This summer, King’s Cross invites visitors to discover a whole new side of London with The Great Outdoors – a programme of art, culture, food and fun for the whole family. The Great Outdoors takes place across the vast open spaces at King’s Cross, which include 26 acres of parks and green spaces, pedestrianised market-squares and canal-sidewalks. Visitors can enjoy everything from art installations and outdoor galleries, to alfresco wining and dining, as well as outdoor fitness and walking trails – all just five minutes’ walk from King’s Cross St Pancras station.
At the heart of The Great Outdoors is a series of new installations creating one of the largest offerings of outdoor public art in London. Visitors can discover huge, colourful sculptures, interactive installations and world-class photography.
Highlights include sculptor Eva Rothschild’s first permanent installation at King’s Cross, My World and Your World, a 16-metre-tall ‘social sculpture’ situated in Lewis Cubbitt Park inviting people to meet, explore the park, play or have a picnic. The Lollipop Lounge on the Canalside Steps features a sparkling set of giant ice lollies melting into the grass – cleverly positioned to help people with social distancing while enjoying the sun with a takeaway drink, and whilst the iconic fountains in Granary Square remain closed, a pair of virtual pools by German artist Stefan Zirwes have been installed which sit alongside a 2D maze, giant word search and a series of hopscotch paths. Street artist Andy Leek’s uplifting This Much installations can also be found throughout the area.
Outdoor seating has been added throughout Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square to create an ideal destination for a socially distanced meal or meet-up. Over 50 restaurants, bars and cafes are already open and embracing the great outdoors, including the famous Dishoom, iconic Italian Lina Stores, Sri Lanken-inspired Hoppers, and Michelin-starred Barrafina – all of which are taking bookings.
Those after some retail therapy can visit Canopy Market in Coal Drops Yard every Friday – Sunday, featuring a line-up of some of London’s best food producers such as Crosstown Doughnuts, Turnips fruit and veg, Woop Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ba and Noodo gluten-free bakery. The market also showcases local craft, art and designer-makers, and shoppers can pick one-of-a-kind jewellery, ceramics, fashions, accessories and homewares.
King’s Cross has implemented extra health and safety guidance, from playful social-distance signage to multiple hand sanitiser units and increasing cleaning schedules across the 67 aces. The destination has recently been awarded the VisitEngland We’re Good To Go mark to show that King’s Cross is adhering to Government and public health guidance around COVID-19.
For more information and to view the full programme of summer activities at King’s Cross visit www.kingscross.co.uk/greatoutdoors.
