The Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is located next to Kensington Palace, the former home of Diana Princess of Wales. It is a fabulous playground for children up to 12 years old. There are many things children can do at the Diana Memorial Playground, including playing on the huge wooden pirate ship.
The design of the Diana Memorial Playground has been inspired by JM Barrie’s Peter Pan stories.
Story
Princess Diana loved children and this playground serves as a fabulous legacy for future generations. The Diana Memorial Playground opened on June 30, 2000 and is a clean, safe, and fun place for children 12 and under to play freely. Unaccompanied adults are not allowed and the gate is locked for everyone’s safety, just like at Coram’s Fields.
The centerpiece of this large playground in central London is the huge wooden pirate ship that children can scale everywhere. There is sand around the boat, older children like to ‘jump the boat’ and younger children like to ‘drive’.
Unsurprisingly, it is extremely popular with families (Londoners and visitors alike). More than 1 million children enjoy this free playground each year, so expect it to be busy on sunny days.
Near the entrance, there is an outdoor cafe / kiosk with outdoor seating. Sell fresh salads, sandwiches, and simple hot foods like potatoes and pizza. There are also hot and cold drinks available.
Near the cafe is the restroom building with many restrooms and hand-washing supplies, plus diaper-changing facilities.
What to do in the park
There is a sensory trail, teepees, a play tunnel, a sandy beach around the pirate ship, and various play toys and sculptures hidden among the plants and bushes. There are slides, a large swing, a climbing area, a music area, and a space for storytelling. It is not overlooked as there are many trees and plants surrounding the playground.
There are areas for adults to sit in at all times (but we usually play on the boat with the kids!).
Security Council
The Diana Memorial Playground is staffed on site at all times. (They can be found in the building with the restrooms near the entrance).
As it fills up here, it is best to follow this advice:
- Supervise your children at all times
- Glass bottles or jars are not allowed.
- Cycling, skating and ball sports are not allowed
- Smoking is not allowed on the playground.
- Alcohol is not allowed on the playground.
- Only registered assistance dogs are allowed
How to get there
- Nearest Tube Stations: High Street Kensington and Notting Hill Gate
- From High Street Kensington Tube Station (10 minutes): Exit the station through the shopping center and turn right once onto Kensington High Street. Cross the road in front of the Royal Garden Hotel and enter Kensington Gardens. Walk towards Kensington Palace and turn right onto Broad Walk. The Diana Memorial Playground is signposted, but basically, continue along the path with the pond on your right to the top. The playground is at the top on the left. You can pick up a free local map from the metro station.
- From Notting Hill Gate Tube Station (10 minutes): Turn left from the ticket hall and take the left exit. Walk through Notting Hill Gate until you reach Kensington Gardens on your right. Walk in and Kensington Palace is in front of you and the Diana Memorial Playground is on the left.
