The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, West London, is set to undergo a significant £3 million refurbishment, with a planned closure from early November 2025 and a reopening expected in Summer 2026. The playground, which opened in 2000 as a tribute to the late Princess Diana, has become a beloved destination attracting over one million visitors annually, known for its Peter Pan-inspired design and imaginative play areas.
Central to the renewal is the replacement of the existing pirate ship play feature with a new, larger galleon. The updated ship will offer enhanced climbing opportunities, including an additional crow’s nest for an elevated lookout and a tunnel slide. Importantly, the new design prioritises accessibility, incorporating ramped access to the main deck, ensuring children of all abilities can enjoy the play structure.
Alongside the galleon, the refurbishment will introduce a new multi-level Treehouse, inspired by woodland hideaways. This structure will feature three towers at varying heights, catering to children with diverse climbing skills and ages. The Treehouse will be equipped with musical instruments and "talk tubes," enabling kids to communicate between different towers, thus enriching interactive play.
The water play area will also see a creative redesign, centred around a striking, larger-than-life crocodile sculpture approximately 12 metres long. Covered with stones, this feature integrates dams between segments of the crocodile's body, allowing youngsters to manipulate water flow—adding an educational and engaging natural element to the experience.
For the youngest visitors under three years old, a refreshed area will be created featuring a new sandpit and play equipment including small play ships, timber houses, seesaws, and climbing structures with slides. The refurbishment aims to sustain the playground’s magical, nature-inspired atmosphere while improving facilities and play value.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project. The new Treehouse will be constructed from timber sourced from sustainably managed European forests. Additionally, the water play area is designed to collect runoff water for irrigation purposes reflecting environmentally conscious practices. Some timber from the original galleon and treehouse will be repurposed into new fencing and seating, reinforcing a commitment to resource reuse.
The Royal Parks Charity, which manages the playground, emphasises that this renewal responds to community feedback calling for more climbing elements, better accessibility, and retained thematic integrity. Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens, expressed excitement about renewing the playground to maintain its status as one of the world’s most cherished playgrounds, highlighting the team’s eagerness for children to experience the upgraded facilities.
Funding for the project comes from a mixture of private and public donations, underlining widespread support for preserving and enhancing this iconic children’s space near Kensington Palace. Visitors are advised that the current playground will close after 3.45pm on 2 November 2025 to facilitate construction.
This refurbishment marks a significant evolution for the Diana Memorial Playground, blending cherished heritage with modern design principles to create an inclusive, sustainable, and stimulating environment for generations to come.
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Source: Noah Wire Services