www.kingscross.co.

uk

London N1C 4AB

11 Stable Street
Western Transit Shed
King’s Cross Visitor Centre
King’s Cross has a rich and
colourful past. It’s location at
the meeting point of road, canal
and rail has shaped its history,
and this can be seen today in
the old buildings and the layout
of the streets. Here’s a taste.

The gasholders have been a

feature of the King’s Cross
skyline for over 150 years. Today,
they are being put to a whole
new use. The decorative cast-iron
frame of Gasholder No. 8 has
been painstakingly restored and
moved to a new home north of
the canal where it frames the
new Gasholder Park.
Designed by Lewis Cubitt in
1852, the station was the London
hub of the Great Northern
Railway and the terminus of the
East Coast main line. At the time,
it was the last word in functional
modernity. The beautiful
Victorian structure, long hidden
behind a modern façade, has
now been revealed.

Designed by Edward Gruning in

1864 for the German Gymnastics
Society, this was the first
purpose-built gymnasium in
England and the venue for the
first National Olympic Games
in 1866. The beautiful, Grade II-
listed building has been restored
and is now a restaurant.
Named after the Roman martyr
Saint Pancras, the church is
believed by many to be one
of the oldest sites of Christian
worship in Northern Europe. The
peaceful churchyard features
architect Sir John Soane’s
Mausoleum – inspiration for the
iconic red telephone box. One of London’s best-loved
landmarks, the station opened
in 1868 as the London terminus
of the Midland
Railway. William
Barlow designed
the train shed
while the
architect for
the hotel was
George Gilbert
Scott. The hotel
and station were
threatened with
Designed in 1852 by Lewis
demolition in
Cubitt, the architect of King’s
the 1960s, but
Cross station, the Granary was
were saved by
once used to store wheat for
preservationist
London’s bakers. The elegant
campaigners
building is now a creative
led by the poet
warehouse – home to the world
John Betjeman.
famous art college Central Saint
Martins.
42,000 people living and working
26 acres of public space
8 million square feet
10 new public places
20 new streets
Close to 1,900 new homes
50 new and restored buildings
67 acres

tour and discover King’s Cross.

everyone to experience and enjoy. Take the walking
This is an exciting new part of London - a place for

open spaces.
framework of beautiful new parks, squares and
architecture. These buildings are set within a
and restored and complemented by contemporary
character. Historic buildings are being preserved
of the old and the new here gives the area unique
King’s Cross has a rich and varied history, and the mix

shop, be entertained and call home.

diverse and exciting destination with places to work,
King’s Cross is an extraordinary piece of London; a
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facebook.com/kingscrosscouk

The parks and squares at King’s

Cross come in all shapes and
sizes and everyone can find a
space that’s right for them. From
quiet, leafy corners with views
One of London’s best-kept
of wildlife, to people watching in
secrets, this charming waterway
a bustling square.
winds its way quietly from the
River Thames at Limehouse Basin
to the Grand Union Canal at
Little Venice. Watch the colourful
narrowboats from the canalside
steps at Granary Square.

Lewis Cubitt Square is the new

civic space on Stable Street. This
is a place to relax, play in the
fountains and enjoy the activities
in the square. Next to the square This square, at the gateway to
are the rolling lawns of Lewis King’s Cross, is a place to take a
Cubitt Park - a much-needed break from the bustle of the city.
green space in this very urban Enter the square from the stations,
part of London. And at the top and the view is of tumbling water
of the park is King’s Cross Pond cascades. From the north, a series
Club, a natural swimming pond of terraced reflection pools flow
and art installation in one! towards the view of the St Pancras
Clock Tower.
cinema-kings-cross
kingscross.co.uk/everyman-
from the comfort of a sofa.
the latest hand-picked films
a 32-seat cinema showing
Visit Everyman on the Corner,
Cinema

Lewis Cubitt Park.

King’s Boulevard and at
platforms at the top of
King’s Cross from the viewing
Get a bird’s eye view of
Viewing Platforms

Log on to King’s Cross N1C.

Free WiFi

kingscross.co.uk/homes
on homes at King’s Cross.
(Goods Way) for queries
the Gasholders Sales Gallery
Suite (14-15 Stable Street) and
Visit the Residential Marketing
Live at King’s Cross

kingscross.co.uk/tours
Book your slot at
guided tours of the area.
The Visitor Centre runs free
Guided Tours

and Lewis Cubitt Park.

facilities at Granary Square
WCs and baby changing
WCs

Stable Street
Visitor Centre is located on
information and goodies. The
photo displays and all kinds of
There’s a model to explore,
unfold over the coming years.
how the development will
history of the area, and see
see and do, learn about the
You can find out what to
of your visit to King’s Cross.
will help you make the most
Our friendly Visitor Centre
Visitor Centre

On the banks of Regent’s Canal,

this urban nature reserve is
a haven for both people and
What started as an organic wildlife. The park was created
vegetable garden built in skips from an old coal yard in 1984
has expanded into community and is a sanctuary for birds,
project that provides all kinds butterflies, bats and a wide
of opportunities for local young variety of plant life.
people. Stop in and learn about
sustainability or sample delicious
food made with organic produce
from the garden.
co.uk/transport
For details visit kingscross.

and 476.
59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390
Bus: Routes 10, 17, 30, 45, 46,

Northern and Victoria lines.

Hammersmith & City, Piccadilly,
Tube: Circle, Metropolitan,
Getting here

recreation
more at kingscross.co.uk/sport-
and Pilates classes. Find out
Frame runs dance, fitness, yoga
the art gym and fitness suite.
Square Leisure has a state-of-
a free running club. Pancras
runs bootcamp sessions and
Granary Building. MW5 Fitness
equipment can be found in The
Table tennis tables and
Sport and Fitness

Centre.
pools at Pancras Square Leisure
are also two indoor swimming
kingscrosspond.club. There
must be booked in advance at
ticketed and
Lewis Cubitt Park. Sessions are
an outdoor swimming pond at
King’s Cross Pond Club is
Swimming

kingscross.co.uk/granarysquirt
Squirt app! Find out how at
fountains with the new Granary
take control and play with the
11.pm. And now you can even
them daily from 7.45 am –
be missed! You can experience
at Granary Square are not to
The choreographed fountains
The Fountains

at kingscross.co.uk/whats-on
Visitor Centre, or check online
Pick up our events leaflet at the
What’s On

This beautifully landscaped

garden is influenced by the
railway – past and present. The
geometry follows the pattern
of the historic railway sidings,
while the planting is inspired This magnificent new square is
by the growth built where barges once unloaded
found on railway their goods from the canal. Its
embankments. A aquatic history has been worked
water rill meanders into the new design, which
through the is animated with over 1,000
garden from the choreographed fountains -
children’s play each individually controlled
area. and lit.
 Start here at the King’s Cross Visitor Centre. Before
heading off, you can read about the history of the area,
explore the model and book a guided tour.

 Out of the VC turn right up Stable Street. To your left is

Lewis Cubitt Square. In the warmer months, the square
hosts evening concerts, festivals and weekend markets.

The green open space a little further along is Lewis

Cubitt Park. At the top of the park is a UK first! The
King’s Cross Pond Club, a natural bathing pond and art
installation all in one – and London’s newest outdoor
swimming spot. Head up the viewing platform and take
in the view.

Next to the pond is the wonderful Global Generation

Skip Garden. This charming urban oasis is a sustainable
garden with a twist – it’s moveable. The Skip Garden
Kitchen serves delicious food made with produce
grown right here in the garden.

Head back to Handyside Street and turn left along

the back of the Granary Building. On your left is the
Platform Theatre – the performance venue connected
to Central Saint Martins.

Continue past the covered street and pass through a

little gate on your right into Handyside Gardens. The
historic train shed to the right is now home to a new
Waitrose store, cookery school and café.

From here you’ll see House of Illustration. This is the

world’s first public gallery dedicated to the art of
illustration. It’s is the brainchild of Quentin Blake, one
of Britain’s best-loved illustrators, whose drawings you
might recognise from Roald Dahl’s books.

Head down the ramp to the canal towpath and pass

the Lighterman on your right. Take a break and watch
the boats go by on the wide Canalside Steps.

The wild, green space on the opposite bank is Camley

Street Natural Park. This two-acre urban nature reserve
was created from an old coal yard back in 1984. It’s now
home to a whole variety of birds, butterflies, bats and
plant life. Continue along the towpath and take in the
colourful sight of the narrowboats at St Pancras
Cruising Club.

To your right, amid the construction, you’ll see the

wrought iron form of Gasholder No 8. This iconic
structure now frames the new Gasholder Park.

Once you’ve enjoyed the park, head back the way you
came, up the canalside steps and take in the scene at
Granary Square. There are over 1,000 fountains here –
each one individually controlled and lit.

All around the square are heritage buildings. This is the

historic heart of King’s Cross. The Granary Building is a
former grain store, now the stunning new home of art
school, Central Saint Martins.
Take this tour with
your smart phone at Granary Square is also home to the popular restaurant
kingscross.co.uk/discover Caravan. It’s worth stopping here for a coffee – they
roast their own beans in-house. Next door is Grain
Store – the bistro from Bruno Loubet and tea shop
Yumchaa. Just around the corner on Stable Street
is popular Irani café Dishoom, home of the now-
legendary bacon naan roll.

The area under construction to the west is Coal Drops

Yard. The cobbled streets and brick arches of the
Victorian-era coal drops will soon be the setting for a
new shopping destination designed by Heatherwick
Studio, the group responsible for the Olympic Cauldron
and London’s new Routemaster buses.

From the square head over the canal. To your left, you’ll
see the Gasholders Sales Gallery where you can discuss
available homes at King’s Cross. In the same direction,
just over York Way, you can see King’s Place, home to
the Guardian Newspaper and a hub for music and art.

Over the zebra crossing and onto King’s Boulevard,

you’ll find the viewing platform. Climb up for a
bird’s eye view of the development. If you’re visiting
Wednesday to Friday lunchtimes, streetfood market
KERB is here serving up some seriously delicious fare.

As you walk down the boulevard, behind the hoardings

on your left, internet giant Google is building its UK
headquarters in a ‘groundscraper’ that is as long as the
Shard is tall. The site is currently loaned out to stage a
production of E. Nesbitt’s The Railway Children.

Further down on the right, a giant oak tree marks the

entrance to Pancras Square with its cascading water
feature. Cafés and restaurants surround the square,
which is also home to Camden Council’s public building
Weds-Fri lunchtimes, King’s This popular restaurant, bar and Kiosk serves delicious hot A big, bold European-style with a new library, leisure centre and swimming pool.
Great coffee, locally roasted
Boulevard is the place to coffee roastery in the Granary and expertly brewed at this roast meat sandwiches and restaurant in a piece of sporting
sample some of London’s Building is great for people craft coffee shop on Monmouth coffee to boot. history. The menu is a nod to The beautiful brick building is the German Gymnasium.
finest street food. watching. Pancras Square. kingscrosskiosk.com the building’s German heritage. This was the first purpose-built gymnasium in England
kerbfood.com/kings-cross caravankingscross.co.uk notes-uk.co.uk germangymnasium.com and the venue for the first national Olympic Games.
The historic building has been carefully restored and is
Fresh food and barista-style now an award-winning restaurant.
The ever-popular Indian eatery A glamorous, Manhattan- Australian chef Bill Granger coffee from a beautifully It’s ice cream – but not as
brings a taste of old Bombay style bar in the exquisitely brings his easy-going, sunny restored Citroen van in you know it! Just off
Granary Square. You will now find yourself at Battle Bridge Place. The
to the Victorian brick arches on refurbished Great Northern approach to Pancras Square. Granary Square. giant birdcage is Jacque Rival’s artwork IFO (Identified
Stable Street. Hotel. grangerandco.com www.benugo.com rubyviolet.co.uk Flying Object). Its neon rainbow colours light up the
dishoom.com gnhbar.com square at night.

Healthy lunches, cakes and Exceptional coffee and Outdoor seating overlooking Also here is the Great Northern Hotel. This striking
Inspired by the wine bars of Bruno Loubet brings his talents hearty soups, made using delicious cakes at the foot of Wharf Road Gardens and the
King’s Boulevard. curved Victorian building was one of Britain’s first
Spain and Italy. Characterful to King’s Cross offering an organic ingredients grown right canal. Stop in for lunch or an
purpose-built railway hotels. The hotel is home to the
wines and simple, yet eclectic menu where vegetables here in the garden. It doesn’t nobleespresso.com after work drink.
imaginative food. play the starring role. get more local! Manhattan-style GNH bar and a fine dining restaurant,
kingscross.co.uk/waitrose
Plum + Spilt Milk.
vinoteca.co.uk grainstore.com globalgeneration.org.uk
Enjoy panoramic views over the
Before you leave, head into the western concourse at
canal and Granary Square at
this new, all-day pub and King’s Cross station. The spectacular domed roof is an
A taste of the Mediterranean on This elegant brasserie in the Tea lovers can find their perfect
York Way. Traditional recipes, dining room. architectural and engineering feat. You’ll find a host
Great Northern Hotel serves blend at this speciality tea shop
updated with a twist and a beautifully cooked classics – in the Granary Building. thelighterman.co.uk of new shops, eateries, bars and Harry Potter fanatics
focus on clean, fresh flavours. courtesy of Mark Sargeant. queuing at Platform 9 and ¾!
yumchaa.com
thegreeklarder.co.uk plumandspiltmilk.com