Petersham Gate Playground
🏟 Playground & park · Petersham, Richmond upon Thames
Petersham Gate Playground
A recently renewed, nature-inspired playground at Petersham Gate within Richmond Park, with sand and water play and timber climbing features.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Opens daily at 8:30am; closing times change seasonally with the park gates. Closed on Christmas Day and in frosty conditions. · Free · No booking needed
About Petersham Gate Playground
Petersham Gate Playground sits inside Richmond Park, London's largest Royal Park and a National Nature Reserve, near the Petersham Gate entrance. The playground was renewed to inspire a connection with nature, using natural materials and wildlife-friendly planting including native hedgerows, trees and flowering plants, alongside bug hotels and bird boxes. Equipment includes scramble logs, balance beams, a giant seesaw, slides, a tree tunnel, play mounds, hammocks, toddler swings and timber play huts, plus dedicated sand and water play areas. The playground has been designed so children of all ages and abilities can enjoy playing together, with shaded seating areas for carers. Facilities close to the playground include picnic tables, a drinking water fountain, cycle racks and public toilets with an accessible toilet and baby change. The playground opens daily at 8:30am, with closing times changing seasonally to match the park's gate hours; it is closed on Christmas Day and during frosty winter conditions. Entry to Richmond Park and the playground is free.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Nature-inspired playground within Richmond Park, a National Nature Reserve and Royal Park
- Sand and water play areas plus timber climbing features for all ages
- Wildlife-friendly planting with bug hotels and bird boxes
- Accessible design so children of all abilities can play together
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Toilets on site
- Accessibility: Designed for children of all abilities; accessible public toilet and baby change facilities nearby
🧒 Ages & play
- Ages: Up to 12 years
- Scramble logs
- Balance beams
- Giant seesaw
- Slides
- Tree tunnel
- Play mounds
- Hammocks
- Toddler swings
- Timber play huts
- Sand and water play areas
📍 Nearby places to play
- Marble Hill Park Playground · approx 0.8 miles · Twickenham
- Diamond Jubilee Gardens Playground · approx 1.4 miles · Twickenham
- Palewell Common Playground · approx 1.8 miles · East Sheen
Browse all places to play in Richmond upon Thames →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Petersham Gate Playground free?
Yes. Richmond Park and its playgrounds are free to visit.
What ages is the playground for?
The Royal Parks state it is suitable for children up to the age of 12.
What are the opening hours?
It opens daily at 8:30am; closing times change seasonally with the park gates. It is closed on Christmas Day and in frosty conditions.
Are there toilets nearby?
Yes. There are public toilets including an accessible toilet and baby change facilities.