Some people may think that London is all buildings and smog and buses and busy people. Well, there’s a lot of that. But, there’s also loads of green spaces and beautiful parks. I recently discovered a gem of a place called Coram’s Fields (which I first heard about from Sanna over at Wave To Mummy). The park is designed specifically for families. In fact, you aren’t allowed in if you haven’t got a child with you.
Coram’s Fields is pretty much as central as you can get in London. It’s a stones throw from the British Museum and Great Ormond Street Hospital and within walking distance of Kings Cross, St Pancreas and Euston. I can’t believe that in 10 years living in the London area, I have only just discovered it.
The park was a perfect location to meet up with three of my mum friends who were all coming from various places on the outskirts of London – with children of varying ages. Plus, the weather was hot, hot, hot (for Spring) – 22 degrees! In fact, it turned out to be the hottest day in the UK so far.
In order for us to properly soak up these beautiful, warm rays, we took a picnic blanket and some food and set up camp for the afternoon. Although, if you are making an impromptu visit, there’s plenty of benches and a lovely cafe selling pizzas, sandwiches and ice creams. Plus, it serves a mean latte too.
What I love about Coram’s Fields is the whole park is fenced off so the children can’t go running off and if they do, they usually just head for one of the play spaces: like the sandpit, the swings, or the playground complete with a slide and a water pump which my friend’s 18 month boy just couldn’t resist (he got very wet).
There’s lots of open space for them to run around too and the trees offer plenty of shade if so desired. There are also toilets on site: adult ones as well as two specifically for children under five (which came in very handy as I was toilet training my daughter at the time).
It is a fairy big area so when my daughter needed her nap I did a few laps in the buggy and it was quiet enough for her to sleep. Later, when she was awake and looking for something else to do, there was a City farm to see. Ok, so it isn’t a full on working farm like one we have previously visited in south west London and there weren’t (as I had promised my daughter) any pigs. But remember, this is a free space! Instead, there were some goats, chickens and rabbits. My daughter seemed happy with them.
The park also has an area for older children, which we didn’t use, but looked like lots of fun (I wouldn’t have minded going on the slide).
Verdict
We had a fantastic day out at Coram’s Fields. It’s a lovely space to visit, especially if the weather is good (although it is open all year around). It is a quiet, serene park away from the busy streets of London where children can safely play and I could catch up with my friends in the sun. If you are wandering around London and need to escape somewhere then this is perfect, especially if you are visiting nearby sites such as the British museum and Dickens museum.
Getting there
The nearest tube is Russell Square which I didn’t find too difficult to navigate with a buggy – it just has a short flight of stairs (which someone helped me with) before a lift. Kings Cross, St Pancreas and Euston are nearby. Going home we took a lovely brisk walk (with Mrs T in the buggy) through Holborn and the outskirts of Covent Garden to Waterloo station which took around 25 minutes.
What to take
A picnic blanket, food, water, hand sanitiser (the soap had run out at the under 5’s toilet when I was here), a change of clothes (sand and water… need I say any more), suntan lotion, sunglasses, hats and something to provide a bit of extra shade (if you don’t want to keep moving).
You may also enjoy reading these posts
Vauxhall City Farm, London
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
Trip To London’s Urban Farm, Hounslow
A Journey Through History At Museum Of London
Discovering Dinosaurs At The Natural History Museum
Have you ever visited Coram’s Fields? What was your experience? Or, do you know of any other hidden gems out there, either in London or close to where you live which are great for children?
We were there for the first time just the other week after having heard about it off and on for ages. The great thing about it, I thought, was how uncrowded it is for a London park. We recommend the pancakes in the cafe!
Mama Herself recently posted…Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh
Oooh good tip – will have to try them. It was really uncrowded- just don’t think that many people know about it. It’s just such a wonderful, quiet oasis in the city. X
What a fantastic place to visit….It looks like there is so much to see and do.
Lovely photos! It looks like you had a great time x
Kim Carberry recently posted…Making mountains out of molehills…. #WotW
Hi Kim, It’s a great place to visit! We had a really fab time x
What a lovely place! Its always nice to see new playground thats near. I live where I am now for 5 years and yet we are still discovering places that near and its awesome esp when its free! #pocolo
Merlinda Little ( @pixiedusk) recently posted…Image Of The Week
Thanks Merlinda, it’s funny, isn’t it, how you suddenly discover these gems – right on your doorstop. Take care xx
Wow that looks brilliant! And just for families sounds even better, we are planning a few London outings in the summer, I think we will have to add this to our itinerary.
Ashley Beolens recently posted…First Tooth Fairy Visit
You definitely should Ashley! It’s great – even if it’s just to break up a big sightseeing day. Look forward to hearing about your trips. X
Corrams Field was a new discovery for me too earlier this year and the kids loved it, can’t wait to go back! Looks like you had lots of fun 🙂 #pocolo
Mummy Tries recently posted…My Journey to Liking Myself
We had loads of fun Renee… Isn’t it fab there! I’ll definitely be going back too. X #pocolo
Wow, I lived in London for 20 odd years and I never knew this park existed! It looks like a great way for the kids to let off a little steam in the city. Fab find 🙂
#PoCoLo
Sam recently posted…5 Great Things About My May
I know Sam, it’s mental, isn’t it how some places just completely pass you by. I suppose London is pretty big – and still so much to explore. Thanks for stopping by x
The Mother says – What a brilliant park and how wonderful that it focuses entirely on families. I loved that you have given tips about what to take. This park reminds me of Jubilee Gardens in London. Whenever we used to go on a day trip to London, we always used to picnic there. It was a lovely park and hold brilliant memories; kind of like the ones that you’re making 🙂
Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo
kidGLloves recently posted…Post Comment Love and Newbie Showcase 1st to 3rd May 2015
Ah, Jubilee Gardens – good call – will have to go there soon. Glad you have such fab memories. Xx
Looks like a lovely day out you had 🙂 I definitely need to visit this park, I used to live nearby so I walked past it often, but it is only now I have a baby and could actually enter 🙂 thanks for linking into my blog 🙂
Wave to Mummy recently posted…My Monthly Roundup – Instagram April 2015
You’re welcome. Thanks for mentioning it- I didn’t have a clue it existed. It’s a great place. Had a fab day x
Sounds like a great family place to visit! Great post! Thanks for linking up with us on the #bigfatlinky hope to see you there next week
martyn recently posted…Lets Talk about Sex Baby
Thanks Martyn! It’s great. Cheers for hosting #bigfatlinky. x
I’ve been in London for 15 years and I had no idea about this space in the middle of it! It sounds like London’s best kept secret so thanks for sharing. Will definitely be checking it out once the Summer comes. Sounds like a great place for a gathering especially when different aged kids are involved which often happens with us and our friends.
Nomita | Ebabee recently posted…Fabulous French art for kids
I know! I really had no idea it existed either. A real gem. Definitely get down there in the Summer. xx
I know I’m commenting on an old post, but I’ve been meaning to go to Coram’s Fields for some time now and you’ve just sealed the deal. What a wonderful place. I’m just going to wait for the sun to come out a bit more! x
Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Reviewed: Rest Detail Hotel, Hua Hin
It’s brill! Even better when it’s sunny. Enjoy!! Xx
I keep coming across Coram’s Fields – I’ve written about it and recommended it, and it always sounds so wonderful, but I haven’t managed to actually visit! I think a full day of the British Museum then that would be great. Thanks for linking up to #mondayescapes
mummytravels recently posted…Visiting Artis Zoo, Amsterdam
Yes, that sounds the perfect combo! You must do it. Xx
Lovely re-reading this again. I managed to get there, and was a great day mixing this and the museum. #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #32
I definitely need to go again and tie it in with a museum visit!
I always read about these different places, but then forget about them when we visit London. really should pin them! Off to do that now.
Emma T recently posted…Riding vintage buses at Oxford Bus Museum
Yes do! I’m the same. Love Pinterest for that. Coram’s Fields is definitely worth a visit x
I love discovering these little gems in London. I used to live in King’s Cross and never knew this existed. Will have to take Emma there if it ever stops raining 🙂 #countrykids
Emma’s Mamma recently posted…Once upon a time – review
I know, there are so many of these gems that I have no idea about. Love discovering new places in London. Definitely worth a trip..hoping the rain stops soon! Xx
Coram’s feilds looks like a magical place to go and explore with a little one. It’s great that there’s somewhere in the centre of London that green and open and designed specifically as a safe place for kids. All the little ones in your group look like they’re having a blast running around enjoying the space. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
Coombe Mill – Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…The Pet With A Lucky Escape
Thanks for hosting #countrykids Coram’s Fields is a great place to visit and amazing to have something like it in the heart of London
Ah we love Coram’s though my youngest has never been so we need to go back! It’s a great place to meet up with friends coming from different directions. We also love the farms in east London (City / Spitalfields / Mudchute / Surrey Quays) as they are free and again a good place to meet with kids.
#CountryKids
Oh, those farms are good to know about! Thanks for the tips. Coram’s is really good for a central meet up! Xx
Hmm, I might be the only one with this opinion but I was quite disappointed with Coram’s Fields. Granted we went in early spring and the water play was not in action but I thought a lot of the equipment was tired and old. Sadly I think a lot of the playgrounds in central London are reliant on private donations to keep them maintained. I think it is a real shame that encouraging families to live in the city is not a priority for the government. Anyway, Coram’s Fields is a great place to let off some steam after visiting the British Museum. I just think we could do better
Katy recently posted…How to be a wonderful guest
Hey Katy, that’s interesting to hear…I understand what you mean. It is probably a better experience when the water play is working and the weather is good. It could do with a bit of updating and the ‘farm’ was very tiny and could do with some modernising too.
Love this. Will definitely try to drop by next time we visit my mother in law en famille. A real gem, thanks for sharing.
#citytripping
tots2travel recently posted…Down on the Farm in Italy – Profile of Agriturismo Brusalino
You’re welcome! I’m so pleased I discovered it…it is a great space for children to explore. x
Thomas Coram founded the nearby Foundling Hospital for abandoned babies, which is also fascinating to visit, so especially appropriate that the park should be tailored for children.
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…Sunday Photo: IGGY POP
How interesting Catherine! I see it is now a museum so I will have to pay it a visit.
a nice place for families!:)
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Wandering around London in 72 hours (part III)
It’s really nice.
Some friends and I visited Coram’s fields park once in December to see some lovely fireworks, which we watched from outside as it was too crowded. I didn’t realize it was a park that you could go to with children only 🙂
Ahila recently posted…Special Six: Weekend in Malé
Oh how wonderful!I didn’t know they did firework displays there but a really good idea for a family-friendly space. Glad to hear you got to see some fab fireworks.
What a beautiful park! I haven’t brought the kids to London yet, but they keep asking to go (we read them Paddington) so I know a visit will happen shortly. Great to know there is such a nice green space right in the centre: if we are lucky with the weather when there, a pic nic here sounds like the perfect break from sightseeing #citytripping
Marta recently posted…One day in Geneva with kids: a child friendly itinerary
Oh, you must come to London soon! And definitely keep this in mind…it’s close to a few museums and sights so serves as a great break from sightseeing.
Looks like a great park to explore with kids! I love that there are farm animals there; how exciting! And unique! I can definitely see how you could easily waste a day away just relaxing at Corams Fields.
Mandy recently posted…Charleston Plantations & Gardens
Hey Mandy, if the weather is good there is plenty to keep you (and more importantly the little ones) occupied.
The playground looks fantastic. Such a great facility right in the middle of London. I’ve written about Coram’s Fields too – it’s one of my best free things for children to do in London. They also do some amazing sounding courses for older kids in art, photography and music videos. What a fabulous place! #citytripping
Clare Thomson (Suitcases and Sandcastles) recently posted…How to make City Trips Fun for Kids: The Leap & Hop Travel Guides
Oh, that’s great to know about the courses, Clare! A good reason to keep going back!
I truly feel that Europe has some of the best playgrounds for kids! In the States a park like these would be considered too dangerous therefore many of them are quite plain. Germany also has crazy awesome playgrounds! #CityTripping
Lolo recently posted…You Might Live in Germany if…
How interesting about the parks in the US. I have to say when we were in Chicago looking for outdoor playgrounds we didn’t come across a particularly amazing one…it had seen better days.
sounds and looks fab! I love finding new parks to explore. haven’t been to London for a very long time tho and no plans to visit soon. Would def keep this in mind though! #citytripping
I love finding fab parks too…there are so many hidden gems out there.
I love that you were able to find a place to connect with your friends that was so kid-friendly. Picnicking in the park is such a great way to spend a sunny day.
Lauren Bishop recently posted…Learning to Value Every Grain of Rice
It’s such a perfect way to spend a hot, sunny day!
Looks like a lot of fun! Something for everyone to enjoy 🙂
Exactly!
Just for families? Sounds ideal and stress-free! #citytripping
Corey with fifi + hop recently posted…Newport, RI: Top 10 Things To See and Do With Kids
Very stress-free. A really great space to relax with the little ones.
I love spaces like this! It’s so nice to find a child-friendly oasis in the middle of the city. My mummy friends live on the opposite side of London from me and we have to choose our meeting places carefully or else we have very irritable toddlers!
Mandy recently posted…Top Hats & Tails: A Ragroof Players Tea Dance
Exactly! This was perfect for that reason – very central AND family-friendly – we felt relatively relaxed because there were only other families there.
This park is HUGE! I’m kind of bummed I can’t get in without a kid in tow, but that just means I’ll need to remember it when my friends’ kids come or when I happen to be babysitting in London. 😀 What a fun discovery for you guys!! (Love the new look to your blog, by the way, I ADORE the hot pink!!!)
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags) recently posted…8 Surprises from Serendipity in Paris
Thanks Christy!! Got to have a bit of hot pink in the mix! There are so many great parks in London so even though you can’t get in this one, there’s plenty nearby! x
Yeah London is not just tall buildings, there are plenty of parks which I love (remembering from my last visit in 2008!). Coram’s Fields looks like a lovely park for children and parents to play and enjoy the outdoors – thankfully, you had great weather! Thanks for sharing, Liz 🙂 #CityTripping
Yes, we had great weather otherwise would have had to think up a plan B. There are sooo many fantastic parks in London and you don’t have to go far to find them. I love that about the city. Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Look like a lovely day at the park! ❤️ I love hanging out with other mommies at park too. This is my first time taking part in #citytripping link up. Great to know you through your blog! ❤️
– Mommy Eve @twentysixoctober
Fantastic to have you linking up – thank you! Look forward to getting to know you and your blog!
Looks prefect for the smaller ones 🙂
beatravelling recently posted…Rotorua: My Favorite Kiwi
It really is.