A new and improved playground dedicated to Princess Diana is set to reopen tomorrow after undergoing a £3 million renovation. The memorial playground, located in Kensington Palace Gardens and dedicated to the late Princess of Wales, has been closed for refurbishment since last autumn. The revamped playground, featuring a Peter Pan theme, will open its doors to the public for the first time at 10am tomorrow.
The highlight of the playground is a full-scale 17-meter wooden ship, including a 12-meter galleon, constructed from sustainably sourced mountain larch wood from the Bavarian Alps. Children can climb to the crow’s nests, slide down a large tunnel, and explore a play kitchen below deck. The ship was built in the German village of Frasdorf by Timberplay and Richter Spielgerate, the same team behind the original galleon created for the playground’s opening in 2000.
In addition to the ship, there is a wheelchair-accessible treehouse with a four-meter slide tunnel and walkways. A designated area for children under three features timber houses, play ships, and a large sandpit. The playground also boasts a new waterplay area with a life-sized crocodile sculpture, although it will not be operational initially due to the hosepipe ban in London.
Before the public opening, children from St. Mary Abbot School nearby had the opportunity to test the new equipment. Andy Williams, Park Manager for Kensington Gardens, expressed excitement for the playground’s reopening, highlighting its inclusive design to cater to children of all abilities and interests.
While eager to welcome visitors, The Royal Parks anticipates higher-than-normal attendance in the initial months. With a capacity of 450 people, the playground may experience long queues, particularly on weekends. The park management advises visitors to plan accordingly and explore the other 13 playgrounds in the Royal Parks system.
The Diana Memorial Playground originally opened in June 2000, paying tribute to Princess Diana’s connection with children. The playground’s inaugural ceremony was attended by Diana’s friend Rosa Monckton, her godchild Domenica, and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The site, built on the location of a former playground established in 1906 by Peter Pan author JM Barrie, attracts approximately one million visitors annually, making it the most visited playground in the UK.