A nice station with interesting architecture.
King's Cross railway station, also known as London King's Cross, is a passenger railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden, on the edge of Central London. It is in the London station group, one of the busiest stations in the United Kingdom and the southern terminus of the East Coast Main Line to Yorkshire and the Humber, North East England and Scotland. Adjacent to King's Cross station is St Pancras International, the London terminus for Eurostar services to continental Europe. Beneath both main line stations is King's Cross St Pancras tube station on the London Underground; combined, they form one of the country's largest and busiest transport hubs.
The station was opened in Kings Cross in 1852 by the Great Northern Railway on the northern edge of Central London to accommodate the East Coast Main Line. It quickly grew to cater to suburban lines and was expanded several times in the 19th century. It came under the ownership of the London and North Eastern Railway as part of the Big Four grouping in 1923, who introduced famous services such as the Flying Scotsman and locomotives such as Mallard. The station complex was redeveloped in the 1970s, simplifying the layout and providing electric suburban services, and it became a major terminus for the high-speed InterCity 125. As of 2018, long-distance trains from King's Cross are run by London North Eastern Railway to Edinburgh Waverley, Leeds and Newcastle; other long-distance operators include Hull Trains and Grand Central. In addition, Great Northern runs suburban commuter trains around North London, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
In the late 20th century, the area around the station became known for its seedy and downmarket character, and was used as a backdrop for several films as a result. A major redevelopment was undertaken in the 21st century, including restoration of the original roof, and the station became well known for its association with the Harry Potter books and films, particularly the fictional Platform 9+3โ4
The ยฃ500 million restoration plan announced by Network Rail in 2005 was approved by Camden London Borough Council in 2007.62] It involved restoring and reglazing the original arched train shed roof and removing the 1972 extension at the front of the station and replacing it with an open-air plaza.[61
The new semi-circular departures concourse opened to the public in March 2012.64 Situated to the west of the station behind the Great Northern Hotel, it was designed by John McAslan and built by Taylor Woodrow Construction, part of Vinci.66] It caters for much-increased passenger flows and provides greater integration between the intercity, suburban and underground sections of the station. The architect claimed that the roof is the longest single-span station structure in Europe and the semi-circular structure has a radius of 59 yards (54 m) and more than 2,000 triangular roof panels, half of which
Land between and behind Kings Cross and St Pancras stations is being redeveloped as King's Cross Central with around 2,000 new homes, 5,000,000 sq ft (464,500 m2) of offices and new roads.[67] In the restoration, refurbished offices have opened on the east side of the station to replace ones lost on the west side, and a new platform, numbered 0, opened underneath them on 20 May 2010.[68] Diesel trains cannot normally use this platform for environmental reasons .[69] The restoration project was awarded a European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award in 2013.[70
In October 2021, Lumo commenced operating services to Edinburgh Waverley via Stevenage, Newcastle and...
ย ย ย Read moreKing's Cross Station at Euston Road in London is a bustling, iconic hub for both domestic and international travel. Known for its blend of historic architecture and modern convenience, the station serves as a gateway for travelers heading to a variety of destinations, particularly to Europe on the Eurostar. The station's distinctive Victorian design, highlighted by its stunning roof structure, is a reminder of its rich history, while the recent renovations have brought in a host of contemporary amenities.
Eurostar, which connects London to Paris, Brussels, and other European cities, makes King's Cross an essential part of many travelers' journeys. The experience of departing from here is always a pleasant one, with smooth and efficient services that make long-distance travel feel easy and comfortable. The station is well equipped with a wide range of facilities, from shops and restaurants to seating areas, allowing travelers to relax or grab something to eat before their journey.
Inside, the station feels spacious and well-organized, with clear signage and helpful staff to guide passengers. The proximity to St Pancras International is an added bonus, with seamless connections to other parts of the city. The area surrounding King's Cross is also being developed, with new shops, cafes, and residential spaces sprouting up, making it an even more appealing destination.
Overall, King's Cross is an excellent departure point for anyone planning to travel to Europe by train. Whether you're heading off on a business trip or a leisurely European adventure, the station offers a convenient, modern, and enjoyable start to...
ย ย ย Read moreKingโs Cross Station is not just a major transport hub but also an iconic landmark that blends historic architecture with modern convenience. The station is spacious, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed, making it one of the most pleasant and efficient railway stations in London. Whether youโre travelling locally, heading north across the UK, or connecting to other parts of the capital, the station is easy to navigate, thanks to clear signage and a logical layout.
One of the highlights of Kingโs Cross is the stunning modern concourse with its sweeping steel and glass roof, which creates an open and airy space filled with natural light. The wide variety of shops, cafรฉs, and restaurants within the station adds to the convenience โ from quick coffee stops to sit-down meals, thereโs something for every traveller. The availability of seating areas, clean facilities, and step-free access also make the station user-friendly for visitors of all ages and abilities.
For Harry Potter fans, the famous Platform 9ยพ photo spot is a fun attraction and often draws a small crowd, adding a touch of charm to the experience.
Transport connections are excellent, with easy links to the Underground, buses, and taxis, as well as direct access to neighbouring St Pancras International for Eurostar services. Despite being a busy station, the atmosphere feels organised and safe, with visible staff on hand to assist when needed.
Overall, Kingโs Cross Station offers a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, combining efficient transport links with thoughtful amenities and a touch of...
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