My favourite ten things to do in Kings Cross showcase the best of this regenerated London area. Take advantage of the eclectic mix of shops and eateries at Coal Drops Yard, frolic in Granary Square’s fountains or relax at Lewis Cubitt Square. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the high-tech experiences at the Lightroom, while book lovers will appreciate the British Library. Meanwhile, others will find solace at Camley Street Natural Park or a stroll along Regents Canal. With an array of shops, restaurants, arts, culture and nature, Kings Cross has something for every visitor. (I initially wrote the original post in September 2016 and have updated it to include new content).
Ten Things to Do in Kings Cross List:
1. Shop and dine at Coal Drops Yard
2. Frolic in the fountains at Granary Square
3. Immerse yourself in digital art at the Lightroom
4. Hang out at Lewis Cubitt Square and Park
5. Go wild at Camley Street Natural Park
6. Saunter along Regents Canal
7. Learn about waterways at the London Canal Museum
8. Read a book at the British Library
9. Explore the train station treasures
10. Swing in a giant birdcage
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Kings Cross
1. Shop and dine at Coal Drops Yard. You’ll enjoy the fabulous fashion boutiques, luxury interior stores and memorable restaurants set inside refurbished railway arches in the atmospheric and traffic-free Kings Cross location. Try Spanish cooking over fire at Parrillan, tapas at Barrafina, tacos at Casa Pastor, modern European at Hicce, brunch at Morty & Bob’s and long doughnuts at Longboys. Shop at Tom Dixon, Paul Smith, Wolf & Badger and other stylish stores.
2. Frolic in the fountains at Granary Square. Take the kids for a splash about, a must during the Summer holidays. If you fancy something to eat, Caravan is the go-to place for brunch, Granary Square Brasserie is excellent for all-day dining, while The Lighterman is a contemporary gastropub.
3. Immerse yourself in digital art at Lightroom. It’s a place for stunning artist-led shows that use state-of-the-art digital projection and audio technology to create mind-blowing immersive experiences. The current exhibition is David Hockney: Bigger and Closer (not smaller and further away), which runs until 3 December 2023.
4. Hang out at Lewis Cubitt Square and Park. Nestled just behind Coal Drops Yard, this calming square offers 55 water jets, Club Pétanque (boules game that’s popular in the South of France), lush greenery and plenty of places to sit and socialise. Nearby restaurants include Arabica for Middle Eastern food or Lina Stores for fresh pasta. Lewis Cubitt designed Kings Cross Railway Station in 1844, and the granary is now used by Central St Martins. His brother Thomas built Woburn Walk, a pedestrianised street with listed housing a short walk away.
5. Go wild at Camley Street Natural Park. The London Wildlife Trust manages this tranquil haven. Here, you will discover a woodland walk, fernery, pond and floating viewing platform. With beautiful trees and wildflowers, it’s an attraction for birds, bees, butterflies and bats. There’s a café for refreshments.
6. Saunter along Regents Canal. Discover the serene canal path, stretching from Paddington Basin to Limehouse. As you approach Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square from Goods Way, you’ll notice the Canalside Green Steps, a great place to sit. Near Camley Park, you’ll discover the historical St Pancras Lock and St Pancras Basin, which is particularly scenic. The glorious Gasholder Park overlooks the canal.
7. Learn about waterways at the London Canal Museum. Located at 12-13 New Wharf Road, delve into London’s canal history, discover its ice industry roots and get a scoop of Carlo Gatti’s ice cream legacy.
8. Read a book at the British Library. You’ll see a striking statue of Isaac Newton at the main entrance. The library houses historic treasures, from the Magna Carta to Da Vinci’s notes. Need a workspace? Plug in your laptop and work amidst history.
9. Explore the train station treasures. Before catching a train at St Pancras International, marvel at the statues of Sir John Betjeman and The Meeting Place and look out for the Dent Clock. If you have time before your journey, sip a glass of bubbly at Europe’s most extended Champagne Bar, Searcys St Pancras Grand. I also recommend dining at the Booking Office 1869, shopping at Fortnum & Mason, Ladurée and Hamley’s and spending the night at The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. At Kings Cross Station, you’ll find the Harry Potter shop at Platform 9 ¾, where you can buy wizarding supplies and take your picture next to the famous trolley through the wall.
10. Swing in a giant birdcage. In Battle Bridge Place, you’ll have fun swinging on the IFO (Identified Flying Object, a white installation resembling a bird cage by Jacques Rival. At night, the swing is illuminated with neon colours and on special occasions, it is hoisted into the air.
Watch My Ten Things To Do In Kings Cross Video
Helpful Information About Kings Cross London N1C
Kings Cross is near Euston, Barnsbury, Islington, Holborn and Camden. It’s a relaxing place to visit because the regenerated areas are traffic-free, and the proximity to Regent’s Canal makes it extra special. With Camley Street Natural Park on the doorstep, the Gasholder Park and St Pancras Gardens, it’s greener than you think. The official Kings Cross website is a wealth of information for a deeper understanding of the area and its offerings. It lists all the shops and restaurants in the vicinity. For information about the history, read the Kings Cross Wikipedia Page. You can reach Kings Cross via bus, train, or tube and embark on your adventure. Happy exploring!
While you are in the area, these articles may be of interest:
Best Things To Do In Kings Cross:
Kings Cross Helpful Area Guide
Camley Street Natural Park Kings Cross
London Canal Museum Kings Cross
Best Places To Shop In Kings Cross:
Best Places To Eat In Kings Cross:
Longboys Doughnuts Kings Cross
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit to avoid disappointment.
