Holland Park

Pretty, petit Holland Park is the ideal location for those wanting to escape the clamour of the city but who don't want to travel too far out of the centre. Tucked away in one of London's most elegant districts, the park offers small, cosy grassy knolls, cooling woodland glades, wild ponds, pavilions, an open expanse for games and general frolicking, playgrounds for older and younger children and a caf. Small, but perfectly formed, this lovely park is perfect for an intimate picnic or romantic stroll. There are beautiful woodland trails, manicured lawns and formal gardens, the Kyoto Japanese Garden with its resident Coi, and a fantastic ice cream stand in the middle. Holland Park used to be a private estate belonging to the Earl of Holland and during the 19th century the house attracted high profile visitors from various walks of life from the politician Lord Palmerston to the poet Lord Byron. The former ballroom of Holland House is now the stylish Belvedere restaurant, while the Orangery and Ice House host temporary exhibitions. In the summer open-air operas are performed at the park's theatre. Look out for peacocks roaming around.