There are plenty of instagrammable spots in London and Holland Park Garden and Mews to me are some of the prettiest in my opinion.
They’re not far from the colourful doors of Notting Hill, which have become so popular that tourists have become quite the nuisance. So here are some tips on the prettiest spots and how to be a considerate traveller.
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Where is Holland Park and how to get there?
If you jump on the on the Central Line (red) of the London Underground and head towards Ealing Broadway, you will see that the next stop after Notting Hill Gate is Holland Park. Get off here and cross the main road.
Here’s the tube map if you want to have a look or download it to your phone for handy reference. (Saves paper!)
Alternatively, you can take the bus. The stop to get off is called Holland Park (Stop HB) and the following bus lines go here: 31, 94, 148, 228 and N207.
If you are staying at some nice luxury hotels in London‘s Notting Hill area, such as the Portobello, you are already super close!
[su_gmap width=”750″ address=”Holland Park, London”]
Why should I know about Holland Park Architecture?
Holland Park in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is home to a few embassies and houses in the area are absolutely beautiful and quintessential London.
Picture individual Victorian townhouses painted in pristine white with elm trees lining the quiet roads. The residential area was constructed by William and Francis Radford from 1860 to 1880. Before that, the area was rural.
Between the horseshoe-shaped Holland Park road and trough the Holland Park arch, lies the through road Holland Park Mews.
Here, the houses are much smaller and stacked next to each other without really a backyard garden or front lawn. Back in the day, they served as coach houses and stable accommodation for the townhouses on Holland Park.
What it lacks in space, it makes up in prettiness and practicability. Doors and balconies are located right by the narrow, cobbled street and small stairs on the outside lead to upper floors.
Typically wisteria and rose bush branches are hanging from the iron wrought fences, turning the street into a fragrant experience in spring.
What makes Holland Park Gardens so special?
The entire area of the park and some of its surroundings is part of Holland Park Conservation. The park itself is open to the public and incudes 22 hectares (54 acres) of green spaces, both semi-wild and carefully manicured.
Coming from Holland Park road, you will enter the northern section, which features beautiful old woodland. This is also where you can find bluebells in London.
Before you venture into the garden part of the park, you will be greeted by the statue of Lord Holland himself, sitting in his chair with a cane by his side. He lent his name to the park and area.
Learn more: Where to find bluebell fields around Greater London
From there, you can find beautiful flower beds with plenty of benches and near Holland Park Theatre, a restaurant and a garden café. The theatre and opera in Holland Park are part of the ruin of former Holland House, which was bombed in 1940.
There are public toilets nearby as well in case you need them. They are on the way to the sports area of Holland Park in London. At the very south of the park, you can visit the Design Museum.
In case you don’t have seen enough flowers and gardenscaping yet, visit the Fukushima Memorial Garden and Kyoto Garden which are part of the public part. Especially in April you might be able to see the stunning cherry trees in bloom.
What you should know before visiting
Please use common sense and courtesy when visiting. Inside the park, follow the rules. This means, walk only on designated paths, never climb fences. (Even if you want to get closer to flowers – it’s a no.)
Use the rubbish bins provided to discard of any waste you are creating. It’s a great place for unpacking a sandwich and having a small picnic, but please leave the place neatly.
In the housing area, please take care not to bother the residents. Notting Hill already has tons of tourists and influencers blocking the doors for photos and chattering loudly, therefore disturbing the locals. Some people even set up tents for changing outfits. Please don’t be like that!
Fun fact: There is a Holland Park in Los Angeles (in Hollywood, to be more precise) but we are talking about Holland Park UK here.
Should you visit Holland Park?
If you are done with the main sights in London or just want to get away from the tourist crowds and are ready to try something different, come to Holland Park in England. It really is a quiet and refreshing area. It’s perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Plus, there are plenty of quaint cafes nearby and it’s a short walk from Notting Hill, in case you want to attend the flea market there. It’s easy to reach via London’s public transport and it’s free to visit.
More from the England Blog
- Where to see bluebells around the UK
- What to see in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Local tips for Brighton
- Visiting Jane Austens Bath
Ryan K Biddulph says
Looks gorgeous! Respect locals guys. Plus respect gates or fences and the natural beauty. We get smashing shots these days even from a distance; this is the beauty of powerful cameras, and, powerful cameras on phones.
Annemarie says
Hi Ryan, thank you! And yeah, respect is so crucial. Travellers are essential just guests in another country. And you’re totally right. You can get stunning shots from afar and flexing your creativity muscle is also a good idea to do something different than the rest.