Today, I’m excited to present you my tour guide on 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 a many things to do and see in the vicinity of King’s Cross and St Pancras stations for trains.
Sometimes I am amazed by the length of time I’ve lived in London. What feels like few months is actually over a decade in which the capital has evolved significantly over the years.
When I first came here I was a newcomer, there wasn’t much to do in King’s Cross, but the region has been transformed beyond recognition. Nowadays, I’m there all the time to hang out with friends or simply wander around.
Here’s a quick review of the latest happenings in the area, from the top King’s Cross cafes, restaurants and bars to the city’s most beautiful parks, hidden courtyards, and vibrant 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 then the unveiling of the renowned contemporary Western Concourse roofing 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 stunning historical structures in London today, and is it’s a fantastic hotel to stay in.
The metamorphosis took place as did the growth of the entire King’s Cross area. The whole process happened very fast, and it’s evolving even at the time I’m writing.
From the pedestrian-friendly portion that runs along King’s Boulevard to the fountains in Pancras Square and Granary Square There’s plenty more that draws tourists and locals to this area of London that there was in the past.
King’s Cross Cafes, Restaurants and Bars
I’m among the residents it attracts. I’m found frequently in the neighborhood often, whether to have a drink at one of the bars, or to eat dinner with a group of friends at one the numerous King’s Cross cafes and restaurants.
I am a sucker for brunch on the patio tables in the Caravan located in Granary Square, and I’ve enjoyed many evenings and afternoons with my friends at Vinoteca, German Gymnasium, and Granger & Co in Pancras Square.
Drinks in The Booking Office Bar, one of my top bars that is themed around travel in London is a frequent occasion, and I like clicking the champagne icon in Searcys at St Pancras station.
This is not even taking into account the cost of the drinks served at The Lighterman and the other bars that line the water.
If I’m looking for an escape from alcohol I go towards St Pancras for tea at Fortnum and Mason’s lovely little cafe at the station.
Things to do Things to Do in King’s Cross
Despite the numerous excellent bars, restaurants and cafes, dining and drinking aren’t all there is that you’ll find at King’s Cross.
The Train Stations
The train stations that are side-by-side are worth a visit even when you’re not travelling. St Pancras International is one of the most stunning stations of London both from the inside and outside and houses numerous amazing cafes and shops.
There are fun sculptures 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 especially due to its brand new roof. There is an under-ground tunnel which is lit with different colors, and is a popular spot for 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 world visit to get their photograph taken with the statue of a cart that is pushed through the station’s wall.
For 2 and 3 bedroom apartments to rent in King’s Cross head on over to Enclave’s website.
Regent’s Canal
Regent’s Canal cuts through King’s Cross There are a variety of colourful canal boats to see on the canal’s 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.
In the spirit of walking I enjoy walking through the canal starting from Granary Square up to Camden on daytime sunny days, enjoying the views of the water along the route.
Shop in King’s Cross
There’s also a lot of shopping to be had in 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 arches from the railway that were restored within Coal Drops Yard, which are home to some of the finest designs and clothing shops in London.
King’s Cross Markets
There are many great markets as well. The hours of operation vary and you should make sure to check prior to your visit.
The Real Food Market in King’s Cross includes approximately 40 producers that sell premium artisanal products and prepared food items on the square in front of the station every week.
In Pancras Square, the Canopy Market includes stalls offering local products, specialty beverages, foods, and artisanal products under an Victorian steel and glass roof, which provides a welcome shade on 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 located near one of the most beautiful park in King’s Cross, too. Lewis Cubitt Park is a rectangular lawn with modern sculptures and architecture all over. It showcases the development of the area and is an ideal place to enjoy a picnic in London.
Otherwhere, Gasholder Park is a unique green space along the canals that features an old cast-iron gas holder 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. The park is home to an open meadow of wildflowers and reedbed areas, wetlands as well as a visitor centre.
In close proximity, Saint Pancras Gardens show off the historical King’s Cross in the same as Lewis Cubitt Park showcases the contemporary side of the city.
This green space is complemented by the churchyard St Pancras Old Church, that is thought by some to be among the oldest Christian churches in England.
There’s also an ash tree which has growing around piles of tombstones from the past. The tree is referred to as”the Hardy Tree and is said to be named in honor of the famous 19th century English author 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 constructed in the 1850s.
King’s Cross Museums and Galleries
There’s more of history to be found within the museums, too. There’s more history in the London Canal Museum. London Canal Museum is one of the city’s hidden museums, and it is brimming with local treasures.
Hidden away on New Wharf Road, it provides a glimpse into the past of waterways in the city 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 illustrated and features rotating exhibitions.
Nearby The Pangolin London gallery exhibits both modern and historical British sculptures in a contemporary area on York Way.
Courtyards as well as Side Streets
A little further down the street, there are some of my favourite places in King’s Cross. The hidden courtyards are everywhere that draw my attention to my curiosity as I am able to look around areas that display a mixture of the old London and modern.
One of these courtyards one of these courtyards is Varnishers Yard. This is home to the tapas bar, restaurant and cafes that have nice outdoor areas between.
Right across Caledonian Road are streets like Keystone Crescent, which has some of the most colourful entrances 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 recent developments, it is an old-fashioned neighborhood.
King’s Cross, London
It’s a good thing, too as exploring the various London neighbourhoods 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 to come for the area.