We were amazed at the quality and quantity of playgrounds in the central area of London.
The playgrounds are all beautifully landscaped with a charming wooden aesthetic - no plastic playgrounds insight- and best of all, they are totally free to enter!
Diana Memorial Playground - Kensington Gardens
Our absolute favourite was the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, next to Kensington Place, where Princess Diana lived at one point.
It’s a fitting tribute to Princess Diana and is inspired by Peter Pan, evoking a true sense of NeverNeverLand for children. There are many different sections, separated by hedges and landscaping, with all sorts of forts, clubby houses, swings and climbing structures. The central focus of the gardens ins the huge wooden private ship that is surrounded by sand and water play.
While it would be easy to lose track of your kids amongst all the foliage and hidden sections, the whole playground is fences with only one entry point that is manned but park staff, so there is no chance of kids running off complete. In fact, adults who are not with children are not allowed to enter.
We were there on slightly rainy weekdays so it wasn’t crowded at all, however the website indicates it can be very busy at times and you may have to queue to get in.
Afterwards, we enjoyed walking through Kensington Gardens, watching the swans and ducks in the ponds and spotting all the squirrels that can be seen running around. Squirrel spotting became one of the favourite things for the kids to do. You can find squirrels in most of the large parks around London and they can be quite confident when approaching people - I guess they are used to being feed. We also saw a fox in Hyde Park which was very exciting, although it was hiding in the bushes.
We also found an amazing playground near Hyde Park Corner, not far from the Knightsbridge Tube Station and near the dining area at the end of the Serpentine Lake. (also not far from the Natural History Musuem)
There was also a great playground super close to Buckingham Place, the St James Park Playground.
And also right next to the London Eye in the Jubilee Gardens.
All of them catered to toddlers right through to young teenagers, with plenty of climbing structures and obstacles. They were all fenced which means parents can also relax a bit and maybe enjoy a coffee. Our girls loved the playgrounds, it really helped break up some of the long walks and kept them in good spirits.