Where to Stay in Paddington
Paddington encompasses a reasonably small area, just to the north of Hyde Park. As such, the entire neighbourhood is easily walkable and anyone staying locally will not find a great deal of variation within Paddington itself. However, most will want to stay on the periphery, further from the station, as this offers a quieter pace of life as well as more choice when it comes to accommodation. Spring Street and Start Street are considered amongst the most desirable parts of Paddington.
Facts About Paddington
Paddington grew out of an ancient village settlement into a London borough in its own right, before being incorporated into the City of Westminster. As such, the area has a diverse history, having been a rural farming village before becoming one part of one of the world’s major capital cities. Today it is known as a thriving transport hub, offering visitors a truly authentic London experience. Below are a few interesting facts about Paddington:
- The name Paddington originates from Anglo-Saxon times and is believed to refer to Padda, a local landowner, with 'ton' or 'tun' meaning 'the village of'.
- Queen Victoria became the first reigning monarch to travel by train in 1842, heading from Slough to Paddington after a trip to Windsor Castle.
- Paddington station was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel as part of his plans for the Great Western Railway.
- Paddington Train Station has a life-size bronze statue of Paddington Bear, as this is where he was originally found by the Brown family after travelling from Peru.
Things to Do in Paddington
Paddington is a thriving area, seeing a huge amount of people travelling through every day. Inevitably, this means there are plenty of local amenities to keep people entertained. Paddington also benefits from being in the very heart of the city, meaning many of London’s most iconic landmarks and attractions are in close proximity.
What are the most popular things near Paddington?
Most first time visitors to Paddington may well find they experience one of its most popular attractions as soon as they arrive - the main station. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Paddington Station is an architectural marvel that also houses several pubs and shops. From here visitors can go on to explore the many attractions of Westminster and London’s West End.
What are some free things to do in Paddington?
Paddington is a great location for anyone looking to save money. Visitors can take a short walk across Hyde Park, enjoy its many gardens and galleries before heading out of the southeast exit into Kensington, where many of London’s superb museums are to be found - most of which offer free entry all year round!
What is there to do in the evening in Paddington?
Paddington’s central location makes it the ideal place from which to enjoy an evening out in London. The West End is right on Paddington’s doorstep - perfect for those who enjoy the performing arts - whilst the immediate vicinity of Paddington station boasts plenty of bars, restaurants and late-night cafes.
Places to Visit in Paddington
Paddington is the perfect place from which to explore London’s myriad sights and attractions. Located in the heart of the city, visitors will find that several iconic landmarks are within easy walking distance of Paddington. What’s more, the area itself boasts a thriving bar and restaurant scene, making it a great place for a night out. Below are some of the top places to visit in Paddington and the surrounding area:
- Marble Arch - one of London’s iconic landmarks, the triumphal arch greets visitors before they continue on to Oxford Street.
- Hyde Park - 350-acre park in the centre of London, offering a stunning landscape of lakes, woodland and gardens.
- The Natural History Museum - one of London’s most popular museums, dedicated to the history of the natural world and housed in a stunning Romanesque building.
- Kensington Palace - stunning royal residence, with highlights including Queen Victoria's childhood rooms, the King's State Apartments, and the famous Sunken Garden.
- The Science Museum - another popular museum, charting the history of scientific endeavour and full of interactive exhibits.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum - the largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design in the world, founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- The Royal College of Music - London’s premier music training college also hosts regular concerts and performances for the public.
- The Saatchi Gallery - modern art gallery founded by advertising mogul Charles Saatchi, also hosts temporary exhibits of international treasures.
Places to Eat in Paddington
Paddington is ideally situated for enjoying London’s thriving restaurant scene. Being part of Westminster and close to Covent Garden, Kensington and Mayfair, many of the capital’s most prestigious restaurants are within easy reach of Paddington. There are also plenty of casual eateries, bistros, and cafes dotted around the vicinity, as well as a great selection of gastropubs.
Some of the most popular fine dining restaurants around Paddington include:
- Bel Canto.
- Stuzzico Ristorante.
- Roba Bar & Restaurant.
- Winter Garden.
There are also several excellent international restaurants nearby, with some popular choices being:
- Kurobuta.
- Nipa Thai.
- Pearl Liang.
- The Mughal's Indian Restaurant.
Paddington also has a fantastic selection of pubs:
- The Pride of Paddington.
- The Mad Bishop & Bear.
- The Victoria.
- Fountains Abbey.
- The Porchester Pub.
Shopping in Paddington
Another advantage of staying in Paddington is that it puts visitors just a short walk or tube ride from some of London’s top shopping locations. Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Regents Street are all within walking distance and other iconic shopping hotspots like Portobello Road Market and Harrods can be reached in under ten minutes via the London Underground. Paddington also has several modern shopping malls nearby.
Some of the most popular ones being:
- West One.
- Piccadilly Arcade.
- Kings Walk Shopping Mall.
- Victoria Place Shopping Centre.
Transportation in Paddington
Paddington Station is one of London’s major transport hubs, connecting the city to the southwest of England as well as Wales. It also provides numerous links across London and fast service to London Heathrow airport. The station also connects to the London Underground via the Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines, connecting it to every district of Greater London.
Some other key tube stations around the Paddington area include:
- Notting Hill Gate.
- Bayswater.
- Warwick Avenue.
- Lancaster Gate Station.
- Marble Arch Station.
- Edgware Road.
Paddington is also served by several bus routes, with the 36, 46 and 332 connecting the area to other key destinations in the city. There are also three-night buses in operation - the N7, N27, and N205. Both buses and the Underground are covered by London’s Oyster payment card, which offers the simplest and most cost-effective means of paying for transport.
Weather in Paddington
Weather in Paddington, as with the rest of London and the south-east, varies according to the season. The summer months are often the most popular time to visit, as temperatures usually peak at a pleasant 30 degrees, perhaps edging slightly higher in August. However, it should be noted that rainfall is always possible and even the hottest summers are likely to see a few showers. Whilst the winter months of December and January can see temperatures dip below freezing, London’s vibrant atmosphere and winter events such as Winter Wonderland and urban ice skating mean this is an equally popular time to visit England’s capital.
