Holland Park 
Address: Ilchester Place W8
The Royal Borough’s largest park with
22.5 hectares of gardens, children’s play facilities, sports areas,
a cafeteria
and large areas of woodland abundant with wildlife. Contained
within the park is the beautiful Kyoto Garden; a Japanese garden
donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991.
Holland Park provides facilities for tennis,
football, golf practice nets, cricket practice nets and netball.
Health walks and other activities are also run in the park.
For more information see sports facilities in parks or to book
the facilities call: 020 7602 2226.
Holland Park is also the base of the borough's
Ecology Service. The Ecology Centre at
Holland Park runs a series of events, activities and educational
visits and workshops for schools. We also run a wildlife club for
children, holiday activities, and a full programme of events for all ages.
Information and Learning
Current Notices:
- No organised games are to be played
on the sports field until further notice. This is due to the need
for essential maintenance works. We apologise for any inconvenience
caused.
History
Holland Park is spread across 54 acres of what
used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean mansion
hidden in the woods. It was built by Sir Walter Cope in the early
17th century, who became Chancellor of the Exchequer under King
James 1. It was renamed Holland House after the Earl of Holland’s
wife Lady Rich inherited the property.
Holland House was badly damaged during World
War II. One wing was saved and is used as a youth hostel. A
remaining section of the front terrace is now used as a distinct
backdrop for the park's summertime open-air theatre productions and
classical concerts.
Holland Park Kyoto garden was designed and
built by an eminent Japanese Garden designer and his team to
celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992. It was a
co-operative project between the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea and the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Opening times
The park is open daily from 7.30am until 30 minutes before
dusk. Please check the signs by all entrances for the day's
closing time on arrival at the park.
Finding us
The park is easily accessed via Holland Park, Kensington High
Street or Notting Hill underground stations.