggests a walk from Camden Town to the museum before visiting for the full experience!
32. Go on a Solo Date at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR
For something extra special to do in King’s Cross, take yourself on a date to the luxurious St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
If you’re not quite ready for a staycation, don’t worry. You can still wine and dine at one of their four restaurants or bars. You can also spend an afternoon pampering yourself in their spa, and even enjoy afternoon tea!
If you’re just popping in, admire the famous decor and architecture, or take a picture on the famous entryway staircase inside (where the Spice Girls shot their Wannabe video!).
P.S. – If you’re there on a weekend, see if you can stay for their live Strings and Melodies show from 1-4pm.
33. Spend Time Outside at Calthorpe Community Garden
258-274 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LH
Only a 10-minute walk from the Underground station, the Calthorpe Community Garden has different activities for all ages in King’s Cross.
Focused around gardening, the public is welcome to take workshops where you learn about healthy living and the importance of nature — North London style.
34. Go For a Walk Through the Neighbourhood
Multiple Locations
Like much of London, there are tons of sights to be found in King’s Cross, and walking is the best way to find them.
Whether you’re looking for a park to stroll through or a way to see the sights, the King’s Cross area has already created a few amazing walking tour routes for you.
Read More: Regent’s Canal to Coal Drops Yard: London Walk Series (Episode #1)
King’s Cross to Waterloo Station – On this route you can see the neighborhood Bloomsbury, the British Museum, Covent Garden, and the Royal Opera House.
King’s Cross to Liverpool Street Station – On this route you can see Exmouth Market, St John’s Gate, and the Barbican.
Swiss Cottage to King’s Cross – On this route you can see Regent’s Canal, the ZSL London Zoo, and Camley Street Natural Park.
P.S. – For a full list make sure to check out the King’s Cross walking tour page!
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CHECK OUT MORE KINGS CROSS & LONDON GUIDES:
Happy Londoning,
