Is Kensington Gardens free?

Yes — the park and the Diana Memorial Playground are both completely free. Only Kensington Palace interior requires a paid ticket.

What is the Diana Memorial Playground?

A specially designed children's playground inside Kensington Gardens featuring a giant wooden pirate ship, sand areas, and interactive play features — free for all ages.

Kensington Gardens

Name: Kensington Gardens
Address: London, UK, US
Telephone: 0300 061 2000
Rating: 4.7

Rating

4.7(29,928)

Family of 4

USD 0 for the park (Kensington Palace entry is separate)

Duration

2–3 hours

Best Ages

All ages

About

Kensington Gardens is a Royal Park in central London, spanning 265 acres of gardens, lawns, and historic grounds between Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. For families, the crown jewel is the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground — a specially designed children's playground built in her memory featuring a large wooden pirate ship as its centerpiece, alongside sand areas, teepees, and interactive water features. Entry to both the park and the playground is completely free.

Beyond the playground, kids enjoy the Italian Gardens, the Albert Memorial, and the park's resident pelicans and squirrels along the Serpentine lakefront. Kensington Palace is within the grounds and offers paid entry to its state rooms and rotating exhibitions — worth considering if you have royal-history-curious older kids or teens. The park has multiple cafes including the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen.

Excellent transport links (High Street Kensington, Queensway, or Lancaster Gate Tube stops) make it easy to reach from anywhere in central London. A genuine all-day destination at zero cost.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

Yes — in nearby Kensington Palace visitor facilities

Kid Meals

The Orangery at Kensington Palace; multiple cafes inside the park

Setting

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Morning on weekdays for the most peaceful experience

Wait Times

No wait for the park; Kensington Palace requires timed tickets

Nearby Food

Multiple cafes within the park including the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen; High Street Kensington has restaurants for all budgets.

Why Kids Love It

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground inside Kensington Gardens is one of London's best free playgrounds, featuring a massive pirate ship centerpiece. Kids are immediately captivated and parents can relax on benches while they play.

Pro Tips from Parents

The Diana Memorial Playground is free but can get crowded — arrive before 10 AM on weekends.
Pack a picnic and lunch on the grass near the Italian Gardens.
Kensington Palace timed tickets are worth booking if you have older kids interested in royal history.