8 Best Things to Do Near King’s Cross, London

King’s Cross has changed beyond all recognition in recent years. Once a rather seedy area of London, there are now some very cool King’s Cross attractions and restaurants.

It’s become quite a tech hub too, with companies such as Google and YouTube setting up here. Our walk will show you the best things to do near King’s Cross and take between one and a couple of hours, depending on how long you choose to stop in each place, and is suitable for people of all ages and walking abilities.

Things to Do Near King’s Cross

Let’s start at King’s Cross Station, a red brick masterpiece originally created by George Gilbert Scott in 1876. Refurbished in 2012, it features a spectacular vaulted steel concourse designed by John McAslan + Partners.

1. Platform 9¾

Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, Platform 9¾ within King’s Cross Station is guaranteed to raise a smile. Although you won’t be able to catch the mythical Hogwarts Express here, Muggles can dress up with a house scarf and get their photo taken next to the luggage trolley for a small fee. There’s even a Harry Potter Shop with wizard robes, wands and more!

2. King’s Cross Central Viewing Platform

Now head out of the station and up King’s Boulevard to King’s Cross Central Viewing Platform on Goods Way. Climb the stairs for a glimpse over the revitalized area.

3. St Pancras

Surprisingly, St Pancras railway station is only a minute’s walk from King’s Cross station. This is the departure point for Eurostar trains from London.

Don’t miss the gigantic statue nicknamed The Lovers, underneath the clock on the first floor. The actual name of this 30 foot high statue is the Meeting Point, and it was designed by Paul Day.

The bronze sculpture was unveiled in 2007, and is one of the most popular places to propose in London.

Further down the platform, you’ll find the longest champagne bar in Europe. St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys has an elegant Art Deco design and Press for Champagne buttons.

The comfortable leather banquettes are located next to the platform, so you really feel part of the action. Try the travel inspired afternoon tea, served in a fun suitcase.

4. Granary Square

From here you can see Granary Square, the pedestrianized former warehouse complex with its stylish restaurants and illuminated fountains. There are 1080 jets of water, popular with children in the daytime and changing colors at night time. Central St Martins College is based here and its design and fashion shows are open to members of the public and free to attend.

5. Coal Drops Yard

Granary Square is part of the new Coal Drops Yard development. These former railway arches and Victorian warehouses have been transformed into a dining and retail complex designed by Thomas Heatherwick.

There are over 50 bars, restaurants and shops spread over several floors. Boutiques such as Kitchen Provisions and Maya Magal are interspersed with restaurants like Barrafina and Casa Pastor.

6. Regent’s Canal

From Granary Square, take the wooden walkway along the Regent’s Canal.

A few minutes later, you’ll pass a canal boat selling a selection of herbs. In the other direction, there’s also a floating book seller!

Gasholder Park is a cool new green space. Designed by Bel Phillips Architects, it repurposes a historic gasholder from the 1850s.

The structure was originally part of Pancras Gasworks and was dismantled and rebuilt nearby, providing a dramatic backdrop to the circular lawn.

7. Camley Street Natural Park

Just after Gasholder Park, take the next stairway to exit the canal walk and loop back along Camley Street. Head past peaceful St Pancras gardens to Camley Street Natural Park.

Spread over 2 acres alongside the Regent’s Canal, it’s a surprising oasis in the heart of central London. Originally a coal yard, today its home to a variety of wildlife as well as the Wildwood vegetarian cafe and a visitor centre.

After all that exploring you’ll have no doubt worked up an appetite, so thankfully there are many restaurants near King’s Cross.

8. King’s Cross Restaurants

You can’t miss The Megaro, opposite St Pancras station. This colorful building has been decorated with the largest mural in London, Marmite, by Agents of Change.

The Megaro Eatery does the most amazing steaks cooked in their Josper grill, as well as delicious seafood such as these mussels. The waiting staff are really friendly and there’s the cosy Megaro Bar in the basement where you can enjoy live music sessions.

Plum + Spilt Milk takes its unusual name from the livery of the former Flying Scotsman trains that used to depart from King’s Cross. This restaurant inside the Great Northern Hotel is a very stylish place for all-day dining.

We particularly like their champagne brunch, with a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut to share. Brunch classics like Eggs Benedict go down a treat but save room for the desserts such as their signature Plum + Spilt Milk pudding.

German Gymnasium is another good choice, being one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in London. Coal Office Restaurant is a stylish eatery designed by Tom Dixon, with food by Assaf Granit.

As the sun goes down and Granary Square’s fountain lights illuminate, the area takes on a magical appearance. A perfect end to an enlightening afternoon, discovering some this fascinating area which is a true London hidden gem.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual  tour of things to do near King’s Cross – let us know in the comments if you have any tips for people visiting the area.

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