15 Greatest Issues to Do Close to Paddington Station in London

In the present day I wish to share my information to one of the best issues to do close to Paddington station. This space is house to nice sights, eating places, and landmarks. You’ll discover a number of the most stunning mews within the UK capital right here, too. In case you get pleasure from seeing the massive sights as a lot as you want getting off the overwhelmed path, this space is for you. I’ve included a map as nicely.

Issues to Do Close to Paddington Station

In relation to sightseeing and exploring in central London, Paddington usually will get missed. Many individuals see it as a spot to catch a prepare to Heathrow or someplace additional afield. However there’s much more to this a part of the town than the well-known railway station.

The truth is, Paddington is price a particular journey. Proper on the northern border of Hyde Park, the realm is understood for its hidden mews, cool canals, expansive inexperienced areas, and intriguing museums. Oh, and the well-known bear.

Past that there are good native eating places and pubs, locations to buy, and nice inns and house leases to name home-away-from house.

Tips on how to Get to Paddington Station

It’s not onerous to get to Paddington station. It’s on a number of strains of the London Underground, the Elizabeth Line, and important line rail routes, so it’s simple to get to by prepare.

There are additionally loads of native buses that serve the realm, or you’ll be able to arrive on foot, by bike, or on a scooter from Hyde Park or different components of central and west London.

No matter method you select to reach, you’ll be in an amazing place to discover the native space. Learn on for my information to one of the best of it.

1. See the Paddington Bear Statue

Given the bear is as well-known because the station he was named after (if no more so), I can’t assist beginning my checklist of issues to do close to Paddington station with him.

Marcus Cornish’s Paddington Bear statue is among the greatest sights within the space, and it’s price a particular journey simply to say hi there to him.

You could find the statue beneath the clock alongside the wall by Platform 1. It’s becoming, as that’s the place he was discovered within the story. There’s a plaque close by, too.

In order for you a memento of your time with him, there’s a Paddington Bear store proper within the station. You could find every kind of presents and souvenirs right here to take house.

When you’re within the station, there’s one other statue that’s price seeing. Additionally positioned by Platform 1, it’s a tribute to The Unknown Soldier.

Made by Charles Sergeant Jagger, The Warfare Memorial commemorates the two,500 workers of the Nice Western Railway (GWR) who have been killed in World Warfare I.

Outdoors the station, you’ll discover extra statues. The small park to the east of St Mary on Paddington Inexperienced church is house to sculptures of three well-known figures who lived within the space. One is of Michael Bond, the writer of the Paddington books.

One other is Alan Turing, the famend World Warfare II codebreaker who labored at Bletchley Park. He was born close by in Maida Vale in 1912.

The third is of Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who was well-known for caring for the troopers of the Crimean Warfare. She spent her closing years in Paddington.

2. Take a Stroll

When you’re outdoors, one other of my favourite issues to do close to Paddington station is take a stroll to discover the neighborhood’s well-known streets, backyard squares, and mews.

In case you want a leg stretch earlier than or after a prepare journey (otherwise you simply wish to discover the realm), you’ll be able to stroll round and take within the highlights. In order for you some steering, you’ll be able to comply with the route of my free self-guided Paddington stroll.

In case you’re in search of a guided tour, you’ll be able to see choices and guide one right here. They’re nice methods to see the realm’s Paddington Bear connections and different spots with an skilled native.

3. Go to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

One other enjoyable factor to do close to Paddington station is go to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These adjoining inexperienced areas make up one in every of London’s most well-known landmarks, they usually’re price a particular journey.

The parks are in strolling distance of the station. As soon as contained in the gates, you’ll be near highlights just like the Italian Gardens, The Lengthy Water, The Serpentine, and the Peter Pan statue.

In case you have extra time, you’ll be able to tour the Serpentine Gallery and/or the Serpentine North Gallery (each provide free entry). They showcase a spread of up to date artwork, and the latter options the Zaha Hadid-designed Journal restaurant. It’s one in every of my favourite museum cafes in London.

In case you love the British monarchy, you gained’t wish to miss Kensington Palace. The birthplace of Queen Victoria, this royal palace in London has been house to everybody from Princess Diana to Will and Kate.

The King’s and Queen’s State Flats are attractive, and there are common exhibitions all year long. If that appeals, you’ll be able to guide a ticket right here. You’ll be able to even tour the gardens and have afternoon tea in The Orangery. You’ll be able to guide it right here.

Talking of royalty, the Diana Memorial Fountain is a well-liked place to go to. It’s proper between two cafes, so it’s supreme should you’re within the temper for a tea or snack.

4. Uncover Paddington Basin

One other well-liked factor to do close to Paddington station is discover Paddington Basin. This up to date space sits on the junction of the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal. It’s stuffed with eating places, bars, and leisure.

One of many highlights of the realm is Sheldon Sq. Amphitheatre. Not solely does this place host reside music, however it’s additionally house to eating places and house to take a seat and take in the environment.

Different highlights embody the Paddington Basin bridges. The Rolling Bridge and the Fan Bridge each speak in confidence to let boats and barges move beneath. They provide nice views of the water, too.

5. Go to the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum

If you wish to keep near the station, look no additional than Alexander Fleming’s Laboratory. This native museum is about in St Mary’s Hospital, which is true subsequent to the railway strains. The hospital is legendary for being the place the place Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have been born.

But it surely’s much more well-known for being the house of Alexander Fleming’s Laboratory. In case you’re not acquainted with him, you’re definitely acquainted with his most well-known discovery: penicillin.

Fleming found the antibiotic at St Mary’s Hospital in 1928. His breakthrough not solely revolutionized fashionable healthcare, but additionally earned him the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Drugs in 1945.

In case you go to this free museum, you’ll be capable of see Fleming’s laboratory, which has been restored to its 1928 situation. Shows and movies can even enable you study the story of Fleming’s profession.

The Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum has gained prestigious awards, and in 2023 it turned the primary designated World Origin Website. It’s price a particular journey once you’re within the space. Simply be sure to examine opening hours, as they’re restricted.

If you wish to dig deeper into Fleming’s life, you’ll be able to go to the close by St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bayswater. It’s the place Fleming married his colleague, Dr. Amalia Voureka, in 1952.

6. Experience a Horse

Probably the most distinctive issues to do close to Paddington station is experience a horse. A hidden lane referred to as Bathurst Mews is understood for being house to Hyde Park Stables. It’s one of many final standing mews with horses in central London.

If you wish to see Hyde Park in probably the most distinctive methods, you’ll be able to guide horse using for adults, kids, and teams of all ability ranges. The stables provide personal horse rides, using classes, and area classes year-round.

You’ll get to experience horses into Hyde Park, beside The Serpentine, and down the inexperienced house’s well-known Rotten Row. It’s a very one-of-a-kind expertise.

7. Discover Little Venice

Simply north of Paddington Basin, Little Venice is among the most uncommon locations in London. Sitting on the confluence of the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal, and the doorway to Paddington Basin, this space is understood for its colourful boats and leafy streets.

There are waterfront cafes and eating places dotted all through the neighborhood, a towpath to stroll alongside, and parks good for stress-free. There’s a canalside pub, too.

In order for you some assist exploring the realm, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Little Venice stroll. It goes by Paddington Basin, so you’ll be able to mix it with my Paddington stroll or my Regent’s Canal stroll if you need an extended stroll.

8. Get Out on the Canals

Talking of canals, there are many nice methods to get out on the water close to Paddington station. From boats to barges and self-powered paddle boards, you’ll discover loads of enjoyable methods to get energetic right here.

My favourite is stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). It’s a enjoyable method to glide alongside the water and have time to soak up the small print that make the canal boats and different highlights particular. You’ll be able to guide right here. In case you don’t wish to stand, you’ll be able to kayak or canoe.

Different methods to get out on the water embody boarding the realm’s barges. The Puppet Theatre Barge is the UK’s solely floating puppet theatre. It’s been placing on performances for many years, they usually present infinite leisure for youths of all ages.

Canal boat cruises are one other nice method to see the realm from the water. They run alongside Regent’s Canal, passing proper by the London Zoo, going by Camden Market, and making their method to Camden Lock.

One other enjoyable factor to do is go boating across the canals by yourself. There’s an organization that gives self-driving boat experiences within the space.

No prior boating information is important, and there are tables within the center which might be good for having fun with picnics. You’ll be able to guide a ship right here.

One other distinctive method to get out on the canals close to Paddington station is to go to the Floating Pocket Park in Service provider Sq..

London’s first floating park, it was created by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Younger Backyard Designer of the Yr (and Gold Medalist), Tony Woods.

The Floating Pocket Park is a good place to calm down on a sunny day. There are benches, greenery, and free WiFi right here. In the summertime the place fills with deck chairs and beanbags, and at Christmas there are festive lights.

9. Comply with the Paddington Trails

One other of one of the best actions close to Paddington station is the realm’s trails. There are a number of to select from, so that you’re sure to search out one that matches your pursuits.

Probably the most beloved is the Paddington Pawprint Path. Because the identify implies, it follows within the footsteps (er, pawprints) of the well-known bear.

Three totally different adventures will take you on a journey of discovery. Every of them showcases one of many Paddington Bear sculptures from the Paddington Path that was held all through London in 2014.

The Pawprint Path begins on the Paddington Bear statue at Paddington station. It has all one of the best issues to do in Paddington, together with family-friendly actions, locations to eat, and the well-known Fountain Maze in Service provider Sq..

A extra grown-up path is the Paddington Public Artwork Path. This one will take you to over 20 artistic endeavors that join the historical past of the realm, together with the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mom sculpture.

From the Paddington Bear statue to inventive installations, the path brings collectively the realm’s industrial previous, medical and scientific achievements, navy and engineering historical past, royal connections, performing arts, and literary ties.

10. Eat

All of the exercise will most likely make you hungry, which is an efficient factor on this space. There are many eating places and cafes dotted all through Paddington.

My favourite place to get pleasure from a meal by the station is the Frontline Membership. This restaurant calls itself a “gathering place for journalists, photographers and different likeminded individuals keen on worldwide affairs and unbiased journalism.”

With good meals and environment, it’s one in every of my favourite locations to eat close to London’s prepare stations.

One other excellent place to eat close to Paddington station is Market Halls Paddington. It’s set to open on March 4th, 2025, and it’ll characteristic road meals, an out of doors terrace, a reside stage, and two bars.

Don’t miss out on the gentle launch on March third, when you’ll be able to pre-book to get 50% off all meals and a free welcome drink. Moreover, Farm Lady will likely be providing £1 scorching drinks all day from the 4th to the eleventh.

Different locations to eat within the wider space embody eating places like The Summerhouse, which has a well-known terrace overlooking the Grand Union Canal.

I additionally love the views of Regent’s Canal from Cafe Laville. And that’s to say nothing of the distinctive Waterside Cafe, which is housed in a ship in Little Venice. The Cafe at Clifton Nurseries is a dream, too.

There are enjoyable eating places in Paddington Basin as nicely. From Beany Inexperienced to The Cheese Barge (sure, it’s a factor), there’s no scarcity of locations to graze and dine.

11. Drink

In relation to drinks, there are many bars and pubs close to Paddington station. Whether or not you’re trying to sip a espresso earlier than your prepare departs or get pleasure from a canalside cocktail on a sunny day, you’ve received choices.

So far as basic watering holes go, the Prince Alfred in Maida Vale is among the most luxurious Victorian pubs within the space. A Grade-II listed constructing, it options authentic etched glass, mosaic tiles, and conventional “snob screens”.

If you wish to keep nearer to the station, The Bear Pub is simply the ticket. It’s a contemporary British quantity with a easy however considerate meals menu and unbiased craft beers from around the globe.

Different good pubs within the space embody The Cleveland Arms, a Nineteenth-century gastropub with historic-meets-contemporary decor and conventional Sunday roasts. You may as well pop into The Victoria, a historic pub close to Hyde Park.

If it’s espresso you’re after, Treelogy and Harrison’s Espresso are proper close to the station. They’re good alternate options to a number of the chain espresso outlets inside. In Paddington Basin, Frequency Espresso is a winner.

12. Store

In case you’re into procuring, you’ll find good locations for retail remedy close to the station. Probably the most distinctive is Alfies Vintage Market in Marylebone. London’s greatest indoor antiques and classic market, this place is price a stroll from the station.

Within the different course, you’ll discover a number of nice outlets on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. From clothes to flowers, there’s loads to like concerning the boutiques right here. Sezane is a should.

The aforementioned Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale is for you should you’re into gardening. Even should you’re not, it’s price a go to to see the attractive store and drool over the attractive backyard furnishings.

There are extra nice boutiques in Connaught Village. From cheese to cosmetics and clothes, you’ll be spoiled for selection on this upscale enclave of Paddington.

13. Discover Connaught Village

Talking of which, Connaught Village is price a visit for consumers and non-shoppers alike. The world on and round Connaught Road is filled with cute cafes, good eating places, fairly lanes, and public artwork.

Proper close to Edgware Highway and Marble Arch, Connaught Village is a good place to buy, eat, and drink earlier than or after visiting Hyde Park or Oxford Road.

Whether or not you wish to attempt the Basque cheesecake at La Maritxu Connaught, have a meal at Kendal Road Kitchen, or let your style buds be temped at London Chocolate, there’s one thing for everybody.

And that’s to say nothing of taking within the colourful homes in Archery Shut. They’re a number of the prettiest within the space.

14. See Edgware Highway and Marble Arch

When you’re right here, you’ll be able to pop over to Edgware Highway and Marble Arch. The previous is understood for its Center Jap, North African, and Mediterranean eating places and cafes. Whether or not you wish to tuck right into a scrumptious Lebanese feast or attempt Egyptian delicacies, you’ll discover it right here.

On the southern finish of Edgware Highway, you’ll see the white facade of Marble Arch. This London landmark sits on the northeast nook of Hyde Park.

The well-known triumphal arch was designed by John Nash in 1827. It was initially the state entrance to the cour d’honneur at Buckingham Palace, however it was moved to its current location in 1851 when the monarch’s London residence was enlarged.

15. Keep a Night time

Given there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do close to Paddington station, it’s price staying an evening or two to see all of them. The excellent news is that there are a great deal of locations to relaxation your head right here. You’ll be able to see a spread and select one of the best one on your type right here.

In order for you my recommendation, the Grand Resort Bellevue London is a good selection. Overlooking Norfolk Sq. Backyard, this elegant Victorian quantity is close to the station and options stunning visitor rooms. If that appeals, you’ll be able to guide a room right here.

If you wish to unfold out a bit, Wilde Aparthotels in Paddington Basin is a good selection. The flats right here have all of the facilities of an everyday lodge room, plus a kitchenette with a dishwasher, microwave, and toaster. If that appears like your type of place, you’ll be able to guide your keep right here.

Paddington Map

Issues to Do Close to Paddington Station

I hope you’ve loved this information to one of the best sights close to Paddington station and that it’s impressed you to get out and discover this a part of the UK capital. The world is price discovering, and I’m certain you’ll adore it as a lot as I do once you go to.

Discover this submit useful? Purchase me a espresso!

New right here? Be a part of 1000’s of others and subscribe to the A Girl in London weblog by way of electronic mail.

Among the hyperlinks on this weblog submit are affiliate hyperlinks. Without charge to you, I earn a small fee once you click on on them and make a purchase order. It doesn’t have an effect on the way in which you store, and it’s a good way to assist the A Girl in London weblog.

Pin it!