Holland Park

Don’t bother busting if your a guide dog user.

I visited Holland Park with my registered blind husband and his guide dog.
I was very upset to by told by one of your park rangers that we were not able to walk round the Japanese gardens as it is a no dog zone.
I tried to explain to this gentleman that a guide dog has access everywhere, but I was just talked over by him and he wouldn’t listen. He ended up being extremely rude telling us to leave when I was only trying to explain to him that he was wrong.
By telling my husband he is not allowed to bring his guide dog into the garden is like telling a wheelchair user that they can’t use their wheelchair.
His guide dog is highly trained dog who was under control at all times. And was not a threat to any wild life in anyway.
I’m sure you wish to aspire to having full accessibility to your parks. it’s not just about putting in wheelchair access it’s about all disabilities and making sure that everyone is able to enjoy the park the same as fully sited or able person.
Some disability awareness training for staff might be worth while.

Regards

If you were a fan of the 90's sitcom Absolutely Fabulous you would know that one of the main characters - Edina said that she does not live in Shepherds Bush (less than a mile down the road) but Holland Park.

The area is midway between Notting Hill and Shepherds Bush but is a far cry from the bustle of "the Bush". There are plenty of tree lined avenues to enjoy and some nice little cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

It's quite an exclusive area and although it is in the heart of London it seems quite chilled.

Holland Park is probably better known as a select residential area between Marble Arch and Notting Hill Gate or just a station on the Central Lane rather than one of the smaller of Central London’s open spaces. Its entrance from Kensington High Street along a narrow corridor next to the Design Museum and a sports field affords little preview of the manifold attractions that lie ahead. The largest of these are what is left of the once mighty Holland House much of which was destroyed in World War II one wing of which has survived as a Youth Hostel and a single walled facade from which acts as a backdrop to open air operatic performances in the Summer. Some ancient walls remain from the former Jacobean mansion Coke House which previously stood on the site and which was the home of James I’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, the grounds of which comprise the modern day park. For me the main attraction is the exquisite Kyoto Garden first laid out in 1968 as a gift from Japan to the Royal Borough. In these dark times visitors are obliged to follow a clockwise route around the lake in which carp and other fish swim against the backdrop of a waterfall over rocks. Other attractions include an adventure playground, Ecology Centre, a small garden with a triangular sundial firming part of a sculpture with two giant tortoises; the Belvedere restaurant complete with sculptures of flying Greek goddesses (currently closed); a cafe serving take-away beverages and comestibles; a statue of Lord Holland doubtless soon to be replaced by one of Lady Diane Abbott.

I love going to Holland Park. It’s often quiet and peaceful but gets a lot busier in warmer weather and weekends. They have a playground for younger kids and a bigger playground for older children. There is a beautiful Kyoto Garden that has many fish a small waterfall and is very peaceful. They have a delicious cafe which is very quiet and extensive. There is a field for playing sports and an outside gym. There are many benches and lots of open space. There are a few ponds which have ducks and herons. There are many flowers and lovely trees. There is also a rose garden and tennis courts. In some of the park it feels like you are in a forest. It’s a nice break from the business of London. It’s Autism friendly if you go when it’s quiet and not many people are there.

I was unsure whether to visit as it was an overcast day, but I am very glad that I did. The park is just a short simple route from Holland Park underground station. This was a lovely time of year to visit, for the tulip beds in the formal Dutch garden and wisteria in bloom. They seemed to be preparing for opera concerts as I did hear some musicians rehearsing. The park was so clean and well kept, well signposted and plenty of places to sit and relax.

We entered the park from the Holland Park Station (north end) at the Sun Trap entrance and walked through to the Design Museum in the south. It is so very different from all other London Parks. It is split into three distinct areas: woodland in the north (including the Kyoto or Japanese Garden!); the Grade I listed Holland House remains (it was largely destroyed in WW2) and formal gardens in the middle; and sport and recreation areas in the south.

Holland Park is also the name of the neighbourhood, but sticking to the 55 acre park, it is impressive. Well worth a visit if you are in the area and there are plenty of tourist attractions around the park itself. So it is a great place for a picnic lunch if you visit in the summer.

I loved the spark so much! I went on a Wednesday because I was in the area this place was practically empty.

There’s plenty of space for parking.

The restrooms were impeccable.

It’s free!

It has a three-story’s deck for you to see the gorgeous view at this place.

There’s also a eco- walk way where you can walk and enjoy a little bit of the nature with many greens and the beautiful water view.

Holland Park is an area of Kensington. The same name lush park covers 22 hectares of it.

Here you can find a cafe, the Belvedere Restaurant attached to the orangery, a giant chess set, a cricket pitch, tennis courts, two Japanese gardens - the Kyoto Garden and Fukushima Memorial Garden, a youth hostel, a children's playground, squirrels, peacocks, and several sculptures.

On our visit, many flowers were blooming beautifully.

I discovered this park after my sister stayed in a YHA that used to be here. It is massive! Full of statues, walkways, squirrels and birds. It was muddy, but stunning. Holland House has been refurbished and is beautiful. My favourite part is the painted arches that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Holland Park near Kensington Palace is a park in this posh area of the city that has a large sport field and on the day I visited teams were practicing, and players were carrying heavy equipment around. Some runners around the park, plenty of people just strolling around.
At one of the entrances a Design Museum is on a modern style building.
The park has an array of wild life, one very popular is a peacock. I only saw one, there may be more. At the jewel of the park is the Tokyo Garden that will be reviewed separately