King's College London Strand Campus
Historic riverside campus blending classical architecture with modern academia in central London’s vibrant cultural heart.
King's College London's Strand Campus is the historic founding site located on the Strand in central London. Adjacent to Somerset House and overlooking the River Thames, it houses faculties of arts, humanities, law, social sciences, and natural sciences. The campus blends iconic 19th-century architecture with modern expansions, offering rich cultural and academic experiences in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to King's College London
- Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, GB
- +442078365454
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Great Hall and Edmond J. Safra Lecture Theatre to appreciate the blend of historic and modern architecture.
- Explore nearby cultural landmarks like Somerset House and Covent Garden to enrich your visit.
- Use the Temple Underground station for the closest and most convenient access to the campus.
- Check out the Inigo Rooms exhibition space for public cultural events curated by King's Cultural Institute.
- Take advantage of step-free access points and lifts throughout the campus for easy mobility.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
The nearest Tube station is Temple, served by the Circle and District lines, approximately a 2-minute walk to the campus. Charing Cross and Covent Garden stations are also within a 10-12 minute walk. Single journey fares range from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Train
Charing Cross railway station is the closest mainline station, about a 9-minute walk from the campus. Waterloo and Waterloo East stations are within 10-12 minutes on foot. Train ticket prices vary by origin but central London fares typically start around £5.
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Bus
Several bus stops serve the area around the Strand Campus, including Aldwych Drury Lane and Lancaster Place. Bus routes connect to major London hubs, with typical fares around £1.65 per journey using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Car and Bicycle
On-street parking is limited with Blue Badge bays on a first-come basis; several public car parks are available within 1 km. Secure bicycle parking is available on campus with prior registration. Barclays Cycle Hire stations are nearby for convenient bike rentals.
King's College London location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about King's College London
A Historic Academic Heart in Central London
King's College London's Strand Campus is the university's original and flagship site, established in 1829. Situated on the north bank of the River Thames along the Strand, the campus is steeped in history and architectural grandeur. The centerpiece is the Grade I listed King's Building, designed by Sir Robert Smirke in 1831, whose classical façade complements the adjacent Somerset House, fulfilling a long-standing vision to complete the riverfront's elegant design. The college chapel, redesigned in 1864 by Sir George Gilbert Scott, adds to the historic atmosphere, blending Gothic revival elements with the campus's classical style.Academic Diversity and Expansion
Strand Campus is home to several of King's faculties, including Arts & Humanities, the Dickson Poon School of Law, Natural & Mathematical Sciences, and Social Science & Public Policy. Over recent decades, the campus has expanded significantly, incorporating the East Wing of Somerset House, the Virginia Woolf Building, and the historic Bush House complex through a 50-year lease. These additions have modernized the campus while preserving its heritage, providing state-of-the-art lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and public exhibition spaces such as the Inigo Rooms curated by the King's Cultural Institute.Architectural and Cultural Landmarks
The campus boasts a blend of historic and contemporary architecture. The Great Hall and the Edmond J. Safra Lecture Theatre offer grand spaces for lectures and events, featuring period details and modern acoustics. The Anatomy Lecture Theatre and Museum preserve medical teaching traditions with historic features and natural daylight. The campus also includes a scenic outdoor terrace overlooking the Thames, perfect for reflection and social gatherings. Nearby cultural landmarks such as Somerset House, the Royal Courts of Justice, and Covent Garden enrich the campus environment, situating it within London's vibrant cultural and legal districts.Accessibility and Facilities
Strand Campus prioritizes accessibility with step-free entrances, lifts, and ramps throughout the buildings. Key entrances are clearly signed and provide access to ground floors and faculty areas. The campus offers a range of facilities including study spaces, food outlets, prayer rooms, and secure bicycle parking. Disability support services are located in Bush House South East Wing. The campus is well connected by public transport, with nearby Tube stations including Temple, Charing Cross, and Covent Garden, and close proximity to major railway stations such as Charing Cross and Waterloo.Location and Surroundings
Positioned in the City of Westminster, the Strand Campus enjoys a prestigious riverside location with iconic views of the Thames and London skyline. The campus is a short walk from major London attractions including Trafalgar Square, St Paul's Cathedral, and the West End theatres. Its central location places it at the crossroads of London's cultural, legal, and political life, making it a dynamic hub for students and visitors alike.Legacy and Future Growth
King's College London continues to invest in the Strand Campus, with ongoing development plans for King House and Melbourne House to be integrated by 2025. This commitment ensures the campus remains a leading academic environment while preserving its historic character. The campus archives hold notable collections, including papers of distinguished figures, underscoring King's role in British educational and cultural history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Old Watch House
0.0 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Bomber Harris Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
St Clement Danes Church
0.2 km
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Strand
0.3 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.3 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
Waterloo Bridge
0.3 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.3 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.4 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Prince Henry's Room
0.4 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.4 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.4 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Bow St
0.5 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.5 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
0.5 km
Explore the rich history and serene beauty of The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, a cornerstone of London's legal heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
King's College Chapel
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Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of King's College Chapel, a must-visit Gothic masterpiece in the heart of London.
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
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Discover London’s hidden Tudor-era cold bath beneath the Strand, where myth and history intertwine in a unique urban relic.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
0.1 km
Step into London’s hidden past with exclusive tours of Aldwych Station, a disused Tube shelter rich in history and wartime stories.
Somerset House
0.1 km
Historic neoclassical landmark and vibrant cultural hub on the Thames, blending art, performance, dining, and innovation in central London.
St Mary le Strand Church
0.1 km
Discover the exquisite Baroque beauty and rich heritage of St Mary le Strand Church, a tranquil sanctuary and landmark in the heart of London’s Strand.
The Courtauld Gallery
0.1 km
Discover world-class art masterpieces from the Middle Ages to Impressionism in the historic Somerset House setting.
Temple Station
0.1 km
Step into history at Temple Station, a Victorian-era gateway to London’s medieval Knights Templar district and legal heritage.
Victoria Embankment
0.2 km
Explore Victoria Embankment, a historic riverside promenade in London featuring iconic views, tranquil gardens, and rich Victorian heritage.
Mamma Mia!
0.2 km
Experience the joyous ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre, a timeless West End celebration of love and laughter.
Novello Theatre
0.2 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Aldwych Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless elegance and captivating performances at London’s historic Aldwych Theatre, a West End treasure with Art Deco charm.
Two Temple Place
0.3 km
Discover Two Temple Place, a neo-Gothic Victorian mansion blending literary grandeur and architectural mastery on London’s iconic Victoria Embankment.
Michael Faraday Statue
0.3 km
A bronze tribute to Michael Faraday, celebrating his revolutionary discoveries in electromagnetism at the heart of London’s engineering heritage.
Duchess Theatre
0.3 km
Discover the intimate charm and rich history of the Duchess Theatre, a West End treasure since 1929 with iconic productions and timeless elegance.
Lyceum Theatre
0.3 km
Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.3 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Sarastro
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Balthazar
0.4 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.4 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Chez Antoinette
0.5 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Wahaca Southbank
0.5 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Rules
0.5 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.5 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Margot
0.5 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.5 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Bustronome London
0.5 km
Dine in luxury aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while touring London’s iconic landmarks with gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.5 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.6 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.6 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Store X
0.1 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Twinings - The Strand
0.3 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.5 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.5 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Sugar And Style
0.6 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.6 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Floral Street
0.6 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
j-me original design ltd
0.6 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.6 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.6 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.7 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.7 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Gifts of London
0.7 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.7 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.3 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Plume Wine Bar
0.3 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Beaufort Bar
0.3 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
0.3 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.4 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.4 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.4 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Crusting Pipe
0.4 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
The Understudy
0.5 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Upstairs At Rules
0.5 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.5 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.6 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.6 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
0.6 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.6 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.2 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Heaven
0.7 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.7 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
0.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.8 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.9 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.9 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Cirque Du Soul
1.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.0 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
The Penthouse London
1.0 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.1 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
TSQ Club
1.1 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly