The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
Located next to Kensington Palace, the playground is a fitting tribute to a princess who loved the innocence of childhood.
Over 1 million visitors enjoy this free playground every year. Kids love to play, explore, dash about, and let their imaginations soar.
The playground originally opened in 2000, and in 2025/26 the playground underwent a £3million renewal by The Royal Parks charity, reopening on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
When children visit the renewed playground, they will now experience:
- A brand new 17-metre by 12-metre Galleon moored on a sandy beach. They can channel their inner sailor, climb one of two crow’s nests, brave the large tunnel slide, and use the play telescope to warn of danger ahead. Below deck is a play kitchen and lots of nooks and crannies to hide in.
- A Treehouse of dreams featuring three different towers to climb up as well as an exhilarating four metre tunnel slide. An accessible walkway provides lots of fun elements such as talk tubes, musical instruments and interactive games.
- A brand new waterplay area featuring a larger-than-life sized crocodile sculpture. Children can control the flow of water with various dams and cool themselves down on a hot summer’s day.
- A redesigned area for younger children featuring timber houses, play ships and a large sandpit.
The playground was specially designed to be more inclusive, offering something for everyone and seeks to support children with their physical, creative, social and educational development. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, the playground is a magical environment that encourages children to follow their imaginations, learn together and explore whilst they play.
Please note that the last entry is 15 minutes prior to closing time.
*The waterplay is currently switched off because of the Thames Water hosepipe ban
Opening times
| May to August: 10.00 - 19.45 |
| April and September: 10.00 - 18.45 |
| March and early October: 10.00 - 17.45 |
| February and late October: 10.00 - 16.45 |
| November to January: 10.00 - 15.45 |
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Details at a glance
Admission and queue management
To ensure safety and security of children, only adults supervising children up to the age of 12 will be admitted. Children should not be allowed to enter or leave the playground without an adult carer.
The playground is extremely popular. On busy days when the playground reaches full capacity there will be a queue for entry. On warm, sunny days the queue can start as early as 10:00am and last until the last admission time.
We are not able to admit children's birthday parties or large groups where the number of adults exceed the number of children. There are tables outside the playground and plenty of space in the surrounding area if you wish to have a party in the park.
We ask for your patience and kindness toward our staff who are there to keep everyone safe.
Joining the group and re-admission
Relatives and friends who arrive after your admission, that wish to join your party will be asked to join the queue. Please show courtesy to others, majority young children, standing in the queue and follow instruction of staff in this matter.
We understand you may need to leave the playground for a short time and wish to rejoin those who are still inside. Please make this clear to the playground staff when you leave or you may not be able to re-enter immediately. This is particularly important when the queue is in place.
Please note: unaccompanied adults may only enter the playground between 9.30 and 10.00.
Safety precautions
The playground is likely to be very busy at all times. For everyone's safety and enjoyment please observe the following:
- Please supervise your children at all times
- Glass bottles or jars are not allowed
- Cycling, rollerblading, scooters and ball sports are not allowed
- Adult bicycles/Cargo bikes are not permitted
- Smoking is not permitted in the playground (including e-cigarettes)
- Alcohol is not permitted in the playground
- Only registered Assistance Dogs will be permitted
Supervision
This playground is permanently attended when open. The playground staff will monitor activities, provide first aid and summon any other assistance that might be required. There will always be at least one member of staff on duty who is first aid qualified. It is the parents/carers responsibility to supervise their children. Children must not be left unaccompanied.
Schools and large groups
If you would like to bring a group of children to the Diana Memorial Playground you should book ahead using our online booking system.
Schools and large group playground bookings
Information for schools and large groups who are visiting the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens.
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Schools and large group bookings
Schools and large group bookings for The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.
