Kyoto Garden
kyoto in kensington, for nothing
A genuine Japanese garden in the middle of Holland Park, with a tiered waterfall, a koi pond and peacocks wandering the paths. Free, and almost absurdly serene.
Free to visit · Kensington · Holland Park · W8 6LU
Opening: Daily · roughly 7:30am to dusk with the park
Tucked inside Holland Park is a garden that feels a very long way from west London. The Kyoto Garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto in 1991, built by Japanese gardeners, and it is the real thing, a tiered pond fed by a stepped waterfall, stone lanterns, clipped maples and carp drifting under the surface.
It is small, which is the point. You walk a slow loop across stepping stones and over little bridges, the traffic noise gone, and in autumn the acers turn flame red and the whole place looks like a postcard. The peacocks that roam Holland Park wander straight through it, entirely unbothered, and will happily pose on a lantern for you.
Best of all it is completely free, as is the rest of Holland Park around it, woodland walks, the Dutch Garden, the Fukushima Garden next door. You could spend a whole calm morning here without spending a penny, a few minutes from the shops of Kensington High Street.
Getting there: Holland Park on the Central line, or up from Kensington High Street, then follow the signs into the park.
Best time to go: Early morning before the crowds, or autumn when the maples turn. The peacocks are about most of the day and not remotely shy.
Insider tip: Get there for opening, before the influencer queue forms on the little bridge. Early morning you get the waterfall, the mist on the pond and the peacocks to yourself, and the light through the maples is at its best.
Official site: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide