Paddington Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Paddington showing boating, a bridge and a river or creek
Explore the lovely canals and intriguing architecture of this historic neighborhood made famous by a fictional bear from Peru.

Canals and parks frame the leafy district of Paddington in central London. It is known for its historic railway station, famous hospital and a marmalade-loving cartoon bear. Discover this delightful district’s elegant Georgian homes, tidy public squares and eclectic shops.

Admire the remarkable Fan Bridge, which is modelled after a traditional Japanese hand fan. Spanning 66 feet (20 metres) across Paddington Basin, the bridge rises using hydraulic jacks. Check out the equally impressive Rolling Bridge, which curls up like a ball. You can watch the movement of both bridges at midday on Wednesdays and Fridays.

On Tuesdays or Thursdays, head to Merchant Square to enjoy a lively street food market. Dine on a range of international dishes ranging from French to Lebanese.

Wander along Praed Street, which is lined with souvenirs shops and restaurants. Enjoy a meal on one of the street’s many open-air patios and watch the passers-by. View movies on the big screen in Sheldon Square in the summer.

Stop by St. Mary’s Hospital, where Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, computer science pioneer Alan Turing as well as princes Harry and William were all born. It is famous worldwide as the location where Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. Visit the hospital’s Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum to learn more about Fleming’s scientific breakthrough.

Marvel at the exquisite architecture of Paddington Station, with its elaborate arches and glazed roof. See the bronze statue of the railway’s architect, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, located between Platforms 8 and 9. Take the kids to see the statue on Platform 1 depicting fictional character Paddington Bear, who was named after the station.

Ride a boat from Paddington to Camden or Little Venice. Rent a paddleboard and get lessons from an operator beside the canal.

Paddington is located on the northwestern boundaries of central London, between Regent Park and Hyde Park. Paddington is a major transport hub, with easy connections to destinations around London and the U.K. Get here by riding the London Underground or the bus.

Relax on the patio of a charming café and examine examples of innovative engineering and architecture in Paddington.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Paddington Hotel Deals

Tudor Court Hotel
Tudor Court Hotel
3 out of 5
10-12 Norfolk Square, London, England
The price is AU$132 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$132
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
London trip
"Easy and informative station located close to Paddington station. Conveniences close by with a comfortable and spacious room."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Tudor Court Hotel
Corus Hyde Park Hotel
Corus Hyde Park Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Lancaster Gate, 1-7, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$210 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$210
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,718 reviews)
"The stay was nice and the staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Corus Hyde Park Hotel
Park Grand Paddington Court
Park Grand Paddington Court
4 out of 5
27 Devonshire Terrace, Paddington, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$192 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$192
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,603 reviews)
"Very clean and near to all required amenities"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Park Grand Paddington Court
Mitre House Hotel
Mitre House Hotel
3 out of 5
178-186 Sussex Gardens, London, England
The price is AU$235 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$235
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,389 reviews)
"Staff was so nice. We arrived. Early n our room was ready. We were in the basement in. A 4 twin room. Was great. Not fancy. Close to tube n rail stations. 👍"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Mitre House Hotel
Hilton London Metropole
Hilton London Metropole
4 out of 5
225 Edgware Road, London, England
The price is AU$280 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$280
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (508 reviews)
"It was a clean and convenient hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hilton London Metropole
Lancaster Hall Hotel
Lancaster Hall Hotel
3 out of 5
35 Craven Terrace, London, England
The price is AU$277 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$277
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (819 reviews)
Great hotel for $150
"Very good for the price. I suspect they’ll be more expensive soon however."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Lancaster Hall Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Paddington

Marylebone showing autumn leaves and street scenes

Marylebone

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Marylebone is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Oxford Street and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Baker Street Station or Marylebone Underground Station.

Marylebone
West End showing heritage architecture, street scenes and night scenes

West End

Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in West End. Hop around the city on the metro at Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station or Oxford Circus Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

West End
Mayfair

Mayfair

Travellers love Mayfair for its popular shops, and you can see more of London by jumping on the metro at Bond Street Underground Station or Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Oxford Street and Berkeley Square.

Mayfair
Kensington Gardens featuring a park

Kensington

4.5/5(365 area reviews)

Hyde Park and Kensington High Street are a few top attractions in Kensington. Hop around the city on the metro at High Street Kensington Station or Notting Hill Gate Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, beautiful gardens and charming cafes.

Kensington
Soho

Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho
Bloomsbury showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Bloomsbury

4.5/5(209 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bloomsbury. Check out top attractions like The British Museum and Russell Square, and jump on the metro at Euston Square Underground Station or Russell Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

Bloomsbury


Paddington Travel Guide

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