Holland Park and Kyoto Gardens
23 Pics – Holland park is considered one of the most interesting parks and places to photograph in London with many features and a range of flora and fauna. The north of the park is mostly woodland whilst the south has more formal gardens, an ecology centre, large play area and cafe. There are lawn areas throughout the park to relax on.
Please click on any picture to enlarge. Getting There⇒ History⇒
Holland Park
Peacocks can just about fly but usually have their wings clipped. There is another one later
Some of the flora near the southern end,
This is just south of the Belvedere restaurant, which can be seen in the background.
Just north of the Belvedere is this water feature within a courtyard.
.. and in the same courtyard.
Whereas, taking the first right after the building there is an arts and craft shop and a little further on the Holland Park Cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
A few steps further north are the formal gardens, featuring the Dutch Garden.
The Dutch Gardens
These fellows look like hungry chicks.
Here’s the rest of the family.
A few steps further north, on the east to west path.
There is some controversy as to why peacocks have such extravagant plumage. I discovered what must be the real reason by accident. Some years ago a few friends and I where enjoying a picnic in one of the royal parks. Opposite under a tree was a mature peacock quietly enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the shade. Between us a group ducks and geese began to gather. About thirty of them.
The peacock was not perturbed until the group of wildfowl grew closer to his quiet domain and began to squabble. Up came the peacock’s plume and he began to shake the quills creating a deafening racket. With the spread of eyes and a sound like many snakes rattling and hissing it was a stunning apparition. The ducks and geese thought so too. They all began running towards us trying to get aloft. We had to duck down (no pun intended) to avoid getting struck. It seems they were so scared of the apparition that they were quite oblivious to our presence.
I’m sure that the plumage does have a mating advantage. Not because it’s pretty but because scares off predators.
A little further still.
Kyoto Gardens
“Upon reflection, I’m twice the bird I used to be”.
Kyoto gardens is not quite as big as it may appear but is nevertheless a very pleasant garden of contemplation with some seating at the edges.
A couple more flowers to end.
.. and Thank You for visiting Freed from Time.
What a beautiful place. I miss parks like these as Auckland doesn’t really have any. Christchurch does, or did.
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April 19, 2014 at 00:34
You’ll be alright in Aberdeen there are loads of them. 🙂
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April 19, 2014 at 01:19
You are indeed twice the bird you used to be. Or so I image.
I have never thought of tulips as hungry chicks, but now I shall henceforth see their two lips begging for morsels. Of lettuce. From the duck police 😉
We’re finally warming up over here, but it’s nice to see such lush flora and fauna. Thanks for sharing a bit of your world!
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April 21, 2014 at 02:14
Thank you and you’re welcome. I will be interested to see what lies under your banket of snow. Could be anything. The imagination runs wild. 🙄
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April 21, 2014 at 11:06
What a lovely park – although I have to admit to not really liking peacocks. The Japanese gardens are delightful.
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April 21, 2014 at 16:35
Thank you.
I know what you mean about peacocks. When you get up close they have the beaks of felons. Have a teddy bear instead 🐻
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April 21, 2014 at 17:08
Gorgeous, gorgeous post & photos Graham. Kudos~
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April 23, 2014 at 03:50
Thank You. Like Britain, it ain’t big but it is pretty. 🙂
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April 23, 2014 at 04:55
what a fabulous place to visit. I love all your photos.
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May 30, 2014 at 18:19
Thank You 🙂
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May 30, 2014 at 18:21
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed. 🙂
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June 3, 2014 at 04:56
What amazing shots of this beautiful garden.
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June 3, 2014 at 04:42
Thank you. The broader screen really makes a difference. I’m glad you found the new blog. 🙂
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June 3, 2014 at 04:48
Woow !!these photos are amazing! You are a really good photographer, thank you for sharing!
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October 13, 2014 at 06:29
I’m glad you like them. There are more to cheer up the autumn/winter months. 🙂
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October 13, 2014 at 06:35
Reblogged this on IdealisticRebel's Daily View of Favorites.
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March 6, 2015 at 17:20
Thank you. I hope you readers enjoy. 🙂
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March 6, 2015 at 17:26
I have no doubts. Hugs, Barbara
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March 6, 2015 at 17:32
Very lovely gardens! Hugs, Barbara
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March 6, 2015 at 17:25
Beautiful. That peacock photo is incredible 🙂
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May 31, 2017 at 01:26
Thank you. One of natures more unusual wonders.
More singing flowers soon. 🙂
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May 31, 2017 at 12:46