8. Holland Park, West London

Details:- A walk from the Time Out book of London Walks. Lynne & I started in Holland Park, and then we followed the route through quiet streets elegantly lined with large C19th houses and studios, and eventually onto Kensington Gardens to see the Diana Memorial. Distance:- 4 miles; Going:- Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy; although a heavy shower just after getting off the bus saw us huddled under the umbrella. Map:- Time Out Book Of London Walks Vol. 1; Progress:- Walked 88 - 412 to go. Photographs Hyperlink.

Holland Park.

My first visit, and wow! How lovely to wander the gardens of Holland House, itself in tatters, ruined by bombs in ww2, and left to the nation. There are lawns, formal gardens, a Japanese garden, and acres of semi-wilderness presently sprouting daffodils. A fine refuge from a fast moving metropolis.

Kensington.

The back streets of Kensington and Holland Park are a delight. We noticed how quiet are these backwaters away from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares. And as we stroll along what a pleasure it is to read about some of these wonderful houses and their inhabitants.

Albert Memorial/Hall.

The purpose of our visit to London was an evening out at the Albert Hall for dinner and an opera; my valentine gift from Lynne. It was my first visit to the Albert Hall , and it didn't disappoint. Our dinner in the Elgar restaurant was mostly very good; and marked a special occasion for us. Madame Butterfly was also very enjoyable; it was done 'in the round' with the stage set out in the promenade area of the hall. The singing was a joy, although at times slightly overpowered by the orchestra. We walked back across Kensington Gardens to our hotel in Bayswater with Puccini's wonderful music ringing in our ears, and with a total eclipse of the moon overhead.

Diana Memorial....

.....having heard all the hype when this was made in 2004, I came expecting to be entirely underwhelmed. But in fact....we thought it was great! All that beautifully carved granite creating a circular watercourse of great variety and interest that is a pleasure to walk around and enjoy. This is the blurb from the website:- ''It contains 545 pieces of Cornish granite - each shaped by the latest computer-controlled machinery and pieced together using traditional skills. The design aims to reflect Diana's life, water flows from the highest point in two directions as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly being refreshed and is drawn from London's water table.'' Sounds like something and nothing, but my advice is check it out before you decide!