The region of Kensington in London is just so good! There are 4-5 railway station in within Kensington (Olympia, South, High Street etc). All major museums, Royal Albert hall etc are here! While I was here I had a couple hours free and checking out 2 gardens in the locality. One was Holland Park and it was most definitely my lucky day there!
The Holland Park is the largest in Kensington at 22.5 hectares. There are sections for real wild areas for undisturbed wildlife, beautifully manicured gardens, water bodies, kids play area, proper playground, cafe and lots more! This is undeniably one of the most instagrammable places in London as well as one of the best places to visit in London in autumn as well as in spring!
So, why was my day lucky? In one of the manicured garden part was this peacock. Then I saw this Peahen. Then I saw another peacock and both the boys were trying big time to seduce the gal!!! And it was then, one of the peacock opened up its feathers and started dancing. Sadly, the peahen just didn't care, however me and the other few visitors of the park were incredibly rejoiced!!!
Anyways, after the fella got rejected, a pigeon went on to be a bro to the fella and walked along!!!! Later on, after about half an hour I did spot the peahen with the peacock, but I dunno if he was the guy who danced, though...
The tulips in full bloom everywhere and the modern sculptures scattered all over the park made the place just perfect. Infact there was also a huge chess board, and there was a toddler who was moving the chess pieces, which were as tall as he was! There are some seating arrangements everywhere and there are proper round tables near the car park.
One of the major sections of the park was a garden was the Kyoto Garden. Kyoto, located in central Japan, was the capital city for several years. There is a gorgeous 3 step waterfalls which makes the place just spectacular. The water flows over and forms a pool and that places was filled with Grey Herons, Pigeons and Ducks! The colors of the flowers and leaves of the plants and trees all around it made the place just the best!!! This part was built in 1991.
From there at a walkable distance, very very close to the High Street Kensington station is the Derry & Tom's Roof Garden. Derry and Toms is a good old department store and there was a garden on its roof. In 1973 it was closed and many various offices opened and closed till date but the roof gardens stayed on and in 1981 became a Grade II* listed building!
Its 100ft above the ground in 6th floor and sprawling across 1.5 acres. Apart from a few mallard ducks the most important thing here - the 4 flamingoes!!!
The place is filled not only plants but also tall trees! That's something here in England that totally astonishes me. The gardens in higher floors filled with not just plants but trees with all their roots! That's engineering at its best!
It has seating arrangements along the sides with roofing. At one section there were multi colored pouffy cushions of the floor with a very Turkish feel to it! The wondrous part it when you see from outside its almost impossible to see the trees and to figure there's such a place in the 6th floor. A day basking in the sun here is just the best!!! To Get There: Nearest Railway Stations: Kensington Olymipia, High Street Kensington Entry fee: Free at both places
Bhushavali
An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands
This is a really lovely, and hidden find! So wonderful to know there are peacocks here, pretty incredible for London. I'm definitely going to visit, just once the sun comes out and spring is here!
Wow what an amazing park! If I lived in London I think Holland would be my second home! The garden with the different theme are beautiful and I can imagine my family and I strolling every weekend in these garden. And yes you were lucky to seen a peacook chasing a peahen but got rejectedPoor guy! That must have been fun to see!
I love finding beautiful gardens in the middle of great metropolises. Those peacocks are stunning and would be so glorious to see in person. That chess board reminds me of something from Harry Potter!
Oh, how beautiful. We've spent a decent amount of time in that area but haven't made it to Holland Park yet. Now it's on the list for next trip. I always love seeing peacocks. Their colors never cease to amaze me.
Wow! These gardens are stunningly beautiful surrounded by lovely flowers, amusing sculptures, waterfalls and bird life. Oh that dance of the peacock is hilarious! You were lucky enough to get a glimpse of that rare sight. A garden on the 6th floor with trees on it is really an engineering marvel. Quite fascinating!
I have heard a lot about the tiny charming railway stations of United Kingdom. Haha, I enjoyed reading the games peacock played. You are lucky to see them dancing. Holland park seems like a nice place.
On all my trips I try to visit one natural or green space in an area. I find that it's an authentic and often historic glimpse into a destination. Love your photographY!
London is one of my favourite places, I love how there are little pieces of green space beautifully dotted around the hustle of the city, your pictures are gorgeous!
Holland Park looks MAGICAL! I could easily spend a day in here exploring, picnicking, hanging out with gorgeous peacocks and reading! So much variety within the space, especially the Kyoto Garden...so well appointed and well-maintained. Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely garden! Looks like a nice place to stroll around. Too bad about the peacock's rejection, though! Nice that there are tall trees there to balance out the garden. Seem like a wonderful place to visit.
Holland Park looks so stunning. Sighting the peacock in all its coloured splendour must indeed have been a magical experience. The Kyoto garden looks ethereal. I really love these Japanese gardens, they have such a mystical aura about them.
I love exploring parks, and this one looks awesome! What a perfect time of year to go there to see the blooms. The peacocks are definitely an added touch :)
I’ve been to London a few times and always heard the stop for Kensington on the underground but never got off. Those parks looks amazing! Would love to check out the peacocks as well.
This is a really lovely, and hidden find! So wonderful to know there are peacocks here, pretty incredible for London. I'm definitely going to visit, just once the sun comes out and spring is here!
ReplyDeleteWow what an amazing park! If I lived in London I think Holland would be my second home!
ReplyDeleteThe garden with the different theme are beautiful and I can imagine my family and I strolling every weekend in these garden. And yes you were lucky to seen a peacook chasing a peahen but got rejectedPoor guy! That must have been fun to see!
I love finding beautiful gardens in the middle of great metropolises. Those peacocks are stunning and would be so glorious to see in person. That chess board reminds me of something from Harry Potter!
ReplyDeleteOh, how beautiful. We've spent a decent amount of time in that area but haven't made it to Holland Park yet. Now it's on the list for next trip. I always love seeing peacocks. Their colors never cease to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice place
ReplyDeleteWow! These gardens are stunningly beautiful surrounded by lovely flowers, amusing sculptures, waterfalls and bird life. Oh that dance of the peacock is hilarious! You were lucky enough to get a glimpse of that rare sight. A garden on the 6th floor with trees on it is really an engineering marvel. Quite fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot about the tiny charming railway stations of United Kingdom. Haha, I enjoyed reading the games peacock played. You are lucky to see them dancing. Holland park seems like a nice place.
ReplyDeleteOn all my trips I try to visit one natural or green space in an area. I find that it's an authentic and often historic glimpse into a destination. Love your photographY!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely park! I have been recently chased by a peacock, so I am still wary of them, but loved the photos and how cool are those tall trees?
ReplyDeleteWow these are absolutely beautiful views. I would adore coming here fir a visit and seeing all of this! Shell
ReplyDeleteLondon is one of my favourite places, I love how there are little pieces of green space beautifully dotted around the hustle of the city, your pictures are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAwwww, this is totally my kind of garden and place to visit!! My mom would love it also - wish we could all go!
ReplyDeleteSince I love the greens of the outdoor, I would surely love Holland Park. It looks so fresh.
ReplyDeleteHolland Park looks MAGICAL! I could easily spend a day in here exploring, picnicking, hanging out with gorgeous peacocks and reading! So much variety within the space, especially the Kyoto Garden...so well appointed and well-maintained. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely garden! Looks like a nice place to stroll around. Too bad about the peacock's rejection, though! Nice that there are tall trees there to balance out the garden. Seem like a wonderful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteHolland Park looks so stunning. Sighting the peacock in all its coloured splendour must indeed have been a magical experience. The Kyoto garden looks ethereal. I really love these Japanese gardens, they have such a mystical aura about them.
ReplyDeleteI love exploring parks, and this one looks awesome! What a perfect time of year to go there to see the blooms. The peacocks are definitely an added touch :)
ReplyDeleteThis park looks absolutely amazing!! What an amazing experience to see the peacocks so close!! I can't wait to go visit. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is by far my favourite park in Kensington. I love that there are flamingos!
ReplyDeleteAmazingly beautiful park... I wish I could be there and feel the nature green..
ReplyDeleteI’ve been to London a few times and always heard the stop for Kensington on the underground but never got off. Those parks looks amazing! Would love to check out the peacocks as well.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! To witness a Peacock Dance in London!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite places in the world :)
ReplyDelete