My wife and I come from the generation of kids who enjoyed going to the park, playing on the jungle gyms, and climbing up trips. While we may be too big now to enjoy the jungle gym, we still love long walks in the park. London is home to some of the most beautiful woodlands and commons.
On the western edge of Central London, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is Holland Park. A 55 acre public park that is also home to a variety gardens and a range of mammals and birds, including foxes and peacocks. In the heart of the Kensington’s Holland Park sits one of my favorite gardens – a beautiful and traditional Japanese garden known as the Kyoto Garden.
Kensington’s Holland Park
Depending on the direction you are coming from, the easiest way to get to Kensington’s Holland Park is to take the Central line to Holland Park stop. From there, it’s about a 5 minute walk into the park.
The large park is full of woodland, tennis courts, a playground, a cafe, and gardens. If you enjoy the outdoors as much as we do then expect to get lost in all of the beauty and calm that the park has to offer especially in the warmer months.
We caught the tail end of autumn so the leaves that had fallen from the trees now cover many of the pathways. Nevertheless, the park is still colorful and beautiful. I can only imagine how much more vibrant it is during the spring and summer months. I have no doubt that when my wife and I return in the summertime that we’ll bring our books, a small bite, and spread out on a park bench for hours.
Kyoto Garden
I’ve always had an affinity towards Japanese culture. I guess it makes sense since my father served in Okinawa Japan and my parents also incorporated a lot of Japanese traditions into my early childhood.
One of the things I love most about the Japanese culture is their appreciate of nature and tranquil spaces, which is why I instantly drawn to the Kyoto Garden.
Opened in 1991, the Kyoto Garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto to London to commemorate the two nations long lasting friendship. The welcoming and peaceful oasis is one of London’s hidden gems and secret gardens. The tranquil space is full of colorful trees, a waterfall, and a pond of koi carp. I wish it hadn’t been so chilly because I could’ve spent hours relaxing on one of the benches while reading my book and listening to the waterfall.
I know that the nature of travel has changed due to the on-going pandemic, however, there are still ways to enjoy travel in a safe and affordable way. On your next trip to London, I recommend that you start to explore all of the outdoor spaces, commons, and woodlands.
What do you think?