The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, London, has reopened following a £3 million refurbishment led by the Royal Parks charity. The renovation features a newly constructed 56-foot pirate ship as its centerpiece, complete with two crow’s nests, a double-storey stern, a play telescope, bridges, and a large tunnel slide. The wooden vessel was crafted from mountain larch sourced from the Bavarian Alps.

Originally opened in 2000 on the site of a playground funded by Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, the attraction is situated near Princess Diana’s former residence at Kensington Palace. Prior to the closure for refurbishment, the playground drew approximately one million visitors annually.

The redevelopment prioritized accessibility, incorporating wheelchair-friendly pathways and inclusive play elements throughout the site. Additional enhancements include a new treehouse featuring three towers, and a redesigned water play area equipped with raised sand tables, sensory planting, musical instruments, and interactive games designed to stimulate children’s senses through touch, sound, and imagination.

The Royal Parks charity describes the upgraded playground as a “fitting tribute to a princess who loved the innocence of childhood.” The attraction remains free to the public and continues to serve as a space for children of all abilities to play and explore.