Name: Kings Cross Ghostsigns – hand-painted history – a guided walk
Start: 2026-10-07T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-10-07T13:00:00+01:00
Location: N1 9AA

The area around KX station is rich in faded painted lettering and gilded signs that still advertise products and services of a bygone age
About this Event

On this tour we will be investigating ghosted or faded signs of the past, commonly referred to as 'ghostsigns' – outdated advertisements or company branding that can still be seen above today's streets.

These advertisements were often hand-painted directly onto walls by specialist artisans, commissioned either by well-known companies to sell their branded products or by local businesses keen to attract passing trade. The Kings Cross area, one of London's major transport hubs, used to be slathered with this type of signage. Many good examples can still be seen today.

We'll also be looking at some well-preserved, bright and shiny shop fascias that not only show the Victorian or Edwardian companies that used to trade there, but also the company that manufactured the signs, a fascinating subject in itself.

Hear the stories behind the signs – innovative inventions, bogus potions and bygone brands, as well as big names and products that are still going strong today.

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This walk lasts approx two hours, starting and finishing near Kings Cross station.
The exact meeting point will be clearly described on your ticket which will be sent via email after purchase – see more in the FAQs below

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Customer feedback: "Your knowledge is amazing and I love your jolly style" / "I am now going to be staring at brick walls looking for clues! LOL!!" / "I loved this walk. It was even better than I had expected. I knew of the sign in the picture on Eventbrite but I hadn't noticed most of the others. Thanks for opening my eyes Jane"/ "I love how you point out all the little quirks and make it so much more interesting than other academic-style guides. And you make it fun too. Thanks" / "...so engaging, thanks to your delivery style and obvious thirst for knowledge" / More feedback here

Other ghostsigns walks and talks available – please check my listings or see www.janeslondonwalks.com

My guiding style is inclusive, open and friendly. I design and research every tour myself – in fact, the research never ends. The walks and talks I offer are all on subjects that intrigue me and each one highlights a different facet of my personality. I am particularly interested in the architecture of our ever-changing streets and the little details on and above them. For more information, please visit www.janeslondonwalks.com

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FAQs

Where does this walk start / what if I am running late?

Important – please do not rely on info/maps supplied within QR codes and apps as these often give incorrect/vague information.

The specific meeting point will be clearly described in words within the Order Confirmation email sent to you immediately after your purchase...

Scroll down to the bottom of that email to the Additional Information section where you will find a description of the meeting point as well as details of how to play catch-up should you be running late on the day.
As a back-up, the same information will be sent to you within a reminder email 24hrs before the event.

What is the minimum age to attend this event?

There is no minimum age
No charge for children aged 5 or younger. Children 6-15yrs = concession rate
All children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult – one child per paying adult.

Can I just show up and pay on arrival?

No – this is a ticketed event with a maximum group size – places must be booked in advance.

Do I have to bring a copy of my ticket to the event?

No – you will simply be asked your name

Can I get a refund / is my ticket transferrable?

As you can appreciate, refunds and reallocations do not apply to people who simply do not show up on the day!
You can organise your own refund through Eventbrite's ticketing system up to 48 hrs before the walk starts. However, please note that the booking fee (absorbed within the ticket price) is not refundable.
Alternatively, I can hold your purchase for transfer to another Jane's London Walk within the next three months – please notify me in writing via email/text at least 48 hours before this walk is due to start.

What if it's raining?

Walking tours will go ahead, rain or shine.
However, if severely adverse conditions are forecast, or other unforeseen complications cause the event to be cancelled, you will receive notification and a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchairs?