Memorials take all manner of shapes and forms. You can find someone’s memory honoured in a bench, a plant, or a plaque. Impressive pieces of art sometimes memorialise historic events or remember shocking losses. You might even follow a walking trail, physically taking you through someone’s life. Perhaps one of our city’s most charming memorials is The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, which recently reopened following a comprehensive makeover.
Earlier this year, it was announced that The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground would close as it underwent a £3 million restoration. Given it was originally opened all the way back in 2000, it was certainly time for an update.
Updating the park
Plans for the park’s renewal had a large focus on making it more inclusive and accessible for everyone. But they also included brand new additions to the park. But that’s not to say that the park as you know it has disappeared. The spirit of the original Peter Pan-inspired park is still very much there, just with even more to explore.
Among the new additions to the park are:
- A brand new moored pirate Galleon on a sandy beach – featuring crow’s nests for climbing, a slide, a telescope, and multiple play areas.
- A ‘Treehouse of Dreams’ – with 3 towers, a 4-metre tunnel slide, and an accessible walkway with games and interactive elements
- A new waterplay area – boasting a larger-than-life crocodile sculpture, and various water activities
- A redesigned area for younger children – with smaller versions of the full-size attractions, and a large sandpit
Visiting The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
The updated 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.” It’s once again a wonderful place for children to follow in the footsteps of Peter Pan and “follow their imaginations, learn together and explore whilst they play.”
The park is open all year round, but opening times change with the seasons. You can access the newly reopened park during the following times:
- May to August: 10am – 7:45pm
- April and September: 10am – 6:45pm
- March and early October: 10am – 5:45pm
- February and late October: 10am – 4:45pm
- November to January: 10am – 3:45pm
📍 You can find The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground next to Kensington Palace, within Kensington Gardens. Broad Walk, W2 4RU.
🚇 The nearest station is Queensway.
