Explore a beautifully landscaped pocket park featuring a children's play area, water features, and railway-inspired design near King's Cross.

Handyside Gardens is a thoughtfully designed pocket park located moments from Granary Square and the Regent's Canal at King's Cross. This free public garden features a dedicated children's play area alongside seating spaces and a water rill, making it an ideal destination for families visiting the area. The park is perfectly positioned between the ArtHouse residential development and the historic Midlands Goods Shed, now home to Waitrose and a cookery school. The garden's design reflects King's Cross's railway heritage, with geometric patterns inspired by the historic railway sidings that once occupied the site. The planting scheme draws inspiration from natural growth found on railway embankments, creating a unique landscape that celebrates the area's industrial past. Raised beds framed in corten steel—a material used in railway construction—overcome the challenge posed by rail tunnels running just 4.5 metres beneath the surface. Landscaped by the internationally acclaimed Dan Pearson Studio, Handyside Gardens exemplifies thoughtful urban design. The space welcomes visitors of all ages, from young children enjoying the play area to families seeking peaceful moments in the heart of London. Its dog-friendly policy and pushchair-friendly facilities make it accessible for families with younger children and pets, while the free entry ensures it's an economical outing for all.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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yuli hirano

3 months ago

Quiet and peqceful location near the canal boats in kings cross, not many childrens playgrounds

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Jen J

a year ago

Only has one sandpit, one slide, two swings and one climbing frame. Really disappointing given the size and high quality of the rest of coal drops that this area seems like a total afterthought. No equipment for younger children or toddlers besides one swing. It's also long winding area so you cant keep an eye on your kids if they want to play in sep areas or if they move from one thing to the next.

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RiCo

2 years ago

Nice, but the children's playground is not as big as the website kinda makes you think it is. There's a big Waitrose really nearby, which is handy. Also there's the fountains, good for kids unless it's *really* cold. 👍🏻

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Supreet Singh

3 years ago

Beautiful garden and small kids play sand area

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LXLY RXBXCCX

3 years ago

Great little park located next to Waitrose- King’s Cross Sandpit, two swings, tower with slide and obstacle climbing frame plus water feature One side has gates and fences next to the road but the other side is open

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026