Stuck waiting for a train? I know that feeling. Growing up in London, you seem to spend more time in tube stations than anywhere else! Well if you are stuck around London King’s Cross St Pancras then you might not be so short on luck, with their plenty of attractions and monuments, not to mention great restaurants to check out. Read on for my list of things to do in Kings Cross.
1) Check Out The Trippy Tunnel
Like something out of an LSD dream in the 60’s, the 90 metre subway tunnel between King’s Cross and St Pancras is an illuminating masterpiece. Designed by Allies and Morrison, this one won’t make it onto most travel guides, but is a nice extra idea if you only have a bit of time to burn while waiting.
2) Platform 9 & 3/4
Depending on what time you arrive, you will either see tourists politely standing next to the famous scene from Harry Potter or you will witness drunken hen and stag parties charging full pace at a wall. Either is equally amusing. There is a trolley half way through the wall with an owl (not a real one), so people will know what you are standing next to in the photo.
3) Hokus Pokus
Literally a 2 minute walk from Kings Cross station, Hokus Pokus is an underground botanical cocktail bar that doesn’t just serve up your traditional cocktails, it provides scientific masterpieces which will dazzle and amaze you.
From the liquid nitrogen to the cocktail jellies, sparkly garnishes and magical creations, each drink was both fascinating to watch and to drink.
4) Granary Square
A wildly popular location and the heart of King’s Cross, this one is better to visit at night as the fountains all light up. It’s also located along the banks of Regent’s canal, so you also get a great view of the water. Keep an eye out for the Everyman Screen on the canal, where you can relax and watch a film outside.
5) Drink Some Champagne
You won’t have to ask me twice to sip on some champagne. I annoyingly have an expensive taste in alcohol and I love a glass of champagne. The bubbles go straight to my head. But anyway, the reason I recommend this is because the station hosts Europe’s longest champagne bar (any excuse will do). It’s called Searcys St Pancras and is normally filled with people about to take the Eurostar to Paris. But have a look out for the British sparkling wines which are growing in popularity.
6) British Library
Ask most Londoners where the British Library is and they won’t be able to answer. Yet this is a must-see for most tourists, with over 150 million items on offer! Some of the biggest attractions within the library include the magna carta, lyrics by the Beatles and Jane Austen’s notebook, not bad!
7) ClueQuest Escape Rooms
I’ve tried five escape rooms to date and have so far only made it out twice, therefore my record isn’t the best. Not one to give up, I’m determined to get out of the next one! If you have an hour free, then clueQuest might be the best option. You have the choice of four rooms, Plan52, Blacksheep, Revenge of the Sheep and Origenes. The location is actually just a 15 minute walk from Kings Cross station.
The themes are mainly focused around spies, while they’ve been going a good decade.
8) Camley Street Nature Park
Seemingly a relatively unknown spot to non-locals, the Camley Street national park is just a short walk from the station, however it’s certainly not new. It was introduced in 1984, as a redeveloped coal yard, offering a bit of green in this concrete playground. Perhaps the best surprise however is spotting all the wildlife, including terrapins in the canal system.
9) Swing In A Bird Cage
The IFO, or Identified Flying Object, is a bizarre art exhibition available just a short walk from the station and opposite the German Gymnasium. Created by French artist Jaques Rival, the installation stands at 9 metres tall and is elevated at night.
It adds a bit of colour to the night sky, while who can say no to having a swing in a bird cage? Just in case you are wondering, the swing is suitable for all ages (except babies of course).
10) Word On The Water
Moored next to the aforementioned Granary Square, pop into Words on the Water to bury yourself in 4,000 books among this picturesque barge. This is also a good place to stop if you are about to go on a long train journey as an alternative to WHSmiths.
11) Drink at the Big Chill Kings Cross
I do love a roof terrace, but no place is greater for them than London, where there seems to thousands available and the views are hard to beat. Here in King’s Cross you have the Big Chill Kings Cross. They also serve a number of craft beers which taste great, not to mention a decent nachos.
Also, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay locally, we spent a weekend at The Standard Hotel, which was dog friendly and an absolutely unbelievable hotel.