Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Imaginative Peter Pan-inspired adventure playground
At a Glance
Best Ages
Under 12 years
Cost
Free
Time Needed
1-3 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
Great in dry weather; waterplay off during hosepipe bans
Stroller Access
Yes, step-free paths
Washrooms
On-site toilets (no hot water currently)
Food
No cafe inside; picnics welcome in surrounding park
Parking
No dedicated lot; nearest street parking or public transport
Booking
Not required; queue at busy times
Parent Effort
Medium (active supervision required)
A magical, free outdoor playground that sparks imagination with its giant galleon, treehouse towers and waterplay. The recent £3 million renewal has made it more inclusive than ever, though expect queues on sunny weekends.
About This Place
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is a dedicated, imaginatively themed play area inspired by J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan — a personal gift Barrie made to the nearby Great Ormond Street Hospital. At its heart sits a large wooden pirate ship surrounded by an adventure landscape of sand, tepees, musical instruments, and sensory planting. Opened in 2000 as a tribute to Princess Diana, it is supervised and gated, with admission prioritised for children under 12.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 10:00 – 15:45
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
- Admission
- FREE
Prices were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date rates.
Giant wooden galleon
Kids can climb crow’s nests, whizz down tunnel slides and captain their own ship on a sandy beach.
Treehouse adventure
Three towers, a four-metre tunnel slide, musical instruments and interactive games along an accessible walkway.
Waterplay & sand
A larger-than-life crocodile sculpture with dams and water controls, plus a large sandpit for younger children.
Inclusive design
Specially designed to support physical, creative, social and educational development for all children.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Age limit
- Only adults supervising children up to age 12 are admitted; unaccompanied adults may enter 09:30–10:00 only.
- Queue warning
- On warm sunny days the queue can start at 10:00 and last until last admission.
- Re-admission
- Tell staff if you plan to leave and return, or you may have to re-join the queue.
- No parties inside
- Birthday parties and large groups where adults outnumber children are not admitted.
- Prohibited items
- No glass bottles, cycling, scooters, rollerblading, ball sports, smoking, alcohol or pets except registered assistance dogs.
Kid Fit by Age
The dedicated younger-children’s area with timber houses and sandpit is suitable, but the main adventure structures are geared toward older kids.
The redesigned younger children’s area, sandpit and accessible treehouse walkway offer plenty of gentle play.
The galleon, treehouse, waterplay and sand are perfectly pitched for this age group.
Crow’s nests, tunnel slides, water controls and imaginative role-play keep 5–11-year-olds engaged for hours.
The larger structures and physical challenges still appeal, though it is officially aimed at under-12s.
Teenagers without younger siblings are not admitted; the playground is designed for children under 12.
Insider Tips
If your group plans to split up, make sure everyone enters together — latecomers must join the back of the queue.
Check the Royal Parks website before visiting in summer 2026; the waterplay is currently off due to a hosepipe ban.
The surrounding Kensington Gardens offer beautiful picnic spots if the playground queue is too long.
- •Children must be supervised by an adult carer at all times; staff are present but parental supervision is required.
- •The playground can reach full capacity; queues are managed for safety.
- •Glass bottles, scooters, bicycles and ball sports are prohibited inside the gates.
- •At least one first-aid-qualified staff member is on duty whenever the playground is open.
- •The renewed playground was designed to be more inclusive with an accessible treehouse walkway.
- •Step-free paths and level access throughout the play area.
- •On-site toilets are available, though hot water is currently unavailable due to plumbing issues.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Arrive right at opening (10:00) on sunny days to beat the queues, or visit on overcast weekdays outside school holidays for a quieter experience.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxSun hats and sunscreen — the playground is fully exposed with little shade.
- check_boxA change of clothes and towel for waterplay and sand (when water is switched on).
- check_boxSnacks and water — there is no cafe inside the playground.
- check_boxA picnic blanket if you plan to eat in the surrounding park.
Location
Address
Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London W2 4RU, United Kingdom
Phone
+443000612001
