Lady’s 15 Fun Things to Do Near Paddington Station

Today I want to share my guide to the best things to do near Paddington station. This area is home to great attractions, restaurants, and landmarks. You’ll find some of the most beautiful mews in the UK capital here, too. If you enjoy seeing the big sights as much as you like getting off the beaten path, this area is for you. I’ve included a map as well.

Things to Do Near Paddington Station

When it comes to sightseeing and exploring in central London, Paddington often gets overlooked. Many people see it as a place to catch a train to Heathrow or somewhere further afield. But there’s a lot more to this part of the city than the famous railway station.

In fact, Paddington is worth a special trip. Right on the northern border of Hyde Park, the area is known for its hidden mews, cool canals, expansive green spaces, and intriguing museums. Oh, and the famous bear.

Beyond that there are good local restaurants and pubs, places to shop, and great hotels and apartment rentals to call home-away-from home.

How to Get to Paddington Station

It’s not hard to get to Paddington station. It’s on several lines of the London Underground, the Elizabeth Line, and main line rail routes, so it’s easy to get to by train.

There are also plenty of local buses that serve the area, or you can arrive on foot, by bike, or on a scooter from Hyde Park or other parts of central and west London.

Whatever way you choose to arrive, you’ll be in a great place to explore the local area. Read on for my guide to the best of it.

1. See the Paddington Bear Statue

Given the bear is as famous as the station he was named after (if not more so), I can’t help starting my list of things to do near Paddington station with him.

Marcus Cornish’s Paddington Bear statue is one of the biggest attractions in the area, and it’s worth a special trip just to say hello to him.

You can find the statue under the clock alongside the wall by Platform 1. It’s fitting, as that’s where he was found in the story. There’s a plaque nearby, too.

If you want a memento of your time with him, there’s a Paddington Bear shop right in the station. You can find all kinds of gifts and souvenirs here to take home.

While you’re in the station, there’s another statue that’s worth seeing. Also located by Platform 1, it’s a tribute to The Unknown Soldier.

Made by Charles Sergeant Jagger, The War Memorial commemorates the 2,500 employees of the Great Western Railway (GWR) who were killed in World War I.

Outside the station, you’ll find more statues. The small park to the east of St Mary on Paddington Green church is home to sculptures of three well-known figures who lived in the area. One is of Michael Bond, the author of the Paddington books.

Another is Alan Turing, the renowned World War II codebreaker who worked at Bletchley Park. He was born nearby in Maida Vale in 1912.

The third is of Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who was famous for caring for the soldiers of the Crimean War. She spent her final years in Paddington.

2. Take a Walk

While you’re outside, another of my favorite things to do near Paddington station is take a walk to explore the neighborhood’s famous streets, garden squares, and mews.

If you need a leg stretch before or after a train journey (or you just want to explore the area), you can walk around and take in the highlights. If you want some guidance, you can follow the route of my free self-guided Paddington walk.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, you can see options and book one here. They’re great ways to see the area’s Paddington Bear connections and other spots with an experienced local.

3. Go to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

Another fun thing to do near Paddington station is go to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These adjacent green spaces make up one of London’s most famous landmarks, and they’re worth a special trip.

The parks are in walking distance of the station. Once inside the gates, you’ll be close to highlights like the Italian Gardens, The Long Water, The Serpentine, and the Peter Pan statue.

If you have more time, you can tour the Serpentine Gallery and/or the Serpentine North Gallery (both offer free entry). They showcase a range of contemporary art, and the latter features the Zaha Hadid-designed Magazine restaurant. It’s one of my favorite museum cafes in London.

If you love the British monarchy, you won’t want to miss Kensington Palace. The birthplace of Queen Victoria, this royal palace in London has been home to everyone from Princess Diana to Will and Kate.

The King’s and Queen’s State Apartments are gorgeous, and there are regular exhibitions throughout the year. If that appeals, you can book a ticket here. You can even tour the gardens and have afternoon tea in The Orangery. You can book it here.

Speaking of royalty, the Diana Memorial Fountain is a popular place to visit. It’s right between two cafes, so it’s ideal if you’re in the mood for a tea or snack.

4. Discover Paddington Basin

Another popular thing to do near Paddington station is explore Paddington Basin. This contemporary area sits at the junction of the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal. It’s full of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

One of the highlights of the area is Sheldon Square Amphitheatre. Not only does this place host live music, but it’s also home to restaurants and space to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

Other highlights include the Paddington Basin bridges. The Rolling Bridge and the Fan Bridge both open up to let boats and barges pass underneath. They offer great views of the water, too.

5. Visit the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum

If you want to stay close to the station, look no further than Alexander Fleming’s Laboratory. This local museum is set in St Mary’s Hospital, which is right next to the railway lines. The hospital is famous for being the place where Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were born.

But it’s even more famous for being the home of Alexander Fleming’s Laboratory. If you’re not familiar with him, you’re certainly familiar with his most famous discovery: penicillin.

Fleming discovered the antibiotic at St Mary’s Hospital in 1928. His breakthrough not only revolutionized modern healthcare, but also earned him the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine in 1945.

If you visit this free museum, you’ll be able to see Fleming’s laboratory, which has been restored to its 1928 condition. Displays and videos can also help you learn the story of Fleming’s career.

The Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum has won prestigious awards, and in 2023 it became the first designated World Origin Site. It’s worth a special trip when you’re in the area. Just make sure to check opening hours, as they’re limited.

If you want to dig deeper into Fleming’s life, you can visit the nearby St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bayswater. It’s where Fleming married his colleague, Dr. Amalia Voureka, in 1952.

6. Ride a Horse

One of the most unique things to do near Paddington station is ride a horse. A hidden lane called Bathurst Mews is known for being home to Hyde Park Stables. It’s one of the last standing mews with horses in central London.

If you want to see Hyde Park in one of the most unique ways, you can book horse riding for adults, children, and groups of all skill levels. The stables offer private horse rides, riding lessons, and arena lessons year-round.

You’ll get to ride horses into Hyde Park, beside The Serpentine, and down the green space’s famous Rotten Row. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

7. Explore Little Venice

Just north of Paddington Basin, Little Venice is one of the most unusual places in London. Sitting at the confluence of the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal, and the entrance to Paddington Basin, this area is known for its colorful boats and leafy streets.

There are waterfront cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the neighborhood, a towpath to walk along, and parks perfect for relaxing. There’s a canalside pub, too.

If you want some help exploring the area, you can go on my free self-guided Little Venice walk. It goes through Paddington Basin, so you can combine it with my Paddington walk or my Regent’s Canal walk if you want a longer stroll.

8. Get Out on the Canals

Speaking of canals, there are lots of great ways to get out on the water near Paddington station. From boats to barges and self-powered paddle boards, you’ll find plenty of fun ways to get active here.

My favorite is stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). It’s a fun way to glide along the water and have time to take in the details that make the canal boats and other highlights special. You can book here. If you don’t want to stand, you can kayak or canoe.

Other ways to get out on the water include boarding the area’s barges. The Puppet Theatre Barge is the UK’s only floating puppet theatre. It’s been putting on performances for decades, and they provide endless entertainment for kids of all ages.

Canal boat cruises are another great way to see the area from the water. They run along Regent’s Canal, passing right through the London Zoo, going by Camden Market, and making their way to Camden Lock.

Another fun thing to do is go boating around the canals on your own. There’s a company that provides self-driving boat experiences in the area.

No prior boating knowledge is necessary, and there are tables in the middle that are perfect for enjoying picnics. You can book a boat here.

Another unique way to get out on the canals near Paddington station is to go to the Floating Pocket Park in Merchant Square.

London’s first floating park, it was created by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Young Garden Designer of the Year (and Gold Medalist), Tony Woods.

The Floating Pocket Park is a great place to relax on a sunny day. There are benches, greenery, and free WiFi here. In the summer the place fills with deck chairs and beanbags, and at Christmas there are festive lights.

9. Follow the Paddington Trails

Another of the best activities near Paddington station is the area’s trails. There are several to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that fits your interests.

The most beloved is the Paddington Pawprint Trail. As the name implies, it follows in the footsteps (er, pawprints) of the famous bear.

Three different adventures will take you on a journey of discovery. Each of them showcases one of the Paddington Bear sculptures from the Paddington Trail that was held throughout London in 2014.

The Pawprint Trail starts at the Paddington Bear statue at Paddington station. It has all the best things to do in Paddington, including family-friendly activities, places to eat, and the famous Fountain Maze in Merchant Square.

A more grown-up trail is the Paddington Public Art Trail. This one will take you to over 20 works of art that connect the history of the area, including the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother sculpture.

From the Paddington Bear statue to creative installations, the trail brings together the area’s industrial past, medical and scientific achievements, military and engineering history, royal connections, performing arts, and literary ties.

10. Eat

All the activity will probably make you hungry, which is a good thing in this area. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes dotted throughout Paddington.

My favorite place to enjoy a meal by the station is the Frontline Club. This restaurant calls itself a “gathering place for journalists, photographers and other likeminded people interested in international affairs and independent journalism.”

With good food and atmosphere, it’s one of my favorite places to eat near London’s train stations.

Another great place to eat near Paddington station is Market Halls Paddington. It features street food, an outdoor terrace, a live stage, and two bars.

Other places to eat in the wider area include restaurants like The Summerhouse, which has a famous terrace overlooking the Grand Union Canal.

I also love the views of Regent’s Canal from Cafe Laville. And that’s to say nothing of the unique Waterside Cafe, which is housed in a boat in Little Venice. The Cafe at Clifton Nurseries is a dream, too.

There are fun restaurants in Paddington Basin as well. From Beany Green to The Cheese Barge (yes, it’s a thing), there’s no shortage of places to graze and dine.

11. Drink

When it comes to drinks, there are plenty of bars and pubs near Paddington station. Whether you’re looking to sip a coffee before your train departs or enjoy a canalside cocktail on a sunny day, you’ve got options.

As far as classic watering holes go, the Prince Alfred in Maida Vale is one of the most sumptuous Victorian pubs in the area. A Grade-II listed building, it features original etched glass, mosaic tiles, and traditional “snob screens”.

If you want to stay closer to the station, The Bear Pub is just the ticket. It’s a modern British number with a simple but thoughtful food menu and independent craft beers from around the world.

Other good pubs in the area include The Cleveland Arms, a 19th-century gastropub with historic-meets-contemporary decor and traditional Sunday roasts. You can also pop into The Victoria, a historic pub near Hyde Park.

If it’s coffee you’re after, Treelogy and Harrison’s Coffee are right near the station. They’re good alternatives to some of the chain coffee shops inside. In Paddington Basin, Frequency Coffee is a winner.

12. Shop

If you’re into shopping, you can find good places for retail therapy near the station. One of the most unique is Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone. London’s biggest indoor antiques and vintage market, this place is worth a walk from the station.

In the other direction, you’ll find lots of great shops on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. From clothing to flowers, there’s plenty to love about the boutiques here. Sezane is a must.

The aforementioned Clifton Nurseries in Maida Vale is for you if you’re into gardening. Even if you’re not, it’s worth a visit to see the beautiful shop and drool over the gorgeous garden furniture.

There are more great boutiques in Connaught Village. From cheese to cosmetics and clothing, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this upscale enclave of Paddington.

13. Explore Connaught Village

Speaking of which, Connaught Village is worth a trip for shoppers and non-shoppers alike. The area on and around Connaught Street is packed with cute cafes, good restaurants, pretty lanes, and public art.

Right near Edgware Road and Marble Arch, Connaught Village is a great place to shop, eat, and drink before or after visiting Hyde Park or Oxford Street.

Whether you want to try the Basque cheesecake at La Maritxu Connaught, have a meal at Kendal Street Kitchen, or let your taste buds be temped at London Chocolate, there’s something for everyone.

And that’s to say nothing of taking in the colorful houses in Archery Close. They’re some of the prettiest in the area.

14. See Edgware Road and Marble Arch

While you’re here, you can pop over to Edgware Road and Marble Arch. The former is known for its Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean restaurants and cafes. Whether you want to tuck into a delicious Lebanese feast or try Egyptian cuisine, you’ll find it here.

At the southern end of Edgware Road, you’ll see the white facade of Marble Arch. This London landmark sits at the northeast corner of Hyde Park.

The famous triumphal arch was designed by John Nash in 1827. It was originally the state entrance to the cour d’honneur at Buckingham Palace, but it was moved to its present location in 1851 when the monarch’s London residence was enlarged.

15. Stay a Night

Given there are so many fun things to do near Paddington station, it’s worth staying a night or two to see them all. The good news is that there are loads of places to rest your head here. You can see a range and choose the best one for your style here.

If you want my advice, the Grand Hotel Bellevue London is a great choice. Overlooking Norfolk Square Garden, this elegant Victorian number is near the station and features beautiful guest rooms. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

If you want to spread out a bit, Wilde Aparthotels in Paddington Basin is a great choice. The apartments here have all the amenities of a regular hotel room, plus a kitchenette with a dishwasher, microwave, and toaster. If that sounds like your kind of place, you can book your stay here.

Paddington Map

Things to Do Near Paddington Station

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best attractions near Paddington station and that it’s inspired you to get out and explore this part of the UK capital. The area is worth discovering, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do when you visit.

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