My children love parks. In fact if you pay to go somewhere (like Legoland for example) and it has a park they will make a beeline for it. If I wrote about every trip we made to the park I am sure you would be bored. But our trip to Regent’s Park Play Area was no ordinary park trip. How the four of us made it as far as this park is something I am quite proud of.
My Confidence Journey with London
You see Regent’s Park Play Area is of course in London. I first went to London by myself in June 2013 – just a little over a year ago. I was absolutely petrified of London and finding my way round. Then I was invited to the launch of the Battlebox Dangerous Den Kit. This time I took my middle two children. Scared to take the tube we ended up walking for hours (at night time!) to find our hotel. The next day we spent hours walking around London – just because I was too dam scared to use the Tube. I promised the boys that our next trip to London we’d bring their dad so they would not have to do all that walking. Sure enough the next time their dad came and we went to a special screening of the Smurfs 2. The Tube didn’t seem that scary after all. Since then I have been to London several times. Yes the underground can seem daunting but thanks to Lil I learnt to understand it better. I even travelled at Peak times (and got caught in the door!). I took my youngest two for the day when we were invited to Warner House – and it went well. I was so proud of how far my Sensory Seeker has come. So when we were invited to see what Xeno was up to at London Zoo I knew I could handle taking all 3 of my boys – overnight! I did not want them to get up stupidly early and be overtired, and besides it was actually cheaper to go up the night before and stop over than catch an early train. And that is how we had time to play in Regent’s Park.
Astoria Hotel and Belmont – Paddington London
Our hotel was just a short walk from Paddington Station – much to the boys’ relief. We actually booked to stay in the Astoria Hotel but stayed in the Belmont. My requirements were that it wasn’t a hostel, there was a bathroom, we were all together, and it wasn’t too expensive. It also had breakfast included which was a bonus. I have to say it was a delight to stay there. Staff were courteous, rooms were clean, well-stocked with tea bags/milk etc; the boys loved the fact that they each had a towel and bar of soap each. But the best thing was that the breakfast was freshly cooked for us. Nothing seemed too much trouble as staff went backwards and forwards giving us the best start to the day. We happily left on our walk to the Zoo well fed. This is when we discovered Regent’s Park.
Regent’s Park Play Area
Regent’s Park Play area had only one other child in it, so the boys got to play and explore. It was great. I have to say when we returned after visiting London Zoo it was packed, and let’s just say that not all of the children were friendly. I am sure it said that it was for 12 and unders – but some were definitely older. It was a lovely park and there was lots to do. Climbing, balancing, sounds, and even toilets for children.
So now I can say that I have managed to go from being scared of London to taking my 3 boys there overnight. Not sure I will ever be ready to take them on the Underground in rush hour though – but the walk and play at Regent’s Park Play area was much nicer anyway.
I am so glad you got over your fear of the tubes, it really isn’t thst daunting. Your family have had a wonderful time so glad to hear that. The pictures look really good.
I remember how scared you used to be. Well done for coming so far you are doing fantastic!
We don’t make enough effort to go to the park and it’s such an easy thing to do that the kids love. I’ve certainly never been to one in London and we’ve been to Regent’s Park loads of times. Next time we go we will definitely visit!
Looks at good one just a shame too far for us .x
That looks like an awesome park! I am planning a couple of days in London with my boys soon (luckily my bessie mate lives there so we can do it cheaply!) – definitely going to make a visit here!
Looks like a brilliant park! Sadly out parks are a little dated and old but you still can’t beat a day at the park!
I was scared of taking Baby on the tube but I have done it a couple of times now and it’s not so bad. Glad you overcame your fears x
I spent years living and working in London, but never realised Regents Park had a play area – it looks good too!
My boys love going to London and I think finding a park so that they can let of steam is a great idea
I have to admit that I would be terrified of the tube. You’re much braver than me. It looks like a lovely park, well worth hte visit.
So true about paying to go somewhere only for the play park to be the highlight! We are so lucky to have such amazing parks in the UK, this looks FAB in that dappled sunlight – lovely pics 🙂
Well done you! The tube is a daunting experience – I’m very used to it, but still avoid travelling at rush hour with the kids. I’ll have to try the playground in Regents Park – never been before.
The number of times ive been to Regents Park and never seen this x
Go you! A huge victory and well deserved congratulations on facing the fear! The park looks lovely. Don’t fear the tube. My kids and I spent a day in London, we had great plans and ALL they wanted to do all day was ride around on double deckers and tubes! Cheapest day out EVER! 😉 x
London has some great parks with play areas for children. Well done for conquering the Tube. If you are not used to it it must seem daunting and very confusing.
That park is truly amazing! Oh how i miss it!
Even though we live so close to London we’re useless at taking the kids there often. We really need to change that!
My 11 year old is amazing on the tube – she reads a tube map way better than me. I’m not nearly as confident and she ends up telling me the right way to go 😉
That park looks like a great place for kiddies to play. I wish there was something like that where I live. Unfortunately most of the parks near by have been vandalized or don’t have equipment suitable for all age groups
I heard about this the other day! I really need to check it out next time we’re London-way.
I never go on the tube and always get taxis so London is a v expense experience for me. That park looks ace
London can be scary on your own, especially with kids in tow. I was forced to find my way around the Paris metro at quite a young age, so London never really daunted me although I do often go on the wrong tube! Regents Park looks lovely, we went to the zoo last Spring and sadly it was really pouring so we never got to the park. Somewhere to add to the list though definitely.
I love London Parks. Well done for making it there x
Living in London and having been close to it all my life, I often forget how daunting the tube can be if you aren’t used to it. I find it really hectic taking my three into central London even as a regular and confident tubetraveller! It sounds like you did really well.
We haven’t been to Regents Park with the kids yet – it looks like they’d enjoy it a lot 🙂
Well done on overcoming your fear of the tube!
There is nothing better than London parks when the sun is shining!
this is on our ‘to visit’ list when we come to london hopefully next year!
Oh I remember when you were afraid of London and the Tubes. It sounds like you have come such a long long way. You must be so proud of yourself and it’s so liberating too. These park shots are gorgeous. I simply love London’s parks. Next time you get to London try the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. You will love it x
We’ve got lots of trips to London planned and will make a trip to Regent’s PArk play area. I have to agree though, give the Princess Diana Memorial Playground a try, it’s amazing!
What a wonderful park! Just perfect for little boys to enjoy 🙂
That looks like a fabulous park – its a shame some of the kids weren’t friendly though
Love the rustic feel of this play area! Great pics
Love and miss London so much! Never be scared of the Tube – there a lots of people to help… despite them being a little grumpy! 😉 x
This looks like tremendous fun. Nice to know for the next time we visit the capital x