Paddington is an area of west London located between two Royal Parks, Notting Hill and the West End. Stroll through the suburb to find pretty parks, gardens, squares, cafes, the Grand Union Canal and the Grade I-listed London Paddington station designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Historically, Paddington is famous for St Mary’s Hospital, where Nobel Prize winner Sir Alexander Fleming revolutionised the world of medicine with his discovery of penicillin. It is also where Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince George and Princess Charlotte were all born.
How do I get to Paddington?
London Paddington station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trains to London Paddington depart for, and arrive from, west and south-west England and south Wales.
Paddington station is the London terminus for the Heathrow Express train to London Heathrow Airport, a dedicated non-stop service to the airport that leaves every 15 minutes.
Where can I travel to from Paddington?
Transfer directly from your train onto the Tube at Paddington using the Hammersmith and City line, Circle line, District line, Bakerloo line and Elizabeth line.
Paddington station is also well-served by London buses and London taxis, making it easy to continue your journey across London.
If you're going to be in London for more than one day, it's worth buying a Visitor Oyster Card* in advance. The Visitor Oyster Card is delivered to your home before you arrive in London and is one of the easiest ways to get around London.
Things to do in Paddington
It's only a few minutes’ walk from Paddington station to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Regent's Canal and the picturesque area of Little Venice with its colourful canal boats, swans and Canadian Geese.
Other activities and events to enjoy in Paddington include:
- Enjoy street food on Tuesdays and Thursdays and try to navigate through the world’s first water maze without getting wet in Merchant Square.
- Take the canal towpath to Sheldon Square, a grassy amphitheatre surrounded by restaurants, outdoor free ping pong, and free big screen shows in the summer.
- See the world-famous Heatherwick's Rolling Bridge and Paddington’s Fan Bridge in action on Wednesdays and Fridays at midday.
- Take a canal boat from Little Venice to Camden, or test your balance and hire a paddle board!
- Step aboard the Puppet Theatre Barge for some unusual entertainment.
- Norfolk Square Gardens and Talbot Square Gardens are ideal picnic spots, with deck chairs, ping pong and giant chess.
For those who enjoy a longer waterside walk, it is possible to follow the Regents Canal to London Zoo.
Where to eat and drink in Paddington
Restaurants and cafes thrive in Paddington. Book a table at one of these bars and restaurants:
- the Bridge House pub on the canal and its acclaimed comedy show upstairs.
- The Summerhouse and its sister restaurant The Waterway also sit next to the canal and offer beautiful views all year round.
- Zizzi Paddington
- Angelus
- Nipa Thai
Where to stay in Paddington
Paddington is home to more than 90 hotels, from budget-friendly traveller pit stops to premium hotels for business or pleasure. Many independent guesthouses also overlook the leafy garden squares.
Hotels
- Lancaster London
- Hotel Indigo
- Mercure
- Hilton London Paddington
- The Novotel London Paddington
- The Caesar
Budget hotels
Bed and breakfast
More hotels near Paddington station
Paddington Bear
Since the 1960s, Paddington station has been synonymous with the marmalade-loving children's book character, Paddington Bear. The Paddingon books have been published in 40 different languages, and the famous bear even has his own Hollywood movies.
Find a charming bronze statue of Paddington Bear under the clock on Platform 1, where the Brown family found him in the first book. There is also the world’s only dedicated Paddington Bear shop in the station, which is great for souvenirs and gifts.
Explore more London neighbourhoods
Where to next? Check out other top London areas.