We’ve been in lockdown 3.0 for the past 3 months, and still have another month before things start to open up somewhat properly (Outdoor dining, zoos – I’m looking at you!). Like many families across the UK, our weekends have become a bit of a Groundhog Day experience, where we try to figure out where we can go that is within walking distance, is fun for the kids, and new to us. Matt grew up with his mother driving across San Francisco (and beyond!) checking out different playgrounds, so we try do the same with our kids, though these days we try and keep it to a park within walking distance.
We are so lucky that there are a multitude of great parks and playgrounds within a 30 minute walk of our house, and over the lockdown our big excitement is heading to a different playground, and getting sandwiches as a treat. Most of the recommendations I have here are chains… but they are within easy access of all of these parks, and we enjoy them. (And I promise, no Pret’s or Starbucks!) Let me know if there are other sandwich places to check out, we are always on the lookout! (Especially if you can find Dutch Crunch bread… let me know!)
Princess Diana Memorial Playground – Joe & the Juice
Tucking into yet another picnic lunch
Princess Diana Memorial Playground is the mecca of playgrounds in West London. On the western side of Hyde Park, overlooking Kensington Palace, it is beloved by kids for it’s seemingly never ending maze of different things to do. With a towering pirate ship, a sensory trail, and loads of climbing structures, it is easy to spend a full afternoon there and not get bored. As a parent, you do have to keep a close eye on your kid because different sections are divided by trees and it is tricky to get around if you have a pram on a crowded Saturday.
While you cannot bring food into the playground, there is plenty of space around Hyde Park for a picnic, for which we recommend Joe and The Juice. There are two locations close by (Westbourne Grove and High Street Ken) that you can hit up before, or after your playground adventure. We are partial to the Tunacado and the Joe’s Club, the tuna is probably the best tuna sandwich we’ve ever had. They also have a loyalty scheme and occasionally run specials where you can get 10 items for a £30 credit which is a really great deal.
Holland Park – Orée
Smaller than Hyde Park and further west, Holland Park has two fabulous playgrounds for kids. One is geared more for the under 5 set, and the other is an adventure playground for the older kids. My daughter loves the rainbow dragon, and even at 3 years old can hold her own with a group of 6 year olds. What I like about Holland Park is that even though the playground is huge, the way it is set up you can sweep the whole area and see everything, which is an advantage over some of the other playgrounds around. It is also very pram friendly, and there are beautiful gardens throughout Holland Park to explore (definitely make a detour through the Kyoto gardens, or check out the resident peacocks).
Orée is a fantastic bakery in the tradition of French Patisseries. The owners wanted to bring the taste of France to London, and they have definitely succeeded. Though at first glance it does look more like a pastry shop, they make amazing sandwiches on fresh bread (always go for the toasted option!). We have decided the Parmesan Chicken is our favourite – and the sandwiches are big so plenty to go around. There are two locations near Holland Park, one near Notting Hill and one on High Street Ken.
Paddington Rec – Gail’s Bakery
Paddington Rec has it’s own set of Rainbow Houses!
Paddington Rec might not get the recognition of some of these other parks, but it is arguably one of the best playgrounds in West London. With multiple sections, you can explore “Paddington Small World” with toddlers, and the adventure playground, zip line, and climbing wall with older kids. It can be a bit tricky going from section to section, especially with a pram, but overall is a wonderful playground worth the trip.
Gail’s Bakery has sprung up across London in recent years – it is a reliable neighbourhood standby. They make delicious loaves (the olive bread is to die for) but after a trip to Pad Rec we usually go for the Rose and Pistachio Cakes as a treat. They also make a great spinach and feta roll if you are looking for something more substantial.
Paddington Street Gardens – Paul
Another hidden gem tucked behind Marylebone High Street, Paddington Street Gardens is a peaceful garden with a playground tucked in the back. One of the nice things about this playground is the covered bandstand – ideal if any unexpected rain showers show up! This is a great playground because dad can watch the kids while mom does a bit of shopping on the high street, or vice versa!
While there is no lack of food choices on the High Street, there is a Paul right around the corner. We usually go for a Tomate Mozzarella on the olive bread and enjoy on the picnic tables. During lockdown, Le Ralis de Venise also is doing takeaway sandwiches! Enjoy a La Baguette with steak and frites, all enclosed in a yummy baguette!
Other Playgrounds worth a visit – there are so many across West London, here are some additional ones we enjoy when we want to mix things up:
Playing with the cherry blossoms at Violet Hill Playground
Violet Hill Playground – St. John’s Wood (spectacular in April when all of the cherry blossoms are in bloom)
St. James Playground – What is better than a view of Buckingham Palace while you are on the swings?
Golder’s Green Playground – More north than west, but a great playground with sand, complete with a zoo!
Fulham Palace Playground – When it’s open, Fulham Palace makes the world’s best Club Sandwich… that alone is worth the trip for us!
Queen’s Park – Large playground with an awesome climbing structure, they also have a small petting zoo, though it is currently not running.
What are your favourite playgrounds across London? What is worth a visit down south or in the east?
