Paddington is one of those areas in London that most travelers first come across thanks to the station. However, Paddington has a lot to offer besides the railway station and its namesake Paddington Bear. In west London, Paddington offers a mix of architecture from different eras, green squares, pretty canals, eating places, drinking establishments and accommodation, along with being close to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Little Venice and Oxford Street.
The first thing this part of London can boast is its geographical position. In Paddington, there is London Paddington railway station which allows taking not only trains, but also the Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Elizabeth lines. Paddington is a great point for people who plan to visit other places in the capital. London Paddington is also one of the gates to the airport of Heathrow.
This Paddington London travel guide includes information about attractions, activities, food, affordable hotels and serviced apartments in this part of London, as well as the climate on Paddington.
Where Can One Find Paddington in London?
Paddington is a district in west London, located in the City of Westminster. It is located near Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens with Little Venice to its north, Bayswater and Notting Hill to its west, and Marylebone in its eastern part. As per Visit London, Paddington is located between the two Royal Parks, Notting Hill, and London’s West End.
This is the reason why this district is especially convenient for sightseeing. London Paddington Station acts as the central transportation station in the area, whereas Praed Street, Sussex Gardens, Norfolk Square, Paddington Basin and the canals of Little Venice act as the most visited spots in the area.
What Is Paddington Famous for?
Paddington Station: The landmark railway terminal of the area is among the most distinctive Victorian railway stations in London. The first temporary Paddington station began operating in 1838, whereas the main railway station connected with the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel opened in 1854.
Brunel’s station featured the design inspired by the Crystal Palace and a magnificent wrought-iron and glass roof. Today, the railway station is a vital transport hub of London, western and south-western England and South Wales.
Paddington Bear: Finally, Paddington is associated with the legendary fictional bear, which was created by the writer Michael Bond. According to the books, Paddington Bear arrived at Paddington Station from Peru, where he was found by the Brown family. It is possible to visit the bronze statue of Paddington Bear under the clock on Platform 1 and to have a look at the Paddington Bear shop in the station.
Little Venice: In the northern part of Paddington, there is the picturesque Little Venice, where the Grand Union Canal and the Regent’s Canal merge.
The Best Activities to Enjoy in Paddington
1. Explore the Train Station London Paddington
Do not regard the train station just as a place to board a train. Gaze upon the huge roof of the Victorian era and explore the concourse and find out some historical information related to the railway heritage of the place. If you are a fan of Paddington Bear, the statue in Platform 1 should be in your list of must-visit sights. The architecture by Brunel, the railway history and the bear that has appeared in literature together create one of the major features of the station.
2. Walk to Little Venice
When you have limited time to spend in Paddington, Little Venice should be included in your activities list. The waterways are a ten-minute walk from Paddington train and Tube stations, according to Visit London. Little Venice is located in the area of intersection of the Grand Union and Regent canals and the place is full of narrowboats, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
3. Take a Canal Boat Trip
One of the most fun activities one can undertake to experience a different London is taking a boat trip on the canal from Little Venice. Boat trips are available on this part of the canal to take you towards Camden, and there is also a towpath for walking. Visit London says that visitors should try travelling by boat from Little Venice towards Camden, mentioning that one can travel on the canal to London Zoo too.
4. Discover Paddington Basin and Merchant Square
Paddington Basin has a totally different feeling compared to the famous train station of the same name. This regeneratively developed waterside area has offices, residences, restaurants, outdoor spaces and interesting structures of movable architecture. Among other things, the Rolling Bridge and Fan Bridge are well known around Merchant Square in this area.
5. Relax at Hyde Park
Hyde Park is just a brief walk from Paddington, and this is one of the most convenient of all the big London sights that you can easily visit while staying in the neighborhood. In the park, you could walk around, chill out by the Serpentine, rent a boat when boat rentals are available, or keep going and visit famous locations around the rest of central London.
How to Reach Paddington
From Heathrow Airport
Paddington is ideal for Heathrow travelers, as there are trains directly connecting Heathrow Airport with Paddington.
The Heathrow Express runs from the airport to London Paddington, and so does the Elizabeth line from Heathrow to Paddington and other central London destinations.
By London Underground
Paddington is served by:
- Bakerloo line
- Circle line
- District line
- Hammersmith & City line
- Elizabeth line
So, there are quite a few choices for traveling around London without switching between transport centers.
By National Rail
London Paddington is one of the important rail stations that serve trains going west and south-west of England and South Wales.
By Bus and Taxi
Several bus routes from London serve the Paddington area, with black cabs also easily accessible at the station.
Top 3 Budget-Friendly Hotels in Paddington
There is a good number of hotel options in Paddington, including both high-end and low-end hotels. According to Visit London, there are more than 90 hotels in the area.
The prices in London fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season and time, therefore “budget-friendly” should be taken relative to other London accommodation options.
1. Abbey Court Hotel London Paddington
Abbey Court Hotel London Paddington is located within walking distance of Paddington Station. Some of the various types of rooms offered include single, double, twin, and triple rooms under the economy and standard classifications. Some of the features at this hotel include en-suite shower facilities, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen television.
Best suited for: Solo travelers, couples, and those with an interest in location and transport links.
2. Westpoint Hotel London Paddington
Westpoint Hotel London Paddington is located within easy reach of Paddington Station. This three-star hotel provides guests with various room classifications, which include economy and standard rooms. There is easy access to various attractions like Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Oxford Street, and good transport links in the Paddington area.
Best suited for: Short breaks and sightseeing visits to London.
3. St David’s Hotels
St David’s Hotels is located on Norfolk Square and near the Paddington train station. This is one of the hotels that are named explicitly by Visit London in its budget accommodation suggestions for Paddington. The Norfolk Square area is ideal for tourists who prefer to be near trains and the Underground while not being on one of the busiest streets in the area.
Best for: budget-friendly sightseeing trips.
Booking advice: Look at the total cost instead of just comparing prices of the rooms. Find out if breakfast, tax, cancellation policies, air-conditioning and bathrooms are included.
Top 2 Serviced Apartments in Paddington
Serviced apartments can be very helpful to travelers, especially when accompanied by families and longer visits to destinations where guests would like to have their own kitchen as opposed to eating at restaurants all the time.
1. Aspen Apartments London Paddington
Aspen Apartments London Paddington is one of the most convenient serviced apartments located in proximity to Paddington Station. The apartments feature facilities such as fully-equipped kitchenettes, dining rooms, Wi-Fi internet connection, television sets, as well as en-suite bathrooms.
The apartments have different types that can accommodate varying number of people. The proximity of the apartments to Paddington Station and proximity of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens make this establishment the best suited for longer visits within London.
Best for: Families, groups, longer visits and those travelers who like preparing their own meals.
2. Native Hyde Park
Native Hyde Park is a serviced-accommodation facility situated in Sussex Gardens near Paddington and Hyde Park. The location of this property is ideal for visitors looking for apartment-type accommodation but close enough to one of the largest green spaces in London and the transport facilities of Paddington.
Recommended for: couples, corporate visitors and long-term stays.
Best Foods and Places to Eat in Paddington
As such, places to eat in Paddington range from traditional English pubs to cafés and include Thai restaurants and seafood, as well as other international options. For a traditional pub meal near Little Venice, the Bridge House pub is a good choice on Westbourne Terrace Road. It combines the traditional setting of the pub with the location near a convenient canal.
For Thai food, one can consider Nipa Thai restaurant located near Lancaster Terrace, just by Hyde Park and Paddington. Those who would like to have a meal along with some waterside view may prefer The Summerhouse located near the canal in Little Venice, which serves seafood.
Finally, visit London’s Paddington mentions pubs, canal-side dining and international places in the area. Budget travellers may consider checking out Praed Street and Edgware Road for casual restaurants, takeaway food and Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian foods.
From London Dining to Thailand’s Street Food Scene
Paddington offers a wide mix of international dining, including Thai restaurants and other global cuisines. For travelers who enjoy discovering food as part of the journey, that interest can continue well beyond London.
If Thailand is on your future travel list, Thai Walking Street features guides to street food, nightlife, local attractions, and popular areas in destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. It can be a useful resource for travelers who want to explore Thailand’s food culture and entertainment districts after spending time in London.
Weather in Paddington, London
The climate in Paddington, London is mild, with the possibility of rain in any season.
- Spring (March to May): The season is mild and pleasant with long daylight and greener parks, take a light jacket with you.
- Summer (June to August): This is the best season for canal walks, Hyde Park, and outdoor meals since the weather is warm and the day is longer.
- Autumn (September to November): The weather is cool and colorful; therefore, walking becomes pleasant during early autumn.
- Winter (December to February): It gets cold and days get short. Hence, wear warm clothes and waterproof shoes.
When to Visit Paddington: Late Spring until early autumn would be perfect for sightseeing, walking around parks and canals; however, you can visit Paddington at any time during the year.
Is Paddington a Good Area to Stay in London?
Paddington is a very practical area to stay in London. First of all, one should note Paddington station. Here, travelers will have an opportunity to take National Rail and the Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Elizabeth Underground lines.
Paddington will thus serve particularly well for:
- First-time tourists to London who seek public transport
- Tourists traveling to and from Heathrow
- Tourists on train journeys heading to western England and South Wales
- Families seeking accommodation near Hyde Park
- Tourists who enjoy walking to multiple tourist attractions in central London
- Tourists seeking multiple hotel options of different budgets.
The area immediately surrounding the train station can get rather crowded, and thus travelers seeking a more relaxed environment might opt to seek accommodation in Sussex Gardens, Norfolk Square or nearer to Little Venice.
Recommended One Day Paddington Tour
Begin your day at Paddington Train Station, visiting the historic roof and snapping a photo with the Paddington Bear Statue. From there, walk towards Paddington Basin and Merchant Square before following the canal to Little Venice. After lunch near the canal, continue southwards towards Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
In the afternoon, retrace your steps back towards Sussex Gardens and Paddington or towards Marble Arch and Oxford Street. This tour would be especially suitable for first-time tourists since all the stops could easily be reached by foot without spending the entire day traveling to them.
Explore More of London Beyond Paddington
Paddington is a convenient base for sightseeing, but a London trip does not have to end with the neighborhood’s canals, parks, and historic station.
Travelers planning a longer stay can explore additional neighborhoods, attractions, accommodation options, and lesser-known places across the capital. The Walking Street publishes London travel guides covering everything from areas around Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace to hidden gems and weekend itineraries in neighborhoods such as Shoreditch.
These guides can help visitors build a broader London itinerary while using Paddington’s strong transport connections as a starting point for exploring the city.
Concluding Remarks
Paddington is worthy of more than a mere run-through of its railway station. Just beyond one of London’s most famous transport hubs lies a part of town featuring canals, garden squares, Victorian heritage, waterways dining and green open spaces that are easily accessible to all.
A visit to Paddington should involve spending an afternoon at Paddington Station and its well-known bear, exploring towards Little Venice from Paddington Basin, enjoying a meal by the canal, and then spending the rest of the day in Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.
As far as hotels are concerned, those who would like the comfort of a good old-fashioned stay can check into Abbey Court Hotel London Paddington, Westpoint Hotel London Paddington or St. David’s Hotels, while those interested in larger living accommodations can book themselves into Aspen Apartments London Paddington or Native Hyde Park.
Main Image credit: Photo by JJ Jordan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/beige-concrete-building-3058859/