A good place for wheelchair users to visit, with some rough and uncomfortable paths
4
4
Date of visit: November 2021
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: disabled toilet
Overall Rating
Good
Holland Park is lovely, and has the beautiful Japanese style 'Kyoto Garden'. Wheelchair access is easy in most areas, with just a few areas where only the most intrepid wheelchair users would venture.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
On the whole the park is wheelchair-friendly, but there are many rough gravelly paths which you may find hideously uncomfortable. The tarmac paths, however, are ideal and easily traversed. The beautiful Japanese style Kyoto Garden has one step-free entrance, which is thoughtfully signposted with clear signage. There is a bridge over the Kyoto Garden's lake, but I suspect that not even the most intrepid wheelchair user would attempt to cross it, because it is approached on each side by a set of very rough boulders, which look beautiful but are positively dangerous for a wheelchair user. All other parts of the Kyoto Garden are easily accessible. See my photos below.
Parking & Transport
Average
The nearest tube station is High Street Kensington, which is not at all step-free. Earl's Court tube station is about ¾ of a mile away and fully step-free. Kensington Olympia station, served by London Overground, is step-free and roughly the same distance away. Zillions of bus routes pass along Kensington High Street, very close to the entrance to Holland Park. I wouldn't dream of trying to park in this area.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
There is an accessible toilet. It's OK, and doesn't require a RADAR key. Expect to be hassled by rude and impatient grandmothers with babies, as the toilet is in constant use for its baby-changing facilities, they will keep trying to open the door while you are doing your business. One really terrible thing about this toilet is that the red emergency cord has been completely ripped out of its mounting and is therefore useless. It means that anyone who falls over and needs to summon help will be unable to do so. This is dangerous and thoughtless and the people responsible for managing this toilet should fix the red emergency cord immediately.
Staff
Excellent
I asked a gardener for directions while I was in the park, he was friendly, patient and helpful.
Additional Information
I would definitely visit Holland Park again. The squirrels are cheeky and beg shamelessly for nuts and other little treats. There is a good café, and there is an interesting statue of Lord Holland.
