Every time I visit London I fall a little more in love with the city. Last month, I fell especially in love with Kensington, a borough of beauty, luxury, and gardens. The area is a flower lover’s paradise.
I started in Holland Park, which as the borough’s largest park isn’t exactly a secret, but was enchanting all the same. The 54-acre park has woodlands to get lost in and recreational areas for tennis and other sports, but the most stunning feature is the Kyoto Garden, a Japanese garden donated in 1991 by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce. If you want to feel transported out of the city, the waterfalls and koi ponds of Holland Park are just what you need.
One of the most enjoyable parts of my stay was wandering The Roof Gardens, a retreat above the city. You can stroll through the arches of the Tudor Garden, take in an array of blooms, trees and birds in the English Woodland (there are even flamingos!), or lounge in my favorite–the Spanish Garden. Modeled after the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, this garden mixes Moorish architecture with colorful tiles and flowers for an exotic look complete with luxurious looking chairs you’ll want to sip cocktails from all day. Speaking of cocktails, Babylon, the restaurant one floor up, serves drinks on the terrace with beautiful views of both the London’s skyline and the gardens below. In chilly months, heaters and blankets are provided so you can enjoy year-round. The sixth floor gardens are free to the public, though often hired for private events so booking is encouraged. By night, they sometimes double as a live music venue and one of the best nightclubs in London, so check out what’s happening online before your visit and get on the list!
While not always practical for a visitor, if you live within driving distance (or are visiting and just want to look) Rassels of Kensington is a must-stop. The unassuming storefront opens up to a massive plant nursery selling everything a gardener could ever need, from pots to seeds to wreaths and garden ornaments. The staff is fantastic too, answering any questions you have with ease. I found myself here on accident, then wished I could take everything home with me.
To feel like royalty, stop for afternoon tea at The Orangery, set on the grounds of Kensington Palace. The baroque architecture and pristine gardens will make you feel like a queen (or king) while you sip and snack.
Finally, relax at The Kensington, a hotel which after a day of gardens was the icing on a particularly pretty cake. Each luxury room is individually decorated with beautiful furnishings and artwork to pair with the Victorian architecture. I couldn’t get enough of the deep colors and plush fabrics, the high ceilings, spacious bath and shower, and incredible service. There are many restaurants in the area, but the hotel’s own bar and restaurant are worth dining in at least once. I’m not sure I’ve ever loved a hotel so much as The Kensington, and was almost as sad to leave my room as I was to leave London.
What are your favorite things to do in London? What is your favorite area? I’m always looking for new tips and places to explore on future trips. For other London adventures and to get in touch, visit Curiosity and a Carry On. And for what to pack on your next trip to London, click here.