Parks and Playgrounds
Westminster has some of the best parks in London. Many of the larger parks run a programme
of entertainment for children during holiday periods. Details of ‘what’s on’ can usually be found
on the park notice board. Alternatively go to
www.westminster.gov.uk/parks-gardens-and-open-spaces for full details of parks and
playgrounds in your local area.
Regent’s Park NW1
This park contains London Zoo and Regent’s Canal. There is a lake in the south of the park
with many species of ducks and geese to look at and feed. There is a small children’s boating
pool near Hanover Gate. There is a wide expanse of grass for running around and playing ball
games and you can ‘spot’ quite a few animals if you walk round the outside of the zoo.
There are three children’s playgrounds in Regent’s Park. They are at Hanover Gate, Gloucester
Gate and Marylebone Green. All are fully enclosed and have multi-purpose structures with
ladders, wobbly walkways, slides etc.
The playgrounds are open from 10am to approx. 5pm. The playgrounds are all supervised and
have rain shelters and children’s toilets.
Nearest tube stations: Regent’s Park or Baker Street.
Hyde Park W1
This park is very large (340 acres). The Serpentine Lake is situated in this park and is used for
boating and fishing with boats and canoes for hire. There is a large selection of water birds to
look at and feed. The famous Peter Pan statue is just west of the lake.
There is one small playground, opposite Knightsbridge Barracks, which has swings, slide,
seesaw and a small climbing frame.
Nearest tube stations: Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate or Hyde Park Corner.
Kensington Gardens W8
This is a continuation of Hyde Park. Kensington Palace and its lovely sunken gardens are
situated in this park. There is a round pond where you can sail model boats.
There are two playgrounds. One near Lancaster Gate, which is an open, play area with good
multi-activity equipment. The other near the top of Broad Walk by Kensington Palace has
standard equipment within an enclosed area. The playground is supervised and has children’s
toilets. Open 10am to approx. 5pm.
Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate or Bayswater.
St James’s Park SW1
An attractive park with fine promenades and walks round the central Chinese-style lake and
bridge. There is a bird sanctuary on Duck Island, which has many species of ducks and geese
and several pelicans (fed at 3.00pm daily). There are good views of Buckingham Palace and
Westminster Abbey.
There is one playground, just south of the lake. It is well maintained and has a large sandpit.
There are children’s toilets nearby.
Green Park is nearby; it has a large grassy area but has no particular facilities for children.
Nearest tube station: St James’s Park.
SMALLER PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
St John’s Wood Parish Park NW8
This is a small park behind the church, with children’s playground near Wellington Place end. It
has the usual playground equipment with toilets nearby.
Violet Hill off Abbey Gardens NW8
Well kept gardens with children’s playground. There is a multi-activity wooden structure on
safety surface. Dogs not allowed.
Broadley Street Gardens NW8
Gardens contain quiet areas to sit, diverse planting to bring biodiversity, and bespoke play
elements including a fun slide and a playful bridge. There is a central open grass area
surrounded by low walls and grassy slopes for informal seating, gathering with friends, for
playing on, or to host community events.
Nearest Tube stations Marylebone and Edgware Road.
Causton Street SW1
There is a sandpit and paddling pool and other playground equipment. There is a part-time
attendant and toilets. The installed equipment is designed for children between 3 and 7 years of
age. Adults are only permitted in the playground if they are accompanying children between the
ages of 3 and 7 years. The playground is situated a few minutes walk from Vauxhall Bridge
Road.
Nearest tube station is Pimlico on the Victoria Line.
Paddington Street W1
The gardens are located on both sides of Paddington Street with the southern garden being the
bigger of the two. Flower gardens with enclosed playground, imaginative equipment, all on a
safety surface. The Gardens can also be accessed from Marylebone High Street via Moxon
Street.
Nearest tube station is Baker Street.
Porchester Square W2
An enclosed garden area with playground for small children, it has two multi-activity structures
with a safety surface.
Nearest Tube: Royal Oak
Chippenham Road W9
This is a small open garden square with a small children’s play area.
Goldney Road W9
A grassed area with enclosed children’s playground.
Paddington Recreation Ground W9
The ‘Rec’, as it is locally known, is a large local park, which has extensive landscaping. It also
has a large area of grass in the middle for games and picnics. All weather football surfaces.
Nearest Tube: Maida Vale
Meanwhile Gardens Elkstone Road W10
A small community park with enclosed grass surface playground for under 5s including a
sandpit and paddling pool and other playground equipment. An under 5s playhut is
open weekdays 12:30-4:30pm. Web: meanwhile-gardens.org.uk/
Nearest Tube: Westbourne Park
Queen’s Park Gardens Ilbert Street W10
This has a small playground for under 7s. Contains a rose garden a basketball court and open
space for picnics and quite outdoor pursuits.
Nearest Tube: Queen's Park
Drury Lane WC2
This local playground has the usual playground equipment. Access can be difficult because of
steps.
Nearest tube is Covent Garden and Leicester Square all of these are at least ten minutes walk away.
Lincoln Inn Fields east of Kingsway WC2
Large rectangular gardens divided into four grassed areas, enclosed by railings.
Coram's Fields 93 Guildford Street London WC1
Around seven acres of shady playground for kids to enjoy themselves with play equipment, a
duck pond, sports area and pets corner. Not surprisingly, adults or over 16s are not permitted
unless accompanied by a child. Web: www.coramsfields.org
Nearest tube station: Russell Square.
ZOOS AND FARMS
London Zoo
Regent’s Park, NW1 Tel: 020 7722 3333
Thousands of animals to look at. Feeding times are mostly 2 – 3:30pm. The children’s zoo has
farmyard animals to stroke. Cows are milked every day at 3pm. Children’s playground with
swings and slide. Web: www.zsl.org/LondonZoo
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Kentish Town City Farm
1 Cressfield Close Grafton Road NW5 Tel: 020 7916 5421
Small farmyard with animals both penned and roaming free. Pony rides in the paddock on
Sundays 1:30 – 2:30pm. Web: www.ktcityfarm.org.uk
Nearest Tube: Gospel Oak or Kentish Town
Paddington Farm Trust
Maidencroft Farm, near Glastonbury in Somerset. Telephone the London office on
020 7575 3118
A 43-acre organic farm and farmhouse available for hire by any Westminster community group,
for a week or weekend. Sleeps up to 22 people in dormitories. Explore our fields and orchards
or walk uphill for fantastic views. Experience the open space and use your time as you wish.
Although activities are limited at present we can provide free courses in respecting nature, and
will offer a fuller programme. All visiting groups must have a group leader and someone with a
first aid certificate.
Vauxhall City Farm
23 St Oswalds Place, SE11 Tel: 020 7582 4204
Wide range of animals, including goats, pigs, sheep, horses, cows, ducks, geese and hens plus
pony and donkey rides. Includes facilities for children with disabilities. Web:
vauxhallcityfarm.org
Nearest Tube: Vauxhall