One of the more diminutive of the many London parks, the 54-acre Holland Park stands on the grounds of a 17th century mansion in west London. Initially called Cope Castle after its owner Sir Walter Cope, it was renamed Holland House when bought by Lady Rich, the wife of the Earl of Holland. It is one of the best parks in West London, which is not actually a Royal Park.
Holland Park Theatre
The mansion was badly bombed in the Second World War so that only one wing, now used as a youth hostel, and a segment of terrace remain. This now houses the Holland Park Theatre, which has a summer season of open-air performances, including opera and concerts.
Each year there is a season of Opera Holland Park. In 2021, this starts on 1 June and will feature works such as Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and La Traviatta by Bizet. The full summer scedule can be found here.
Japanese Gardens In the Park
The ornate gardens are quite wonderful, especially the Kyoto Garden, created as part of the London Japan Festival in 1992, and Fukushima Garden. While the ecology centre has a series of educational programmes and nature trails. You can meet peacocks, squirrels and pigs. There are also various sports facilities in addition to woodland and a kids’ playground.
Map of the Park
You can view a map here.
How to Get to Holland Park?
The nearest tube station is Holland Park (Central Line).
Attractions Nearby
It is relatively close to Notting Hill, making it a great place to relax before or after you go to Portobello Market, one of the many great markets in London. Or you could go browsing in a book shop and hope to bump into Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts. It is equidistant from Kensington Olympia and the Royal Albert Hall.
