Yesterday we headed into London to King’s Cross so we could take part in the King’s Cross Monster Trail around Coal Drops Yard. I love this part of London and it was a great excuse to get some fresh air. The trail is free but only on until the 31st October – so hurry if you want to go and take part!
King’s Cross Monster Trail
We walked to Coal Drops Yard from King’s Cross Underground station and headed for the Visitor Centre to pick up a trail map for free. Whilst we were there we checked out the 3D model of Coal Drops Yard which was fun. The Monster Trail is fun and you can download a map if you don’t want a physical one.
The Monster Trail consists of 9 monsters which have been accidentally released and are hiding around King’s Cross. Follow the trail to find them and answer their question, before heading back to the Visitor Centre to collect a treat.
My daughter is 11 but seemed to be a great age for the trail. She was happy to take the lead and took us around the area following the map. It wasn’t long before we spotted our first monster portal tucked away in a corner.
We solved the clue before heading off to the next one.
Coal Drops Yard was lovely and quiet when we started but soon started getting busier.
There were quite a few people looking for monsters and a few asked us where we picked up our colourful trail map.
The monsters were all shapes and sizes and were really fun to spot.
It was a fun way to explore the area and we discovered new parts which we hadn’t been to before.
I loved walking over the bridge to Camley Street Natural Park, a place I’ve wanted to visit for years. We also walked around the old Gasholder triplets which I’d been past on the train so many times. Now they are luxury flats with the most amazing views.
Our final monster was found beneath the very bridge we had crossed over that morning. We headed back to the Visitor Centre where my daughter was rewarded with a sheet of stickers and a lolly – she was very happy with her prize!
We walked about 6000 steps (!) over 3 hours and stopped for a delicious lunch at Happy Face pizza too. We loved the trail and would be happy to go back for another trail, it was such a fun way to explore Coal Drops Yard and celebrate Halloween too!
King’s Cross Visitor Centre
11-12 Stable Street
London
N1C 4AB
You may be interested in these other posts about public art in London:
Scenes in the Square, Leicester Square
Walking with the Snowman, London Bridge City
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, York Road, Waterloo
Colourwalk around Notting Hill, London
Elephant trail at Spitalfields Market London
The Tusk Gorilla Trail Covent Garden
This looks like a lot of fun. I think the kids and I would love it.
Stickers and a lolly are a good prize. 🙂 This looks like a fun day.
Exploring King’s Cross and the Monster Trail around Coal Drops Yard sounds like a fantastic way to spend the day. It’s a perfect excuse to soak in some fresh air and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this part of London. Thanks for the heads-up about the trail’s deadline – I’ll be sure to hurry and check it out before October 31st!
A cute activity for the family with little ones…such a fun idea for the Halloween season!
oh wow, this is sooooo much fun…I love the monster trail, I hope I get to explore it next year with my kids.
I’m sure all kids will enjoy this monster trail with either friends or their parents. I’m so wish that my country here have something similar so I can bring my little niece to enjoy it. Cheers SiennyLovesDrawing
The Kings Cross Monster Trail seems like a fantastic and whimsical adventure. I’m particularly drawn to the idea of exploring the Gingerbread House and encountering those delightful monsters.