Traveling these days can feel stressful. But the truth is, you can turn even the most stressful situation into a fun and memorable one.
When it comes to traveling by train, you should be prepared for the unexpected. There are endless reasons as to why your train trip may be delayed or cancelled. The tracks may need repair. The train itself may need maintenance. Weather can postpone and push back time schedules. And with the demand for travel on the rise, there can also be an overwhelming amount of people to have to deal with as well.
For those that are traveling through Kings Cross Station, which is one of the largest and central hubs in London, you should always have a backup plan should something go wrong or not according to plan.
So this is why we have come up with all the greatest tips and tricks to stay safe and sane if you find yourself delayed or stuck at Kings Cross Station.
1. Ditch your bags ASAP
If you find yourself needing to now kill two hours or more waiting for your train to depart, then do yourself a favor and ditch your luggage as soon as possible. Being weighed down by your luggage is both frustrating and limiting, and there is so much you can do and experience as you try to pass the time. Luckily there is an extensive range of luggage storage Kings Cross Station services that you can book last-minute that will provide you with maximum security for a minimal price. You will feel like the weight of the world is gone once you get those bags checked into storage.
2. Go grab a drink
Travel changes and delays can be stressful. So take a breath and chill with a pint at Kings Cross Station. Lucky for you there are plenty of places to choose from. You can go to one of the many hidden pubs around the Kings Cross area, or choose to drink within the station itself. Not only is it a very British thing to do, but there is something about the comfort a pint provides that will have you feeling more relaxed during what can be a very stressful time.
3. Have fun and play tourist
While you likely did not expect to have to spend more time at Kings Cross Station, you can certainly make the most out of the extra time. In fact, the station itself has become a hotspot for tourists thanks to the Harry Potter global fandom. There is now actually a Platform 9 and ¾ where you can get your photo in front of the brick wall and have an iconic Harry Potter moment. Since you are already at the station, why not join in on the fun and tick this bucket list item off your list? It will not only bring a smile to your face but make you feel like spending extra time at the station was worth it.
4. Get a good book
If you have lots of time to kill at the station, then go back outside for some fresh air and venture to the floating bookshop called Word on the Water. This bookshop is housed on a docked boat and has an incredible collection of reads for you to choose from. You can easily spend an hour or so here browsing their selection and may even get treated to an impromptu poetry slam or musical concert while you are onboard too.
5. Check into a hotel
If you have a really long time to now wait at Kings Cross Station or have to wait until the following morning to catch your train, don’t suffer through the night. Instead, why not splurge on yourself and check in to the famous St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel right across the street? The hotel itself is absolutely stunning and offers luxurious rooms that you will instantly feel comfortable from. Check yourself in, order room service and sleep off the stress in this extremely safe and fashionable hotel. Plus, the hotel itself offers a range of fun eateries and a rooftop pub to grab an evening whiskey at.
6. Treat yourself to a shopping spree
Nothing quite kills time than going shopping. Since you’ve already ditched your luggage, you have both hands to carry more shopping bags as you browse around the Coals Drop Yard right outside Kings Cross Station. From designer stores to art galleries, it will be hard to walk away from here empty-handed.
So if you find yourself stuck at Kings Cross Station, don’t panic. There is plenty to do that will have you feeling safe and sane.
