Marmalade sandwiches and a Peruvian bear aren’t the only things the Paddington area is famous for. One of the city’s foremost transport hubs, Paddington is nestled snugly between Hyde Park and the oasis that is Little Venice.
Whether you’re in the mood for crossing the city’s most inventive bridges or an invigorating coffee at a newsstand bar, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to spending a day in Paddington.
9:30 – Paddington Bear
Platform 1, Paddington Station, Praed Street, W2 1RH
There’s no better way to start a trip to Paddington than with a visit to the bronze bear statue itself. Located within Paddington Mainline Station – where Michael Bond’s fictional bear arrived from Peru – the statue is based on original illustrations by Peggy Fortnum. Revealed in 2000, Marcus Cornish is the British sculptor behind brightening our travels with Paddington Bear.
9:45 – Kioskafé
31 Norfolk Place, W2 1QH
Just a 4 minute walk from the station, Kioskafé is both a newsstand and coffee bar. Like nowhere you will have been before, Kioskafé was recently opened as a response to the diminishing news trade. The space celebrates print, stocking both magazines and newspapers from all over the world. There are thousands of choices, from popular weeklies to specialist independent publications, all of which you can peruse while sipping on expertly-roasted coffee. And if you’re really in need of some on-the-road essentials, they also sell toothpaste, Swiss undies, a spritz of cologne and good hair wax!
10:45 – Little Venice
Take a stroll along Paddington Basin to Little Venice. With waterside cafes accompanying the canal, this is a real escape from the surrounding city. Alternatively, enjoy its simple tranquility on a boat and float on down to Regent’s Park for a leisurely walk.
12:00 – Merchant Square Street Food
Crave is the home of street food and will sate your lunchtime hunger every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm-3pm. Expect a variety of dishes ranging from pizzas to paella, from gourmet burgers to scrumptious noodles. Alternatively, Kerb takes place at Sheldon Square every fortnight, where you’ll find even more traders serving up mouth-watering treats to tantalise your palate.
13:00 – Paddington’s Bridges
Heatherwick’s Rolling Bridge: S Wharf Rd, Paddington, London W2
Fan Bridge: Paddington Basin
Paddington is home to two of London’s most dynamic and unique bridges. As mentioned in our 6 favourite London bridges post, Heatherwick’s Rolling Bridge gives the impression of a giant robotic tongue unfurling. If a rolling bridge isn’t to your architectural taste, how about the fan bridge that unfolds in the style of a Japanese hand fan? Either way, you’ll have to plan ahead if you want to cross the bridges – they only curl and uncurl at midday on Wednesdays and Fridays, or 2pm on Saturdays.
14:00 – Alexander Fleming Laboratory
St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY
If you’ve ever wondered where was penicillin discovered, then look no further. A trip to Alexander Fleming’s Laboratory gives the inside scoop on the man himself and the journey behind his discovery. Reconstructed to preciself recreate its original appearance – including bacteriological equipment – this lab is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in culture (especially the microbial kind).
15:00 – Puppet Theatre Barge
Puppet Theatre Barge, Blomfield Road (opposite 35), W9 2PF
For over thirty years the Puppet Theatre Barge has been lifting spirits with a variety of uniquely entertaining puppet shows on a converted Thames barge. From traditional fairy tales to Shakespeare plays, the floating theatre has a seating capacity of 55 and is open all year round.
16:45 – Bridge House pub
13 Westbourne Terrace Rd, London W2 6NG
Sharing a location with the Canal Café Theatre, The Bridge House pub is the ideal setting for a relaxing yet memorable drinking experience. With delectable snacks and an extensive drinks menu, this pub is the perfect rest stop. If the weather’s on your side, their flower-clad beer garden is worth checking out, but in colder months the open fire is romantically enticing. Bridge House also host Tuesday wine clubs, Sunday roasts and board games for all to enjoy.
18:30 – Dinner at The Summerhouse
60 Blomfield Rd, W9 2PA
After a drink or two at Bridge House, stroll along the canal to The Summerhouse. Now open all year round due to popular demand, this is the ultimate waterside dining hotspot. Making you feel like you’re on holiday, The Summerhouse is the go-to Paddington spot for frankly unbeatable seafood.
20:00 – The Hyde Bar
3 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, W2 3UL
Round out your day in Paddington by clinking glasses at The Hyde Bar. Found behind a black wooden door in the Victorian townhouse known as The Roseate House, the bar invites you in to a sanctuary of luxury and delight. Serving a wide selection of whiskies each with a story to tell and an array of exclusive cocktails conceived by the bartenders, this is the cherry on the cake of a perfect day in Paddington.
Bed – Merchant Square Apartments
4B Merchant Square, East Harbet Road, W2 1AN
A few whiskies down and it’s finally time to rest your head on a pillow. Residential Land tenants living at Merchant Square have the privilege of winding down in our waterside apartments. Furnished with a chic and contemporary style, many have breathtaking views over the canal and are the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
