Holland Park: Don’t miss this London Park

Holland Park is one of the most beautiful and elegant parks in London and should be on your Bucket List if you want a break from the busy London streets. Featuring the famous Kyoto Japanese Garden, woodland trails and formal gardens; there is something for everyone.

Tucked away in the Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it is walkable from Portobello Road, Notting Hill and Kensington High Street. The Design Museum is also in the South Eastern corner of the park.

Things to Do in Holland Park

Kyoto Garden

Stone walkway leading to a path across a pond — Path across the Pond

A waterfall with stone boulders — Path across the Pond

This stunning Japanese garden is my favourite part of the park. Situated quite centrally between the formal Dutch Garden and the Woods, it features a large koi carp pond, waterfall and perfectly manicured lawns and trees. You can follow the path right around the pond but be careful by the waterfall; the path is not at all straight and I nearly fell in! It is also very common to find a Heron or two perched around the pond keeping an eye on the koi fish. I was lucky to find one dipping in and out of the water.

Dutch Garden

Structured flower beds with walkways between them — Dutch Garden

Circular pond with fountain in the middle with gardens behind — Dutch Garden

At the centre of the park you will find the Dutch Garden with lots of tulips and flowers on display. This is a busy area of the park as you also have the pond and fountain next to the Orangery. This is also where you will find the Daisy Green café and Belvedere restaurant.

Archways in a stone wall within a park — Orangery walls

Faux archway with paintings between the arches of a Georgian garden party — Orangery walls

Opera at Holland Park

Next to the Dutch Garden, the Opera at Holland Park stage is set for the summer months where Operas are performed in a covered but outdoor arena. If you’re interested in seeing an Opera performed here then I recommend booking on their official website as the seats do go quite quickly.

Holland House Ruins

The original Jacobean mansion was named Cope Castle, built in the early 17^th century by Sir Walter Cope who was the Chancellor of the Exchequer for King James I. You can see the remaining part of the house near the Opera which was renamed Holland House but badly damaged in World War II and is now used as a Youth Hostel if you would like to stay.

Play Areas

Children's play area with wooden climbing frame — Play Area

There is an enormous Adventure Playground on the Western side of the park. So many different climbing structures and equipment to play on. There is a smaller sectioned off area for younger children.

Just behind the café and restaurant, you will also find a huge chess set to play on in the gardens. This is a lot of fun as you need to physically lift up the pieces to play your game.

Location

Holland Park is to the West of central London. Within easy reach of Kensington High Street to its South and Notting Hill area to the North; you can spend the morning browsing the stalls at Portobello Road Market or at the High Street shops in Kensington before taking a walk in the Park to get some peace and quiet.

Getting to Holland Park

The nearest tube stations are Holland Park, just a five minute walk to the North and High Street Kensington, an eight minute walk to the Southernmost entrance.

I walked from Holland Park Station to the Suntrap Entrance on Holland Park (road) and then walked a loop around the park visiting all the sights. I then walked to Portobello Road which took about 20 minutes to reach the start of the Market.

An arched entrance in a stone wall into Holland Park — Sun Trap Entrance

Tree Lined road with cars parked outside townhouses — Sun Trap Entrance

There are other entrances around the four sides of the park. If you look on Google Maps, you can see where the paths are.

There is a car park between the Adventure Playground and The Orangery. You will need to pay by an app on your phone. Instructions are found in the car park.

Opening Hours

Holland Park is open daily from 7.30am until dusk. In Winter, this would be approximately 4.30pm and in Summer, approximately 9pm.

Tickets

Entry to Holland Park is free including the Kyoto Garden and all formal garden areas. You will need tickets however for Opera Holland Park which I recommend booking ahead of time.

Toilets

The toilets are located on the main path near the café and restaurant in the centre of the park.

Eating and Drinking

People sitting at tables and chairs outside a cafe

Holland Park Café has terraced seating outside and has a view of the playing field. It is right next to the Orangery and Dutch Garden.

Belvedere Restaurant, near the café, is an upmarket Italian restaurant in a beautiful building.

There is a picnic area near the playground, and there are many benches throughout the park to sit and have something to eat and drink.

Accessibility.

Wide pathway lined with trees and bushes in Holland Park — Walkways

The paths throughout the woods are wide and flat though will be uneven. There is step-free access to all facilities in the park. All entrances are step-free but be aware that the ones on Holland Park Road and Abbotsbury Road South are on a steep incline.

Top Tips for Visiting Holland Park

Bring a camera. This is one of London’s most photogenic parks
Visit early if you want to sit and enjoy the Kyoto Gardens without lots of people visiting
If you are visiting with children, do not miss the Adventure Playground. It really is amazing.
Book your Opera tickets in advance