The 22 hectare Holland Park, in Kensington, lie to the north of Kensington High Street, W8 and also north of the Commonwealth Institute site.
Holland Park was originally the grounds of Holland House. The modern park is the result of restoration that took place after the purchase of the park by the London County Council in 1952.Formal gardens are present, mostly in the south of the park, adjacent to the remains of the old house. These include probably the best known feature, the formal or 'Dutch' garden, (originally the Portuguese Gardens). This garden consists of a set of box edged parterres, mostly planted with bedding, within a partially walled enclosure. This garden dates from the early 19th century.
There is also the 'Iris Garden', next to the Orangery, which holds a collection of flag irises, again in a formal setting.Other gardens are the more recent 'Kyoto Gardens', a traditional Japanese design, and some smaller gardens near the northern entrances.
Further to the north, Holland Park is mostly wooded. Much of the woodland is fenced off from the casual user in order to allow wildlife to flourish. Dead and fallen wood is allowed to remain to act as a wildlife habitat. The wooded area includes an animal enclosure, with an area, the 'Peacock Lawn' where peafowl can be seen strutting, and collections of other exotic fowl and animals. Several wildlife gardens and ponds have been created in the northern area, and it look very attractive and rustic.
Paths lead through these wooded areas. Aesthetically these are let down, perhaps unavoidably, by the straight lines of timber fencing to protect the wildlife. They are let down rather more avoidably by the use of industrial crushed stone for dressing the paths.The main monument is the remains of the old Holland House. This faces south over the remains of a fomal quartered set of lawns. It is now used as a theatre and events area, and is not always accessible.
There is a restored ice-house, and an impressive fountain in the Iris garden.The arcades next to the Iris garden are painted with murals.
Statues in Holland Park include one of the third Lord Holland.Two of the other main attractions of the park, the large playground and the collection of exotic birds, are also to be found in the south of the park. There is a visitor centre near the playground.
Next to the Dutch Gardens are also a restaurant, and a cafeteria. An open walled space on the site of the house ruins is normally shut but is used for open-air theater performances in the summer.The house dates from the beginning of the 17th century, when it belonged to Walter Cope.
Holland House was largely destroyed by bombing in World War II. Parts of it have since been restored, and can be seen next to the east of the cafe and the Dutch Gardens.The Kyoto gardens were created with Japanese sponsorship, in 1991.
The park is managed by the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Contact the Ecology centre in the park on 020 7471 9809. There is an active user group, the Friends of Holland Park.
The Friends of Holland Park stage events, described on their websitek.