There
are few places better to be than London on a beautiful sunny day and
we’ve asked Jose Pauco, Head Concierge at The Milestone Hotel, to share
his recommendations of the best parks you can visit in London.Holland Park, Kensington
One of the smallest parks in the City and not as well known as the others, formerly the grounds for Cope Castle, a Jacobean mansion deeply hidden in the woodlands. It was built by Sir Walter Cope, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer under King James I. It later was renamed Holland House by the Earl of Holland’s wife Lady Rich. Presently Holland House serves as a seasonal Opera venue where one can see classic Operas such as Madama Butterfly and Pagliacci.
The Park mainly comprises of large areas of woodlands to explore, which almost gives you the feeling you have left the City. There is an Ecology centre where one can learn about the species that live there, its environment and biodiversity. The main attraction is the elegant and tranquil Kyoto Gardens, built in 1991 to celebrate the Japanese festival in 1992. Holland Park is one of the most romantic parks in London.
Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea
Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London to train young apprentices in identifying plants, the Chelsea Physic Garden is London’s oldest botanic garden. Visiting this special garden you will find around 5000 different plants, some rare and endangered species and some with proven medical use.
One of the popular features is the pond rock garden built from old building stones from the Tower of London and Icelandic lava.
A secret garden in the heart of London not to be missed!
Kensington Gardens, Kensington
Formerly private hunting grounds for King Henry VIII, it was not until the reign of King William III and his wife where the gardens began to take shape. He commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build Kensington Palace, while Queen Mary II favoured garden development projects building flower beds and box hedges.
One of the prominent features is the Italian Gardens a spectacular ornamental water garden mainly carved in Carrara marble.
J.M Barrie a frequent visitor of the park drew his inspiration here to create the book Peter Pan. There is a statue of Peter Pan in the park in commemoration.
A special park with a Royal connection.
Kew Gardens, Kew
Perhaps the most well known garden in London, there are a number of plants to visit, green houses and landscapes to explore and wildlife to see.
One of the best features to see in the gardens is the Chinese pagoda, the waterlily house and the Japanese garden built in 1910 for the Japanese-British Exhibition.
There is always an excuse to come visit the Royal Botanic gardens in every season to see the vibrant colours.
Wisley Gardens, Surrey
Founded in 1878 by George Fergusson Wilson he began a project called ‘Oakwood experimental garden’ where he attempted to grow plants that struggled to grow in these climates. In 1902, after his death Sir Thomas Hanbury acquired the site and gifted it to The Royal Horticultural Society.
Today one can visit the informal gardens, glasshouses that stimulate tropical climates, fruit and vegetable gardens and the Battleston Hill. A must for one with green fingers!
By Jose Pauco, Head Concierge at The Milestone Hotel
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Chapisha Maoni