My list of ten things to do in Holland Park, London W8, includes the park and the surrounding area. If you haven’t visited before, it’s one of the city’s most elegant and tranquil neighbourhoods. Known for its green spaces, historic architecture and cultural attractions, offering a perfect blend of history, art and leisure. At its heart is Holland Park itself, a beautifully landscaped space featuring woodland areas, formal gardens and resident peacocks. Surrounding the park, you’ll find fascinating museums, grand Victorian houses, independent bookshops, stylish cafés and plenty of shops. Whether you want to explore artistic treasures, enjoy a relaxed brunch, or discover historic homes, here are ten of the best things to do in and around Holland Park.
Ten Best Things To Do In Holland Park List:
1. Walk through Holland Park
2. Relax in the serene Kyoto Garden
3. See an exhibition at the Design Museum
4. Visit historic Leighton House
5. Locate the Holland Park Circle Houses
6. Step inside Linley Sambourne House
7. Discover Holland Park Avenue
8. Browse Daunt Books
9. Enjoy a great meal in the park
10. Visit Kensington High Street
My Favourite Ten Best Things to Do in Holland Park
1. Walk through Holland Park. This beautiful park offers woodland trails, manicured gardens and open green spaces. It’s perfect for a morning walk, a picnic, or simply a quiet escape from the city.
2. Relax in the serene Kyoto Garden. A peaceful Japanese garden within Holland Park, the Kyoto Garden features a koi pond, tiered waterfall, and seasonal flowers. It’s a quiet retreat, ideal for a moment of calm.
3. See an exhibition at the Design Museum. Located nearby on Kensington High Street, the Design Museum showcases contemporary design, architecture, fashion and technology exhibitions, making it a must-visit for creatives. The address is 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG.
4. Visit historic Leighton House. Once home to Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, this stunning house features lavish interiors, intricate mosaics, and the spectacular Arab Hall, inspired by Middle Eastern design. The address is 12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ.
5. Locate the Holland Park Circle Houses. This exclusive area was once home to famous Victorian artists. Walking among the grand studio-houses gives a glimpse into the world of 19th-century painters and sculptors.
6. Step inside Linley Sambourne House. A perfectly preserved Victorian home, this townhouse offers a fascinating look at the artistic and domestic life of Punch Magazine illustrator Linley Sambourne. The address is 18 Stafford Terrace, London W8 7BH.
7. Discover Holland Park Avenue. This chic street features independent boutiques, artisan bakeries, and cosy cafés, making it ideal for browsing and people-watching. You’ll also find some chain cafes such as Pret and Paul’s.
8. Browse Daunt Books. A gem for book lovers, this independent bookshop has a beautifully curated selection of travel, literature and design books in a peaceful setting. It is located at 12-114 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UA.
9. Enjoy a great meal in the park. Try the laid-back Aussie-style options at Daisy Green for brunch or lunch or the Italian cuisine at Belvedere for dinner. You’ll also find more restaurants nearby.
10. Visit Kensington High Street. Just a short walk away, this vibrant shopping street offers high-street brands, fashion boutiques, and stylish rooftop bars like The Roof Gardens. I always enjoy a visit to the Japan House.
Helpful Information About The Holland Park Area
Holland Park is a prestigious area in West London, located within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Known for its elegant townhouses and leafy surroundings, it is centred around Holland Park, a beautifully landscaped green space featuring woodlands, formal gardens and the serene Kyoto Garden. The area is bordered by Kensington to the east, home to world-class museums and luxury shopping, and Notting Hill to the west, known for its colourful houses and Portobello Road Market. To the south lies High Street Kensington with its mix of high-end boutiques and dining, while to the north, Shepherd’s Bush offers a livelier contrast with markets, music venues, and the vast Westfield shopping centre. Travel to Holland Park (Central Line) or High Street Kensington (Circle & District Lines). Enjoy.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Seven Reasons To Visit Kensington High Street
Artistic Splendor Of Leighton House
Visit Sambourne House Kensington London W8
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.
