Holland Park is a small park to the west of Kensington Gardens. The nearest stations are High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, or of course, Holland Park. You can walk from these three stations. I said that it is a small park compared to other large parks in London, for example, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. However, this park is actually a good size. There is a Japanese garden which they call "Kyoto Garden", a stylish cafe, a play ground, and the Open Air Theatre which opens every summer. Moreover, a peacock lives here. I think that you can only see him in this park in London.

photo by Akiko

Before World War II, some aristocrat owned this area. Then in 1952, it was opened to the public. It is a park with a homely atmosphere probably because it used to be a private garden. I saw many children with their mothers and fathers, which added to this unique atmosphere.
Actually, this park was recommended by my friend, Akiko. When she visited there some years ago, she saw Paul Weller who used to be a member of The Jam or The Style Council and now is active himself.
"When I went into the cafe in the park to get out of the sudden rain during my walk, I saw Mr. Weller with his son who ran into to avoid the rain too. It happened probably after he picked his son up after school. I thought so because his son wore a uniform and had a satchel on his back. Before that, I heard that they lived near Holland Park, but I never thought that I would had had a chance to meet him. I was very surprised and excited. He wore a pink Gucci polo shirt and Gucci loafers, and an Aquascutum raincoat. He looked very very smart!!", Akiko said. Since then, she likes Holland Park more and more.
In the spring of this year, she visited this park again. She wanted to take some photos of the cafe which has happy memories. However, before arriving at the cafe, she was absorbed in taking some photos of the peacock and found out that the battery of her camera was flat. Poor, Akiko.
Brian Ferry is sometimes seen in the park too.

photo by Akiko.

(2002.8.29)

Scenery from the Parks-- Kensington Gardens	Scenery from the Parks-- Regents Park	Scenery from the Park-- Hyde Park
Scenery from the Park-- Battersea Park	Scenery from the Parks-- Green Park	Scenery from the Parks-- St. James Park

to the TOP

Trip to Englnad

I really love London!