Whoever has been in London knows how many attractions this metropolis can offer. Among architecture, museums, historical sites and endless distractions, an important role is represented by its parks and green areas.
It is well known that the English Gardens have always been an example for lovers of the genre, nevertheless today I would like to introduce you a garden uncommon for England landscape, but in my opinion very special and stunning.
This small “secret” Garden is located inside the Holland Park, situated in west London, around the ruins of the Holland House. The house, originally known as Cope Castle, was in past a great house that served as the home of diplomats and powerful families throughout its history. It was constructed in 1605, but was destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. Today it's a large park which includes several gardens, a cafe, a restaurant and various sports facilities.
Kyoto garden is a “tiny pocket of Japan inside an English setting”.
This park, in fact, is so different than others not just for its landscape, but also for the attitude with which people live it: if in all parks it’s common to listen laugh, chat or children, here the atmosphere is really quite, relaxing and spiritual. It’s a peaceful corner where you can rest and stop your thoughts for a moment. There you can meet people coming not for a walk, due its tiny dimension, but just to rest, to read, or to spend time with someone.
The garden was opened in 1991 as a cooperative project between the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce in Japan, to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain.
The landscape was designed by one very well known Japanese designer who worked in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to create unique and authentic Japanese-style garden: in fact you can find there tranquil tiered waterfalls, a serene pond full of beautiful koi carp, stone lanterns, Japanese maple trees and, if you are fortuitous, you might even see a peacock.
To reach it by public transport, the closer Tube Station is Holland Park on the Central Line. Then just few minutes of walk through the park and…enjoy this magic.