Kings Cross was named after a monument for King George IV but the area was settled much, much earlier. St Pancras old church originated in 4BC. These days it's most famous for its train station: Kings Cross/St Pancras. From here trains go all over England, including to Hogwarts if you can find Harry Potter's Platform 9 3/4. It's also home to Eurostar, which whisks you to Paris and Brussels.
The surrounding area is slowly edging its way out of being one of the seediest parts of London. The magnificent St Pancras building is coming back to life as a posh hotel, the British Library is just down the road, and of course, the station redevelopment is full of shops and restaurants.
So many trains and buses stop at Kings Cross Station that it's hard to not find your way there eventually. To get a feel for the area wander up Euston Road to the British Library, visit St Pancras Old Church and look at the altar piece, fuel up at the St Pancras Champagne Bar in the station, then head up York Way behind the station where you'll find Regent's Canal. The towpath makes a lovely walk through Kings Cross, Islington, Camden, and Little Venice.
