Quiet London: Holland Park

Finding places to be quiet in a metropolis such as London is an important part of city living.  A space to be still and reflective or to walk and recharge the batteries is a necessity.

Holland Park in W8 is one such place. Positioned between Kensington High Street and Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park, it is easily accessible, and mostly significantly  quieter than than the neighbouring, and much larger Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

Despite being small in comparison to many of London’s more well known parks it has lots to offer.  In the 17th century Holland Park was home to a large Jacobean Mansion known as Cope Castle.  It was later renamed Holland House and went on to become badly damaged during WWII.  Part of it still remains however, and one wing is now used as a Youth Hostel, surely one of the most salubriously situated youth hostels in the UK!  Part of the front terrace also remains and is used for the ever popular Holland Park Opera.  The Opera takes place under a large canopy with the house as a stunning backdrop.

Holland Park is set amidst some of the most expensive properties in London. From Kensington High street you will pass by some incredible houses and quiet streets.  Just near by is another one of my favourite places Leighton House, former home and studios of the painter Lord Fredrick Leighton..  Which ever way you approach Holland Park, the moment you step off the busy high street you are surrounded by green space, magnificent trees, and a place to breathe.

In its heyday Holland Park was the setting for wonderful parties and it takes very little imagination to picture ladies in beautiful gowns and gentlemen in top hats and tails sweeping through the grounds.  There are a number of murals depicting imagined scenes from garden parties that were held by Lord Ilchester in the grounds of Holland House in the 1870′. These and can be viewed through a set of arches which lead onto the gardens.

The park is conveniently separated into 3 main sections.  Their are woodland areas in the North, the house and formal gardens in the centre and formal sports grounds and a children’s play area in the South.  Keeping the sports areas separate and not allowing bicycles to be ridden in the park maintains it’s air of tranquility.

Formal Gardens

Just behind the house are the rather lovely formal gardens.  Like all gardens these change throughout the year.  Spring is just around the corner and soon the areas surrounded by tightly clipped box hedges will be filled with beautiful, blowsy tulips.  There is a pleasing structure and symmetry to these gardens in stark contrast to the relaxed wooded area in the North of the park.

All along the gardens are benches, on which to sit and rest or read or just people watch.  Each bench is inscribed and in memory of someone who previously loved the past.  I find this rather lovely.  A calm resting place.  I particularly love the little hidden shelters along side the garden. Often these are inhabited by 1 or 2 visitors just sitting reading or having lunch or chatting.

The Kyoto and Fukushima Garden

This is one of my favourite spots. The tranquil Japanese inspired Kyoto and Fukushima Gardens are a lovely place to sit with a book.  The Fukushima Garden was opened to commemorate the heartfelt gratitude of the Japanese people to the British people for their support following the natural disaster in the mid 90’s.  The Kyoto Garden was built to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992.  There is a sign at the entrance to the gardens asking that visitors respect the gardens as a place of quiet reflection.  The Kyoto garden is carefully designed making it a beautiful place to be whatever the season.  Camellias bloom right now and soon Magnolias will be in abundance.  Many of the trees are in miniature, and are all cared for pruned immaculatley.  A three step waterfall is designed to represent steep mountains and deep gorges and the pond depicts a vast ocean view.  Stepping stones and a bridge cross over the pond, and there are carefully tended paths around the whole of the garden. This is a place of quiet and contemplation.

Woodland Areas

A meandering walk through the secluded wooded areas, and you are quickly transported away from the busy London streets.  These much wilder gardens are shady in summer and sheltered in winter.  Seasonal flowers bloom all year round and wildlife and birds are very much in evidence.  From here you can find the ecology centre where many talks and events are organised which celebrate and inform on the natural world.

Coffee Stop

Coffee, cake and sandwiches can be found  in the cafe, tucked into a series or arches.  There is plenty of out door seating so if the weather is reasonable it is never too difficult to find a spot to sit.

If you are looking for somewhere to slow down and rest a while then the quiet of Holland Park is just the place.

You can find more of my suggestions for a Quiet London here.