(Photo: YHA)
Open:
Sunday 10:00–17:00
Description:
The original Holland House was a Jacobean mansion, built in 1607 for Sir Walter Cope, James I‘s Chancellor of the Exchequer. In the 18th century it was owned by Charles James Fox, who became leader of the Whig party.
In the early 19th century, Lady Holland held a salon here, attended by such famous names as Richard Sheridan, Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, William Wordsworth and Charles Dickens.
During WW2 the house was bombed and destroyed by fire. Afterwards the remains of one wing were repaired. With new buildings designed by Sir Hugh Casson and Neville Condor, this now forms the King George VI Memorial Youth Hostel. It was officially opened by HM the Queen on 25 May 1959.
The garden is laid mainly to lawn, surrounded by beds containing shrubs and perennial plants with some annuals for additional colour. There is a large, well-stocked pond in front of the old Holland House, visited by mallards, moorhens, herons and Holland Park's peacocks.
Activities:
Refreshments available.
Entrance:
Holland House Youth Hostel is accessed by the Duchess of Bedford's Walk gate to Holland Park on Holland Walk, it being approx. 50m from the gate on the right when entering the park.
Nearest postcode: W8 7QU
Sells tickets.
Buses:
9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 328 + 52, 70, 94, 148, 452
Stations:
High Street Kensington, Holland Park
Access:
The entrance to the garden is down a flight of seven steps.
Dogs:
Working assistance dogs only
Conditions:
No picnics.
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 26/05/2010