Camley Street Natural Park is an urban nature reserve between Kings Cross and St. Pancras created from a coal yard. It’s just a short walk from St Pancras International and borders on the banks of Regents Canal. This London Wildlife Trust park covers two acres of glorious green woodland with ponds. If you’re looking for free things to do in London, places of interest near Kings Cross or green spaces in N1C, you must seek out Camley Street Natural Park. (I first wrote this article in September 2016 and updated it with new information, pictures and a video).
Explore Camley Street Natural Park Kings Cross
The park site was previously a coal yard servicing Regent’s Canal and then Midland Railway. The coal yard closed in the 1960s. In 1983, the London Wildlife Trust assigned the land to create a nature reserve that opened up for public use in 1985. Now that the Kings Cross area has been redeveloped, green space is vital to reduce pollution and attract wildlife. With revamped railway stations, the relocation of Eurostar from Waterloo and the building of many apartment blocks, offices and restaurants, Kings Cross has been transformed beyond recognition.
To escape the busy commuters, office workers and tourists, seek this natural haven for peace. Enter through the substantial wrought iron ornate gates on Camley Street, and you’ll immediately feel relaxed. This is a tranquil place where the noise of Kings Cross suddenly fades away. Underfoot, you have a mulch path to walk on, giving you that woodland feeling, and you are transported to another place within seconds.
Straight ahead through the wrought iron gates are the visitor’s centre and café where you will find toilets if required. Remember that during term times, there might be schools visiting the park. If you can explore during the holidays or at weekends, that might be better and less crowded.
You can buy refreshments from the Kingfisher Café, such as filled bagels, snacks, cakes, and beverages. A covered alfresco dining area overlooking Regent’s Canal is a stunning backdrop to enjoy your food.
The park is quite a narrow strip, so that you won’t get lost. Plenty of notices are dotted about indicating what wildlife to look out for. Walking around, you will discover a woodland, grassland, hedgerow, fernery, reed beds, wetland, pond, meadow, wildlife island and floating platform viewpoints.
You might spot birds, ducks, blackbirds, wrens, jays, reed warblers, kingfishers, geese, moorhens, mallards, reed buntings and bats. You will also see fish, shrimp, butterflies, beetles, bugs, insects and small mammals. With the various plants, flowers, marshland herbs and trees, plenty of beautiful natural wonders can be seen as you wander around.
If you’re in the vicinity, seek out this park because it is beautiful. It reminds you just how amazing London is because you can live in the city for years and still find something incredible to do. If you love walking along Regents Canal, you can stop for a rest and a bite at this park. See my previous feature about Regents Canal, which gives you some information about the walk. Happy exploring!
Watch My Camley Street Natural Park Video
Helpful Information About Camley Street Natural Park
The park address is 12 Camley Street, London N1C 4PW. It’s a short walk from Kings Cross Train Station, Kings Cross St Pancras Underground and St Pancras International. You can also access it if you are walking along the Regents Canal. Opening times are from 10 am until 5 pm each day. You can visit the Camley Street Natural Park website to learn more. The entrance is free, so make sure you visit!
While you are in the area, these articles may be of interest:
Best Things To Do In Kings Cross:
Kings Cross Helpful Area Guide
Ten Things To Do In Kings Cross
London Canal Museum Kings Cross
Best Places To Shop In Kings Cross:
Best Places To Eat In Kings Cross:
Longboys Doughnuts Kings Cross
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
