Holland Park

Although Holland Park is frequently overshadowed by its opulent neighbor Kensington Palace Gardens, it is unquestionably a lovely place for a picnic. There is a lot to see, from sculpture and the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens to woodland and wildlife. Tennis courts, football fields, and locations for playing golf, cricket, and netball are also available, so you can enjoy some sport alongside your sausage rolls. In the summer, this tranquil location comes to life. You'll soon forget about the steamy bus ride to Holland Park if you're enjoying yourself there.

Both history fans and horticulturists will enjoy learning about the history of Holland Park, one of London's best parks. The park encircles Holland House, a Jacobean palace named for its second owner, the Earl of Holland, whose wife was the first person in England to produce dahlias successfully. Disraeli and Lord Byron, among others, visited Holland House in the 19th century, when it was a center of political and intellectual activity.

However, during World War II, bombs largely damaged Holland House. These days, dahlias are still planted in Holland Park's 55 acres, which also have the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens with koi carp and a bridge at the base of a waterfall. The playground, which features a tyre swing, a large see-saw, a zip line, and a lot of climbing equipment, is a must-see for families. A second fenced-in play area is also available for younger children. Opera and open-air theater are presented in the park during the summer.

• Best spot? If you have kids, set up near the new Holland Park Adventure Playground (reopening early summer 2019), complete with zip wire and a ten-person seesaw. In the summer months, Opera Holland Park pops up underneath a temporary white canopy. If you’re there to see a show, you can reserve a table near the venue and bring your own picnic beforehand.
  
  
• Need food? If you didn’t BYOP (that’s 'bring your own picnic', FYI), there’s a cafe at Holland Park Orangery.
  
  
• Anything else I should know? The park is open daily from 7.30am until 30 minutes before dusk. Cycling isn’t allowed in the park.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Ilchester PlaceLondonW8 6LU
Phone: 020 7361 3003
Opening hours: Daily 7.30am-30 minutes before dusk
Website: www.rbkc.gov.uk