Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station?
What makes it 84% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 can wear scarves, pose with parents, pick low-cost toys, and use a nearby play zone; step-free entry helps, but holiday queues over 45 min can strain young patience.
Positives:
- Easy station access: Step-free routes and lifts make it simple to bring strollers and luggage.
- Free photo option: You can take family shots for free using your own device at the trolley.
Challenges:
- Potentially long queues: Lines form quickly; waits can exceed 30 minutes during peak times.
- Busy surroundings: Platform area is within a major station concourse with trains passing by.
What is Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station?
- A fictional railway platform devised by J.K. Rowling as the secret gateway to the Hogwarts Express, positioned between platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross Station.
- Marked by a brass sign and a half-embedded luggage trolley prop set against a brick-style backdrop to replicate the novel’s magical barrier.
- Accompanied by an adjacent retail space devoted to officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise within the station concourse.
What is so special about Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station for with kids?
- Iconic Harry Potter photo spot perfect for kids.
- Affordable professional portrait with props.
- Fun souvenir shopping for every family member.
- Hands-on play area nearby for younger children.
- Easy access with pram-friendly lifts and toilets.
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 hour
Why 0.5-1 hour visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for queuing, family photo, and quick browse in the shop without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
Self-photo at the trolley:
Pose your family pushing the half-disappeared luggage trolley into the Platform 9¾ wall.
Tip: Bring your own camera and let each child take turns for fun shots.
Professional family portrait:
Let the on-site photographer frame you with a Hogwarts scarf and wand props.
Tip: Buy at least two prints (£15) to share with grandparents.
Browse the Harry Potter Shop:
Explore wands, scarves, sweets and themed souvenirs.
Tip: Give each child a £5 keychain allowance to avoid overspending.
Find the real film barrier:
Walk to the nearby platforms 4 and 5 to see the actual film shooting wall.
Tip: It’s less crowded and costs nothing to visit this spot.
Relax in the family waiting area:
Use the station’s kids’ corner to rest between activities.
Tip: It’s pram-friendly and offers a small play space for younger kids.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
- Visit off-peak: Go before 9 AM on weekdays or after 8 PM to skip the longest lines.
- Queue-jump pass: Buy the VIP fast-track photo pass (£15) to avoid waiting.
- Use station app: Check live queue times on the King’s Cross app before you arrive.
Reviews of Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
Panaphat Park
A very popular photo spot, so expect a crowd! The shop itself is quite small and can get packed, but it’s filled with a wide range of adorable, officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise. Note: Large bags are not allowed inside.
Debora Chaitlall (Debs)
If you’re a major Harry Potter fan—or even just a millennial—you’ll definitely want to check this place out! It’s located right in the train station, and if you don’t want to pay for the photo frames, you can simply ask someone to snap a photo from your phone. You can still use the scarves from each house for your picture, which makes it super fun. After the photos, you walk straight into the stor...
Tobi
Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross in London is an absolute must for every Harry Potter fan. The magical feeling starts right away – and of course, the iconic photo with the trolley disappearing into the wall is a highlight. The staff are super friendly and even provide scarves in your house colors so the picture turns out just perfect. Right next to it is the Harry Potter shop, which is beautifully an...
Olga L.
Nice place to see for Harry Potter lovers. Come early and be ready to queue. One photo costs £15. I’m personally not a big fan of paying for that, as you can take a free photo of the platform without standing on it. If you are willing to pay, they also provide scarfs of the 4 Hogwarts’ houses!
D. Chow
Had to wait in a pretty long line, but honestly, if you're a Harry Potter fan, it's worth it. The setup is cool, the staff help you pose with the scarf and trolley, and you get that classic shot. Fun little experience — just be ready to queue!
When is the best time to visit Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station (London, United Kingdom)?
Queues grow longer during UK school holidays and weekends; aim for mid-week mornings.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pro photo package | GBP 15 |
| Souvenir keychain | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 25 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
Address: King’s Cross, Euston Rd., London N1C 4AP, UK
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About Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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