When summer is in its peak and heat waves are covering Europe one after another, you will try to find some water places in London to keep your children and yourself cool and refreshed on a hot day. Fortunately, there are plenty of splash parks, splash pads, paddling pools and fountains around the capital of the United Kingdom.
We prepared the latest updated list of London splash zones 2022 just for you. Just bag some flip-flops, towels and swimming costumes before leaving the house with the kids and get ready for a big splish splash summer adventure. Obviously, do not forget about sunscreen!
Splash Pads and Paddling Pools in South-East London
Elephant Springs
21 Ash Ave, Elephant Park, London SE17 1FR
Elephant Springs human made nature oasis: water, rocks, and sand. This splash zone created with all ages in mind: children can play around; parents chill out and grandparents just relax.
Open from 10 am till 6pm. Free to enter. Wheelchair accessible entrance.
The nearest tube is Elephant & Castle
More information: https://www.elephantpark.co.uk/natural-play-area/
Myatt’s Fields Park
12 Calais St, Vassal, London SE5 9LP
This amazing Victorian park, which is run by a charity, benefits from a children playground and water play area. The last one operates seven days per week from May till the end of August. Family friendly, peaceful, and clean facilities to enjoy.
The nearest tube is Oval.
More information: https://www.myattsfieldspark.info/
Ruskin Park Paddling Pool
Denmark Hill, London SE24 0AA
This fun-filled paddling pool is all you need to boost your summer. It’s run by volunteers and provides a safe space for your children. The paddling pool is open from 28th May until early September.
The nearest stations are Denmark Hill, Loughborough Junction and Herne Hill.
More information: https://www.friendsofruskinpark.org.uk/paddlingpool/
Brockwell Park Wet Play Area
Brockwell Park, Brockwell Park Gardens, London SE24 0NG
Brockwell Park Wet Play Area is both educational and entertaining. It has space for sand and water play. Water zone is available for children 10 years old and younger. The wet play area is dog free and is open from the last Saturday in May until the last weekend in September.
More information: https://brockwellparkcommunitypartners.org.uk/sports-and-play-facilities
Paddling Pools in North London
Whittington Park, Islington
Archway, London N19 4EG
This splash pad has an incredible water feature and sand pits for your children to enjoy in the sun.
The park itself is open 365 days a year and the park usually closes at sundown.
The nearest tube to take is Archway.
More information: https://www.islington.gov.uk/sports-parks-and-trees/parks-and-green-space/your-local-parks/whittington-park
Lordship Recreation Ground Paddling pool
Lordship Lane, N17
Lordship Recreation Ground Paddling pool is a refreshing way for your kids to cool down from the heat, but also to enjoy summer season. All the water facilities are free to use and children who are 8 and under can play in the splash areas.
More information: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/z-park-facilities/fun-water
Priory Park paddling pool
Middle Lane, N8
This paddling pool is perfect for when it’s scorching hot. This amusing paddling pool is free and is open every day during the summer holidays (July 25th to 4th September). It is also open outside of school holidays from Friday to Sunday in the summer months starting from 3rd June.
More information: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/libraries-sport-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/z-park-facilities/fun-water
Rosemary Gardens
Southgate Road, N1
Rosemary Gardens features an exciting water play feature as well as a toddler sandpit great for the little ones. The park is open daily from 8am till sunset and offers a disabled access (guide is available at Disabled Go website).
Nearest tube is Highbury and Islington, Angel.
More information: https://www.islington.gov.uk/sports-parks-and-trees/parks-and-green-space/your-local-parks/rosemary-gardens
North West London
Arena Square Wembley fountains
Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0AA.
The Arena Square Wembley fountains are truly magical. They are great fun for all the family. The fountains are free to use and are spectacular to look at. There is a cark park available near by.
The nearest station is Wembley Park.
More information: https://wembleypark.com/venue-hire-wembley-park/arena-square/
Brent Cross Beach
Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Brent Cross, Hendon NW4 3FP.
This is the best way to spend a family fun day out in the summer. Brent Cross beach offers a variety of activities for any age to enjoy. They have a bunch of paddling pools and splash areas for children to play in. They are open from the 14th May until 4th September from 12pm till 9pm. Free parking is available on site.
The nearest station is Brent Cross.
More information: https://www.thebeachbrentcross.com/
West London
London Museum of Water & Steam
London Museum of Water & Steam, Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, London, TW8 0E.
The London Museum is excellent for learning about London’s water supply. It is an interactive place full of joy and entertainment, but is also educational. The museum is open on the weekends from 10am-4pm. The museum website advises planning your visit car free.
More information: https://waterandsteam.org.uk/
Dukes Meadows
The Pavilion, Market Drive, Chiswick W4 2RX
This paddling pool is for young children to splash in and to play with water. The paddling pool is open from 10:30am-6pm every day. They also have a playground for children who are a little bit older.
More information: https://dukesmeadowstrust.org/play-area/
Westfield White City
Ariel Way, London W12 7GF
A wonderful water feature with fountains where you can cool down on a very hot and sunny day.
The nearest station is White City. Massive car park, easy to drive in. You can find water zone near John Lewis.
Central London
Kensington Memorial Park
St Mark’s Road, W10
Kensington Memorial Park is a really fantastic place where your children can mess about and enjoy cooling themselves off with water. It’s open from 7:30am till dusk. The water play area is open from May.
More information: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks/kensington-memorial-park
Princess Diana Memorial fountain
W Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH
This beautiful memorial was designated to remember Princess Diana and her love for children. It is a nice place to soak your feet in the water on a hot day. The memorial has a path for wheelchairs, but you are not allowed to walk on the memorial. Also, dogs are not allowed in the area.
Open from 10am – 8pm daily. The best way to get here is public transport
More information: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park/things-to-see-and-do/memorials,-fountains-and-statues/diana-memorial-fountain
Merchants Square Fountain Maze, Paddington
Merchant Sq, London, W2, England.
An enchanting fountain for the eye to see. This maze is a challenge for anyone to complete. Can you get through the maze without getting wet?
The nearest stations are Edgware Road and Paddington
Open from 7.00am till 7pm daily.
More information: https://merchantsquare.co.uk/see-and-do/fountain-maze
Granary Square, King’s Cross
Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BH
This amazing attraction really captures the audience. The fountains are individually controlled and lit to make a spectacular display. They are very eye catching and are pleasing to watch.
The fountains are open daily during the summer months.
More information: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/fountains-granary-square
Exchange Square in the City of London
Sun St Passage, London, EC2A 2EH.
The Exchange Square has an extraordinary fountain surrounded by lots of steps where you can sit down and enjoy the magnificent view. It is very tranquil and peaceful, you are embedded with greenery, so for those who need some quiet time this is the perfect place.
More information: https://www.broadgate.co.uk/news/exchange-square
Appearing Rooms by Jeppe Hein
Belvedere road, London, SE1, Southbank Centre.
This is an amazing water labyrinth created in 2004 for an exhibition in Italy. It found permanent place on the 2nd level of terrace in Southbank Centre. Its water wall can rise to an impressive 2,30 metres high.
Open till 28th August from 10am to 9pm. The nearest station is Waterloo. If travelling by car congestion charge to be paid.
More information: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/jeppe-heins-appearing-rooms
Southwest London
Wimbledon Sprinkler Park
Home Park Road entrance, SW19 7HU
Wimbledon Sprinkler Park is absolutely free to enter. It contains two play areas with interactive water features and six splash pads. Great place for a family day out. Open daily in July and August, from 10am till 5pm.
The nearest station is Wimbledon Park.
Streatham Common Paddling pool
Streatham High Road, Streatham, SW16 5NR
Streatham Common is a great open space full of wildlife, where you can enjoy picnic areas, kite days, butterfly watch days as well as kids’ playground and paddling pool. There is a small car park at the Streatham Common South side.
More information: https://streathamcommon.org/visitiing-streatham-common/
V&A museum – The John Madejski Garden
Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
This lovely garden in the centre of the Victoria and Albert Museum are known as a meeting point as well as great relaxing space where you can have a drink or snack after spending time in the museum. Fountains are an amazing addition to it. Whilst adults are enjoying their glass of prosecco or cup of coffee children can run around, or just put their feet in a water and chill out. There are plenty of family events throughout summer holidays in V&A museum, most of them are free to visit.
The nearest station is South Kensington.
More information: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/history-of-the-john-madejski-garden
South London
Croydon recreation ground Paddling pool
319 Croydon Rd, Beckenham BR3 3FD
This is popular location for different fetes, festivals and funfairs. Paddling pool is filled and is ready to use throughout summer holidays from 7am till 9pm weekdays, and 9am-9pm on the weekends. You can also find tennis courts, football pitches and basketball practice area here. On-street parking is available.
More information: http://www.becrec.net/
East London
Mild End Park Splash Pool
Clinton Rd, London E3 4QY
This is a lovely modern playground with an interactive water feature which operates from 12pm till 5pm seven days per week till 2nd September. This play area is inclusive, so both children with or without disabilities can play together. Also, you can find Art and Ecology Pavilion in the park close by playground.
Paid parking is available at Mile End Leisure Centre. Nearest station is Mile End.
More information: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/mile_end_park/mile_end_park.aspx
Barking Park – Splash Park
Longbridge Road Inside Barking Park IG11 8SS
This is an astonishing outdoor splash park with soft ground and plenty of space to paddle and have fun. Opening times 10am – 6pm. You need to pre-book your 90 minutes session. Timing available: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm. Tickets: £7 per child, £4 per adult. Walk-On water balls, pedal boats are a great addition to the park entertainment. You can even celebrate a birthday party in this splash park.
More information: https://splashparkbarking.co.uk/
We are sure that after reading this post you are ready to get your feet wet! On your marks, get set … Splish, Splash, Splosh!
I wish there were more pictures……