Best Playgrounds in London
We all know travelling with children can be taxing. Especially, travelling to major cities where we’re constantly shouting “STOP!”, “Watch out!” and holding their hands. Children, at least mine, need space to run and explore and feel free. That’s why researching playgrounds is usually on the top of my to do list when we’re heading out, be it at home or in a foreign city. And London delivers on playgrounds and parks. Here’s our top 5.
Holland Park Adventure Playground
Good sized playground with a huge variety of play equipment. It’s located in Holland Park (there’s a toddler playground in the park as well, which is lovely for smaller children and covered in sand) near the beautiful Kyoto Gardens. Closest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District Lines), Kensington Olympia (District Line, Mildmay Overground and Southern Trains) and High Street Kensington (Circle and District Lines)
There are toilets at the playground, so no need to be rushing around in case of emergency. Be aware they are public toilets, so you may need a tissue. There’s space to sit if you prefer letting your children run around unsupervised. Great climbing frames, water play (in warner months), dragon swing and space to run. Our children adore this playground in central London.
Close to The Windsor Castle pub, which boasts a fantastic beer garden and Kensington High Street, full of cafes and restaurants. There’s a cafe in the park as well or you can bring a picnic.
Hyde Park Playground
Another London playground worth a visit. It’s located on the southern end of Hyde Park, a few minutes walk from the Serpentine and close to Knightsbridge Station (Piccadilly Line). There’s a kiosk cafe on site and sitting areas for a picnic or to rest tired legs. Closest toilets are by the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen.
There’s swings, a good sized climbing frame with a slide, a smaller slide for smaller children. It’s a varied playground, which appeals to those who enjoy hide and seek.
It’s within easy walk from the museum district, so if you got tired wandering around the Natural History Museum, this is a great playground to get some fresh air.
St. James’s Park Playground
As the name suggests, the closest station is St. James’s Park (District and Circle Lines), but the playground is within easy walking distance from the Buckingham Palace or Westminster.
A good playground, which might be a bit trickier for toddlers or smaller children. Sand area, climbing frames and rocking boats are always a big hit with mine. There’s picnic area, toilets and a kiosk cafe next to the playground too. There’s beautiful views of the Buckingham Palace. A great place to relax after watching the Changing of the Guards.
Victoria Embankment Playground
A small playground in Victoria Embankment Gardens offering a perfect escape from the busy streets of Covent Garden and the West End. There’s a slide, a couple of swings, a little boat and small climbing frame, e.g. stepping stones like. Benches next to the playground for tired parents.
There’s plenty of cafes and eateries on Villiers Street and surrounding areas.
Closest stations are Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, Circle and District Lines) and Temple (Circle and District Lines), but easily walkable from Covent Garden, The Strand and Whitehall.
Battersea Power Station Playground
This one is a bit further away from the strict touristy London, but we love it. It’s got 2 large climbing frames and a few smaller stepping bits and is most suited to children aged 6 and above. There’s no shortage of cafes and restaurants and shops in the area. We love Battersea Power Station because there’s always something happening here and the wide boulevards allow kids to enjoy a bit more freedom.
Closest station is Battersea Power Station (Northern Line), but I recommend taking a clipper to or from Battersea Pier for lovely river views on the way to more central London.
One Comment