Name: Diana Memorial Playground
Rating: 5.0

Diana Memorial Playground

Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London, UK

1-90 Years

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Description

The Diana Memorial Playground is an enchanting Peter Pan-inspired wonderland located in the north-west corner of Kensington Gardens. Opened in 2000 as a tribute to the late Princess of Wales, the park was designed to encourage creative and imaginative play for children of all abilities. It is widely celebrated as one of the best things to do with kids in London, offering a magical escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

While it is closed for the first half of the year, it is scheduled to reopen in summer with even more inclusive and accessible play structures while retaining its beloved storybook charm. Best of all, admission remains completely free for all visitors.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, the Diana Memorial Playground offers a unique "Peter Pan" landscape where children can follow their imaginations through sensory trails and woodland glades. The park is securely fenced with a strict entry policy—no adults are admitted without a child, and no child can leave without their adult—providing peace of mind for parents in the heart of the capital.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Peter Pan Theme: Inspired by the stories of J.M. Barrie, the entire landscape is designed to evoke the magical world of Neverland.
Inclusive Play: Designed to allow able-bodied and less-able-bodied children to play together, featuring a sensory trail and accessible structures.
Secure Environment: A single gated entry/exit monitored by staff ensures a safe, supervised environment for young children.

Top 5 Highlights

The Giant Pirate Ship: The playground's iconic centerpiece, a massive wooden ship moored in a "sea" of sand, complete with rigging and a captain's wheel.
The Mermaid Fountain: A popular water play area where kids can splash and pump water into sand channels.
The Teepee Encampment: A cluster of large tepees and beautifully carved totem poles, perfect for imaginative role-play.
The Sensory Trail: A discovery path through lush plants and trees, featuring "hammer pianos" and musical play sculptures.
The Elfin Tree: Located just outside the playground, this nearby 900-year-old oak stump is intricately carved with fairies, elves, and animals.

Detailed Inventory

Massive Sand Beach: The pirate ship is surrounded by a vast sandy area for digging and building.
Under 3s Area: A dedicated, quieter section with a wooden tractor and smaller playhouses for toddlers.
Aerial Walkways: Wooden paths and ladders that lead through the trees to slides and poles.
Broadwalk Café: On-site café serving a children's menu, fresh salads, stone-baked pizzas, and ice cream.
Public Toilets: Located within the playground gates, including baby-changing facilities.
Picnic Benches: Plentiful seating throughout the park, though they fill up fast on sunny days.
Themed Playhouses: Several "Wendy Houses" and log cabins scattered through the woodland areas.
Carved Sculptures: Look out for the crocodile, the ticking clock, and the family of friendly wooden sheep.
First Aid Station: Staffed office on-site for any minor bumps or scrapes.
Single Gated Entrance: Controlled entry system to manage capacity and safety.

Facilities

Toilets: On-site toilets and baby changing are available and generally well-maintained.
Food Options: The Broadwalk Café offers healthy options and snacks. For a wider choice, the Kensington High Street area has numerous family-friendly chains like Wagamama and Pizza Express.
Socks & Shoes: The playground is very sandy; it is a good idea to bring a spare pair of socks and a towel for cleaning sandy feet before putting shoes back on.
Pro-Tip (Queues): On sunny weekends and school holidays, the playground often reaches capacity by 10:30 AM. Be prepared for a queue that can last 15–60 minutes.
Accessibility: The playground is designed for inclusivity, with many paths and play features accessible to wheelchair users.
Large Groups: Schools and large groups of 10+ must book their time slot in advance through the Royal Parks website.

What to see

What Visitors Love

The pirate ship is universally loved by children and keeps them entertained for hours.
The strict "no adults without children" policy makes the environment feel exceptionally safe.
Parents appreciate the abundance of shade and seating areas under the large trees.

What Visitors Don't Like

The queues to enter can be very long during peak season, which is difficult for young children.
Because there are so many different "hidden" sections, it can be hard to keep a visual on multiple children at once.
The cafe can be quite expensive, so many visitors recommend bringing your own picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter the playground without a child?: No. To ensure the safety of all children, adults are only admitted if they are accompanying a child under the age of 12.
Will the pirate ship still be there after the 2026 renewal?: Yes. The renewal project aims to retain the "Peter Pan" characteristics while upgrading old equipment and improving accessibility.
Are dogs allowed inside the playground?: No, dogs (except registered assistance dogs) are strictly prohibited from the playground area.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Typically opens at 10:00 AM. Closing times vary by season (from 3:45 PM in winter to 7:45 PM in summer).

Address: Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London, UK

Post Code: W2 4RU

Council: Westminster

County: Greater London

By Car: Driving is not recommended as there is no on-site parking; limited metered parking is available on surrounding streets.
By Underground: Queensway (Central Line) or Bayswater (District & Circle) are the closest stations.
By Bus: Routes 70, 94, 148, and 390 all stop near the park entrance at Black Lion Gate.