It might seem like London is rich with things to do for every occasion, and that’s mostly true, but for anyone that’s been stuck at a train station there it’s clear that it can be as boring as anywhere else. The tendency when faced with a long wait at a connection can be to hang around the concourse and keep yourself busy buying junk food and trashy reading material, but that doesn’t have to be the way. There are tourist options right on the doorstep of some of London’s main stations.

If you’re at Kings Cross or St Pancras then you’re fairly well catered for in terms of things to idle away your time with, as there’s an indoor shopping area and food chains to explore. However, you’re also lucky enough to be next door to one of the coolest and most underrated historical attractions in the city. The British Library isn’t just a place for study, it also displays some of the most incredible works of literature you’re ever likely to see. These include the oldest copies of Beowulf and Gawain and the Green Knight, as well as some of the earliest fragments of the bible. It’s unbelievable that these are so easy to see, and it’s all free too.

Victoria station isn’t exactly out in the middle of nowhere when it comes to things to do, and even if you only have a short time to spend there’s an obvious choice. Buckingham Palace is within easy walking distance and you can combine it with a picnic in either Green Park or St James’s too. So there’s no reason to feel stranded.

Liverpool Street Station can be a really daunting place to get stuck in. It’s a nice enough station in itself, but the surrounding area doesn’t offer much to a tourist at all. In fact it all looks a bit bleak. You’re best bet is to go northeast to The Old Truman Brewery. This little indie hangout has been recently refurbished to accommodate great food places and some boutique businesses too. It’s another cool little hidden gem and there’s even some good nightlife to enjoy there.

The message is not to let delays ruin your day when there are still ways of getting yourself out of the station without risking missing the next train.

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