Category: Holidays and Entertainment

In the heart of Kings Cross, there is a beautiful area that brings a totally different atmosphere to the hustle and bustle of London City life. This hidden gem of traffic-free Victorian cobbled streets and red-brick arches adds a unique flavour to the shopping and dining culture in London. It is even more spectacular during the festive season. Located within a 5-minute walk of Kings Cross Station, the Coal Drops Yard at Christmas is a destination not to be missed. The magical, merry and bright lights at the upscale Coal Drops Yard shopping and dining area is atmospheric, presented in an unusually Christmassy tree entwined with a ‘green spirit’.

Coal Drops Yard at Christmas and its very special untraditional Christmas tree

The unusual Christmas installations at Coal Drops Yard is a huge 8.5 metre (28 ft) high Terrarium Tree. It is a creation by the Botanical Boys. This magnificent creation feature 70 terrariums with each containing a unique, individual mini garden. The terrariums are surrounded by 168 mirrored baubles in differing sizes, bringing the unconventional Christmas tree to life with its glowing reflections. Added to this is the illumination from below, casting a beautiful warm glow across the courtyard.

In keeping with their green spirit, the terrariums will grow in their baubles throughout this festive season. When the festivities are over, the terrariums will be re-homed in 2021. As well, the main structure of the tree is reusable and will be transformed into new tree designs.

Coal Drops Yard at Christmas – A place to Shop, Eat, Drink & Explore

Shop

Along with the magical and festive spirit, the shops at Coal Drops Yard are adding to the merry cheer of Christmas shopping. With Christmas being a little different this year with much of Christmas shopping done online, the many brands home to Coal Drops Yard are offering exclusive in-store discounts.

From new names to well-known brands such as &- Other Stories, one-stop styling destinations, to Wolf & Badger, an independent homeware and beauty brand, Coal Drops Yard is the place for unique and extraordinary gifts.

For a full listings of places to shop and brands to look-out for, check this website: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/shopping-at-kings-cross-listing

Eat and Drink | Coal Drops Yard at Christmas

Wider Kings Cross area is a foodie hotspot that has something for everyone and for every budget. The restaurants, bars and cafes at Coal Drops Yard offer cosy terraces and covered spaces to welcome diners for authentic dining experiences.

Many of the eateries at Coal Drops Yard have beautiful terraces with al fresco dining along with outdoor heating and blankets to ward-off the winter chill.

For fun and authentic Mexican corn tortillas, tacos and tostadas with refreshing tequila, head over to Plaza Pastor. It is a permanent outdoor venue, totally covered and heated.

The Drop is an elegant wine bar nestled under the old Victorian arches and has seating outdoors with good heating. The wine list is said to be one of the best around and they serve responsibly sourced oysters, meat and cheeses.

For a full listings of cozy terraces and eateries go to: https://www.coaldropsyard.com/cosy-outdoor-terraces-at-coal-drops-yard/

Explore the surrounds of Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross London

Explore the surrounding areas such as the Granary Square which is home to some fantastic places to eat and drink. There are a good selection of terraces where you could enjoy a coffee or a cocktail and watch the goings-on. The most popular place, without a doubt is the Granary Building, home to Caravan and Granary Square Brasserie. Also, either watch or experience the Fountains at Granary Square – the aqua-choreography of 1080 jets!

As well, you could grab yourself a drink or immerse yourself in a book on the steps by Regent’s Canal. Regent’s Canal runs through the heart of Kings Cross and has been transformed to be an important part of this neighbourhood at Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square. As you walk along the canal from Granary Square towards Gasholder Park, you will see Camley Street Nature Park.

A nature reserve, Camley Street Nature Park was created from a two-acre coal yard in 1984. The beautiful woodland, the grassland and wetland habitats provide a haven for birds, butterflies and plant life. A little further along the towpath, you will reach Gasholder Park and St Pancras Cruising Club. St Pancras Cruising Club is a lovely spot to enjoy a slower pace of life.

A little background to Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross London

Opened in October 2018, Coal Drops Yard is part of the wider redevelopment of Kings Cross area in Central London offering high-end shopping and dining experiences. Home to a wonderful mix of independent shops and signature brands from both home and abroad, visiting Coal Drops Yard is an experience in itself. Seeing how beautiful it is today, you would never know that this area was once used as warehouses for storing coal, colonised by a nightclub and formed part of derelict London branded by prostitution and drug-dealing.

Built in 1850, the two long Victorian warehouses has attached train viaducts. The two-storey brick and cast-iron sheds were used to receive and store coal for London from South Yorkshire, North of England. About 8 million tonnes were transported each year, trans-shipped via the Regent’s Canal and horse-drawn carts to heat homes and businesses in the City of London. As coal usage declined, the warehouses were adapted for light industry and storage. There was a nightclub here as well, Bagley’s which was closed in 2007. Eventually, the area fell into disuse by the late 1990s.

The redevelopment was designed by Thomas Heatherwick to a clean, prosperous, managed area and opening the area up to the public, linking the long viaducts and the space between them for people to enjoy. While adapting the space to modern use, the historic significance of the Victorian viaducts and cobbled streets are respected.

Practical Information for Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross, London

Location:

Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4DQ

Opening hours:

Coal Drops Yard is open to visitors between 10am-11pm. Please check individual retailer pages for opening hours and information.

How to get to Coal Drops Yard, Kings Cross London

As it is in the heart of the City of London, the most convenient way to reach Coal Drops Yard is by public transport to Kings Cross Station or St Pancras Station. At Kings Cross Station, access via King’s Boulevard or King’s Cross Square – follow signs for Regent’s Canal, cross the bridge over the canal, and Coal Drops Yard is on the left, just off Granary Square.

Plan ahead > Places to Stay near Kings Cross

As Kings Cross is in the heart of London, there are many possibilities for accommodation. From budget, mid-range apartments to luxurious 5-star accommodation near Kings Cross London. If you are considering a stay at a beautiful affordable reputable hotel, I would recommend staying at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington. or the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Kensington

Firstly, Copthorne Tara Hotel Kensington is a 4-star rated accommodation and offers easy access to transportation at High Street Kensington. You could dine on site for a modern British and European cuisine – but why would you when you can get to Coal Drops Yard in an easy taxi ride or by the London Underground to Kings Cross.

Secondly, the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Kensington is also a 4-star rated accommodation set against fashionable South Kensington, with easy access to Victoria Albert Museum, Hyde Park and Gloucester Road tube station. Staying here will also give you easy access to Coal Drops Yard and surrounds of Kings Cross.

The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Group run seasonal campaigns and offer discounts for their members as well which may be something of value to you if you are considering travels and enjoying their hospitality at your selected destinations. Use the link below and search for your stay.

For a greater selection of accommodation to suit every budget, including self-catered apartments, long-stay, family vacation, look-up booking dot com who are my go-to search engine for good quality places to stay.

Search accommodations in London

Plan ahead > Activities to do when in London

London is a grand city that has quirky, and extraordinarily memorable activities to fulfill every wanderlust. From traditional sightseeing landmarks such as the St Paul’s Cathedral, or visiting a Monument dedicated to the resilience of Londoners to fun rooftop bars and climbing The O2 – your visit to the City of London will not disappoint. In addition, there are so many choices to experience a little of the English countryside on a day trip from London. Highly recommended are visits to the Roman Baths and a visit to Somerset to experience the ancient architectural marvel as well as the Lake District.

Recommended read: Stonehenge — A Sophisticated Architecture not to miss!

For an extraordinarily special experience when visiting London, enjoy a trip on 1st class and go on a scenic train journey. Learn more about train tickets and choices you have from Trainline and FirstTranspennine Express.

Recommended read: All about Train Travelling and Unique Experiences by Train

More ideas on Christmas in London?

Recommended read:

Activities to do at Christmas in London for timeless festive memories

Plan ahead for the festive season in London by joining the following incredible activities unique to Charming City London:

1 | Discover some of the best and glorious sights in London at Christmas with a Christmas Walking tour.

2 | Get a unique perspective of London from an iconic vintage bus on a Christmas Lights bus tour

3 | Experience the best of London while enjoying afternoon tea in the iconic double-decker bus — a classic experience!

4 | Enjoy the spectacular and vibrant city of London like never before on this London by Night Open Top bus tour.

5 | A tour specifically designed for you to experience the dazzling lights and unique festive spirit in London

6 | Go on a day trip to Bruges from London and experience the special Christmas markets and buy all your stocking fillers!

Finally on Coal Drops Yard at Christmas …

A visit to Coal Drops Yard at Christmas or at any time of the year and you will find that it is a place of culture, food and great vibes. There are so many choices to satisfy one’s gastronomic cravings with a great combination of boutiques, restaurants, coffee bars and plenty of outdoor spaces. Both Granary Square and Regent’s Canal are great for people watch or to read a book. Coal Drops Yard is a destinations that should top your list when in London.

Have you visited Coal Drops Yard? If you have, please do share your experiences — you never know who you might inspire. If you are yet to, was this article valuable to you in planning your visit to Coal Drops Yard? If so, let me know in comments below. Would love to hear from you.

Have a wonderful time exploring Coal Drops Yard.

Georgina xx