Kensington Gardens

About Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens is the kind of London park that makes you want to stay all day. It’s got the Diana Memorial Playground – aka one of the best playgrounds in the city – where kids can climb a massive wooden pirate ship, dig in sandpits, run through teepees, and make noise on musical play walls. And yes, it’s free to enter (though there’s often a short queue in summer).

Nearby, you’ll find the Peter Pan statue hidden among the trees – ideal for a magical detour or a TikTok moment. There’s also loads of space for games, scooters, or just flopping on the grass with snacks.

For older kids and teens, the Serpentine Galleries serve up cool art exhibitions, and the Italian Gardens or Round Pond make brilliant picnic spots with ducks, fountains, and decent people-watching.

Bonus points: you can hunt for the quirky Elfin Oak – a carved-up tree stump full of hidden fairies and woodland creatures. Basically, it’s nature, stories and silliness all rolled into one.

Top tip from the KidRated Team:

Get to the Diana Memorial Playground early if it’s sunny – there’s often a queue, but it’s so worth it. And don’t forget a change of clothes. That sandpit gets serious.

Parent P.O.V. by Laura Porter

• The Peter Pan statue, by Long Water, is always worth finding. Look for the animals on the sculpture and try to spot herons and swans in the water.
• The Serpentine Gallery summer pavilion is usually very cool and family-friendly.
• The Diana Memorial Playground is fantastic and adults can only enter with children. It’s easy to lose your kids so you’ll need eyes in the back of your head but they can’t get out without you as there’s always staff on the gate.
• Do admire the Elfin Oak (by the Playground entrance) and choose your favourite pixie.