Ten Things To Do In Kings Cross London

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King’s Cross London is a neighbourhood that has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. Not only is this where you will find some of the city’s top sites, but it’s also a hub for entertainment, dining, and nightlife. 

During your stay at accommodation near Hyde Park London, make arrangements to visit this lively area and experience it for yourself. Here are ten things to do in Kings Cross, London.

1. British Museum

british museum

The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the city. The permanent galleries are free to visit and include artefacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. You can see the likes of the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon and the Rosetta Stone.

Special exhibitions delve into the most fascinating areas of history.

The atrium with its immense skylight is a wonder in itself and a joy for photographers. 

In addition to the exquisite restaurants near Hyde Park, you can consider afternoon tea or a cup of coffee at the museum cafe to regain your energy during your visit. 

2. Harry Potter Shop 

Harry Potter Shop

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is located on the main concourse of King’s Cross Station. You can visit the shop and purchase high-quality, official film merchandise such as capes, scarves, plushes, and wands.

A photo opportunity is set up outside the shop. You can pose with a luggage trolley as it vanishes into the portal to the magical platform. 

Photos taken by yourself on your smartphone or camera are free. Otherwise, you can purchase a professional photograph. 

The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is a must if you are planning on booking London hotel deals with kids. 

3. British Library

British Library

The British Library is a vast archive of around 14 million books and over 310,000 ancient manuscripts spread across 400 miles of shelves. It houses the Magna Carta and hosts regular special exhibitions relating to literature.

You can visit the British Library as a tourist. Access to the Reading Rooms requires a Reader Pass which you can organise online. 

Alternatively, you can visit the cafe, wander around the open areas, and browse the gift shop.

The British Library is usually buzzing with freelancers, students, and business meetings as well as Londoners and tourists. If you need to work during your stay at Grand Royale Hyde Park, this is a great place to escape with your laptop for a couple of hours. 

4. London Canal Museum

London Canal Museum

This one of a kind museum dives into the story of London’s waterways and the story of the ice industry in London.

The experience includes peeking into a narrowboat cabin, learning about the cargoes carried on the capital’s canals, and hearing stories about the people who lived and worked on the waterways. 

You will encounter a Victorian ice well used to store ice imported from Norway. Housed in a former ice warehouse, you will even discover the history of the ice cream trade.

A token admission of 6 GBP applies and you can purchase tickets on the door.

5. Granary Square

Granary Square

Granary Square is a relatively new development on the banks of the Regent’s Canal.

The public square is appointed with 1,000 choreographed water jets and fountains. These are always pretty to observe and children love to play in the water during London’s balmy summers. 

Granary Square connects to the green steps where you can relax with a view of the canal.

Food and drink options are abundant at Granary Square with a mix of independent and boutique franchises represented.

You can always opt to dine in restaurants near Hyde Park then head here for an evening cocktail. 

6. Coal Drops Yard

Coal Drops Yard is located next to Granary Square. This covered shopping complex occupies a unit of 19th century warehouses that have been refurbished. 

You will find upscale shops that sell clothing, accessories, jewellery, homeware, and gift items. There are other restaurants located within the mall. 

7. London Postal Museum

This Kings Cross based museum takes you on a journey through the postal heritage of Great Britain. 

Boarding the Mail Rail train carriage, you will ride through tunnels beneath the abandoned and forgotten streets beneath the city.

Exhibitions teach you about the history and significance of postcodes, cryptic Valentine’s Day letters, and unique stories that you won’t hear anywhere else in London.

Admission to the London Postal Museum is 16 GBP when booked online in advance. The ticket grants unlimited re-entry for an entire year after your first visit. That’s perfect if you’re planning on snapping up more London hotel deals this year. 

8. Everyman Cinema

After a busy day of sightseeing in London, sometimes all you want to do is collapse in front of a film.

Of course, you can enjoy streaming your favourite media from your room at the Grand Royale Hyde Park. But while you’re in Kings Cross, have a flick through what’s on at Everyman Cinema. 

Located in Granary Square, this contemporary independent cinema is fitted with plush red velvet seats and cosy scatter cushions. 

The cinema shows a combination of new releases and classics. Arrive early to enjoy a drink in the well-stocked, ultra-glamorous bar. 

9. Wellcome Collection 

This kooky museum near King’s Cross houses Henry Wellcome’s collection of medical relics and antiquities. These are interspersed with modern exhibitions to explore recent advances in medicine and technology. 

Ultimately, the museum aims to challenge how we think about health and specifically address mental health, infectious diseases, and the climate crises. Besides the collection, you can check out workshops and talks. 

The Wellcome Collection is free to visit.  

10. Word on the Water

If you run out of things to read back at your accommodation near Hyde Park London then you have the perfect excuse to visit the city’s coolest bookshop.

Word on the Water is a bookshop situated inside a barge docked on the Regent’s Canal. Open daily, it’s a 10-minute walk from King’s Cross Station.

You can browse secondhand and new titles across fiction, non-fiction and children’s. The bookshop hosts regular book readings and poetry events as well.