Things to do near London train stations
If you’ve got a bit of free time before you begin your journey from one of London’s main stations, here are my top tips on things to do near London train stations.
Euston station: There are some great things to do near Euston station. Right opposite the station is the Wellcome Collection which is a free museum and library about health and the human experience. There’s also a nice cafe just inside the main entrance. A little bit further afield, but still within about a 20 minute walk, is the fantastic (and free) British Museum. Or, if it’s a nice day, there are some garden squares not far from Euston Station including Gordon Square and Tavistock Square Garden.
Kings Cross station: If you’re looking for things to do near Kings Cross Station, then the British Library is a 5 minute walk from here. This free library has a fascinating permanent collection including works by Shakespeare. There is usually a special exhibition on at the library as well - book tickets in advance for those. There are lockers in the library if you need to leave a bag. If you’d rather be outside, then I recommend a walk to Granary Square which is near the canal and a lovely place to hang out, or Camley Street Natural Park which is a small nature reserve. Both are about 5 minutes walk from the station.
Victoria station: For things to do near Victoria station, I recommend a walk into Belgravia, where there are some quiet and attractive streets with independent shops and cafes. In particular, Elizabeth Street and Eccleston Yards are both nearby - the latter has a cute biscuit shop called Biscuiteers where you can pick up a sweet treat or fun souvenir. Slightly further away, but still within a 15 minute walk, is the Kings Gallery which has changing art exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Book tickets in advance.
Charing Cross station: If you’re looking for things to do near Charing Cross station, there are some great museums nearby - National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are both within a few minutes walk, and are both free to enter. If you’d rather be outside, then St James Park is about a 15 minute walk from the station, and is a lovely place for a stroll, with a lake, seasonal floral displays, and resident pelicans. Alternatively, one of my favourite outdoor spots is the Victoria Embankment Gardens about 5 minutes away, and not far from the river if you want to take in views of the Southbank opposite.
Paddington station: If you want something to do near Paddington Station, then I recommend a canalside stroll. Start from Paddington Basin and then walk up to the beautiful Little Venice which is about 15 minutes away, and has lots of waterside cafes and canal boats. If you don’t want to walk that far, there are some great canalside cafes closer to Paddington, including the Cheese Barge - book in advance for that so you don’t miss out.
Waterloo station: If you’re looking for things to do near Waterloo station, then I recommend walking down to the Southbank and taking in the riverside views. The Hayward Gallery, located on the Southbank, is only 5 minutes from the station, if you want to check out a contemporary art exhibition. If you have a bit longer, the British Film Institute cinema always has a great selection of films. If you don’t have much time, you can’t beat a little trip to Foyles Bookshop - also on the Southbank, though there is also a branch actually inside the station.
Marylebone station: If you’re interested in things to do near Marylebone station, then my top recommendation would be the Wallace Collection, a museum located in a fine town house which includes art, sculpture, ceramics and armoury. There’s also a lovely cafe in a courtyard inside the museum. The museum is just under 20 minutes walk. Alternatively, there are lots of great shops on Marylebone High Street which is about 15 minutes away from the station, and has the fabulous Edwardian bookshop Daunt Books.