London Paddington offers a mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life, making it a great spot to explore. From its iconic Paddington Station, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, to scenic strolls along the Grand Union Canal, there’s plenty to discover.
You can visit Hyde Park, just a short walk away, for a peaceful escape or explore Little Venice, known for its charming waterways and colorful boats. The area features unique shopping spots, cozy pubs, and diverse dining options, combining traditional flavors with modern twists.
Whether you’re into sightseeing, relaxing by the water, or enjoying local cuisine, this post will guide you through some of the best experiences London Paddington has to offer.
1. Visit Paddington Station’s Iconic Bear Statue
The Paddington Bear statue is a whimsical touch and a fun highlight of Paddington Station. Located on Paddington Station’s Platform 1 beneath the station’s famed clock, the bronze statue is dedicated to the classic children’s book character. Sculptor Marcus Cornish created the statue, which author Michael Bond unveiled on February 24, 2000. This beloved location draws tourists of all ages and is a notable landmark in the Paddington area.
A plaque sits above the bench on which the bear perches, recounting Paddington’s first arrival in 1958 and lending a dose of history. It’s a good Instagram and photo opportunity too, with the bear as the most popular subject for a snapshot. Visitors even left touching messages here in 2022 as a memorial after the passing of the Queen, making this site an important landmark for Londoners.
The statue serves as the starting point of the Paddington Public Art Trail. This interactive trail guides visitors on a creative discovery of Paddington Basin, allowing you to find artistic installations and attractions related to the iconic creature!
At the station, the Paddington shop offers exclusive merchandise. From stuffed bears to Paddington-themed souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of ways to take a piece of the magic home with you! You might even be lucky enough to find a special blue-flocked Paddington bear figure hidden around the station, making your visit to Paddington Central even more memorable.
Three restaurant barges are under renovation at the moment and are due to make their return by November 22. For an even more immersive experience, reserve a spot on the Paddington Bear Walking Tour. Follow in Paddington’s paw prints.
If you’re traveling with bags, nearby luggage storage options cost up to 50% less than what the station offers, helping you explore the Paddington neighborhood without the hassle of carrying your belongings. This makes it easier to enjoy your trip to this charming area of Central London.
2. Explore Little Venice’s Scenic Canals
Little Venice is one of the best places to enjoy London’s beauty in a radically different way by taking a picturesque boat ride down the Regent’s Canal. The canal is often referred to as “the loveliest inland waterway in England.” It runs from the Paddington Basin of the Grand Union Canal right through to Limehouse Basin.
Catch a boat to Camden Lock for a charming perspective of the Paddington area. You’ll even catch sight of iconic architecture such as St Pancras and King’s Cross! You may even see high-flying monkeys from London Zoo as you paddle by. The striking Regent’s Park villas line the course, providing an elegant backdrop to this relaxing journey.
Strolling down the quiet canalside walking paths is a pleasant, tranquil way to take in the area’s natural beauty. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk along the idyllic canals of this Paddington neighborhood. Take in gorgeous views of the water, and the historic Camden Lock!
The path highlights London’s industrial heritage, as former factories and warehouses adorned with beautiful architectural details tell the stories of the formerly working class East End. The canal is also dotted with lovely cafes and pubs, well worth stopping at.
Waterside Café welcomes you to a lovely place to have tea! At Café Laville, you can enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired menu – all set against the backdrop of the beautiful canals. These areas make for a perfect respite in the Paddington Central.
Whether you want a quick snack or to sit down and enjoy a longer meal by the water, Little Venice has you covered! Close by, Rembrandt Gardens offers a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle. This tiny patch of greenery is a great place to chill out and recharge.
Take in the vibrant flowers and the peaceful sounds of the waterway surrounding you. It’s a lovely place for a picnic or simply relaxing and soaking in the tranquil environment of this important landmark.
3. Discover the Serpentine Gallery’s Contemporary Art
Today, the Serpentine Gallery found in the lovely Kensington Gardens is the place to be for contemporary art. The schedule of exhibitions is in constant flux. This makes for an incredible chance to see cutting-edge pieces from artists including Marina Abramović, Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and Jeff Koons.
The gallery’s commitment to new, challenging work ensures that it is one of the essential stops for art lovers wanting to see what’s new and exciting in contemporary art. Best of all, admission is free! With doors open every day from 10 a.m. To 6 p.m., the gallery is incredibly accessible to visitors looking for a quick but rewarding stop.
The gallery frequently hosts free events and artist talks that connect to an exhibition. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the themes and ideas behind the works, learning more context and depth. For instance, previous talks have featured artists or specialists deconstructing the creative process.
These events are your chance to go further into contemporary art. You’ll have the opportunity to meet others who are as passionate as you are!
Beyond the exhibitions, the Kensington Gardens make for a beautiful surrounding, enhancing the experience. A contemplative walk here is the ideal way to relax after an inspiring day at the gallery. The annual Serpentine Pavilion, an architect-designed folly and temporary commission, turns the lawn into an open-air theatre and concert destination each summer.
Every year features a new design, so you’ll always have something exciting to anticipate.
Best of all, don’t miss the gallery’s Koenig Books store, crammed with gorgeous photography, art, and architecture books. Voted the best independent art bookshop in London, it stocks everything from exhibition catalogues to hard-to-find specialty magazines.
The café at Serpentine North is another major draw, serving up fresh, seasonal ingredients and drinks to refresh during your visit.
4. Stroll Through Hyde Park’s Serene Paths
Strolling through Hyde Park’s serene paths is an idyllic respite from the city’s chaos, with plenty of green spaces and picturesque lakes. One of London’s largest parks, located near Paddington Basin, offers that respite. Here, you can soak in that tranquility while being surrounded by the city’s age-old history.
In spring and summer, fragrant flowers carpet the ground. Hydrangeas, lilies, dahlias, and much more fill the air with their vibrant colors and refreshing scents at every step. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed walk or an energizing walk, the park’s tranquil atmosphere is ideal for de-stressing, making it a top choice for both locals and tourists exploring the Paddington area.
Getting around the park can be a little more exciting too. Renting a bike gives you the opportunity to explore more in less time. You’ll float by monuments such as Kensington Gardens, home to Kensington Palace—a royal residence full of vibrant history.
For a truly special experience, take a horse-drawn carriage ride. It’s a delightful experience and the perfect way to take in the park’s natural beauty at an unhurried pace. Hyde Park is an absolute treasure, but it’s home to several other noteworthy, if less well-known, spots worth visiting, including the Paddington statue that pays homage to the beloved character.
The Diana Memorial Fountain, completed in 2004, is a lovely spot to stop and contemplate the moment. It’s not unusual to see flowers or other tributes left here, which further personalizes the experience. If you enjoy spending time outside, make sure to visit the marked picnic spots.
You can relax along the Serpentine lake shores, with perfect places to appreciate nature. Whether you’re admiring the swans as they glide across the water or just soaking in the peaceful views, it’s an afternoon to remember.
During the summer months, Hyde Park comes alive with concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals. It’s music in the summer, and in the winter, the park is home to the popular Winter Wonderland event, a hit with visitors young and old.
The park serves as a historic venue. Its long history includes hosting the Great Exhibition and being a site for free speech since 1872, making it one of the important landmarks in central London.
5. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Pilgrm Hotel
Afternoon tea at The Pilgrm is a traditional, yet contemporary experience. Explore a haven for tea enthusiasts featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of fine teas. Pair them with a selection of pastry and finger sandwiches that are as beautiful as they are tasty! From traditional scones with clotted cream to specially designed luxuries, every morsel is a tribute to the very best in British culture.
The teas are thoughtfully chosen, offering everything from robust black blends to lighter herbal infusions, catering to a range of tastes. Make sure your afternoon tea experience is perfect by booking a table in advance. This chic hotel, located just moments from the iconic Paddington Basin, offers a stylish sanctuary to retreat to after a long day of adventuring.
The Pilgrm prides itself on the little things and it shows in the sophisticated touches found throughout the hotel’s Victorian-era interior. Soft lighting, warm wood accents, and a welcoming atmosphere make it easy to get comfortable and tuck into your refreshments. Each corner of the space is designed with purpose and the result is a world of understated luxury.
As you enjoy each sip and bite, soak in the atmosphere of The Pilgrm’s eclectic decor. The hotel prides itself on displaying unusual and lost wonders. It’s a lovely mix of old-world elegance and modern design. Each detail, from the furniture to the finishes, speaks to their careful resurrection of its historic home, nestled in the charming Paddington neighborhood.
Just outside, Norfolk Square offers a lovely, calming green space. At the same time, creative hotbeds such as Monocle’s Kioskafe and The Frontline Club fill the area with cultural magnetism. For a completely enjoyable day, make time to wander Paddington Central before or after enjoying tea.
From the delicious floating seafood restaurant London Shell Co. to the sights across Regent’s Canal, there’s a lot to explore. The Pilgrm’s central location makes it the ideal base for your Paddington visit. It doesn’t take long before you’re living proof of the neighborhood’s unique combination of peaceful oasis vibes and exciting urban atmosphere.
Conclusion
Paddington’s blend of charm, culture, and calm is tough to beat. The cute bear statue at the station greets travelers. At the same time, the quiet, green canals of Little Venice provide a calming retreat for everyone. Art aficionados can immerse themselves in the Serpentine Gallery, while park lovers can relax in the beauty of Hyde Park. Don’t skip the iconic indulgence of afternoon tea at The Pilgrm Hotel. It’s the best way to unwind after a long day!
Paddington will not let you down, no matter if you are visiting on a short layover or a few days. There’s literally never been a more exciting time to visit London to explore or experience what’s new. So why not start today. Come and experience for yourself what makes this little corner of London so special. You’re sure to come away with unforgettable experiences.