Best Places to Live in London: Holland Park Area Guide
Garrington Property Finders explores what Holland Park has to offer homebuyers and why it’s considered by many to be one of the best places to live in London.
Nestled between Kensington and Notting Hill, Holland Park is widely regarded as one of central London’s most distinctive and characterful residential quarters.
With leafy avenues, elegant period homes, and a generous green space at its centre, Holland Park offers a distinctive blend of calm and accessibility.
This guide explores its setting, architecture, lifestyle, and transport connections, and why Holland Park is among the best places to live in London for those seeking an established and well-connected address in the capital.
Location and neighbourhood character
Holland Park sits within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Although boundaries are informal, it is generally framed by Kensington High Street to the south, Holland Park Avenue to the north, Holland Road to the west, and Kensington Church Street to the east.
Its residential streets are lined with mature trees and a variety of period homes. Larger villas and terraces can be found on roads such as Addison Road, Abbotsbury Road, and Holland Villas Road, while smaller terraces and mews houses are tucked around Holland Park Avenue and Royal Crescent.
The area’s architectural heritage has been carefully preserved, with any newer buildings designed to sit harmoniously alongside historic surroundings.
Architecture and property style
Holland Park is considered among the best places to live in London, partly due to its 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Many properties feature high ceilings, sash windows, and decorative plasterwork, often paired with private gardens or access to communal squares.
Grand detached and semi-detached villas dominate the quieter avenues, while elegant townhouses, mansion blocks, and converted apartments are found nearer to main routes.
Streets such as Holland Villas Road and Melbury Road are known for their handsome façades and historic significance, reflecting the area’s long association with artists and creatives.
Modern developments are limited in number and designed with sensitivity to the surrounding period fabric, preserving the district’s cohesive appearance and residential character.
Life in and around Holland Park
Green space and culture
The park from which the area takes its name covers around 22.5 hectares, combining formal gardens, woodland, sports facilities, and sculptures. Its most recognisable feature, the Kyoto Garden, offers a tranquil space of ponds, waterfalls, and landscaped planting.
Opera Holland Park holds open-air performances in the summer, adding a cultural dimension that residents and visitors alike appreciate.
The park also includes a playground, tennis courts, a cricket pitch, and a chess area, making it a versatile space for recreation throughout the year.
Nearby cultural attractions include the Design Museum, located on Kensington High Street, and Leighton House Museum, once the home of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. These venues contribute to the area’s longstanding connection with London’s creative life.
Shops, cafés, and neighbouring areas
Holland Park Avenue provides a good mix of independent boutiques, cafés, and essential services. Within walking distance, Kensington High Street and Notting Hill offer further dining and shopping choices, including well-known restaurants and markets.
Despite its proximity to major thoroughfares, Holland Park itself remains calm and residential.
Residents value being able to enjoy both the convenience of central London and the quieter rhythm of a more local community.
Schools and access
Education
The area is served by several respected schools.
- The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School is a secondary school on Addison Road.
- Thomas’s Kensington, an independent preparatory school for children aged 4 to 11.
- Southbank International School (Kensington campus), offering International Baccalaureate Primary Years education.
These, along with a range of nurseries and further independent options in nearby Kensington and Chelsea, make Holland Park an appealing option for many families who value access to well-regarded schools.
Transport and road links
Holland Park Underground station, on the Central line, offers convenient access to the West End and several areas within the city, with some destinations requiring a change. Shepherd’s Bush, a short distance away, offers overground and other rail services.
For travel by car, the A40 and A4/M4 corridors provide straightforward routes across London and towards Heathrow Airport. This combination of connections allows residents to move easily between home, work, and leisure across the capital.
Why homebuyers are drawn to Holland Park
Many homebuyers are drawn to Holland Park for its balance of architectural elegance, privacy, and proximity to central London.
Its mix of spacious homes, established trees, and accessible amenities creates a sense of continuity that appeals to those looking for a lasting base in the city.
While property styles vary, the overall atmosphere in Holland Park remains one of quiet sophistication.
The area’s green space, cultural landmarks, and village-like streets make it an appealing choice for those seeking a refined yet well-situated London neighbourhood.
Searching for the best places to live in London
Securing a home in an area such as Holland Park can benefit from local insight and professional guidance.
Garrington’s property finders draw on extensive market knowledge and access to off-market opportunities, supporting clients through each stage of their search and acquisition.
If you are considering a move to Holland Park or elsewhere in London, Garrington can help guide your search and identify suitable options.
To find out more about the best places to live in London, please do get in touch for a no-obligation discussion about your plans and to discover more about our services.
