Our third visit this autumn takes us to a part of London that not so long ago was a wasteland patronised by drug addicts and ‘ladies of negotiable value’, as Andrew Davies, our expert London guide for the day, puts it. But how times change. Over the past 20 years, the vast area around King’s Cross and St. Pancras has been totally transformed and reinvigorated. Today, the 67-acre site bustles with cafés, restored historic buildings, office buildings and a new university, and is a thriving hub of innovation and creativity.

Andrew promises us a fascinating day of discovery. On our guided walk we will visit the Victorian Coal Drops Yard with its striking new “kissing roof”, step inside the gas holder, which today is a garden, walk along the canal, explore in detail the two very different stations of St. Pancras and King’s Cross, enjoy the peace and quiet of the London Wildlife Park and admire the German Gym, Sir John Betjeman, three new squares, a bit of Dame Tracy Emin and much more besides.

The walk is easily manageable (250 yards before lunch* and 750 yards afterwards). And as ever with Andrew, there will be no shortage of behind-the-scenes facts and entertaining anecdotes!

*Lunch is not provided, but there are plenty of nearby eateries to choose from!

King’s Cross is one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects. If you are interested, more background information is available on these websites:

https://www.kingscross.co.uk/about-the-development

https://www.alliesandmorrison.com/projects/kings-cross

The King’s Cross Masterplan is one of six shortlisted projects for the 2024 Stirling Prize, which is awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to the best building in the UK. The 2024 winner will be announced on 16 October 2024, click here for more information.

Planned programme for the day:

8.55 Thameslink train from Horsham to St. Pancras, arriving 10.15. Five-minute walk to King’s Cross for tea/coffee
11.15  Meet Andrew by ticket office & statue of Sir Nigel Gresley
11.15  Guided walk (250 yards in morning + 750 yards after lunch)
15.45  End of programme. Time for tea/coffee or visit nearby British Library (free, open till 8pm)
16.30  Return train to Horsham, one change, arriving 17.42, or
16.45  Return train to Horsham, no change, arriving 18.12

Cost: £20 pp for the guided tour, incl. handouts. Travel not included, as we are using public transport to reduce travel time and costs. Members can opt to stay on in London and make their own way back to Horsham.

Return fare with a Senior Railcard is £21.75.
Cheaper options may be available by splitting tickets or forming mini-groups.