What makes a truly great playground? Imagination, variety, nature and a proper dose of real old-fashioned risk. Common sense tells us that taking all the challenges out of kids’ play stifles their development, kyboshes their ability to make proper judgements and leaves them with only one place to go wild – the internet. Insurance companies may do their utmost to make life difficult for adventure players, but these three venues stand proud...
David Hedges
1. The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace
- Opening times depend on the season
- Ages 2-13 yrs. Learn more.
- Prices are £8 for adults and £6 child, and free admission is included with palace entry
The stats say it all: when Hampton Court opened its Tudor-themed playground, visitor numbers increased by 34%. With its colourful helter-skelter towers, accessed by aerial walkways, and a seriously high fireman’s pole – not to mention a 25ft sleeping dragon that wakes every hour to breathe smoke (steam, actually) – it’s still the most spectacular and imaginative playground at any historic building in the land.
2. Tumbling Bay at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 2ST
- Open daily 24 hrs. Learn more.
- All ages | Free
In play terms, the Olympic legacy park is best known for the Arcelor Mittal Orbit, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. You must be 1.3m tall and eight years old to attempt it (adults £16.50, children £10.50).
However, the real standout attraction is free: Tumbling Bay, a spacious adventure playground built into the park’s natural landscape with rock pools, sandpits, exceedingly tall treehouses, and wobbly bridges. You can round off your visit to the Park at the Waterworks fountain—a labyrinth of computer-controlled jets of water that light up with a neon glow at night.
3. Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
- Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH
- Open 10 am - 5:45 pm, later opening in summer
- Up to 12 yrs | Adult entry with a child only
- Free
The majestic centrepiece of this Peter Pan-themed gem is a fully rigged, three-tiered, handcrafted wooden galleon. Kids can try to refloat the beached vessel by sifting sand out of the hull or climbing the rigging and walking the plank. Pirate play aside, there are teepees, a giant tyre swing, a musical garden, water play, and plenty of space to run around.
4. Battersea Park Adventure Playground
- Battersea Park, Wandsworth, Greater London, SW11 4NJ
- Park open daily from 9 am - 6 pm
- All ages | Free (except for Go-Ape)
Battersea Park Playground has four different play areas with exciting structures suitable for toddlers, teenagers, and everyone. The toddler playground and younger children's play areas have equipment tailored for each age group to enjoy safely. The adventure playground is better enjoyed by older children, as its tall climbing structures and ropes between the trees are joined to the forest floor by lengthy, enthralling slides. If your children are daring and adventurous, they will love this playground.
All are free to enter and use, save for the Go-Ape treetop area, which, courtesy of its height rather than age restrictions, is ideal for any parents wishing to blow off some steam. (Although it is not recommended for those who struggle with heights!).
5. Coram's Fields
- 93 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DN
- Open daily, 9 am - 6 pm
- Children under 16 | Free
This all-year-round park is soaked in intriguing history, having originally been home to the world's first incorporated charity, founded by Captain Thomas Coram. The park offers something for every child, with accessible play equipment, a sensory and music area, sandpits, a paddling pool, an adventure playground featuring a zip wire, and two large lawns for those wishing to run around. Promoting safe spots to play, the park's ‘no adult can enter without a child' policy can leave parents at ease in this luscious play area.
Coram's Fields will host an incredible 160ft bungee jump on 9-10 September 2023 as a fundraising event. If you're inclined towards audacious activities and London skyline views, find out more here.
6. Archbishop's Park
- Carlisle Ln, London SE1 7LE
- Open 7 am - 9 pm daily
- All ages - Free
This Green Flag Award-winning park offers a clean, green, safe space with facilities accommodating children and adults alike. The climbing frames and sand pits, pitches and courts, complete with changing room and toilet facilities, ensure this space caters to many.
As a local 'Site of Importance for Nature Conservation', the park has a rich wildlife habitat and community garden. It is recognised as a valuable space for those living and working in bustling, built-up central London.
