London’s Parks :: Hyde Park and Holland Park

Can you tell I am leaving London soon (to move to Chile)?  I seem to have already begun with some nostalgic posts: What London Means to Me where I listed my favourite parts of London & Thoughts on Escaping The City where I said that I don’t ever have the feeling that I need to “escape” the city.  Maybe the reason that I never need to escape is because us Londoners are so lucky to live somewhere with a tonne of green space.  London definitely isn’t a concrete jungle. When I think of a park, I think of flat grass and some dotted around trees.  But our parks are far from that, they spread on for what seems like miles and have water, gardens, activities, views… the list goes on. As I’m on my summer holidays from work at the moment, I have been doing lots of park exploring.  Starting with one of the biggest of the London Parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens merge into one huge area of beauty and activity. Hyde Park // Kensington Gardens Beautiful, brightly coloured flowers make a big appearance in this park.  Close to Hyde Park Corner is a rose garden with benches to admire the sights and smells of these beautiful blooms. You will also find a flower walk in the centre of the park.  After walking through the gate you are greeted with flowers to either side of you.  The trees tower way above your head, giving the flower walk a private and peaceful feel to it.  The colours and textures are just beautiful. From the flower walk you can catch a glimpse of The Albert Memorial, which was build to commemorate the death of Prince Albert.  It towers way above the park and the gold glistens at you.  It really is very striking and so vast. Walk closer to see the detail and real take in just how huge this memorial is!  One of the most famous features of the park is The Serpentine, a lake using for boating and general admiring, people also brave the cold waters for a swim too!  Another feature of water is Round Pond, in front of Kensington Palace.  It’s teeming with swans and ducks being happily fed. One of the most impressive and beautiful parts of Kensington Gardens is the Sunken Garden brimming with colour.  It was breathtakingly beautiful!  I never knew this existed and was blown away by it, it looks almost tropical with the beautiful blue sky backdrop. Lastly, by The Serpentine are The Serpentine Galleries housing temporary exhibitions.  Currently, on The Serpentine Pavillion is this amazing structure, designed by Selgascano.  You are able to walk through the parts of the structure, looking up at the colours above you. Holland Park Just a few minutes walk from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens is Holland Park.  Holland Park is one of those parks with lots of nooks and crannies; different gardens, arches, squares, flower beds and patches of grass.  It also has paths that look like they lead into the countryside or the woods.  After seeing Jessi’s post on the beautiful Japanese Gardens, I headed there myself for a little taste of Japan.  It’s so peaceful as the trickling water from the waterfall paired with the beautiful water reflections create such a serene feel. Which are your favourite parks to visit? Marcella xx Follow along on Bloglovin’ :D//