London area of Holland Park guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Holland Park neighbourhood

Holland Park is one of London's most elegant districts, its pretty, petit park being its main feature. It's the ideal location for those wanting to escape the clamour of the city but who don’t want to travel too far out of the centre, although most of the hotel options are more towards Kensington and Bayswater. The park itself offers small, cosy grassy knolls, cooling woodland glades, wild ponds, pavilions, an open expanse for games and general frolicking, playgrounds for older and younger children and a café. There are beautiful woodland trails, manicured lawns and formal gardens, the Kyoto Japanese Garden with its resident Coi, and a fantastic ice cream stand in the middle. Opened in 1952, Holland Park used to be a private estate belonging to the Earl of Holland. During the 19th century the Holland House attracted high profile visitors from various walks of life, from the politician, Lord Palmerston, to the poet, Lord Byron. The former ballroom of Holland House is now the stylish Belvedere restaurant, while the orangery and ice house host temporary exhibitions. In the summer open-air opera and theatre concerts are held in the grounds. Look out for peacocks roaming the grounds.

See our recommended nearby Holland Park Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.