Filkete writes:
Greenery/Vegetation
The quality of the grass was ok, nothing really spectacular at the part that we could sit on. In the gardens it was great, but we weren’t allowed to sit on it, only benches! Being in a park, no matter how fancy it is (Holland Park is), you should be able to sit and lie down on the grass. That’s part of the fun man!
Add-Ons (“Beyond The Greenery..”)
There is a lot to discover in this park. There was something that looked like a forest with wild trees and chirping birds. Some great art greets you just when you think you’ve seen it all. There was a great sculpture that I was impressed with, an old looking, hard working man walking on a pathway that disappears. And there was something trumpet-like that makes you feel like it’s playing for the trees, not for human kind.
Atmosphere
It’s a great park, first it seems too small, then when you start wandering around, you feel like you’re in a labyrinth. You don’t know what you’re going to see next, more strangely, what to expect. There are lots of hidden gardens that are so pretty that you feel like you’re at a “best garden” competition of some kind.
Tips, Tricks & Traps
There is a fish pond worth seeing, the fishes are huge, I mean huuuge. Do not forget to see peacocks, mind you, they will find you anyway. They are walking around with authority.
There is a café/restaurant which I haven’t been in, but it looks good from a distance.
Greenery/Vegetation
Very dense with foliage of every kind. A cornucopia (always wanted to use that word) of trees and plants from around the world. There are several open areas. They’re not too wide but always feel cosy and are surround by superb trees or bushes, vines etc.
Add-Ons (“Beyond The Greenery”)
An amazing array of art is dotted about the park. A mixture of different kinds of sculptures are either in plain view or hidden away. There is also an indoor gallery. A very nice café/restaurant with all amenities. There is even a courtyard lawn at the centre of the café. The other major feature is there are birds loose. Peacocks strut around like high lords of the park. Above you hear squawks from unusual tropical birds.
Also at different times of the year there are concerts and performances in the park.
Atmosphere
Holland Park is very special. Its patchwork areas being shrouded with trees, wild birds, old (Romanesque) architecture and interesting art make the whole experience feel like a bit of an adventure. Sometimes I felt like I was in an eccentric millionaire’s private garden tea party. If it’s wide open space you want, you won’t find it here.
Tips, Tricks & Traps
Definitely walk around and explore this one. Try to find all the hidden art pieces. See if you can identify those squawking foreign birds!