Today, I’m going to share with you my travel guide for King’s Cross, London. The area has been transformed more than any other area of the city’s center since I arrived in the UK and there’s many things to do and see in the vicinity of King’s Cross and St Pancras stations for trains.
Sometimes I’m surprised by the length of time I’ve lived in London. What seems like a couple of months actually has been more than a decade long, as the place has evolved quite a bit in the time.
When I first came here I was a newcomer, there wasn’t much to do in King’s Cross, but the neighborhood has seen a transformation beyond recognition. Nowadays, I’m in the area all day long to make friends or take a stroll around.
This is a brief overview of what’s happening and the most popular King’s Cross cafes, restaurants and bars, to the region’s most gorgeous parks, hidden courtyards, and lively streets.
The Revitalization King’s Cross
The revitalization of the central London neighborhood began with finalization of the renovation of St Pancras International train station in 2007 and the unveiled of the renowned contemporary Western Concourse rooftop in King’s Cross station in 2011.
It was followed by the grand opening of the Gothic Revival style St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. It’s among the most striking historical structures in London today, and is it’s a fantastic location to stay.
The metamorphosis continued as did the growth of the entire King’s Cross area. It happened extremely quick, and it’s evolving even while I type.
From the pedestrian-friendly portion from King’s Boulevard to the fountains in Pancras Square and Granary Square There’s more that draws tourists and residents to this area of London that there was in the past.
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King’s Cross Cafes, Restaurants and Bars
I’m among the residents it attracts. I’m found often in the area often, whether for a drink at one the bars or for dinner with friends in one of the numerous King’s Cross cafes and restaurants.
I love brunching at the tables outside on the terrace of Caravan at Granary Square, and I’ve enjoyed many evenings and afternoons with my friends at Vinoteca, German Gymnasium, and Granger & Co in Pancras Square.
The cocktails at The Booking Office Bar, one of my top bars with a theme of travel in London is a frequent event, and I enjoy clicking the champagne icon in Searcys at St Pancras station.
That’s not even talking of the drinks served at The Lighterman and the other bars that line the water.
If I’m in need of an escape from alcohol I go towards St Pancras for tea at Fortnum & Mason’s quaint cafe at the station.
Things to do Things to Do in King’s Cross
Despite the many excellent bars, restaurants and cafes, dining and drinking aren’t the only thing that you’ll find at King’s Cross.
The Train Stations
The train stations that are side-by-side are worth a visit even if you’re not travelling. St Pancras International is one of the most stunning stations located in London both in and out and houses numerous amazing cafes and shops.
It is a fun place to visit. There are sculptures of all kinds on its higher levels, too. It is considered to be one that is among the most beautiful spots in London.
King’s Cross is equally beautiful and stunning, not just due to its brand new roof. The tunnel is also underground which is lit with different colors, and is well-known for its photography.
The most important thing is that King’s Cross station is home to Platform 9 3/4 of Harry Potter fame. People from all over the globe come to take their photograph taken with the statue of a cart that is pushed across the station’s wall.
Regent’s Canal
Regent’s Canal cuts through King’s Cross There are many colorful canal boats to see in the towpath.
There’s the Word on the Water, one of my favourite booksellers of London. This boat-turned-bookstore is a great place to see on my self-guided London literary walk.
When I say walks I enjoy walking through the canal starting from Granary Square up to Camden on warm days, taking in the views of the water along the route.
The shopping experience in King’s Cross
There’s also some great shopping at King’s Cross. From the stores that line King’s Boulevard to the Harry Potter Shop located in King’s Cross station, there’s lots of choices.
That’s not even talking of the railway arches that have been restored located in Coal Drops Yard, which contain some of the top fashion and design stores in London.
King’s Cross Markets
There are some great markets as well. The hours of their operation differ and you should make sure to check prior to your visit.
The Real Food Market in King’s Cross includes about 40 producers selling top-quality, artisanal produce as well as ready-to-eat food in the area outside the station every week.
In Pancras Square, the Canopy Market has stalls that sell local products, specialty beverages, foods, and artisanal products under an Victorian glass and steel roof that offers an ideal shelter during stormy, rainy afternoons in London.
In Lewis Cubitt Square, KERB King’s Cross is a street food market that is open from lunchtime featuring stalls that offer a variety of international cuisines and delectable sweets.
Parks and Gardens
KERB is situated near one of the most beautiful parks of King’s Cross, too. Lewis Cubitt Park is a rectangular lawn with modern design and sculptures all over. It is a showcase of the development of the area and is an ideal area for picnics in London.
In addition, Gasholder Park is a unique green space along the canals that features the cast iron gas holder’s original frame that sits on top of an elongated lawn.
The canal is across the way, Camley Street Natural Park is a nature reserve in the city located in King’s Cross. It has a meadow with wildflowers and reedbed areas, wetlands and a visitor’s center.
Nearby, Saint Pancras Gardens show off the historical King’s Cross in the same manner that Lewis Cubitt Park showcases the modern aspect of the city.
The green space is complete by the churchyard St Pancras Old Church, it is believed by a few to be among the oldest Christian worship spots in England.
The park also has an ash tree that has growing around piles of ancient tombstones. The tree is known as”the Hardy Tree and is said to be named in honor of the famous 19th century English poet Thomas Hardy.
In his work as an assistant to the architect, Hardy was responsible for the removal of dead bodies from the churchyard while it was being constructed. St Pancras railway was being built in the 1860s.
King’s Cross Museums and Galleries
There’s more to the story within the museums, too. There’s more history in the London Canal Museum. London Canal Museum is one of the city’s most secret museums that is full of local treasures.
In a quiet corner of New Wharf Road, it provides a glimpse into the past and development of New York’s rivers as well as their vessels.
In Granary Square, the House of Illustration is a free public art gallery located in King’s Cross that was opened in 2014 by Sir Quentin Blake. The gallery is dedicated to all things illustrations and features rotating exhibitions.
Nearby The Pangolin London gallery exhibits both modern and historical British sculpture in a modern space along York Way.
Courtyards as well as Side Streets
A little further down the street, there are some of my favourite areas of King’s Cross. There are hidden courtyards that line the streets that draw my attention to my curious side as look around in areas that display a mixture of both old London and modern.
One such place can be found at Varnishers Yard. It houses Tapas restaurants, tapas bars and cafes that have nice outdoor areas between.
Right across Caledonian Road are streets like Keystone Crescent, which has one of the most vibrant doorways in London.
They provide an element of historic and local charm to the neighborhood as if they remind us that in spite of all the modernization, it is still a neighborhood that is traditional.
King’s Cross, London
It’s a good thing, too for exploring various London areas is one of my favourite things to do in the past decade.
I’m certain King’s Cross will look different in the next 10 years, and I’m excited to see what’s coming up for the area.