Things to do in and around Kings Cross

Need a break from your books? Sip a latte, have a slice of cake, and let your mind wander. Here are some of the best coffee shops in Kings Cross to brighten up your busy day.  Casa Jardim is a charming, botanical café, tucked away on a quiet street. You can settle down with a book or sink your teeth into a delicious raspberry sponge. There’s loads of healthy plant-based options, along with some cute house plants to spruce up your student room.   From classic cappuccinos to chai lattes, Half Cup has you covered. Grab a cup to go or settle in for some brunch, everything in this cosy café is homemade with love. Go for an organic acai bowl or Oreo french toast, whatever puts a smile on your face. Moreish Café Deli is another wonderful lunch spot, serving up scrumptious pastries and cakes. It’s also just down the street from Tavistock Square gardens if you prefer fresh air and squirrels for company. We’re also big fans of Fortitude Bakehouse and Caffé Tropea just a walk away. 

Whether it’s the end of exams or you just want to let loose, there are loads of cool bars and clubs in Kings Cross for a fun night out.   From smokey elixirs to tea potions, Hokus Pokus alchemy lab has all sorts of quirky cocktails to excite your tastebuds. Inspired by tarot cards, Bloomsbury Club Bar will uncover your secret emotions to serve you just the right cocktail. Sip on Moon Milk to summon success or try Persian Mist to lift your spirits. There’s also light bites and live music nights.   For a bit of friendly competition, Shuffleboard Bar is great fun with happy hour every day between 12 and 9pm. You can tuck into some pizzas, hang out in the lounge area, or have a go on the arcade machines.   If you prefer to hit the dance floor, head to Big Chill for epic DJ sets and drink specials or bust a move in Simmons’ ‘Rave Cave’. With 3 bars and 2 dance floors and a huge stage, Scala is one of the best club and live music nights in London. Even Ed Sheeran and Foo Fighters have made an appearance! 

From classic British boozers to trendy gastropubs, Kings Cross has something for everyone.  The Fellow is a popular gastropub known for their legendary Sunday Roasts and craft beers. The menu might tempt you in, but the heated roof terrace will convince you to stay another round.   You can catch live sports at Mabel’s Tavern or tuck into some hearty pub grub at McGlynn's or The Marquis Cornwallis. There’s no going wrong with great British classics like beer-battered fish and triple cooked chips.   For open mic and trivia nights, grab a seat at the Marlborough Arms or enjoy stand-up comedy and karaoke at The Star of Kings. Whether you’re joining in the fun or just watching, it’s always a good time.   Elsewhere, The College Arms is known for their ‘Crafternoon tea’ with seriously good sliders and craft beers, and The Skinners Arms has a wide selection of drinks on tap if you need a timeout from your textbooks.  

With a central location comes loads of superb places to eat. Casa Tua is a cosy Italian trattoria known for their delicious homemade pasta and signature pizzas. Try a bit of everything. With grazing platters, cheese boards and a huge selection of wines, Amelie’s Wine House is the perfect spot for a long, laidback lunch with friends - South of France style.  Elsewhere, Granger and Co is an easy-going Aussie restaurant serving up fresh, feel-good food. Pop in for brunch and tuck into their coconut curry or ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter.   For a bit of theatre, try the Korean BBQ at Kimchee or sling back some sake at Flesh and Buns. Their salmon teriyaki bao buns are scrumptious and so are the smores, toasted at your table over hot stones. If you haven’t tried okonomiyaki before, Abeno should be at the top of your list, cooking up their speciality savoury pancakes right in front of you.  Some other popular options include Hoppers for mouth-watering Sri Lankan flavours, Flat Iron for excellent steak, and Dishoom for the best Indian food in London. You can also hop on a short bus ride to Carnaby Street in Soho, famous for its trendy eateries and electric nightlife or Chinatown for delicious, affordable Asian cuisine.

Kings Cross is super central, which means you're just around the corner from many world-famous London attractions. You may never have enough time to see and do everything in the capital city, but you can have a fab time trying.   Take a stroll along the River Thames at South Bank and admire the views over Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral or stop off at the London Eye and take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel for 360 views over the city. If you’re a fan of the Royal Family, head over to Buckingham Palace for a mandatory photo at the palace gates and see if you can catch a Changing of the Guard ceremony.   Other must-visit London attractions include Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, and the Tower of London. If you’re a film lover, you can take a wander around famous movie locations like Notting Hill or Camden Town. You’re also just around the corner from the spectacular West End where you can get tickets to world-famous musicals and plays at extravagant venues like the Lyceum or Apollo Theatre.  

Despite its central location, Kings Cross has loads of green spaces to get some fresh air. You can admire the splash fountains at Granary Square, walk or cycle along the Regents Canal, and discover wonderful gardens and waterside restaurants.   If you’re a book lover, be sure to visit Words on the Water, a quirky floating bookshop filled to the brim with new and well-loved titles. You can rifle through stacks of books outside or cosy up with your favourite onboard, either way it’s the perfect day.  For a break between classes, pack some snacks and head to Russel Square. With colourful flowerbeds and a central fountain, it’s a lovely spot to catch up with friends or kick back and relax. Gordon’s Square is surrounded by beautiful, tall trees making you feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. There’s also a cute garden kiosk serving up delicious coffee and cakes for an afternoon pick-me-up. Elsewhere, Regent’s Park is the closest Royal Park to Scape with London’s biggest outdoor sports area bringing you football, rugby, and cricket pitches. You can admire the Queen Mary Rose Garden, relax by the pond, or enjoy a picnic with friends. If you’re up for a walk, we recommend hiking to the top of Primrose Hill for incredible views over the London skyline.   

Only a few mins from Kings Cross, Bloomsbury is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world, with regular exhibitions to get lost in. Admission is usually free, meaning you can spend a whole day exploring ancient artefacts and admiring popular artworks without breaking the bank.   Home to the Rosetta Stone, mummies from Ancient Egypt, and other treasures from human history, The British Museum attracts students and tourists from all over the world. The British Library is also just a short walk away, with one of the biggest collections of books in the world. Pop in for research or somewhere quiet to study.   You can also swing by the Charles Dickens Museum for a glimpse into the life and works of the iconic author or laugh out loud in the quirky Cartoon Museum showcasing the best of British cartoons and comics. You’re also within easy reach of the award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and the Royal Opera House renowned for its outstanding opera and ballet. 

Groceries, last minute gifts or something to wear, everything you need is right around the corner from Scape.  Coal Drops Yard is a trendy shopping destination and foodie hotspot, home to wonderful independent shops and cult-favourite brands. With cobbled streets and a canal-side view, it’s the perfect place to discover high quality, ethically sourced products from near and far. If hunger strikes, nearby Granary Square has some of the best places to eat in Kings Cross along with more high-end stores.  The most famous shopping street in the world, Oxford Street is also close by meaning you’ll always be near to end of season sales. From high-end designer outlets like Harrods to iconic department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis, whatever you need you’ll be sure to find it here. 

If you’re going to university in London, Scape Kings Cross is a fantastic location to live in as it’s walking distance to many world-leading universities like UCL, Kings College, LSE and Central St Martins. It’s also just a short walk to University of London, Birkbeck and SOAS so you’ll never be late for class.   Living in the heart of Zone 1 means it’s super easy to get around. Kings Cross and St Pancras are some of the best-connected stations in the city with access to several tube lines including the Northern, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, Circle, Victoria and Piccadilly Lines.   If you’re in the mood for a seaside getaway, take the Thameslink into Brighton and spend the day soaking up some sun. You can also hop on the Eurostar from St Pancras International for fast train links into the UK and Europe. It’s also just under an hour to London Gatwick and Heathrow airport if you’re keen to travel abroad or visit friends and family over the term holiday. 

With just 60 beds, Scape Kings Cross is ideal for exclusive, independent living. There’s no need to wake up extra early to get to your classes, we’re within walking distance of several major universities including UCL, LSE and SOAS and less than 5 mins from the nearest tube station so it’s easy to get around.    At Scape, your rent includes all utilities and bills so you can relax and have fun without worrying about any costly surprises. You can choose from a mix of large and premium boutique studio apartments. Each room comes with a comfy double bed, en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, study space, and ample storage.  Along with our cosy communal lounge, study area and garden room, you also have access to all of Scape Bloomsbury’s facilities just a 5 min walk away, including the gym and cinema. If there’s anything you need, staff are available on weekdays to lend a hand. From Friday night socials to yoga classes and dinner parties, there’s a fun events schedule to look forward to as well.  To book a room, call +44 (0)2045718133 or drop us a message via live chat.