Elephant Springs

Elephant Springs is basically a free splash park in Central London, with sand, slides, jets, waterfalls, hammocks and a small play area beside it. The reviews make it clear this is a proper summer stop for children, especially younger ones, rather than a grand all-day park experience. What it does well is simple: it gives children water play without charging you for the privilege, and there are restaurants and shops nearby if you need lunch afterwards. Parents also mention security, toilets a short walk away, and enough space to relax while the kids get gloriously soaked and sandy. The catch is equally simple. If the water is off, there is very little to do, and one reviewer felt it was not worth the travel without the splash element. There’s no cover on very hot days, the loos are a bit of a trek, and the whole place sounds better as a planned summer stop than a spontaneous pilgrimage across town.