Kensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London W2 4RU
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Parkland
Place photograph
4.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.7A Peter Pan-inspired playground in Kensington Gardens, built as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Its renewed play spaces include a large galleon on a sandy beach, a treehouse and water play.
This is a carefully designed place for imaginative outdoor play, rather than a wild landscape. The galleon, treehouse and winding paths give children a varied space to explore, while its setting in Kensington Gardens makes it an unusual family stop in central London.
Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapKensington Gardens, Broad Walk, London W2 4RU
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The experience
A destination playground for children up to age 12, with themed play spaces inspired by Peter Pan. Entry is for adults supervising children; this is not a general-access park attraction for adults visiting alone.
Things to do
Explore the play galleon
Climb the crow’s nests, try the tunnel slide and look below deck for the play kitchen and tucked-away nooks.
Allow time to explore
Discover the treehouse
Explore its three towers and four-metre tunnel slide. An accessible walkway includes interactive play features.
Allow time to explore
Find the water-play crocodile
The water-play area has a crocodile sculpture and controls for directing water. The official site says water play is currently switched off; check for updates before visiting.
Wander the winding paths
Follow the playground’s winding paths between play spaces and look for the wooden features, including the carved sheep.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick play break
- 01
Check current opening times and entry arrangements before setting out.
- 02
Explore the galleon and sandy beach.
- 03
Finish with the younger children's play area or the treehouse, choosing what suits your group.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it
- 01
Spend time exploring the playground’s galleon, treehouse and themed play areas.
- 02
Continue with a walk in Kensington Gardens; check park access and routes before visiting.
- 03
Allow extra time for possible entry queues on busy days.
Verified history
The playground was created in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and originally opened in 2000. The Royal Parks says it was renewed in 2025–26 and reopened on 5 August 2026. Its Peter Pan-inspired design reflects the playground’s emphasis on imaginative play.
Hidden details
Look below deck — The galleon’s play kitchen and small nooks are tucked beneath the main deck.
Find the carved sheep — A carved wooden sheep is among the playground’s features.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Check the current opening schedule and consider arriving early on busy or sunny days, when queues can form.
Outdoor play is most weather-friendly in warmer months. Water play is subject to operational changes and is currently reported switched off by the official website.
Most play areas are outdoors. Bring suitable clothing for the weather; check the official site for water-play updates and any operational notices.
Worth pairing with
Kensington Gardens
Pair playground time with a walk in the surrounding Royal Park. Check current park information and choose a route appropriate for your group.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
For a longer outing, the memorial walk passes through Kensington Gardens and other Royal Parks. It is described as a seven-mile route, so it is a separate, substantial walk rather than an extension suitable for every playground visit.
What to look for
- 01
The 17-metre galleon on its sandy beach
- 02
the treehouse towers and accessible walkway
- 03
the crocodile sculpture in the water-play area
- 04
and the winding path and wooden play features.
The story
Literature
Best time to go
Spring and summer for outdoor play; check the official website for current water-play status and seasonal opening times.
Check the Royal Parks website for current opening times. The playground can reach capacity, with queues on busy days; water play may be switched off.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Families · Young children
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-5:45pm
- Tuesday: 10am-5:45pm
- Wednesday: 10am-5:45pm
- Thursday: 10am-5:45pm
- Friday: 10am-5:45pm
- Saturday: 10am-5:45pm
- Sunday: 10am-5:45pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
In Kensington Gardens beside Kensington Palace. Entry is limited to adults supervising children up to age 12; children must enter and leave with an adult carer. It can reach capacity and queues may form. Check the official website for current access information.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. The official site describes an accessible walkway through the treehouse play area. Check current access details before visiting.
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Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
