St Pancras International Station

St Pancras International is a triumph of nineteenth century station architecture and one of the wonders of London. You could even argue that it has a claim to being the most attractive railway station in the world. Its architect Sir George Gilbert Scott originally described it as being "too good for its purpose" and with the arrival of the Eurostar high speed link in 2007, it has finally achieved a role that suits its gothic magnificence. The newer elements are just as impressive: a nine-metre high sculpture of lovers meeting beneath the station clock watches diners in an excellent restaurant and a magnificent champagne bar. Best of all there's a great range of independent, upmarket shops, including a huge Foyles bookshop, instead of the overpriced branches of high street chains that provide the only shopping in most British stations. Eurostar operate all train services through the Channel Tunnel to Continental Europe. There are up to 16 daily departures to Paris with a journey time of 2 hours 15 minutes, and up to 13 to Brussels taking 2 hours. There are various direct seasonal services to the South of France in Summer and to the Alps in Winter, as well as connections to destinations throughout Europe. Don't forget your passport. Trains also run from here to Luton and Gatwick Airports, Brighton and the City of London.