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If you are visiting London, a must-visit is the Kensington Gardens, Gowhee parents recommend stopping by the Diana Memorial Playground. It is also nicknamed the pirate ship playground, because of it’s impressive wooden structures with a pirate theme. It is the perfect break for families exploring the city. The playground was built in honor of the Princess of Wales. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground is a true gem in the middle of the busy capital. It’s sensory trails, and other outdoor play areas, give children 0-12 years old, a place to be free and rest from the busy surroundings.

What makes the Pirate Ship Playground special?

This Iconic Wooden Pirate Ship Playground Is Perfect For Pretend Play

At the center of the park, set on a beach sand area, sits the wooden pirate ship equipment. Kids can climb on ladders, use a cargo net to reach the top of the sailing pole, play captain, hide inside the ship, or simply dig in the sand.

This isn’t just any playground; Combined with a fort and raised walkways, it becomes a fully immersive play experience for toddlers and older kids alike.

Sensory Seeking Kids Dream: A Nature Playground Equipment and Sensory Trails.

One of the features that put the memorial playground on our map is its interactive sensory trail and nature-inspired structures. Designed to engage all five senses, the trails wind through natural landscapes, garden areas, and installations perfect for sensory-seeking children.

Along the way, kids can interact with musical elements, water features, and other play sculptures designed to support imaginative play for all neuro abilities.

Diana sunken Garden with the princess of wales sculpture

A Memorial Playground Fit for a Princess of Wales

Dedicated in memory of Princess Diana, the playground is beautifully inspired by Princess Diana’s commitment to open-ended, creative play.

GoWhee parents recommend heading over to the nearby Diana Princess of Wales Sunken Garden if your little one needs a nap. The maze-like garden located right off the playground is completely shaded, quiet, and has a famous sculpture of the Princess of Whales facing a pond. It is the perfect spot to have a picnic or calm down after playtime. You can easily park your stroller, sit on a shaded bench, and enjoy the views of Kensington Palace with your favorite latte, too.

Why London Families Recommend The Princess of Wales Memorial Playground?

It features slides, swings, Teepees, and Hidden Nooks

Beyond the pirate ship, the Diana Memorial Playground features cozy teepees nestled in the curated landscapes. There are enough unique spaces to encourage storytelling, hide-and-seek, and active play. GoWhee parents share that you can easily stay for a few hours without the kids getting bored.

Kensington Gardens is super convenient.

If you are visiting London for the first time, the pirate ship playground is just a short walk from Kensington Palace, so families often combine some play time in the memorial playground with a visit to the palace. Londonian families meet up at the Royal Parks on the weekend. It’s a great way for kids to meet local children.

For a quick pit-stop, we recommend getting off the Queensway Metro Station so you don’t have to walk the entire Kensington Gardens.

Teepees in a corner of the beautiful diana memorial playground

Tables, Snacks, and Family Amenities

Around the playground, you’ll find plenty of shaded tables for picnics, snacks, or rest breaks. There are also clean restrooms inside the playground with child-size toilets and changing tables.

GoWhee App parents say that the cafe is convenient for snacks, since you can order food right from inside the enclosed park. But they recommend bringing food from home if you need a real lunch or expect to walk a bit to reach the restaurants near Kensington Gardens.

Diana’s Playground was built for parents, and it shows.

You will find many amenities to make your life easier, one of GoWhee’s members’ favorite features is the fact that the Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is fully fenced, and staff sit at the entrance to make sure no children come out unaccompanied. What’s more? Adults without children can’t enter the park for added safety.

What You Need To Know Before Visiting The Royal parks and Diana's memorial playground.

What time the Princess Diana’s Memorial Playground open?

The royal parks are open all the time, but the Playground is behind gates. It is open every day starting at 10 AM except on Christmas Day. In the winter months, the Princess of Wales Memorial Playground closes early at 3:45 PM.

The playground can get crowded during peak tourist seasons and weekends. For a more peaceful experience, plan on visiting in April or during weekday mornings.

Is the Diana Memorial pirate playground accessible?

The Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is not accessible, according to GoWhee parents. The entrance is paved, but the rest of the park has sand, so maneuvering wheelchairs will be tough.

The pirate ship playground equipment is also not accessible but there is a renewal project in process to make the entire park accessible soon.

Do I need to Bring Sunscreen Products?

The adults will have some limited shaded areas to sit and relax, but the playground equipment is in full sun. Trees and shrubs are lower and don’t offer full coverage, so make sure to bring sunscreen and hats.

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Day Trip Itinerary For A Sunny Day in London With Kids Recommended By The GoWhee App

Morning: Head over to the Diana Princess of Wales Playground at 10 AM and enjoy a couple of hours of active playtime.

Lunch: Grab a picnic and eat in the Diana Princess of Wales Sunken Garden.

Afternoon: Stroll around the Japanese Garden Island, to enjoy a botanical garden-like park, for FREE.

Dinner: Settle for dinner on the rooftop of a boat in the Paddington neighborhood, at Daisy and Green.

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