London’s best playgrounds

London isn’t quite the urban jungle some parent’s fear: it’s positively packed with playgrounds which, even on overcast days, will bring out a sunny disposition in not just your kids, but also in you, however shattered you may be inside. Emmy Watts (brilliant author of our Opinionated Guide to Kids’ London) is back with advice on the very best outdoor playgrounds in the capital. From challenging structures and fairy tale-themed play areas to artist-designed parks and Brutalist rock gardens, this pithy guide will take you on a tour of the most innovative, aesthetically pleasing and downright weird playgrounds from Hackney to Hammersmith. Whether your little Londoner is a fearless scrambler or a nature-loving dreamer, there are enough swings (and roundabouts, treehouses and monkey bars) for everyone so you won’t go climbing up the walls.