Parks and Playgrounds

Westminster has some of the best parks in . 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 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: , 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 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