Awesome attractions near London's St. Pancras & Kings Cross
The neighbouring stations of St. Pancras and Kings Cross are encircled by London attractions. There’s a bounty of things to see close by, from the British Museum’s ancient artefacts to the dancing fountains at Granary Square.
Handily, you can stash your luggage at St. Pancras Station while you explore. Whether passing time between train journeys or staying in the area, browse our top 10 things to do near Kings Cross and St. Pancras.
1. Swing by Camden Market to bag a bargain or two
London is known for its super-cool markets and the stalls at Camden Market are some of the best. You’ll find thousands of colourful and unique stands here, with bohemian stall-holders selling a dazzling array of wares – everything from gemstone jewellery and funky threads to second-hand books and English Breakfast tea.
Klook yourself a London Travelcard for unlimited rides on the Tube and jump on a northbound Northern Line service from Kings Cross. Ride just two stops and you’ll reach Camden Town Station in around four minutes. From here, it’s an easy 4-minute walk to the kaleidoscopic markets.
2. Browse antiques and artefacts at the British Museum
Located in Bloomsbury, the British Museum boasts a permanent collection of more than eight million works. You could come here countless times and still not see everything on display. The good news? The regular collection is free to visit.
Take the Tube’s handy Piccadilly Line one stop south of Kings Cross to reach Russell Square Station in just two minutes. A 7-minute walk brings you to the museum’s entrance.
Klook tip: book an afternoon tea experience at the museum to feast on fabulously refined treats during your visit.
3. Get geeky at the British Library
Literature lovers will leap for joy over this one! Right next door to St Pancras Station, the British Library is a bonafide book haven. Free to enter, this labyrinthine place is home to more than 170 million different items, from artefacts that date back to the beginning of the written age right through to recently published tomes.
Browse the library’s rotating exhibitions or attend one of the many free events that are held here throughout the year. Alternatively, call in for a casual leaf through one of the library's many enchanting novels.
4. Drop by Granary Square to see the dancing fountains
A 6-minute meander north of both St Pancras and Kings Cross is Granary Square, a charming open-air space dotted with stylish bars and restaurants. While many come here to eat and drink, the square’s main attraction is undoubtedly its incredible collection of fountains. A whopping 1080 jets perform aquatic choreography, dancing to the delight of onlookers.
Visit at dusk and you’ll get to see the accompanying light show, where multi-coloured lights illuminate the lively water jets. Time to spare? Settle at one of the various restaurants here and watch the fountains while sipping a glass of wine.
5. Sip a glass of bubbly at Searcys Champagne Bar
Did someone mention drinks? If you’re a fan of the fizz then a visit to Searcys is essential while you’re in St Pancras. Proudly possessing the title of ‘Europe’s Longest Champagne Bar’, this sparkling wine oasis is one of the classiest venues in London to enjoy a flute of the good stuff.
Take a seat amid art deco designs, at a table overlooking the elegant interiors of St Pancras Station. Use the handy ‘Press for Champagne’ button whenever you need a top up and combine with a treat or two from the food menu. Cheers!
6. Take time out in nature at Camley Street Natural Reserve
Who says cities can't be calming? Hidden behind St Pancras, right beside Regent’s Canal, is the leafy oasis of Camley Street Natural Reserve. This is a great place for catching your breath between train journeys or simply for soaking up a bit of nature before tackling some of London’s busier attractions.
There’s a visitor centre with information about this wildflower-dotted habitat. A little platform over the reserve's pond also offers the chance to interact with some of the wildlife found here. Meander through, looking out for colourful butterflies, twittering birds and cool amphibians.
7. Hunt for the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾
Fans of Harry Potter will recognise Kings Cross Station. It’s where Harry first begins his Hogwarts journey, slipping through an enchanted wall to Platform 9¾. While we can’t access the *actual* platform – we're Muggles, after all – what you can do is visit parts of Kings Cross that feature in the films, even having your photo taken with a half-disappeared luggage trolley!
Seek out the spot for yourself – it's between platforms 9 and 10, naturally – or join a Harry Potter walking tour around this and other filming sites. There’s also a Harry Potter shop here for those all-important souvenirs.
8. Wander along Regent’s Canal
Peaceful Regent’s Canal snakes around the back of St Pancras and Kings Cross. This is a great place to enjoy a calming walk, regardless of how much time you have to spare. Join the canal path right by Camley Street Natural Reserve and wander along the water's edge, waving to those chugging past on their narrowboats.
The path stretches along past London Zoo and up to the markets at Camden. Snap a few shots of what the locals refer to as ‘Little Venice’, then pause for well-earned refreshments at one of the many cafes clustered around Camden Lock.
9. Dine decadently at Dishoom
London isn’t short of incredible restaurants, though Dishoom at Kings Cross is especially great. Nestled in exquisitely Victorian surrounds, this place exudes vintage charm in everything from its sleek mahogany bar to the elegantly tiled floor.
Dine on fusion food – a head-spinning blend of Iranian, Indian and British flavours – and sip steaming cups of spice-loaded chai while soaking in the heritage vibes. We were especially wowed by the House Black Daal, a signature dish packed full of flavour that takes 24 hours to cook!
10. Pick up a book at Word on the Water
You can never have too many books and if you’re about to embark on further adventures via the Eurostar then you’ll likely need a good novel to keep you entertained. Happily, there’s a quirky bookshop right outside St Pancras and Kings Cross – the delightful Word on the Water.
This unique bookstore is actually located on a barge, bobbing serenely on the waters of Regent’s Canal. Browse everything from feminist classics to enchanting works of poetry, or simply curl up in a cosy old armchair and leaf through a pre-loved fictional favourite.
Keen for your own adventures around St. Pancras and Kings Cross?
Indulge your wanderlust and visit Klook’s dedicated London page for more tantalising attractions near St. Pancras and Kings Cross.
