From Unsplash
One of the most romantic aspects of our fine capital, London, is the collision between modernity and history. Nowhere is this more visible than among the city’s railway stations.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a tourist, a regular weekend traveller, or a daily commuter, it’s hard to ignore the architectural splendour of London’s mainline stations. From grand Victorian masterpieces to jaw-droppingly gorgeous Gothic gems, these stations shouldn’t just be considered transport hubs. They are attractions in their own right.
Below, we’ll explore a quartet of London’s most architecturally stimulating stations, including one from the original London Monopoly board.
St. Pancras International
If there’s one railway station in London that’s guaranteed to take your breath away, it’ll be St. Pancras International. Dating back to 1868, this magnificent structure is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. It’s an eye-catching blend of red brickwork, ornate detailing and soaring archways.
The station was the brainchild of architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The exterior of the station is now dominated by the similarly impressive Midland Grand Hotel, which has been lovingly restored. It also happens to be on a walking route that’s popular with Circle Line enthusiasts of the London Underground.
As you move inside St. Pancras International, the sense of grandeur emanates further still. The imposing, vaulted glass ceiling over the train shed was once the biggest single-span structure of its kind. Today, it continues to flood the space with abundant natural daylight.
In 2025, St. Pancras International has evolved into something of a destination itself. There’s high-end shops and restaurants, not to mention a champagne bar. This place is the London terminal for Eurostar, acting as the gateway to mainland Europe and beyond by rail.
Liverpool Street
Situated to the east of central London, just a stone’s throw from the city’s banking hub, Liverpool Street station is a Victorian beauty. It’s one of the first stations on the lips of many tourists due to its inclusion in the original London Monopoly board. Liverpool Street was one of the four stations positioned around the board, which offer a potential goldmine to those who could claim all four.
Monopoly is still a hugely popular game franchise in 21st century popular culture. Although many other versions have been released based on other cities and themes, the London board remains iconic. Monopoly has also branched out into iGaming in recent years, joining forces with game providers to offer licensed gameshows like Live Monopoly Big Baller. This is one of the most marketable live dealer gameshows at licensed online casino sites, which try to replicate the drama and intensity of the casino floor with their live streamed content.
Designed by Edward Wilson and opened in 1874, Liverpool Street station remains one of the most important mainline rail hubs for the capital. It not only serves commuter trains, but it’s also connected to the new Elizabeth Line.
The station’s Victorian heritage is still visible, with its intricate ironwork, high glass ceilings, and elegant brick facades. Despite various refurbishments, the station has retained much of its old-world charm, particularly in the beautifully restored Great Eastern Hotel next door.
Canary Wharf
From Unsplash
While most of London’s beautiful railway stations have Victorian origins, Canary Wharf Station is a modern icon. Opened in 1999 as part of the Jubilee Line Extension, this striking station was designed by Sir Norman Foster and is often described as an underground cathedral.
What makes Canary Wharf so special is its sheer scale. The main concourse, housed in a vast underground space, is illuminated by skylights that rise above the station like giant glass fins. These skylights flood the station with natural light, creating a sense of openness rarely seen in underground stations.
Beyond the station itself, the surrounding area is home to some of London’s most impressive contemporary architecture, including the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, which provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the financial district.
London’s stations are one of the best examples of how this city continues to blend the old with the new and each has its own story to tell. So, the next time you’re dashing through one of these stations, take some time to look around and soak up the architectural brilliance that surrounds you.