Nestled in between the bustling streets of Kensington and Notting Hill, Holland Park is one of London’s most enchanting neighbourhoods with surprises around every corner.
Its beating heart is the 54-acre Holland Park itself, an adored, verdant oasis that was once the grounds of Cope Castle, later renamed Holland House. For those who are more interested in pop culture than history, it is also the residential neighbourhood of the fictional character Edina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous – so cheers, sweetie!
The area’s rich history is still a key component of Holland’s Park allure, with elegant Victorian townhouses, serene gardens, and cultural treasures to discover and explore. So without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Holland Park; from some of the best lesser-known museums in London to fantastic pubs and dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Table Of Contents
Holland Park
1. Wander through the enchanting Kyoto Garden
Tucked inside Holland Park itself, the Kyoto Garden is a serene oasis inspired by the gardens of Japan, fit with koi ponds, stone lanterns, and a picturesque waterfall.
Perfect for a mindful (or mindless) midday stroll on the weekend, or perhaps a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, be sure to visit this utterly gorgeous section of Holland Park the next time you’re in the area – you won’t regret it! For more information, read our article on it here.
📍Holland Park, London W8 6LU
2. Dine at Holland Park’s Belvedere Restaurant
If you’re ever feeling peckish while exploring Holland Park, be sure to stop by the Belvedere Restaurant for a well-earned bite to eat. This elegant restaurant blends historic charm with modern cuisine, located inside a former 18th-century ballroom. Now serving up their staple dishes like grilled seabass and indulgent soufflés, treat yourself to this wonderful dining experience in a dream-like setting.
📍Holland Park, London W8 6LU
3. Travel back in time at the Dutch Garden
This formal garden inside Holland Park pays tribute to its name; being a gorgeous example of an Edwardian garden that was heavily inspired by horticulture from Holland and the Netherlands. Expect vibrant flowerbeds (especially during spring and summer), a stunning symmetrical layout, and sculptures galore – so be sure to fire up the Instagram before entering.
📍Holland Park, London W8 6LU
4. Experience a show by Holland Park’s Opera House
🚨 The outdoor Opera House is now closed for winter, but there are still productions taking over local venues. Visit their website, here.
Famed for its three-month summer festival, the Holland Park Opera House is a must-visit during the warmer months. Enjoy fabulous productions by this renowned urban opera company, enveloped by the stunning gardens of the park itself. However, the fun doesn’t stop in the summer, with productions popping up all over London and local venues throughout the year, especially at Christmas.
📍Holland Park, London W8 6LU
Pubs
5. Enjoy a cracking Sunday lunch at The Holland
Whether it’s elevated pub grub you’re after, or perhaps one of the best Sunday roasts in London, The Holland has got you covered. This charming pub is a local favourite, with friendly, welcoming vibes and a warm interior, ideal for a lazy afternoon.
Beyond the food, this classic, cosy pub has an awesome selection of craft beers and ales, making it one of our favourite pubs in the area. So, drop a pin on The Holland to experience it for yourselves!
📍25 Earls Ct Rd, London W8 6EB
6. Get the pints in at The Castle pub
The Castle is a turn-of-the-century pub that has more of a traditional feel, serving up a hearty menu of pub classics, as well as another unbeatable selection of beers and ales. Its Victorian exterior is strikingly tiled with different shades of green, and there are both some modern quirks and historic features to boot inside. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Kensington and Holland Park, so be sure to keep it in mind the next time you’re in the area.
📍100 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UA.
7. Relax and unwind at The Scarsdale Tavern
If it’s fantastic beer gardens you’re after, it doesn’t get much better than The Scarsdale Tavern. This fantastic boozer is an adorable option, filled with cosy corners and all the trimmings that make for the perfect pub.
Its peaceful ambience makes it a great option for a quieter drink (or three), with those standout pub grub staples throughout their enticing menu. For more pub options to embark on the ultimate pub crawl across London, click here.
📍23a Edwardes Square, London W8 6HE.
See also: The best pubs in London to enjoy a tipple or two!
Dining
8. Ciao-down on Italian cuisine at Edera
For authentic Italian fare, head to Holland Park’s beloved Edera. This neighbourhood trattoria serves up the classics like creamy burrata for starters, perfectly cooked taglioline with truffle for the main, and of course, tiramisu for dessert. In fact, we’ll go ahead and say it: you cannot leave this place without trying out the tiramisu – it’s an absolute dream.
📍148 Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UE
9. Treat yourself at the Michelin-starred Kitchen W8
If you’re one of London’s many devoted foodies, be sure to stop by Kitchen W8 the next time you’re in the Holland Park area. This Michelin-starred (yet unpretentious) eatery delivers modern European dishes in a sleek, understated setting. They truly treat food as if they’re creating works of art, evident in the presentation of every dish that ruptures out of the kitchen.
📍11-13 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AH
10. Dine at the beloved Six Portland Road
Although small in size, this beloved restaurant more than makes up for it with their mighty flavours. Six Portland Street boasts a seasonal menu, also opting for varied European cuisines, that not only change regularly but continuously spotlights fresh and inventive ingredients.
The dishes are always perfectly balanced and there’s so much creativity exuberating from their incredible menu. Never be afraid to ask for the perfect wine pairing here, as they have some stellar options and the staff are extremely friendly.
📍6 Portland Rd, London W11 4LA.
Arts & Culture
11. Get cultured at the Design Museum
A go-to hub for creativity, the Design Museum showcases everything from contemporary furniture to cutting-edge fashion, and beyond. Expect unmissable temporary exhibitions, as well as insightful permanent displays, all helping you learn how design shapes our lives on the daily. This must-visit museum is an essential spot for lovers of design and art in all forms, so check it out if you haven’t already!
📍224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG.
See also: The best (and mostly free) museums in London for a day of culture
12. Pay a visit to the impressive Leighton House
Step back in time and directly into the opulent world of artist Frederic Leighton, at his extraordinary former home that’s now a fully-fledged museum. The buildong is a work of art in itself, with gilded ceilings, intricate mosaics, and a stunning Arab Hall. There’s even the occasional exhibition, spotlighting different artists and themes that relate to this utterly gorgeous space and its past.
📍12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ.
13. Witness post-modernism at its finest at Cosmic House
The Cosmic House is a dazzling tribute to postmodern architecture in the heart of Holland Park. From the imaginative minds of architect Charles Jenks, built between 1978 and 1983, this fantastical home rejects the brutalist and modern architecture that came before it, and turned up the camp factor 110%.
Every inch of the house is brimming with symbolism and meaning, including an astrology-themed staircase and quirky detailing, quite literally everywhere. However, the home is only open on select days so it’s best to always check and book before you arrive.
📍12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ.
14. Channel your inner royal at Kensington Palace
Although more located in Kensington, Holland Park is located on the edges of this affluent neighbourhood, and is only a stone’s throw away from the grandeur of Kensington Palace. This beautiful palace has been the centre of royal life for over 300 years, becoming the home to many iconic figures including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. For more information and tickets, click here.
📍Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, UK
See also: Get your tickets to Kensington Palace by clicking here!
So there we have it –whether you’re unwinding in the park or looking for a local pub, Holland Park offers the perfect mix of fun things to do for a fantastic day out. Keep this round-up in mind for the next time you’re in the area; speaking of, isn’t time to plan your next visit?