If you find yourself stuck in Central London with small people, it’s good to know where the parks are so that you can grab a breather while the kids burn off some energy playing. The other day I was wandering around Baker Street and came upon Paddington Street Gardens which is a park that is cut in half by a road.
On one side there is a small park area with some shady grass, flower beds around the outside and plenty of benches. This contained a few office workers, people with dogs on leads and looked like the quiet side.
Across the road was a different story. Nearly every piece of grass and every one of the numerous benches contained a sun bathing or lunching office worker. I admired the rose bushes and sculptures and noted the public loos (open 10am-8pm including a parent care area) near the entrance. There’s also a large stone mausoleum to remind you that the gardens were originally burial grounds and it is still consecrated ground.
As you enter further there are more grass areas – mostly under huge trees providing some much needed respite from the fierce sun for the little ones. There’s a locked band-stand-cum-shelter here.
Towards the back of the park there is a similar octagonal structure and you go through this to enter the substantial playground for three to 11 year olds with a good range of climbing frames, swings and other activities for various ages.
For older kids there are two fixed ping pong tables tucked away at the side.
There’s no café in the park so make sure you take some water – although there are plenty of shops nearby if you forget. There are also signs indicating that ball games are not allowed.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/paddington-street-gardens
