Paddington Area Guide

Paddington is situated between The Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, to the right of Notting Hill and left of the West End. This West London location is a prime spot with peaceful gardens and idyllic canals that contrast with its grand train station, high-end restaurants and lively bars.

It’s the perfect place to stroll through the suburb where you’ll find a mixture of contemporary canal-side offices and striking Georgian townhouses. Tranquil parks and gardens are embedded within the district where you’ll find a range of activities for children and delightful cafés. Norfolk Square Gardens is perfect for picnics, while Talbot Square Gardens features deck chairs, ping pong tables and games of giant chess.

As it was once a medieval parish that turned into a metropolitan borough, there are various medieval churches and old relics to visit for a burst of history and culture. After being integrated with Westminster in 1965, it has transformed into a bustling area and developed into a hub for new projects and businesses. With innovative architecture, the world-famous Heatherwick’s Rolling Bridge is situated on the canal, along with the Japanese-inspired Fan Bridge which can be found at Merchant Square.

Home to the beloved children’s character, Paddington Bear, Paddington Station has turned into one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by the famous Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Paddington Station boasts great travel links in and out of London with direct routes to Heathrow airport. Perfect for commuters, tourists and locals. Featuring a unique Paddington Bear gift shop inside the station, there is also a bronze statue of the charming character resting under the clock on platform one.

Nearby Bayswater, Maida Vale and Little Venice draw in lots of visitors due to great nightlife and popular attractions. Paddington is the perfect destination to follow the canal down to idyllic Little Venice with its winding canals and picturesque views. Several tasteful restaurants are located here with wonderful waterside views, including The Summerhouse.

Paddington is not short of arts and culture, with Canal Café being the heart of comedy, cabaret and theatre. This renowned venue hosts the best upcoming writing and stand-up performances in the city. For something out of the ordinary, the Puppet Theatre Barge is a delightful show for children to enjoy as they sail down the canal.

By taking the canal towpath to Sheldon Square, a grassy amphitheatre hosts some great outdoor activities, including a free screen for fantastic summer showings. Paddington is a culturally diverse part of the city and it shows with the vast range of places to eat. On Praed Street, you’ll find numerous ethnic restaurants, such as Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.

It was in Paddington where Sir Alexander Fleming first discovered penicillin, earning him a notorious Nobel Prize. To honour his life and work, the Alexander Fleming Museum was opened within St Mary’s Hospital, where you can see his laboratory and discover more about his fascinating story.

Aubaine Notting Hill is right around the corner from Paddington, which makes it an ideal French restaurant to visit when you start to feel hungry.

Next: QUEENS