Favorite FREE Play Fountains to Keep Cool This Summer in London, UK

There’s no better way to beat the heat in London this summer than by splashing and playing in a refreshing play fountain. Here is a round up of our favorite FREE London play fountains to keep cool this summer. Enjoy!

Favorite FREE Play Fountains in London, UK:

Diana Memorial Fountain
V&A Museum Garden
Granary Square Fountains
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms Fountain
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Things to Know:

*Admission is FREE, no bookings required

*Many operate seasonally, or close during holidays

*Please check their websites for current dates & hours

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Diana Memorial Fountain at Hyde Park

Located in Hyde Park, the Diana Memorial Fountain offers plenty of green space, abundant shady areas, and the chance to see adorable ducks and birds. There is a cafe nearby with refreshments available for purchase and a toilet. My kids walk along the fountain and splash in the water for hours on end. It is one of our favorite places to feel refreshed on a hot summer day. The fountain and immediate surrounding green space is fenced off and staffed at the entry and exit. Please check their website for current open/closing hours for the fountain.

V&A Museum Garden

The V&A Museum is one of the most beautiful museums in London. The courtyard boasts a quiet garden surrounded by impressive architecture and at its center is a shallow pool with fountains where little ones can splash and play. The museum cafe is also gorgeous and worth a visit. Please keep in mind the courtyard and fountain closes earlier than the main museum. Please check their website for current dates/hours.

Granary Square Fountains at King's Cross

The Granary Square fountains at King’s Cross is open daily and features over a thousand jets that spout water and are illuminated with multicolor lights at night. The choreographed fountains jump and dance while visitors join in on the fun. There are many restaurants in the immediate area or bring a picnic from home. Public toilets, including gender-neutral and baby-changing facilities, are available at Coal Drops Yard and West Handyside Canopy (near Waitrose). The fountains are open daily and are on during daylight hours.

Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms Fountain at Southbank Centre

Appearing Rooms is an interactive water pavilion created by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. The playful aquatic sculpture is programmed to shoot walls of water that rise and fall unpredictably to create square rooms. Visitors can move from each of the spaces as the walls randomly change. The fountain is located on the Riverside Terrace in front of the entrance to Queen Elizabeth Hall. Toilets are available for FREE inside Festive Royal Hall.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Waterworks Fountain

Located outside London Stadium, home of Premier League club West Ham United, you’ll find 195 individually controlled jets of water! The snaking pathway of fountains and labyrinth of synchronized walls of water is a favorite for visitors of all ages. The fountains are usually turned on each day March to October from 10am – 5pm except Stadium event days including West Ham United match days.