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Living in Holland Park

About Holland Park

Holland Park is synonymous with refined living. Its leafy streets are lined with grand mansions and mews houses, many surrounding the communal gardens that inspired Richard Curtis’ Notting Hill. At the heart of the neighbourhood lies Holland Park itself, a historic green space that combines natural beauty with cultural prestige – home to the open-air Opera Holland Park and a summer theatre.

The area’s high-end property market, international schools, boutique shopping and dining scene attract a global crowd. Holland Park has long been a magnet for creatives, particularly those in the arts and entertainment industries. It’s no surprise the neighbourhood features prominently in British pop culture, including Absolutely Fabulous and As Time Goes By, where lead characters reside in Holland Park.

Fact file

  • The deepest point on the Central Line is between Notting Hill Gate and Holland Park stations.
  • The first dahlias grown in England were planted in the gardens of Holland House by Lady Holland in the early 19th century.
  • Holland Park Avenue is one of London’s oldest thoroughfares and was known for robberies.

Architecture and property 

The Holland Park property market is defined by grandeur and heritage. The area takes its name from Holland House, a Jacobean mansion that once served as the Whig party’s headquarters. Though partially destroyed in 1940, its surviving structure now forms the backdrop for the Holland Park Theatre.

Surrounding streets are filled with impressive period homes. Abbotsbury Road and Addison Road feature five to seven-bedroom detached houses, while Holland Villas Road is known for some of West London’s largest and most luxurious villas.

For young professionals and small families, the mews streets such as Royal Crescent Mews and Holland Park Mews offer charming, character-filled homes. Lansdowne House on Lansdowne Road adds architectural quirk to the mix.

Going out

Holland Park Avenue is the area where there's a handful of busy coffee houses. The Ladbroke Arms is also an excellent dining spot, offering al fresco seating and delicious plates of food. The Castle serves excellent Bloody Marys.

Clarendon Cross is home to luxury boutiques and artisan shops. Harper and Tom’s flower shop is a visual delight, spilling vibrant blooms onto the pavement. For elegant kitchenware, locals swear by Summerill & Bishop.

Local amenities 

Holland Park offers a refined mix of local amenities that reflect its elegant character and village like charm. Along Holland Park Avenue, locals enjoy artisan coffee houses and the beloved Daunt Books, while nearby Lidgate’s butchers is famed for its sausage rolls and premium cuts of meat.

Just around the corner, Jeroboams deli tempts with pungent cheeses and oversized olives. Everyday essentials are covered by a Tesco Express near the station, and for serious retail therapy there’s Westfield London with over 350 stores.

Fitness and wellness are well catered for, with several gyms and outdoor playing fields nearby, and when it’s time to unwind, locals head to beautifully designed spas like Cowshed for a calming massage. In summer, Holland Park Avenue becomes a social hub, with friends gathering at outdoor tables to sip espressos and enjoy some of the best people watching in West London.

Green spaces

Though the exotic birds of yesteryear are gone, Holland Park remains a haven for nature lovers. The park features a Japanese garden, woodland trails, modern sculptures, tennis courts and an Ecology Centre.

In summer, the open-air opera house hosts acclaimed productions. Nearby Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park offer even more green space, with boating on the Serpentine and beautifully maintained ornamental gardens; it’s perfect for weekend relaxation.

Education

Holland Park is home to some of West London’s best schools, including several international options. Popular primary schools include Fox Primary School and St Clement and St James CE Primary School, while Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a respected choice for older students.

Transport

Situated on the Central Line in Zone 2, Holland Park station facilitates quick travel across London. Locals can be at the heart of the Capital in a quarter of an hour and it’s 17 minutes to Bank. Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd's Bush and Shepherd's Bush Market underground stations are also located close by.

Local bus routes serve Camden Town (31), Piccadilly Circus (94), White City (148), Maida Hill (228), Clapham Junction (295) and Cricklewood (316). The 94, 148 and 295 are 24-hour services, and there is also the N207 night bus to Holborn.

Holland Park is situated between the A4 and the Westway, allowing locals to choose from various routes heading out of London. From the A4, the M4 provides easy access to the M25 and the West of England.

There are several Boris bike docking stations around Holland Park station, so locals don’t even need to have their own bike to enjoy the picturesque 25-minute cycle through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park to reach Oxford Circus.

Holland park offers excellent connectivity with Holland Park station on the Central Line in Zone 2, with travel times to Bank in 17 minutes and Oxford Circus in under 15. Other nearby stations include Notting Hill Gate, Shepherd’s Bush and Shepherd’s Bush Market.

While local bus routes include the 31 (Camden Town), 94 (Piccadilly Circus), 148 (White City), 228 (Maida Hill), 295 (Clapham Junction) and 316 (Cricklewood). The 94, 148 and 295 run 24-hour services, and the N207 night bus connects to Holborn.

If you’re travelling by car, Holland Park is situated between the A4 and the Westway, offering easy access to the M4, M25 and the West of England. There are several Boris Bike docking stations located near Holland Park station. A scenic 25-minute cycle through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park takes you to Oxford Circus.