We recently spent a lovely afternoon at Gloucester Gate Playground in Regent’s Park, London, and honestly, it’s a magical garden of a playground! The kids were completely absorbed for hours, from discovering a little “secret hut” to playing in the sand and climbing all over the rope structures.

The playground is packed with fantastic natural play equipment, like a net bridge, big tunnel slide, and monkey bridge with nets and ropes. There’s also a nest swing, a small slide for toddlers, and a mix of swings—four sets for toddlers and two sets for bigger kids. It’s all designed to keep children of all ages entertained.

One of the best features is how inclusive the space is. There’s a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and raised sandpits, meaning all kids can play together, which was wonderful to see. The sand area is huge and includes water pumps for making water tunnels, keeping the little ones occupied for ages. Even if you’re caught by surprise rain, there’s a shade structure to keep everyone dry, and the colourful painting of forest animals on the ground adds to the fun vibe.

What’s also great is the convenience factor—plenty of benches for a well-deserved rest, toilets nearby for when the little ones need them, and the whole playground is fenced in, making it feel very safe.

The garden surrounding the entire playground is beautiful, and the play area itself is located right next to the London Zoo, so it’s an ideal spot to pair with a zoo visit or just a standalone trip for hours of fun. If you’re looking for smart family activities or free family-friendly spots in London, this playground in Regent’s Park is a must-visit! It’s the perfect place for a relaxed day out with the kids.