When venturing from the heart of the city, there are some must-see places near London’s Kings Cross area that you won’t want to miss.
Kings Cross was once known as a busy rail hub that connects London to greater England and beyond. Thanks to revitalization efforts, it’s now a vibrant cultural center with a variety of restaurants, shops, and serene green spaces. There are many popular hotels in the area, making it an attractive alternative to accommodations located more in the heart of the city.
Whether you plan on spending a day in the Kings Cross area or you want to stay in a Kings Cross hotel, it helps to know what sightseeing options you have nearby. We collected our favorites to get you started, so let’s jump right into sightseeing places in London’s Kings Cross.
The Gardens, Parks & Squares of Kings Cross
The Kings Cross area is rich with parks, gardens, squares, and scenic green spaces. These attractions are popular with locals and are a great way to fill in itinerary gaps when visiting. They’re free, so take advantage by going for walks, enjoying picnics, or grabbing impromptu photoshoots with the family.
The following list will point you in the direction of the best green spaces in the area, but you may find even more if you spend some time wandering the streets.
- Camley Street Natural Park – This two-acre park serves as a nature reserve and a recreational space for locals and visitors. It rests on the banks of Regent’s Canal and features a floating platform that allows you to see the canal and the surrounding park from a different view.
- Granary Square – The dancing fountains are a big hit at this popular Kings Cross square. It’s surrounded by restaurants and cafes, and there are free events scheduled throughout the year. This is a great place to just relax for a bit or have a family picnic.
- Gasholder Park – Take the towpath from Granary Square to reach this small circular park that delivers great views of boats on the St Pancras Lock. It’s small, but it’s perfect for a quick stop when you need some calm in the midst of a busy day of sightseeing.
- St. George’s Gardens – This public garden was once a burial ground and still harbors some signs of its past. It’s a serene oasis of Mother Nature just south of Kings Cross. Stop by Regent Square Gardens on your way for another little piece of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of London life.
Other Must-See Places Near London’s Near Kings Cross:
When you’re done resting in the parks of Kings Cross, what else is there to do and see? Below are some of our favorite must-see places near London’s Kings Cross area:
- Platform Theatre – This theatre is one of four performance spaces included at the Central Saint Martins art school. You can book tickets to performances staged by students, so it’s a more affordable alternative to some of the more prestigious London theatres.
- Kings Cross Visitor Centre – Access the visitor centre off Granary Square for free Wi-Fi and interesting information about the area. This is a great place to find new Kings Cross attractions that suit your family’s interests.
- Platform 9 ¾ – Platform 9¾ is known as the Harry Potter store to many. You’ll find a variety of unique merchandise, ranging from clothing to gift trunks. Some interactive features may grab the attention of little Potter fans as well.
- The Observatory – Stop off at this art gallery on Marchmont Street near Kings Cross to browse the exhibits as well as the gift shop. Relax with a cup of joe at the coffee shop if you need a moment of calm.
- Canopy Market – This covered market is a highlight of Kings Cross for locals as well as visitors. You’ll find street vendors selling food plus booths offering artisanal food, handmade crafts, fresh produce, natural wine, and many other products. Live entertainment and events are held in the market throughout the year.
- Coal Drops Yard – If you consider yourself a foodie or shopaholic, drop everything and add Coal Drops Yard to your London itinerary. It’s a haven of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the midst of busy Kings Cross. You’ll stumble upon many small shops with unique merchandise plus some delicious family-friendly restaurants if you stroll through the yard at least once.
- Word on the Water – Find this London Bookbarge on the canal in Kings Cross. In addition to selling used and new books, the floating bookshop holds poetry slams and a variety of literary events throughout the year. Children’s books are always in stock along with fiction and a wide range of nonfiction titles.
Why Stay in Kings Cross?
Kings Cross is well connected to central London and offers a variety of hotels, including some boutique hotels that provide more upscale services. It’s not only has some must-see places near London’s Kings Cross and surrounding areas, it is also rich with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
If you don’t want to stay right in central London and don’t mind taking the tube, bus, or private transportation to many must-see attractions, this is a great place to spend your time in London.