Bagley Walk is something of a hidden gem and anyone who stumbles upon the elevated park can’t help but be charmed.
Built on what was an old railway viaduct, the park follows the curve of Regent’s Canal, with pretty planting framing views over the canal and Camley Street Natural Park on one side and Coal Drops Yard on the other.
The park takes its name from the iconic 90s Kings Cross nightclub Bagleys, but its history stretches back more than a century. During the Victorian era, the structure was originally a viaduct, a bridge that supported an elevated railway track. Trains would unload carts of coal into the stores below. The sturdy brick arches now house the boutiques and restaurants of Coal Drops Yard.
The park stretches from Somers Town Bridge past the Fish and Coal Building which now houses Tom Dixon’s HQ and the Coal Office restaurant, before gently sloping down to Granary Square.
Bagley Walk is designed by acclaimed landscape designer, Dan Pearson, who is known for his naturalistic and perennial approach to planting.
Much of the vegetation has been chosen to reestablish and encourage biodiversity. A rich palette of ornamental and edible plants celebrate the seasons and provide a habitat for wildlife. Look out for liquorice, strawberries and fig, all of which grow merrily along Bagley Walk. Low clipped hedges repeat the rhythm of the brick arches that support the viaduct and are dotted with seats and viewing areas to pause and soak up your surroundings.
The park has the most open aspect of anywhere in Kings Cross, so it enjoys lots of fresh air and glorious sun throughout the day.
