Plan your trip to Game On 2027

Your trip at a glance

Game On brings us together in London for two days of ideas, practical learning and industry connections, with a little extra time to play. Here are the essentials to help you plan your visit.

Quick Links

Where to stay · Getting to and around London · Map · FAQs

Important dates & times

Pre-conference game and networking

Conference

  • April 20-21, from 9am to 5pm

  • Venue: NCVO

Additional activities

  • April 20, Game (TBA) from approximately 6pm

  • April 21, Networking (Location TBA) from approximately 6pm

Traveling to London

Nearest stations

Where to stay

  • See recommended hotels and special Game On deals below

What to book separately

  • Travel and accommodation.

  • Conference lunches and the experiences listed in the programme are included in your ticket.

Where to Stay

Stay close to the action, and make the journey back after networking a little easier. Below are five nearby hotels, including selected Game On offers, plus an area worth exploring if you’re travelling on a tighter budget.

To enjoy the full programme, we recommend arriving on Monday 19 April in the morning and heading home on Thursday 22 April. That gives you time for the optional pre-conference activities and all three networking evenings.

HOTELS WITH GAME ON DEAL

St Pancras Inn

A nearby option with a Game On discount available throughout April, useful if you’re adding a few extra days to your trip.

Walk to NCVO: 7 minutes
Hotel class: 4-star
Google rating: 3.8/5
Price guide: ££
Game On deal: 10% off online prices

Book directly using code ESCAPE. The offer is valid for stays throughout April.

View hotel and book →

DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross

A four-star option for those happy to stay a little further from the venue, with a dedicated Game On booking offer.

Walk to NCVO: 15 minutes
Hotel class: 4-star
Google rating: 4.3/5
Price guide: £££
Game On deal: 12% off through our booking link

Access the Game On rate →

Kaya Great Northern Hotel, London

The five-star option on our shortlist, for anyone looking to make their London stay a little more special.

Walk to NCVO: 13 minutes
Hotel class: 5-star
Google rating: 4.3/5
Price guide: £££
Game On deal: Use code ALL02 when booking, by 28 February 2027.

Payment is taken at reservation, with free cancellation until two weeks before arrival.

View hotel →

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross

A convenient option if staying close to the conference is your priority—the closest hotel on our shortlist.

Walk to NCVO: 5 minutes
Hotel class: 3-star
Google rating: 4.4/5
Price guide: ££
Game On deal: No attendee discount

Check availability →

Point A London King’s Cross

Another nearby option worth comparing when checking room rates. Free Point A membership may give you access to lower prices.

Walk to NCVO: 11 minutes
Hotel class: 3-star
Google rating: 3.9/5
Price guide: ££
Game On deal: No attendee discount

Check availability →

Budget hotels around Argyle Square

For budget options, explore the hotels and guesthouses around Argyle Square, near King’s Cross.

Walk to NCVO: Approx. 15 minutes, check your route before booking
Hotel class: Typically 2–3-star
Google rating: Varies by property
Price guide: £
Game On deal: No arranged attendee discount

⚠️ Standards and guest ratings vary considerably, so read recent reviews and check room size, bathroom arrangements and cancellation terms carefully.

Explore options →

Price guide: £ = budget · ££ = mid-range · £££ = premium. Prices vary by date, room type and booking conditions. All walking times are approximate.

Booking your accommodation

Accommodation is booked and paid for separately from your Game On ticket. Hotel offers are subject to availability and individual booking terms. Compare the available rates before booking, as public promotions may sometimes offer better value.

Staying longer? Book ahead for Marathon weekend

The London Marathon takes place on 24–25 April 2027, the weekend after Game On. With runners and supporters travelling to London, accommodation may fill up and prices may rise around those dates.

Getting to and Around London

Game On takes place at NCVO Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL, close to King’s Cross and St Pancras International. These are useful destinations to aim for when planning your journey.

Flying to London

Heathrow (LHR)
💷 Full-service · Short- & long-haul
🚉 Take the Piccadilly line directly to King’s Cross St Pancras.
🕑 A little over an hour

Gatwick (LGW)
💷 Budget & full-service · Short- & long-haul
🚉 Take a Thameslink train directly to St Pancras International. The airport railway station is at South Terminal, with a free shuttle from North Terminal.
🕑 Around 45–60 minutes from the railway station

Luton (LTN)
💷 Mainly budget · Short- & medium-haul
🚉 Take the Luton DART to Luton Airport Parkway, then a train to St Pancras International.
🕑 From approximately 32 minutes using the fastest connections

Stansted (STN)
💷 Mainly budget · Mostly short-haul
🚉 Take the Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale, then the Victoria line to King’s Cross St Pancras.
🕑 Around an hour

London City (LCY)
💷 Full-service & regional · Short-haul
🚉 Take the DLR, then connect to the Underground for King’s Cross St Pancras. Use the TfL planner to find the best connection for your arrival time.
🕑 Check the journey planner

Arriving by train

From mainland Europe: Eurostar services arrive at London St Pancras International, putting you close to the conference venue and our recommended hotels. Check Eurostar for routes, tickets and the required arrival time before your departure.

From elsewhere in the UK: Use the National Rail journey planner to compare routes and fares. If your train arrives at another London terminal, plan your onward journey to King’s Cross St Pancras using TfL.

Getting around London

London’s Underground, usually called the Tube, buses and rail services make it straightforward to explore the city.

Use the TfL journey planner or download TfL Go for routes, live departures and disruption updates. The app also offers step-free journey planning.

Paying for your journeys

For most adult visitors, a contactless bank card or mobile wallet is a convenient way to pay as you go. An Oyster card is another option.

Before you travel: UK entry requirements

Check which travel documents you need before setting off. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Use the official UK government checker to confirm the requirements for your visit, and apply in good time if needed.

Map

Find your bearings before you arrive. This map highlights the Game On conference venue, nearby hotel options and the places we’ll gather to play, chat and connect.

FAQ

A few practical answers to help you plan your visit. Can’t find what you need on this page? Email zoli@zolitopia.com and he’ll be happy to help.

  • We recommend arriving on 19 April 2027 in the morning and leaving on 22 April. This gives you time to enjoy the optional pre-conference activities, both conference days and the final networking evening.

  • No, the main conference takes place on 20–21 April. The activities on 19 April are optional, but they’re a great way to play an escape room and meet fellow attendees before the conference begins.

  • For convenience, look around King’s Cross, St Pancras or Angel. Our recommended hotels are within walking distance of NCVO, making it easy to get to the conference and back to your room.

  • No. Travel and accommodation are booked and paid for separately. We’ve arranged selected hotel offers to help with your stay, see the hotel cards above for details.

  • Follow the booking instructions on your chosen hotel’s card. Some offers use a discount code, while others require a dedicated booking link. Check the final price and cancellation terms before confirming your reservation.

  • It depends on the offer. St Pancras Inn’s discount is valid throughout April; other hotels may have different eligible dates or conditions. Check with the hotel if you’re extending your stay.

  • Yes, look around Argyle Square for simpler hotels and guesthouses. Standards vary, so check recent reviews and whether your room has a private bathroom. Staying further away may also offer savings, but factor in transport costs and journey time.

  • Choose based on the flights available from your departure city and the total cost of getting to your hotel. Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and London City all have public transport connections to the conference area. See the airport table above to compare routes.

  • For a stay focused on Game On and central London, public transport is likely to be the more convenient option. If you’re driving, check parking arrangements with your hotel and any applicable London driving charges before travelling.

  • Not necessarily. A compatible contactless bank card or mobile wallet lets you pay as you go on London public transport. Each traveller needs their own card or device, and you should use the same one throughout your journeys. See the transport section above for more details.

  • Requirements depend on your nationality and circumstances. Use the official UK government checker before travelling and allow time to arrange any required documents.

  • Luggage storage arrangements are still being confirmed. If you’re arriving before hotel check-in or leaving after check-out, ask your hotel whether they can store your bags.

  • Please email zoli@zolitopia.com before booking if you have accessibility requirements. We can discuss the conference venue and individual activities so you have the information you need to plan your visit.

  • The London Marathon takes place on 24–25 April 2027, the weekend after Game On. Book accommodation early if you’re extending your trip, and check the price of each additional night. Allow for busier transport and changes to road access around the event.

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