A Guide to Kings Cross: Attractions and Tours for Tourists

Kings Cross is a vibrant and distinctive London neighborhood located within the borough of Camden. A major transport hub, Kings Cross is a popular destination for travelers looking to explore the city of London. Kings Cross is home to several attractions, including the British Library, Regent’s Canal, Granary Square, and the Harry Potter Shop. In addition, the area has a wide variety of restaurants, pubs, and shops, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to explore London’s rich culture. This guide will provide an overview of some of the top attractions and tours near Kings Cross that are sure to make your stay memorable.

History of Kings Cross

Kings Cross has a long and rich history, dating back to the mid-18th century. It was originally a rural area that was home to small farms and a few scattered dwellings. In 1820, it became the site of the world’s first railway station, Kings Cross Station. This marked the beginning of Kings Cross as a major hub of transport and commerce. Over time, it grew into one of the most important junctions in London, connecting travelers from other parts of the city and beyond to their destinations.

Today, Kings Cross is known for its unique architecture and distinct culture. It is home to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the British Library, St Pancras International Station, and Regent’s Canal. It is also home to a variety of shops and eateries, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay, shop, or simply explore, Kings Cross has something for everyone.

Top Attractions in Kings Cross

Kings Cross is home to a wide variety of attractions that are sure to make your stay in London memorable. From historical landmarks to modern developments, here are some of the top attractions in the area:

British Library

The British Library is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kings Cross. Built in 1852, the library houses over 170 million items including books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other artifacts from all over the world. The library is one of the largest and most comprehensive libraries in the world and boasts a wealth of knowledge and culture that is unmatched by any other library in Europe. Visitors can explore the library’s vast collection of books and documents from various cultures and time periods.

Regent’s Canal

Regent’s Canal is one of the most iconic waterway in London. Stretching from Little Venice to Islington, the canal is home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Along the canal, you can find a variety of shops and cafes that offer unique experiences for tourists. Visitors can also take boat trips along the canal for a unique perspective on London life.

Granary Square

Granary Square is an iconic public space located in the heart of Kings Cross. It features a variety of attractions, including a fountain with over 1,000 jets that shoot up into the air when triggered by footstep sensors at its base. It also features an outdoor concert venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The square is also home to many restaurants, pubs, and shops, making it an ideal spot for tourists looking to explore London’s vibrant culture.

Harry Potter Shop

Kings Cross is home to the only official Harry Potter Shop in London. Located inside the station itself, the shop offers a variety of merchandise from all eight movies including wands, robes, books, toys, and more. Visitors can also take photos with life-sized replicas of their favorite characters from the series.

Tours Near Kings Cross

In addition to its many attractions, Kings Cross also offers a variety of tours that provide visitors with unique ways to explore London. Here are two popular tours near Kings Cross:

London Ghost Tour

This tour takes visitors on a spooky journey through some of London’s most historic locations. The tour begins in Kings Cross Station where you will learn about its history and its past inhabitants (including some ghosts!). You will then visit several famous sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Fleet Street before ending your tour at Old Covent Garden Market. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of hauntings and learn about some of London’s darkest secrets.

London Street Art Tour

This tour takes visitors on an exploration of London’s vibrant street art scene. You will begin your tour near Kings Cross Station before heading out into London’s streets in search of some of its most iconic works of art. You will visit a variety of neighborhoods such as Shoreditch and Hackney Wick where you will explore hidden murals and graffiti art from around the world. The tour ends at Brick Lane where you can learn about its unique history and vibrant culture.

Conclusion

Kings Cross is an iconic destination for travelers from all over the world looking to explore London’s vibrant culture and attractions. From historical landmarks such as the British Library to modern developments such as Granary Square, there is something for everyone in this area. Additionally, Kings Cross offers a variety of tours that provide visitors with unique ways to explore London’s diverse culture and sites. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or simply explore, Kings Cross has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a unique experience while exploring Kings Cross, why not book a tour? Viator offers a variety of tours near Kings Cross such as their London Ghost Tour, which takes visitors on a spooky journey through some of London’s most historic locations; or their London Street Art Tour, which takes visitors on an exploration of London’s vibrant street art scene. GetYourGuide also offers tours near Kings Cross such as their London Ghost Tour, which takes visitors on a guided walk through some of London’s most haunted sites; or their London Street Art Tour, which takes visitors on an exploration of London’s vibrant street art scene.

No matter what type of experience you’re looking for while exploring Kings Cross, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant part of London!