The London district of Paddington is mostly distinguished for its world-famous mainline train station – at least it is for those not in the know. For those who’ve spent any time in the area, it’s a place that offers far, far more than merely the chance to get away to other places in the UK…
Paddington – in a nutshell
A district of Central/ West London that’s to be found in the area between two Royal Parks (Regent’s Park and Hyde Park) as well as the esteemed neighbourhood that’s Notting Hill and the legendary West End, Paddington is itself an area of the UK capital more than worthy of a visit, arguably for an entire day out should you be staying nearby (say, at one of the 4 star hotels Hyde Park)
Indeed, a simple stroll through the suburb will unearth for the visitor pleasant parks, attractive gardens, elegant squares, hip and happening cafés, the stunning-when-the-sun-shines Grand Union Canal and, of course, the utterly iconic and globally-known the Grade-I listed Paddington station, which was designed by the equally as famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
You’ll also find then that the Paddington district’s merely a hop, skip and a jump (or, at least a very short Tube ride) away from the likes of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – and, thus, excellent accommodation like the Park Grand hotel Hyde Park – and the oh-so picturesque mini-district that’s the canal-basin-based Little Venice with its colourful long-boats, serene swans and lively Canadian Geese.
Activities in the area
Time spent in Paddington also affords you the opportunity to:
• Visit Merchant Square – and sample its street food on Tuesdays and Thursdays (perfect for lunch or breakfast around Paddington), as well as trying to navigate the planet’s very first water maze (without getting splashed!)
• Follow the canal towpath to Sheldon Square – with its grassy amphitheatre that’s sided by restaurants, free alfresco table tennis and, in the summer, free big-screen movies and shows
• Check out the unique Heatherwick’s Rolling Bridge and the Fan Bridge – these art installations are in action at 12noon on both Wednesdays and Fridays
• Jump aboard a canal boat from Little Venice to Camden – or, should the weather be up to it, try out paddle-boarding
• Attend a family show on the Puppet Theatre Barge – for some unusual for delightful entertainment
• Enjoy a perfect picnic in Norfolk Square Gardens or Talbot Square Gardens – complete with their deck chairs, table tennis and, yes, giant chess games
• Follow the Regents Canal to the ZSL London Zoo – for a world-class chance to get up close to some of Planet Earth’s finest (and best-looked-after) animals
Get your Paddington Bear fix
Finally, Paddington simply wouldn’t be Paddington without its most famous resident… yes, Paddington Bear himself. Ever since the 1960s, Paddington mainline station’s been synonymous with the ursine superstar of literary world, the small-screen and now (in a very big way) the big screen.
The walking, talking, hairy advert for marmalade-filled sandwiches can be discovered himself in bronze form in the shape of a delightful statue that adorns the space in the station just outside his very own (and very much official shop), which is the perfect destination – nay, pilgrimage hotspot – for little ones seeking to wallow in all and purchase any of its Paddington-centric gifts and souvenirs.
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