Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground. has anyone been there? is it any good?

[robinredbreast]

just thinking it might be worth checking out as im redesigning my garden for dd
and though it might be a good place for a few ideas and an afternoon out

Won't be so bad in the afternoon this time of year (though it'll probably shut earlyish, dusk etc. - worth checking on website)

Normally, though, I would strongly say go in the morning - by the afternoon, esp. on a sunny weekend, it is heaving - a jam of buggies. I am also not quite sure what ideas it'll give you for your garden, unless you have room for raised forts, musical installations, an artifical beach & a pirate ship ...

lol yeah a giant pirate ship maybe a tad ott even for me

it is great.. but agree can get v. busy. depending on the age of your dc's , they can just run around having fun on their own as there are loads of nooks and crannies and dens etc etc. Is safe too as all enclosed somnetimes with a guard type person controlling the entrance/exit gate. You can sit and have a coffee.

We would like to go here too, would anyone know if there is parking for disabled nearby?.

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We thought it was horrendous-heaving, full of horrible Tarquins and their nannies punting kids out of the way(no turn taking what so ever).

Seriously easy to loose your child as they're not easily seen (badly designed imho). You queue to get on the ship,you queue to have a turn in the ships wheel,you queue to buy an ice cream etc.

Other than the ship there isn't a lot else to climb on,a few slippery stones,there is one pipe thing spurting out water(yes you have to queue to get near that too).

It's hugely over rated and full of the most hideous kids and parents I've ever had the misfortune to meet. My local beach has a very popular park 100 times better,cleverly designed so you can spot your kids at all time and rammed full of things for kids to play on so no queuing.

Amazed as to why it's so popular.

I had a lovely time...and it wasn't that busy but we did go early in feb...so my advice is go when its not too sunny

Always, always heaving.

Do not go at half term.

We love it, and make a point to visit whenever we're in London. They've recently begun limited entry, so you may have to queue. We waited about 20 minutes last time (dp went and got ice cream cones), which I was fine with as it made the experience better once we got in. The park is lovely. Lots to do for all ages, music toys, forts, tepees, and great swings, and dp enjoyed the ship as much as ds. Good food and young people with first aid kits patrolling. Easily accessible kids loos and baby changing.