The area around King’s Cross station has changed out of all recognition in the last 10 years – come and explore the changes and celebrate the wonderful industrial heritage that has been preserved.

Our tour starts at Battle Bridge Place, site of a famous Roman battle. We then head into King’s Cross station with its wonderful Victorian train sheds and modern glazed concourse, beloved to all Harry Potter fans as home to Platform 9 and ¾.

From the utilitarian King’s Cross railway station, we move to flamboyant St Pancras, fronted by the old Midland Hotel, a neo-gothic masterpiece to rival the Houses of Parliament! We will explore the magnificent architecture of the hotel and station, before walking past the monumental British Library and the cutting-edge research facility, the Francis Crick institute (the “armadillo” building).

Our walk takes us to a reminder of pre-industrial King’s Cross in a historic church and its spacious gardens. This now peaceful spot was churned up by the 19th century railway builders, but today the graveyard provides a reminder of the rural past and curious links to famous writers and architects!

The Victorian railways transformed the King’s Cross area, but recent decades have seen another reinvention of similar ambition. We will explore the heart of the King’s Cross regeneration, which has taken a semi-derelict industrial area and turned it into sought after homes, HQs for big corporations and universities, elegant squares and interesting parks, all while preserving the heritage of canals, railways, coal drops and gas holders.

*Only members of the Cambridge Society of London (and their one guest) may book tickets – if you are not currently a member and would like to become one, please visit www.camsoclon.org