London in the heat

[catcatcatcat]

Going to London on a pre planned trip with DD's. Are there places they can play in water in the heat? Parks or streams etc? I know it's a random question but it looks to be so hot so any suggestions to keep cool would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Bishops Park in Fulham has a splash pad area, and Granary Square (kings cross) has a water feature which kids can play in

Diana Fountain in Hyde Park / lovely cold water to play in. (Note it is different to the Diana Playground in Kensington Gardens).

The Diana fountain and Granary Square fountains are both closed at the moment. I’m not sure if the Olympic park fountains are open.

I'm off for a google; thanks. Did think some things might be shut.

I don’t know anything that’s open.
St marks park and princess Diana fountain are closed at the moment.
Water is off in princess Diana park too.
V&a has a water square in the middle. Science museum used to have a water play area. Not sure if it’s open we’re going on sunday.

There could be water in battersea. I can’t remember if it was open the last time I went.

Resling beach is open. But it’s far.

I think the Olympic ones are shut too. I have researched this extensively. Parliament hill lido has daily family swim slots which you would need to book. You can also get onto the Thames foreshore when the tide is out and it is a lot cleaner than you might think... (so clean there is an actual swimming facility in dock lands!). Otherwise you'd need to get out of central- Morden Hall park has a great stream for wading and splashing for example.

The downstairs bit in the science museum is also closed. Bad times. The Tate should be pretty cool if it's hot. Or somewhere like the trampoline park at the O2 will have aircon if you can bear it. You could also take a thames clipper to be on the water even if not in it.

Aghh thanks for all this. It's going to be HOT!!!

Hopefully you are not travelling on Friday? It's going to be grim here and I'd recommend changing your dates if you can.

@TheClitterati

Diana Fountain in Hyde Park / lovely cold water to play in. (Note it is different to the Diana Playground in Kensington Gardens).

Still closed.

Olympic Park, Granary Square and Diana Memorial Fountain are definitely closed.

V&A reopens today but is fully booked and the fountain is off.

Somerset House fountains and South Bank appearing rooms also off.

Science Museum is closed until later in August.

We were in Tate Modern last Friday in the 37 degree heat and it was blissfully cool.

The only fountains I know are on are in Cubbitt Square Kings X. They aren't as good as the Granary Square ones but there's lots of outdoor art and things to look at around the site.

Hope this helps!

If you will be anywhere near Brockwell park I've heard a rumor their water play area is on, but it's not worth a hot trek unless you are close anyway.

Also there appear to be quite a few swimming slots most days at the olympic park pool, Westfield should also be heavily air-conned which is next door, or go to the park afterwards when you're cool.

Fun water fountains with lights to play in at Granary Sq, next to Kings Cross station (I’ve not verified whether this has reopened though). It’s not a ‘main attraction’ but next to several pubs / restaurants with outdoor seating (and shade) where adults can sit and depending on age of children, keep an eye.

Just remembered the More London fountains are on, we went there two weeks ago! Sorry, my son had me up at 3am and my mind is shot. They're very close to Tower Bridge where we went which was a brilliant day out, I highly suggest doing both. They take walk ups.

Video here
www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDA0MzgwNjIyMjkxOTc1?igshid=vqgy0qy3hv38&story_media_id=2364564072627586595_1626961658

Thank you all; this is brilliant.

Stop the press! Some one just messaged me to let me know the More London fountains weren't on today

Oasis outdoor swimming pool in Covent Garden is open. See if you can book a slot

Stop the press two! Somerset House have just announced that their fountains are back on. twitter.com/SomersetHouse/status/1291393610349518849?s=19

@museummumblogger yay!

We’ve been to both Tates and the National Gallery during this last spell of hot weather and they’ve all been lovely and cool. They’re also free although you have to book a timed slot. We went to the NHM today as it opened yesterday and it was the quietest I’ve ever seen. This was the Hintze Hall at 12pm today.

Slightly off topic but have people been getting public transport around London and if so how is it? We're usually in and out of museums all summer but I've been loathe to get the trains or buses. Are they busy?

Tube has been quiet up till now but today I took it at rush hour and it seemed busier. Not pre covid busy, everyone had a seat but no social distancing and most seats taken up. Haven’t taken a bus for ages.