Yoga studios, Pilates classes and outdoor fitness in King’s Cross

If you’re looking to stay active during your time in London, King’s Cross and Bloomsbury have plenty to offer.

From outdoor fitness sessions and canal-side walks to cycling routes, yoga studios and Pilates classes, there’s a good mix of options whether you prefer fresh air or a more structured workout.

Here are some of the best ways to keep moving around King’s Cross, all within easy reach of the Mentone Hotel.

Wellness King’s Cross: Free outdoor workout

Martin Whitelock of MW5 Fitness has created a free fitness trail, turning the area into an open-air workout using everyday features like steps, benches and walkways.

You’ll find spots for stair runs around Coal Drops Yard, bench exercises in Lewis Cubitt Square, or simple bodyweight routines at Granary Square and along Bagley Walk.

It’s easy to dip in and out of, and you don’t need any equipment — just a bit of energy.

The healing power of the great outdoors: walking trails in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

If you’re after something a bit more relaxed, a walk around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross is an easy way to get some fresh air and clear your head.

Despite being right in the middle of London, there’s a surprising amount of green space here, from the garden squares dotted around Bloomsbury to the wider open areas and canal paths around King’s Cross.

Regent’s Canal walks

One of the best routes is along Regent’s Canal, which runs right through the area. You can follow the towpath at your own pace, whether you’re walking or jogging, taking in the houseboats, bits of street art and the quieter side of the city as you go. It’s a scenic route that eventually leads towards Regent’s Park.

Just off the canal, Camley Street Natural Park is well worth a visit. It’s a small but impressive nature reserve, home to a wide range of plants and wildlife, with a visitor centre and café if you want to stop for a break.


Bloomsbury Health Walks

If you’d prefer something a bit more structured, the Bloomsbury Health Walks are a good option.

These free one-hour walks are led by the knowledgeable Camden Guides and explore different themes around the area, from local writers and history to hidden corners you might otherwise miss. You can simply turn up on the day, but spaces are limited.

Bloomsbury Health Walks

Self-guided wild walks

Also have a look at the self-guided “wild walks” and pavement routes designed to help you explore the area more slowly.

These take in places like Bagley Walk Gardens, Handyside Gardens, St Pancras Churchyard and St George’s Gardens, encouraging you to notice the quieter details you might usually walk straight past.

Global Generation has designed this map called “Wayward, Wild and Weedy” which you can download and follow at your own pace. It’s really interesting and you get to learn about nature as you walk.

For a few more walking suggestions, have a look at my guides to the best walks and literary tours around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross, as well as the parks and green spaces near King’s Cross, where I’ve pulled together more routes and ideas.

On your bike: cycling routes around Kings Cross

King’s Cross is a great base if you enjoy cycling. The area has been designed to be bike-friendly, with quieter streets, dedicated routes and plenty of places to stop along the way.

One of the best routes is along Regent’s Canal. You can pick it up near Granary Square and follow the towpath west towards Camden and Regent’s Park, passing Coal Drops Yard, Gasholder Park and Camden Market along the way. It’s an easy, scenic ride, with plenty to see without having to deal with busy roads.

Head in the opposite direction and the canal takes you through Islington and Hackney towards Limehouse Basin. This side feels a bit more tucked away, with a mix of green spaces, independent art galleries, workshops and studios and bits of local culture you wouldn’t normally come across.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one from the Santander Cycle docking stations. There are plenty around King’s Cross, including one on Goods Way. Lime and Uber bikes are also widely available if you prefer something more flexible.

Cycling tours King's Cross

If you’re into cycling, it’s worth stopping by VIA Bicycle Atelier on Stable Street. Set in a beautifully restored grain house, it’s a well-known concept shop run by cyclists, stocking everything from helmets and clothing to bikes and accessories, with knowledgeable staff on hand if you need advice.

Yoga studios and Pilates classes in King’s Cross London (and other alternative fitness)

If you’d rather take things indoors, there are plenty of good yoga studios in King’s Cross and nearby Bloomsbury, along with a wide range of Pilates classes in London to suit all levels.

Here are a few options within walking or cycling distance of the Mentone Hotel, ranging from small independent studios to larger fitness centres.

YMCA King’s Cross

120 Cromer Street, London, WC1H 8BS
4 minute walk from the hotel
Website
Tel: 020 3817 9919 

If you’re looking for yoga studios in King’s Cross or a good mix of classes under one roof, the YMCA is a popular option just round the corner from the hotel.

They offer mat and reformer Pilates, plus Vinyasa and Hatha yoga, all suitable for beginners through to more experienced levels. They also offer extra support for anyone living with health conditions, as well as specialist mind body classes for mums to be.

The studios appear to be bright and well-equipped, and there’s also a gym and vegan café on site.

RebelStudio.

100-102 Cromer Street, London WC1H 8BZ
5 minute walk from the hotel
Website
Tel: 020 7278 2887
Email: hello@rebelstudio.co.uk

This is an independent, boutique-style studio created and run by an experienced osteopath and offering a more focused approach to yoga in King’s Cross.

Classes are said to be slower-paced and more about technique and breathwork, so good if you want to build confidence and improve your practice over time.

Alongside restorative, Hot Hatha, strength and Yang > Yin yoga, they also offer osteopathy, massage and a sauna. The studio is equipped with changing rooms, showers, lockers with charging stations, hairdryers, towels and drinks.

TheraFit London

5-15 Cromer Street, Kings Cross, London WC1H 8LS
10 minute walk or 4 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Tel:  0207 916 4848
Email: hello@therafitlondon.co.uk

TheraFit is a bit different from your usual Pilates classes in London. It’s more of a specialist wellness space that combines reformer Pilates with stretch sessions and a focus on managing stress and overall long-term well-being.

It’s particularly geared towards people dealing with busy, high-pressure lifestyles, so if you’re looking for something more tailored than a standard class, it’s worth a look.

Sessions are designed to be therapeutic and more structured and supportive than your typical gym setting.

Pancras Square Leisure

5 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG
14 minute walk or 5 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Tel: 020 3343 6010
Email: pancras.square@gll.org

If you’re looking for a full fitness centre rather than just a Pilates or yoga studio in King’s Cross, Pancras Square Leisure has pretty much everything under one roof. There’s a large state-of-the-art gym, a 25 metre 5-lane swimming pool, and a wide range of classes including yoga, Pilates and HIIT.

You’ve also got spa facilities like a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and spa pool plus a hydration station, so it’s a good option if you want to combine a workout with a bit of downtime afterwards.

King’s Cross Studios

154 Caledonian Road, London N1 9RD
20 minute walk or 7 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Tel: 0207 837 7111
Email: hello@kingscrossstudios.co.uk

King’s Cross Studios is a more specialist wellness studio, ideal if you’re looking for something a bit more tailored than standard Pilates classes in London.

They offer both group and one-to-one sessions, with experienced and accredited instructors who work with everyone from beginners through to athletes.

They’re also one of the few studios in London offering GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® classes. This is a slower, controlled style of movement designed to improve strength, flexibility and overall mobility.

Frame Fitness Studio

Arthouse, Coal Drops Yard, Unit 1 York Way, London N1C 4AS
20 minute walk or 6 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Email: kingsx@moveyourframe.com
Tel: 07497 112876

This is a lively, modern studio offering a wide mix of classes, from yoga and Pilates to strength training, boxing, HIIT and cardio sessions. It’s good if you like variety and want something a bit more upbeat than a traditional gym.

They’ve also got reformer Pilates, barre and dance-based classes, plus high-spec changing and shower facilities on site.

Pilates classes in King's Cross

MW5 Bootcamp

West Handyside Canopy, Coal Drops Yard, 1 Wharf Road, London N1C 4BZ
20 minute walk or 6 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Email: mw5fitness@hotmail.com

For something a bit more energetic, MW5 Bootcamp runs outdoor HIIT-style sessions around Coal Drops Yard. Led by Martin Whitelock — who also created the local fitness trail — the sessions are designed to challenge you, but at a level that suits your ability.

It could work well if you prefer group training and want to make the most of exercising outdoors.

Ten Health and Fitness

Gasholders 11, 1 Lewis Cubitt Walk, London N1C 4BX
21 minute walk or 7 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Tel: 020 7493 7858
Email: kingscross@ten.co.uk

Ten Health and Fitness is a more premium option based in the Gasholders building, offering reformer Pilates alongside personal training, physiotherapy and massage. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a more tailored, all-round approach rather than just a standard class.

They also have a range of wellness facilities, including infrared saunas and recovery treatments, so it’s somewhere you can combine exercise with a bit of rest and recovery.

King’s Cross Fitness

Coal Drops Yard, 1 Harrier St, London N1C 4EP
22 minute walk or 7 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Tel: 020 8143 6239

King’s Cross Fitness is a modern gym space just off Granary Square, offering a mix of high-energy classes and more traditional training options. Their Elevate HIIT and cycling sessions are popular if you’re after a full-body workout.

There’s also a sports hall with courts for things like badminton, basketball and pickleball, plus a smoothie bar on site if you want to refuel afterwards.

Polestar Pilates

27 Canal Reach, London N1C 4DD
27 minute walk or 7 minute cycle ride from the hotel
Website
Tel: 020 3959 9285

Polestar Pilates is said to offer a more low-impact approach to fitness. Their classes focus on improving posture, core strength and flexibility, making them suitable for beginners as well as those with more experience.

They also offer a range of additional therapies including osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, Myofascial release and sports massage, and run small group sessions using specialist Pilates equipment for a more tailored workout.

> Looking for a gym in Bloomsbury or King’s Cross? My best gyms blog lists a few top picks on the hotel’s doorstep.

Planning a stopover in King’s Cross? The Mentone Hotel looks forward to welcoming you!

Located on the doorstep of a wide variety of attractions, restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops, parks, museums and shops, the Grade II listed Mentone Hotel can be found within the peaceful surroundings of Cartwright Gardens in historical Bloomsbury.

We have 40 rooms, all offering free WiFi and luggage storage, plus we offer tickets for all the popular London attractions. Guests enjoy a 10% discount for direct bookings, plus an unlimited complimentary breakfast – perfect for a pre-fitness session fuel-up.

Please get in touch to check availability. And we will of course be happy to direct you to our local fitness and wellness classes and activities during your stay!

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