We’re delighted to announce that the much-loved Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens has reopened following an extensive £3 million renovation. Spanning two acres, this imaginative London playground offers children a renewed space to play and explore.
About
Opened in 2000 as a memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, who lived nearby at Kensington Palace, the playground has become one of the UK’s most popular and imaginative play spaces. To ensure it remains enjoyable and accessible for future generations, The Royal Parks invested £3 million in a major renewal.
Retaining its original Peter Pan theme, the refurbished play area includes a new 17m x 12m Galleon with two crow’s nests, a large tunnel slide, a telescope and below deck, lots of play areas including a kitchen. We adore the new treehouse which includes three towers, a tunnel slide, and an accessible walkway with games and sensory features. To cool off, there’s a waterplay area with giant crocodile sculpture and dams for interactive play. There’s also an area for younger children which includes timber houses, a sandpit and play ships.
Accessibility
We’re especially pleased to see such thoughtful consideration given to accessibility throughout the playground’s design. Both the Galleon and treehouse are wheelchair accessible, there are raised tables for water and sand play, and there’s lots of sensory and interactive play opportunities.
Comment from The Royal Parks
Andy Williams (Park Manager) explains: “We know that children across London, the UK and the world have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this playground, and we can’t wait to see their reactions when they visit. We know they will absolutely love it.
“This playground has been thoughtfully designed so that children of all abilities and interests can find something that appeals to them. Children can once again splash, swing, climb and hide in this almost two-acre playground set amongst sub-tropical planting.”
