Things to Do near London St. Pancras
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to London, one of the world’s most vibrant and captivating cities. If you’re planning a visit and considering travelling by train, you’ve come to the right place.
Are you travelling to London by train?
Travelling by train is an ideal option for reaching the heart of London. With its excellent connectivity, St. Pancras International serves as a gateway to the city, offering numerous benefits for visitors. Firstly, trains provide a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey. Secondly, arriving at St. Pancras International grants you immediate access to the bustling King’s Cross area, with its vibrant atmosphere and numerous amenities just steps away from the station.
Travel times into London St. Pancras
If you’re curious about travel times, we’ve got you covered. The HS1 line provides swift connections to St. Pancras International from various popular UK and European destinations. Here are a few examples of the fastest travel times:
- Paris to London: Just over 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Brussels to London: Approximately 2 hours.
- Amsterdam to London: Around 3 hours and 55 minutes.
To plan your journey and book tickets simply visit the train companies’ website.
Discover the area’s rich history and cultural offerings
London is renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, and the King’s Cross area, where St. Pancras International is located, is no exception. Explore the unique charm of St. Pancras itself, with its stunning Victorian architecture, shopping boutiques, and delectable dining options. While in London, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the city’s heritage with a visit to iconic landmarks like the British Library and the Tower of London.
Find out more about the History of St. Pancras here.
Taste the best of London: Food and drink experiences near St. Pancras
London is a food lover’s paradise. The area surrounding St. Pancras International is no exception, offering an array of dining experiences to tantalise your taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional British cuisine, international flavours, or trendy street food, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving. From charming cafés to award-winning restaurants, the diverse culinary scene near St. Pancras is sure to leave you spoilt for choice.
Click here to search our range of dining options.
Top 10 things to see and do near St. Pancras station:
To make the most of your visit to London, we’ve compiled a list of top attractions and experiences near St. Pancras International, and lots of them are free!
Here are some highlights:
1. Indulge in some retail therapy at St. Pancras International
From luxury brands and beauty favourites to gifts, fashion and travel essentials, St. Pancras International offers a diverse shopping experience in the heart of London. Whether you’re picking up a last-minute purchase before your journey or enjoying a leisurely browse, the station is home to a range of retailers to suit every taste.
Discover the St. Pancras shops here.
2. Explore the treasures of the British Library
Just a short walk from St. Pancras International, the British Library is one of the world’s greatest knowledge centres. Discover fascinating exhibitions, historic manuscripts and literary treasures, including original works by Shakespeare, Jane Austen and the Magna Carta. Entry to the permanent collection galleries is free, making it a great addition to any visit.
Visit the British Library.
3. Follow a Harry Potter-inspired adventure
Fans of the wizarding world can begin a magical day out at St. Pancras International before heading next door to King’s Cross Station and the famous Platform 9¾. Along the way, admire St. Pancras’ striking Gothic architecture, which featured in the Harry Potter films, before capturing your own Platform 9¾ photo.
4. Take a scenic walk along Regent’s Canal
Escape the bustle of the city with a peaceful stroll along Regent’s Canal. The towpath begins close to King’s Cross and winds through some of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, passing colourful narrowboats, waterside cafés and hidden green spaces. It’s an ideal way to explore the area at a slower pace.
5. Discover art and culture around the station
St. Pancras International is home to a number of iconic artworks that help make it a destination in its own right. Highlights include Paul Day’s monumental The Meeting Place statue and Tracey Emin’s I Want My Time With You installation, suspended beneath the station’s famous Barlow roof. Together, they create a unique blend of heritage, creativity and contemporary culture.
6. Enjoy alfresco dining at The Betjeman Arms
Named after the poet Sir John Betjeman, who helped save St. Pancras from demolition, The Betjeman Arms offers one of London’s most distinctive dining settings. Its terrace overlooks the station concourse, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch, dinner or drink while watching the world go by.
7. Raise a glass at Europe’s longest champagne bar
For a touch of indulgence before your journey, visit Searcys St. Pancras and enjoy a glass of champagne at Europe’s longest champagne bar. Located beneath the station’s soaring Victorian roof, it’s an elegant setting for celebrating a special occasion or simply making your trip feel that little bit more memorable.
8. Explore Shoreditch and Hoxton
A short journey from St. Pancras International, Shoreditch and Hoxton are renowned for their creative energy, vibrant street art and independent spirit. Wander through colourful streets lined with murals, browse unique boutiques and discover some of London’s best cafés, markets and nightlife venues.
9. Take in the views from The Standard rooftop
Located directly opposite St. Pancras International, The Standard Hotel offers spectacular panoramic views across London from its rooftop bar. During the warmer months, it’s a popular spot for cocktails, food and sunset views, providing a unique perspective on the station’s iconic architecture and the surrounding city skyline.
10. Experience London’s world-famous West End
No visit to London is complete without a trip to the West End. From long-running musicals and classic plays to exciting new productions, London’s theatre district offers something for every taste. With excellent transport connections from St. Pancras International, it’s easy to enjoy an evening performance before returning home or continuing your journey.
Book your tickets to a West End show.
FAQs
How long does it take to walk between Euston and St. Pancras?
Euston station is a short 11 minute walk from St. Pancras. We recommend you take the Euston Walkway to avoid the pollution of Euston road. Find more information on travelling between the stations here.
Is Kings Cross St Pancras the same as St. Pancras International?
Kings Cross St. Pancras is the underground service which runs to both Kings Cross station and St. Pancras International. Kings Cross Station and St. Pancras International are two separate stations, leading to different retailers. They’re just across the road from each other.
Does St. Pancras International have a tube station?
Yes. King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station links six London Underground lines – Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria. This makes it the biggest interchange on the London Underground, and one of the busiest.
Is there somewhere I can store my luggage while I explore the area
Yes. You can store your luggage with Excess Baggage.
Why are Kings Cross and St. Pancras so close together?
Private railway companies were big business in the Victorian period and they built railways to exploit economic opportunities. Kings Cross Station was built by the Great Northern Railway (GNR) as the terminus for its London to York line and opened in 1852. St Pancras Station was built by the Midland Railway Company (MRC) as the terminus of their lines from Derby and opened in 1868. Although railway companies occasionally used the same line this usually meant that the traffic was controlled by the company that owned the line and thus was not operated to the benefit of the competitor. This is what happened to the MRC when they wanted to bring their goods to London so they decided to seek powers to build their own line and station. Given the area of the country they served the only option for a terminus was between Euston and Kings Cross. An additional reason why the three stations are located just to the north of Euston Road is due to a Parliamentary Commission of 1846 that decided that railway termini could not be built within a designated area to protect the City the northern boundary of which was Euston Road.
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