Coram’s Fields playground

Coram's Fields is one of London's most beloved children's spaces, occupying seven acres in Bloomsbury just around the corner from Russell Square. The site has deep historical roots as the former grounds of the Foundling Hospital — London's first home for abandoned children — and today operates as a dedicated children's park and charity. The golden rule here is simple: no adult may enter without a child.

That policy transforms the atmosphere entirely, creating a space that feels genuinely designed around children's needs rather than adult convenience. The playground is extensive, with age-appropriate zones for toddlers through to older primary-school children. There's a sandpit, a paddling pool that opens in summer, and a small collection of farm animals including sheep, goats, and rabbits that children can visit and observe.

The paddling pool is well supervised and gives toddlers a safe and joyful water experience in the warmer months. Changing facilities and restrooms are available on site, including baby-changing areas. The park is run by a charitable trust and entry for children is free.

Bloomsbury is a wonderful neighborhood to explore before or after a visit — the British Museum is a ten-minute walk, and there are cafés and restaurants on Lamb's Conduit Street and Marchmont Street. On sunny school-holiday days Coram's Fields can get busy, but the large size of the grounds means it rarely feels cramped.