The memorial playground dedicated to the late Princess of Wales in Kensington Gardens and visited by a million people a year is set to get a ‘Peter Pan’ makeover

Princess Diana’s love of children will be celebrated with a £3million revamp of the playground built in her memory.

The memorial playground dedicated to the late Princess of Wales in Kensington Gardens and visited by a million people a year is to get a ‘Peter Pan’ makeover.

The site, which opened in 2000 marking what would have been the princess’s 39th birthday, will close for six months from this autumn while its ageing features are replaced.

The Royal Parks charity said the refit will feature a new galleon to replace the old pirate ship which will be more accessible for youngsters of all abilities.

The refit will feature a new galleon ( 
Image:
PA)

Plans will “retain the characteristics of the existing Peter Pan-inspired playground but will provide more accessible and inclusive play, as well as challenging physical play, so that children of all abilities can enjoy creative and imaginative play together”.

The galleon will include an additional ‘crow’s nest’ and a double storey ‘stern’ with a ship’s wheel and a telescope.

The galleon will include an additional ‘crow’s nest’ and a double storey ‘stern’ with a ship’s wheel and a telescope ( 
Image:
PA)
A new multiple-level Tree House encampment, constructed with sustainably-sourced timber, will provide opportunities for children to climb and play at different heights and includes areas accessible to wheelchairs. Three towers at different heights will provide different levels of challenge, while other features include a suspension bridge, a tunnel slide, a rope bridge and a see-saw bridge with a slide.

A redesigned and improved Mermaid Fountain will expand the water and sand play area. The new designs will allow runoff water to be collected and reused for irrigation.

Three towers at different heights will provide different levels of challenge ( 
Image:
PA)
New tree planting for shade and biodiversity, together with sensory, allergy-friendly and pollinator-friendly planting will improve the playground’s natural setting, alongside new seating and paths which will improve access for all.

Andy Williams, Park Manager, Kensington Gardens says: “It’s been wonderful to welcome millions and millions of children to what is arguably the most famous playground in the world, set against the beautiful backdrop of Kensington Gardens.

The playground was opened to mark what would have been the Princess’ 39th birthday ( 
Image:
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Diana with husband Charles and sons William and Harry ( 
Image“We’re delighted to share the first designs for this exciting renewal which will retain the character of the existing playground, but will incorporate new improved features, inspiring children to be curious about the natural environment, for many years.

“We’re working together with local communities, especially children, to gather and incorporate their feedback into the designs at every stage, so that all children feel welcome and can enjoy free, accessible, creative and social play, fostering their health and wellbeing.”

The playground will reopen in spring 2026.