As a Harry Potter fan, you most definitely know about Platform 9 and ¾. In case you forgot, Platform 9 and ¾ is where the Hogwarts Express takes Harry and other students to and from Hogwarts. It can only be accessed by running directly through the solid wall that stands between platforms nine and ten. At the beginning of each school year, the students make their way to Platform 9 and ¾ to board the Hogwarts Express. And at King’s Cross Station, this platform is actually visible to the muggle eye. It’s a prime opportunity to make all of your Harry Potter dreams come true by getting a glimpse of the platform, even as a muggle. And if you aren’t a muggle, who knows, maybe you will actually make it all the way through the platform.
Snap a Pic
When visiting King’s Cross Station, you don’t want to miss out on your opportunity to get a picture of you entering the platform. There is a solid brick wall that has a luggage trolley halfway through the wall. On the trolley are suitcases and an owl cage just like Harry had in the books and movies. Here at the station, you can get a picture of you acting like you are about to run through the wall to enter Platform 9 and ¾. It’s free to access the trolley, and is available at all hours. You are also allowed to take your own pictures, or you can have a professional take it with a scarf representing your house colors. The professional photographer is available to take your photo from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Next to the platform is the iconic Harry Potter shop where you can find all kinds of souvenirs related to the Harry Potter series. In case you are wondering, there is a reason King’s Cross Station was chosen for the Hogwarts Express. J K Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, said that she chose King’s Cross because that is where her parents first met on a train heading to Scotland. After visiting Platform 9 and ¾, there is much to explore in the city of London.
Visiting London
Whether you have just a few hours in the city, or you are in London for a few days, there are a few things near King’s Cross Station that might spark your interest. If you are wanting to adventure around the city, it’s best to find luggage storage near King’s Cross Station. This is especially helpful if you are just in London for the day, or you haven’t checked into your hotel yet. Luggage storage near King’s Cross Station makes it easy to drop off your bags after visiting Platform 9 and ¾ so you can see more things in the city. London is full of exciting things to do. Here are a few options near King’s Cross Station that are worth your time:
- The British Library: The library is free to enter where you can see a collection of over 150 million items. Some of the library’s highlights include the Magna Carta, Jane Austin’s notebook, and lyrics written by the Beatles.
- Regent’s Canal: The canal is perfect for taking a stroll along to see some of the sites of London. Or you can do a boat tour in a narrowboat that takes you through a 200-year-old tunnel, which is one of the longest tunnels in the United Kingdom.
- Coal Drops Yard: When looking for food and shops, Coal Drops Yard gives you plenty to do. It’s only a 10 minute walk from the station, and holds several shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. If you are looking to support local businesses, Coal Drops Yard is the perfect place to go.
How to store Luggage
Exploring the city is not fun when you are dragging your bags around with you. It’s difficult to walk around the city, go on boat tours, or visit shops when you are carrying around your luggage. Using luggage storage near King’s Cross Station makes it easy to drop off your luggage and see some of the city. Here are the simple steps:
- Search online for the most convenient location for you
- Reserve your spot online
- Bring reservation and drop off luggage at that location
- Enjoy the city!
Luggage storage near King’s Cross Station will cost you about five euros per day for a 24-hour period. Some of these locations are even open 24/7 in case you need to drop off or pick up your bags outside of business hours. If you are looking to stay in the King’s Cross area, then using luggage storage will make sight seeing so much easier.
Harry Potter fans in London
Visiting Platform 9 and ¾ is a dream come true for Harry Potter fans. Outside of King’s Cross Station, you will see all of the numerous sights London has to offer. The British Library, Regent’s Canal, and Coal Drops Yard are some of the top places to visit while in London. When exploring the city, it’s useful to use luggage storage near King’s Cross Station so you don’t have to take your luggage with you everywhere you go. Just drop off your bags and enjoy the sights of London!
