Splashpads

💦 Introduction

When the summer heat hits London, these interactive fountains and splash pads are absolute lifesavers. Be sure to pack a towel, water shoes, and a change of clothes—because the kids (and probably you) are going to get completely drenched!

🏙️ The Big City Splash Zones

Granary Square Fountains (King's Cross)

One of the most famous water play spots in London. It features over 1,000 individually controlled jets that rise and fall in choreographed sequences. It is massive, incredibly popular on hot days, and surrounded by great coffee shops and restaurants where parents can sit and watch.

Southbank Centre Fountains (Riverside Terrace) Located right outside the Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank, this is a brilliant interactive water feature (officially an art installation called Appearing Rooms). It shoots walls of water into the air to create "rooms" that disappear as quickly as they emerge. The challenge for the kids is to try and run between the rooms without getting wet—they will always fail! It is surrounded by street food markets and cafes, making it a perfect pit-stop. 

More London Fountains (London Bridge) 

Located further down the southern river path near City Hall, this is a spectacular spot. It features 200 water jets springing straight out of the limestone pavement. The kids can run wild through the water while you get an unbeatable, postcard-perfect view of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.

Somerset House Courtyard (The Strand)

During the winter, this stunning 18th-century courtyard is famous for its ice rink, but in the summer, the 55 ground-level fountain jets turn into one of London's most stylish, free splash pads.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: There are free public toilets located conveniently inside the main building to get the kids changed afterward.

🏛️ Museum & Palace Water Play

The John Madejski Garden (V&A Museum)

A beautiful, elegant courtyard hidden right in the middle of the V&A in South Kensington. It features a large, shallow oval pool with gentle water jets where kids are fully encouraged to paddle and splash on a hot day. It is the ultimate compromise: world-class art for the adults, and water play for the kids.

The Magic Garden (Hampton Court Palace)

This world-class playground inside the palace grounds is themed around Tudor myths and legends. Alongside a giant sleeping dragon and battlements, it features a fantastic dedicated splash pad and water-play stream. Entry is included with your standard palace admission.

🌳 Park & Garden Fountains

Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain (Hyde Park)

Unlike a traditional splash pad with shooting jets, this is a beautiful, large circular stone stream. The water cascades, bubbles, and flows down the slopes, making it the perfect spot for kids to safely wade, splash, and cool their feet.

Duke of York Square Fountains (Sloane Square / Chelsea)

Located just a one-minute walk from Sloane Square, right outside the Saatchi Gallery. It features a grid of pop-up water jets that are perfect for younger kids to run through. It is the ideal pit-stop to let them blow off some steam if you are shopping along the King's Road.

Elephant Springs (Elephant Park)

This is completely different from a typical concrete splash pad. It is a stunning, natural-feeling water play area made of rocky stone formations, sandy beaches, cascading water channels, and hand-operated water pumps that kids can interact with.

Waterworks Fountains (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park)

Located right outside the London Stadium in Stratford, this massive installation features 195 individually controlled water jets set into the ground.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Once the kids are done splashing, you can dry off and walk right over to the epic Tumbling Bay adventure playground nearby.