It is not often that you will speak of London without mentioning Paddington. Located in the city of Westminster, you will find this upmarket treasure that infuses a combination of old meets new.
As we make our way through the Paddington district, we are greeted with shiny modern buildings against a backdrop of impressive Georgian townhouses. What makes this location great is its central positioning, close to all the action that London has to offer.
You have one of the most popular attractions – Paddington Station, located on the famous Praed street.
The street itself is an attraction with all the popular bars, cafes, and streetside eateries.
The Devonshire Hotel London is one of a few hotels in this area that give you access to most of the city’s attractions.
The hotel is located within walking distance of Paddington Station, which allows you to get to London Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express in a matter of minutes.
Another station in the area is Lancaster Gate allowing commuters to access both the east and west parts of the city using the London Underground. With that being said, there is much more to Paddington than just its station. In this article, we will highlight some of the hidden gems that Paddington has to offer.
After you have secured your luggage storage in Paddington Station, have yourself an even more enjoyable day by taking advantage of these eight best-kept secrets in Paddington Station.
St James’s Church
Like most of London, and in fact, most of Europe, those who visit this city will find that the city is populated with a variety of architectural styles and structures – especially in the case of the city’s old churches.
One such church is St. James’ church which is located in the Sussex Gardens of Paddington. This parish of the Church of England is approximately 175 m from Hyde Park and is centrally located.
Paddington Bear Shop
Visitors will be surprised to learn that Paddington Station also has an interesting relationship with popular culture in that it has been the location for some of the most memorable and famous movies and stories ever told.
That’s right – you guessed it! One of the stories we are referring to is that of Paddington Bear – the children’s story which has also graced film screens.
When visiting, you will find a life-size bronze statue of this famous bear as well as a really cute shop that includes any and all of the Paddington Bear memorabilia and souvenirs your heart is in search of.
Little Venice
If you’re in this area of the world and in search of a Venice-like location, you will not have to go that far. In fact, in the busy metropolis of London, there is a small part of town that recreates the magic of Venice called Little Venice.
This little gem is both a romantic space as well as a sight to see with its narrow streets, canal ways, cafes, and classic architecture.
Visitors especially like buzzing about the area on a taxi boat while they head to Camden market or while taking a long and romantic stroll along the canal.
Heist Bank
If you are looking for a location that’s got plenty of activities, why not head over to Heist Bank?
This location includes an all-day set of attractions and activities.
If you are an art lover, you can check out the many local exhibitions inside the in-house art gallery.
If, however, you are a gamer, you can venture over to the games arcade. And for the foodies among you, there is also a great bar and restaurant where you can find quick and easy food items such as pizza, burgers, and a banana boat.
Paddington Green Gardens
Paddington Green is the epitome of ancient Paddington. This is the oldest part of this district, and it was in 1988 that this area became a conservatory.
Its lush greenery offers a tranquil space for Londoners to come and take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. While some parks in London tend to be rather touristy, this space is one of the best-kept secrets in town.
These London Hotel Deals will allow visitors to stay at nearby hotels and avoid some of the touristy crowds near the Hyde Park area.
The Waterside Cafe
If you are a foodie, then you must visit this exceptional restaurant, the waterside café.
Considered one of London’s most incredible additions to the city’s culinary scene, the waterside café offers incredible food and a comprehensive drink menu, while you can also take in astonishing views of Regent’s canal and the many other attractions that this city has to offer.
Old Mary’s
If you enjoy the nightlife and want to get a taste of it while visiting, many agree that one of the best places to visit – whether for a party or immediately after work – is Old Mary’s. This special location has many great beers and interesting cocktails.
Most agree that if you do visit Old Mary’s, you should check out the cocktails because they are both quirky and unexpected.
Some of the choices that visitors will have to choose from include Buor Blower (a combination of vodka, gin, apple juice, and bitters) or a barrel-aged cocktail (which is often served with pickled onions and edible flowers).
The Rolling Bridge
Our final suggestion when traveling to Paddington Station is to take in the Rolling Bridge.
Designed by London’s Thomas Heatherwick, this bridge’s key purpose is to simultaneously give pedestrians a space to cross the canal while canal boats are passing through – and to do without disruption – using an intricate form of technology.