Holland Park London Parks to Visit
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.
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.