Visiting Camley Street Natural Park with children: everything you need to know
Hidden away in King’s Cross is Camley Street Natural Park, a wonderful little oasis that a lot of people don’t even know exists. If you are looking for a sensory timeout in King’s Cross or simply want to explore somewhere a little different and off the tourist beaten track, then this might be the place for you. Find out everything you need to know about visiting Camley Street Natural Park with kids in this guide.
Camley Street Natural Park: the essentials
What is Camley Street Natural Park?
Once a coal drop for the railways into nearby King’s Cross Station, Camley Street Natural Park is now a two acre nature reserve situated on Regent’s Canal. Opened in 1985 and run by the London Wildlife Trust, Camley Street Natural Park is made up of various different wildlife habitats including woodland, grassland and wetland, where birds, butterflies, waterfowl and invertebrates thrive.
Where is Camley Street Natural Park?
Camley Street Natural Park is located just a stone’s throw from St Pancras and King’s Cross Stations.
How much does it cost to go in Camley Street Natural Park?
Entrance to Camley Street Natural Park is free.
Do you need tickets for Camley Street Natural Park?
You do not need to book tickets in order to enter Camley Street Natural Park, just stroll in.
When is Camley Street Natural Park open?
Camley Street Natural Park is open daily at the following times:
October – March: 10.00 – 16.00
April – September: 10.00 – 17.00.
Getting to Camley Street Natural Park
What is the nearest tube to Camley Street Natural Park?
The nearest Tube station to Camley Street Natural Park is King’s Cross St Pancras (Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, Hammersmith and City, Circle, and Metropolitan Lines).
Several bus routes also stop nearby.
How do you get into Camley Street Natural Park?
You can either reach Camley Street Natural Park via road by walking alongside St Pancras Station up Pancras Road and onto Camley Street. Alternatively from Coal Drops Yard, take Somers Town Bridge across Regent’s Canal and you will pop out right at the entrance to Camley Street Natural Park.
Do I have to queue for Camley Street Natural Park?
Unless you arrive before they open, there is no need to queue for entrance to Camley Street Natural Park.
At Camley Street Natural Park
What is there to see at Camley Street Natural Park?
A visit to Camley Street Natural Park is an opportunity to soak up a bit of nature and calm as you walk through the site.
Located canal-side, as you enter the main part of the site, you will be able to watch canal boats as they pootle by from various benches overlooking the canal. Following the path takes you alongside grassy areas to the pond area which is surrounded by boardwalks. Look out for wildfowl here.
From the pond area, if you follow the path up, around to the left and down, you will follow a path to a small canalside platform where you can sit and watch the boats and birds on the water.
Throughout Camley Street Natural Park there are boards that provide information on wildlife and their habitats.
If you come from a more rural area then you should temper your expectations from Camley Street Natural Park. This is a small natural space with wildlife habitats in the middle of London. But if you’re looking for a little respite from the city, or have some time to kill in King’s Cross, it will definitely be worth checking this place out.
If you visit on a Sunday afternoon, look out for the free Wonderful Wildlife Weekend drop-in sessions where children get to explore the ponds and surrounding areas. Activities include using nets to look at animals found in the pond and looking under logs to see what minibeasts you can find as well as seasonal craft activities. Make sure to dress for the weather!
What facilities are there for children at Camley Street Natural Park?
The main attraction at Camley Street Natural Park is the nature.
In addition to a cafe serving refreshments, the site has toilets, an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.
In terms of accessibility, note that the area around the visitor centre and main path down to the pond dipping platform has accessible surfaces, whilst other footpaths around the site are surfaced in woodchip. If you want to access the canalside platform, this is reached via steps.
How long can you spend at Camley Street Natural Park?
There’s no limit on how long you can spend there. If you aren’t eating there then you’re unlikely to need more than 20-30 minutes to fully appreciate the garden.
Can you eat in Camley Street Natural Park?
Yes. There is a cafe that offers a variety of refreshments. Alternatively, pack a picnic, take it to the canalside platform and enjoy it as you sit and watch the water. Just make sure to pack up your rubbish and take it away with you.
TOP TIPS for visiting Camley Street Natural Park
- Look out for wildlife. As you enter the site there is a board that tells you what has been spotted lately!
For more of a look at Camley Street Natural Park, check out our TikTok.
Is there a question you have about visiting Camley Street Natural Park with kids that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.