Parks near King’s Cross and St Pancras
No matter where you are in London, a park or garden is always close by, often hidden between buildings or tucked away down side streets. King’s Cross is home to many beautiful green spaces, both obvious and hidden. As locals at Clink78 Hostel, we know the area well and have created this guide on King’s Cross parks and gardens to help you discover the best green spots around here. Follow us!
Camley Street Natural Park
Camley Street Natural Park is a peaceful haven near King’s Cross and St Pancras, offering a serene escape from the city’s buzz. This unique urban nature reserve, nestled along the Regent’s Canal, is a flourishing habitat for wildlife. Originally an industrial coal yard, it was transformed into a green space in 1984, featuring woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The park is home to a variety of birds, insects, and plants, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil surroundings, explore the educational visitor centre, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty.
St Pancras Gardens
Once the grounds of St Pancras Old Church, the gardens are steeped in history, featuring notable monuments such as Sir John Soane’s Mausoleum. St Pancras Gardens is beautifully landscaped with mature trees, flowerbeds, and winding paths perfect for leisurely walks. It provides a perfect setting for relaxation, reflection, and enjoying nature.
Joseph Grimaldi Park
Another great park in the King’s Cross area is the 1.2 acre Joseph Grimaldi Park, located on Pentonville Road, 5 minutes from King’s Cross Station. This refurbished park is great for just getting away from the busy streets or enjoying the activities area, which contains a tarmac ball park complete with football goals and basketball hoops. The park is beautifully landscaped with a variety of plants, including lime and chestnut trees. Open daily from 8am until dusk, Joseph Grimaldi Park offers a nice retreat in the heart of the city.
Read: Top 12 Picnic Spots in London
Holford Gardens
One of the closest parks to our hostel Clink78 is Holford Gardens which is located only 2 minutes away. Holford gardens are on the site where the last square was built in Clerkenwell and was part of the new river estate. The grounds were originally used in WW2 as a landing and take-off platform for balloons. Most of the square was destroyed during this period, due to a landmine. The area now has a Y-shaped block of flats, but this does not ruin the beauty of the area.
Spa Fields
A wonderfully busy park, again, very close to Clink78, is Spa Fields on Skinner Street, around 10 minutes away. This unique park can get quite busy during 12-2pm during week days, as a lot of business men and women like to have their lunch within this peaceful area. The park is also located right next to 3 Corners Centre and Adventure Playground, but Spa Fields has its own unique children’s play park and football/basketball court. The park is open from 8am until dusk and manned by a park keeper all year round, who is always happy to help.
Bagley Walk
Bagley Walk is a hidden gem near King’s Cross and St Pancras, offering a peaceful escape along Regent’s Canal. Built on an old railway viaduct, the park is named after the 90s nightclub Bagleys but has roots in the Victorian era. Today, its brick arches house boutiques and restaurants in Coal Drops Yard.
Designed by landscape designer Dan Pearson, the park stretches from Somers Town Bridge to Granary Square, passing the Fish and Coal Building. Pearson’s naturalistic approach promotes biodiversity with a mix of ornamental and edible plants. Bagley Walk is perfect for a relaxing stroll, offering lush greenery, colorful flowers, and serene paths.
Read: 35 Free Things to Do in London
Wharf Road Gardens
This beautifully designed green space, crafted with input from Townshend Landscape Architects (TLA) and Dan Pearson Studio, features lush lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and inviting pathways perfect for leisurely strolls. With its well-maintained landscaping and serene atmosphere, Wharf Road Gardens is a hidden gem that provides a delightful escape for both locals and visitors in the King’s Cross area.
Gasholder Park
Gasholder Park, located in the heart of King’s Cross, is a unique urban park that offers a distinctive blend of history and modern design. Set within the preserved framework of a Victorian gasholder, the park provides a circular green space perfect for relaxation and leisure. The carefully landscaped gardens and seating areas create a peaceful oasis amid the bustling city. Gasholder Park is a popular spot for picnics, outdoor yoga, and community events, making it a great addition to the King’s Cross area.
Lewis Cubitt Park
Lewis Cubitt Park is a contemporary green space perfect for escaping the busy city. This spacious park has wide lawns ideal for picnics, outdoor games, and relaxing walks. The park often hosts community events, making it a lively spot for locals and visitors. Lewis Cubitt Park is a great place to enjoy nature and unwind in the heart of the city.
Jellicoe Gardens
Hidden behind the Aga Khan Centre, Jellicoe Gardens is a peaceful green space near King’s Cross station. This new garden combines light, shadow, and water to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. It is named after Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe, a famous architect and garden designer who helped save St Pancras Station in the 1960s.
Other Parks in London
There are many other parks around London that are great to visit, some you may have heard of and others you may not have known existed. Below is a list of London’s most popular parks that are a must see when in the Capital.
- Hyde Park
- The Regents Park
- Richmond Park
- St. James’s Park
- Victoria Park
- Greenwich
- Hampstead Heath
- Clapham Common
- Battersea Park
- Lee Valley Park
To Sum Up
King’s Cross is full of parks and gardens, offering everything from peaceful retreats to lively community spaces. Take some time to discover these beautiful green areas if you don’t know them already. They provide the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, offering a little piece of nature for everyone to enjoy.
Planning your trip to London? Find out more about Clink78 Backpackers Youth Hostel in King’s Cross and Clink261 Budget Hostel with Private Rooms.
