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Among other things the park contains a famous Orangery,
a cricket pitch, tennis courts, a Japanese garden, a
Youth Hostel, one of London's best equipped children's
playgrounds, squirrels and (impressively for a London
park) peacocks. Today the remains of the house form
a backdrop for the open air Holland Park Theatre, which
is the home of Opera Holland Park. The green-roofed
Commonwealth Institute lies to the south.
In the early 17th century, the grounds and mansion
were inherited by the wife of Sir Henry, Earl of Holland,
where the Holland park in London gets its name from.
The Holland family retained the property until 1889.
During World War II Holland House was badly damaged
and only one wing was saved. This wing is now used as
a youth hostel in the centre of the park. In the summertime
open-air theatre productions and classical concerts
have the remaining section of the front terrace as a
unique backdrop. A rose garden and Japanese garden are
two of the many gardens within the park along with many
enjoyable tree-lined walks. There is also a cafe and
a restaurant house in the former Garden Ballroom, originally
built in the mid 1800's and the old Orangery often plays
host to art exhibitions. The main entrance is next to
the Commonwealth Experience off High Street Kensington.
Nearest Tube : Holland Park / High Street Kensington.
My impression is at best it can be described as a jogging
park for nearby residents. To be honest this would be
the last park I would visit in London.
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