Kings Cross St Pancras Station; found right in the centre of London. Kings Cross St Pancras Station is ideally located for getting to and from anywhere in the city. Major transport hubs like Kings Cross Station and St Pancras International means that it’s one of the most well-connected areas in London. Trains at Kings Cross St Pancras Station serve those travelling up North, East or over to France and further abroad on the Eurostar. Read the London public transport guide for more tips in navigating the network!
Kings Cross and its surrounding area is going through huge regeneration. Historically, the area was infamous for its prostitution and drug problems. The former red light district has gone through some big changes since the opening of St Pancras in the mid 1990’s. Today, Kings Cross is a buzzing restaurant, shopping and entertainment district.
While you’re visiting, be sure to see the beautiful St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, do some shopping and enjoy a nice brunch at Granary Square. Harry Potter fans will be excited to find the secret entrance to platform 9 and 3/4. There’s also a Harry Potter shop on the first floor of Kings Cross.
Photo Credit – The Straits Times
Prepare your visit to Kings Cross St Pancras Station
Kings Cross St Pancras Station: When to Visit
Kings Cross – St Pancras is a popular destination all year round. It’s a transport hub for London so avoid commuting hours (8am-9am; 5pm-6:30pm Mon-Fri). Weekends are particularly busy with tourists, shoppers and brunchers who flock to the area. Granary Square and the canal is best enjoyed with a drink on a warm, sunny day.
Kings Cross St Pancras Station: How Long
You should reserve at least two hours to visit Kings Cross – St Pancras. This will allow you to enjoy the shopping, explore the canal and stop at a local pub or café. If you plan on going for lunch or dinner, you’ll need a little longer if you want to also explore the area.
Kings Cross St Pancras Station: Attire
Kings Cross – St Pancras is a central hub and many people pass through it every day. Therefore, there’s no general dress code and you can simply dress for the activities that you’re going to partake in. If you’re going shopping, wear comfortable layers, or if you’re embarking on a walking tour – take comfortable shoes! Read the dedicated article for the best tips for shopping in London!
Kings Cross St Pancras Station: What to See
Granary Square
Granary Square is a relatively new cultural hub in Kings Cross. It’s home to some of London’s best restaurants like Caravan and Dishoom. This is also where the canal starts, from which you can walk all the way up to Camden Market, Little Venice and beyond. The fountains in the middle of the square are particularly popular with kids and dogs in summer, when you’ll see both running through the jets of water at the same time.
Photo Credit – The Independent
King Cross station & Harry Potter
Harry Potter fans love visiting Kings Cross station, which is home to the famous Platform 9 3/4. Kings Cross is where the Hogwarts Express departs from at the beginning of each magical school year. Fans can visit the secret entrance to the platform and get their photo taken. There’s also a Harry Potter shop on-site with wands, broomsticks and all the magical supplies a wizard (or muggle) could ever need.
The British Library
The British Library holds over 170 million items from all around the world, making it the world’s largest library by number of items catagorised. This key Camden attraction is open every day of the week and is free to visit. It plays host to pop-up exhibitions like the Harry Potter curation, as well as talks and lectures, panel discussions and tours. Plus – it looks fantastic!
Where to stay in Kings Cross St. Pancras
Clink78 Hostel
Set in an old courthouse, this youth hostel gives visitors the opportunity to sleep in an old prison cell! The hostel is ideally located, just a 10 minute walk to Kings Cross station. En suite private rooms are also available.
Pullman London St. Pancras
Right next to St Pancras station, this 4-star hotel is perfect for those with an early train to catch. With a recent £13 million transformation, Pullman has made the most of its 16-storeys with good sized rooms and modern communal spaces.
Amenities: Spa, sauna, bar, restaurant, laundry, room service, wifi, fitness centre, business facilities
Recommended for: Business travelers, families, couples, groups, solo travelers
Address: 100 – 110 Euston Road, Kings Cross, London, England, NW1 2AJ
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
This hotel has been hailed as London’s most romantic building. Its beautiful, gothic style architecture and jaw-dropping staircase make it a must-see. The elegant hotel is also part of St Pancras International train station, with immediate access to the Eurostar.
Things to do in Kings Cross St. Pancras
Camden Lock Market & Music Legends Walking Tour
If you stroll along the canal from Kings Cross, you’ll find Camden Market. This two hour walking tour of the area will teach you about the city’s music history. Your guide will also take you to explore Camden Town’s famous market.
British Library
The British Library is home to many regular exhibitions, talks and events. Take a look at their ‘What’s On’ calendar to see what activities are scheduled around your visit. You can also simply visit the library – it’s free to enter and explore.
Address: British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
London Harry Potter Walking Tour
On this 2.5-hour walking tour you’ll see film locations like the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley. Pose for a photo at Platform 9¾ and get behind-the-scenes of the films. This tour a must for any Harry Potter fans!
Practical info
How to get to Kings Cross St. Pancras
Access King Cross St. Pancras by air
Kings Cross – St Pancras is easily accessible from London’s biggest airport – Heathrow, which you can reach on the Picadilly in under an hour.
Access King Cross St. Pancras by car
Driving to and from Kings Cross – St Pancras is relatively simple. Because the station is popular with rental car companies, there are petrol stations nearby and the inner ring road passes right through the area.
Access King Cross St. Pancras by Train & Bus
Kings Cross has some of the best transport connections in London, with three of London’s busiest railway stations in the area. This includes Euston, Kings Cross and St. Pancras International – where the Eurostar also departs from.
What to eat in Kings Cross St. Pancras
Caravan Kings Cross
Caravan is found in a trendy industrial space in Granary Square. It’s famous for its amazing brunches and also its excellent coffee that’s roasted on-site.
Address: 1 Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AA
Dishoom
This is the newest and biggest Dishoom venue, which is a local favourite. Their Bombay brasserie serves Indian street-food in a post-colonial ‘Irani cafe’ style.
Address: 5 Stable Street, London N1C 4AB
