Woo-hoo, Summer could back in London for at least a few days! Thank goodness. I was worried I was going to have to pack away the Summer wardrobe and bring out baby’s tights and autumnal gear. If you’re around or visiting London over the school holidays, there are some great water fountain locations perfect for kids and grown-ups to splash around in. Here are some of our favourite water fountain spots (note Trafalgar Square is not listed, way too may pigeons!)…
- Kings Cross Granary Square N1..I often walk past these water fountains in the evening when I meet friends at one of my favourite restaurants Caravan. They are super cool during the day. These fountains even know how to rock a dance routine! There are about a thousand so more than enough for everyone to dip in even if it’s just your toes. During the Summer there are usually chairs and tables nearby so you can relax. There are often food caravans nearby too. Nearest tube and station is Kings Cross. As we’re based in North London, Granary Square is one of our favourite London hang outs with the little ones.
- Jeppe Hein’s Appearing water fountain at the South Bank Centre, SE1…This is actually a work of art that you can jump into. If you dare, go inside the fountains and see how long you can stay dry for. The fountains pause long enough so you can safely step out of the fountain area. Baby Munch and her mates (accompanied by the mummies of course) headed down here the other Friday. Again there is lots of seating nearby. The baby changing room and toilets are a minute away in the South Bank Centre building. Nearest tubes and stations are Waterloo or Embankment.
- More London Water Benches and The Riverside fountains, SE1…Right in the middle of the City and where people are busy working are two great water spaces. The Water Benches run down one of the main walkways entering More London across the road from London Bridge station (on Tooley Street). These are like modern rivers which are easy to paddle in. Maybe avoid lunchtimes with the little ones as that’s when the city workers are out and about for lunch. Around the corner are the Riverside fountains. These sit next to public spaces so there’s lots of space to set up for some water splash time. The views of the River and London are amazing. You can’t miss Tower Bridge! Nearest tube or station is London Bridge.
- Somerset House Fountains WC2. These are one of my favourite fountains in London. We came across this fountain fun when we took Big Munch to see the Return of the Rudeboy exhibition at one of the galleries at Somerset House. It was a hot day and it was cool hanging out in the huge Edmond J. Safra Fountain courtyard. As there’s a cafe there, there were loads of tables and chairs. Even better as we arrived early on a Sunday morning about 10am so only a few families were splashing around. These fountains sit within a truly iconic and beautiful setting. Toilet facilities are close by in Somerset House. Sometimes the fountains are switched off during events so best to check the above website or call 020 7845 4600 (Mon-Fri, 10.00-17.00) or email info@somersethouse.org.uk before visiting. Nearest tubes are Holborn or Covent Garden.
- Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park, W2. We walked past this beautiful and touching water memorial the other week when Mr H and me were on a date night. It was the early evening and it was fun seeing the kids splashing around before bedtime. As it’s a memorial, you’re welcome to pop your feet in and sit on the edge but they ask that people don’t walk across the water memorial. Nearest tube is Hyde Park Corner.
Remember to check out the above websites before visiting for opening times. If you’re planning some serious fountain fun and you’re not just dipping in toes or letting little hands touch the water, here’s seven things you should take with you:
- Spare change of clothes for the little ones (and maybe for you if you end up getting unexpectedly soaked!)
- UV full-body surf suits or swim suits and sun hats as none of the above fountains provide any shelter
- Hand towel or towelling ponchos for the toddlers and kids. Spare muslins are great for drying off babies’ hands and feet.
- Sun cream. My favourite is Boots Soltan Once 3 hour Water Play suncream. It really does stay on during fountain fun.
- Flip flops, Crocs or waterproof sandals for the little ones. If you’re serious bring the beach surf shoes!
- Baby nappies – don’t forget these so your baby doesn’t have to play around in a inflated normal nappy the size of a hot air balloon.
- Drinks and a picnic if you don’t fancy picking up refreshments from the nearby cafes or food vans.
Well, if you get to check out any of these fountain spots or any near where you live, have a great time splashing around.
What are some of your favourite things to do when it’s a hot day? Leave a comment below to share the fun times whilst Summer is here!
Catch up again soon Lucky Things crew, thanks for stopping by.
x Sunita
So useful thank you!
Let’s see how many we can get through this summer…while it lasts!
That’s right Fej. We have to make the most of the sunshine whilst it’s here. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. Have a lovely weekend with your crew X
These look great. My sister used to live in Stratford and I loved taking the boys to the fountain in the Olympic Park, there’s a great play area with a sand pit and water pump nearby too. Hours of fun! #fortheloveofBLOG
Olympic Park! That’s a great one. You’re right, they also have the sand pit plus the Olympic swimming pool for serious swimming action. Thanks for taking a look #fortheloveofBLOG X Sunita
These are great ideas – I may jump on to the train (as much as you can with a double buggy) and head to the South Bank Centre this week – it’s only about 15 mins away from us and we haven’t been yet this summer. Was also thinking of getting the bus to the O2 as we’ve played in the fountains there before before heading on to the cable car…. hope this week is sunny too! #fortheloveofBLOG x
Ah definitely head to Southbank Centre as the walk from the station is easy. We love Blackfriars as there are buggy friendly lifts. Waterloo is fine as there are a few escalators but only lifts via the jubilee line. O2 is a great fountain space too. Yeah fingers crossed for sunshine this week too Thanks for popping by Lucky Things #fortheloveofBLOG X Suniya
What a lovely idea for a post! London is such a great city but it can be so expensive so this is a great idea for those of us on a budget. I was in London at the weekend and it was sweltering! Thanks for joining us on #fortheloveofBLOG x
Glad you liked the post. Mr H and me are masters at finding free things to do with the kids around London! I hope this weekend will be another hot one. Good excuse to take the little ones down to the Granary Square fountains and see their pals for a Sunday picnic X Sunita #fortheloveofBLOG
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