If you are up for your next memorable adventure in London, then Paddington should be a part of your trip.
While traditionally, Paddington is mostly associated with the adventurous fictional Bear that first appeared on 13 October 1958 in the children’s book A Bear Called Paddington, this unique neighborhood is full of unique gems.
This colorful borough in Central London radiates a mix of unparalleled beauty, history, and unique discoveries.
In today’s guide, we have gathered 9 unique spots and things to try out once you step foot in Paddington.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Paddington, holds an important place in the heart of Brits, as it’s the birthplace of the members of the British Royal family, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte.
Besides that, it’s where Nobel Prize winner Sir Alexander Fleming revolutionized medicine with his discovery of penicillin at St Mary’s Hospital.
One thing’s for sure; Paddington is where miracles happen!
So, let’s start with the first thing on our list, which is no other than the famous Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum.
1) Visit the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum
If you’re interested in enjoying some of London’s more historical attractions, the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum might be for you.
A stone’s throw from the Station, you can visit the site where Fleming made his famous discovery of penicillin in 1928.
Located in St. Mary’s Hospital, the lab has been reconstructed to its original appearance and offers some insightful commentary on how the groundbreaking developments unfolded.
Admission:
- Adults: £4.00
- Children, students, senior citizens, UB40 holders: £2.00
- Staff and students of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College School of Medicine: Free on the production of valid identification badge.
Opening hours:
The museum is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Address: Praed St, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom
2) Explore the Picturesque Little Venice
Little Venice offers the perfect antidote to this chaos: a picturesque oasis of narrowboats and trees a short walk away.
You can take a stroll down the canal, or hop on one of the numerous riverboat services and enjoy a lazy afternoon of drifting, stopping off at Regents Park, Camden, and further afield.
For the more adventurous, you can even hire a paddle board!
3) Attend a Performance at the Puppet Theater Barge
The Puppet Theatre Barge is a unique and delightful marionette theater located in London.
As it’s stated on its website, it’s the UK’s only floating puppet theater.
The Puppet Theater Barge is housed on a converted barge, floating gracefully on the waters of the Thames River.
It is an enchanting theater that entices you to admire it in awe.
If you plan to visit Paddington this May, you can find The Puppet Theatre Barge nestled in the picturesque area of Little Venice until 16th June 2024.
During the summer period, the theater sets sail to Richmond-upon-Thames.
Address: opposite, 35 Blomfield Rd, London W9 2PF, United Kingdom
4) Admire and Take Photos of the Paddington Bear Statue
The Paddington Bear Statue, located at Paddington Station is a delightful bronze sculpture created by the talented sculptor Marcus Cornish.
The statue is located halfway up Platform 1 and it marks the association between Michael Bond’s fictional bear and the station from which his name originates.
Adjacent to the statue, visitors are expected to find a commemorative plaque that provides details about the bear’s appearance in both the book and the film.
And if you desire to make this memory indelible, then right beside the plaque, there’s a cute bench inviting you to sit down next to Paddington for a photograph.
But here lies a problem.
After capturing this memorable moment, what are you going to do with your heavy luggage and belongings, after exiting the Paddington Station? Are you going to drag it with you?
Well, you might, but there is a better and safer option!
Enter Stasher!
While we’ll elaborate on our services later, Stasher provides a comprehensive network of secure luggage storage locations near Paddington Station.
Stasher is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!
Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.
Quite simple, right?
Let’s move on to the next experience on our list.
5) Live a Mouthwatering Experience at Al Waha
For some of the freshest and most painstakingly prepared Lebanese cuisine in the capital, Al Waha is modestly priced and boasts excellent service.
Al Waha is a twenty-minute walk from Paddington Station, but it is most certainly worth it.
On average, prices per person range between £20 – 30.
After a long day exploring the Paddington district, get prepared to devour an authentic mouthwatering mezze menu that will leave you hungry for more.
Address: Al Waha, 75 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UL, United Kingdom
6) Visit Paddington’s Floating Pocket Park
Paddington’s Floating Pocket Park is a delightful gem nestled on the waters of the Paddington Basin in London.
Essentially, it’s a serene oasis where you can escape the city buzz and enjoy a moment of calm.
Upon visiting this unique pocket-sized park, you can expect a 700 sq m of green space that floats on Paddington Basin, consisting of benches, green lawns, flowerbeds, and even a special ramp for the ducks.
And if the weather is favorable, this floating park is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch on sunny days during the spring period.
Address: London W2 1JZ, United Kingdom
7) Have a Picnic at Paddington Central Amphitheatre
Paddington Central Amphitheater, formerly known as Sheldon Square, is a vibrant place, ideal for picnics and family gatherings.
It’s a great family vacation idea, as recently it was revitalized forming a unique haven that is ideal for recharging your batteries and relaxing.
After its redevelopment, its access has been enhanced with a new ramp, central staircase, handrails, and textured paving.
Plus, the Amphitheatre boasts a brand-new performance area with a larger stage, making it an ideal cultural spot.
Address: Sheldon Square, London W2 6EZ, United Kingdom
8) Discover Unique Gems at Church Street market
Church Street Market offers an authentic London street market experience with unique vibes.
The Market runs from Edgware Road to Lisson Grove and it’s less than five minutes away from Paddington Basin.
While immersing yourself in this bustling spot, you can find treasure troves from traditional fruit, veg, and fish stalls to unique clothing, accessories, household goods, jewelry, luggage, and leather goods.
As a fact, the market has been a part of the neighborhood for centuries, with some stalls passed down through generations.
Operating hours:
Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Church St, London NW8 8DT, United Kingdom
9) Enjoy a Unique Seafood Experience at London Shell Company
The London Shell Company is a delightful seafood restaurant that offers an exquisite dining experience aboard two barge boats in Central London.
The restaurant is renowned for its fresh and sustainably sourced seafood dishes. So, you can expect a well-curated menu filled with delicious oysters, fish, shellfish, and other seafood delicacies, expertly prepared by talented chefs.
While prices might be a little high, but reasonable since this is seafood paired with eclectic wine, we are talking about, it’s totally worth it. Be sure that you’ll savor the culinary experience of a lifetime!
Address: Union Canal, Sheldon Square, London W2 6EP, United Kingdom
Getting Around Paddington
Getting around Paddington is relatively easy thanks to its well-connected transportation network.
Paddington Station serves as a major hub with connections to four Underground lines.
It offers access to national rail services, including trains to and from Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express.
Moreover, Paddington is a pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and a good amount of attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other, making it convenient to explore on foot.
Besides walking, cycling is an equally popular way to get around Paddington, with designated bike lanes and cycle paths available throughout the area.
Another alternative to the aforementioned options is the bus. Paddington is served by several bus routes, providing connections to various parts of the city.
If you choose driving over the other options, you need to take into account that driving in central London can be challenging due to congestion and limited parking.
Next, let’s see right away how to store your luggage in Paddington!
How to Store Your Luggage in Paddington
As we previously mentioned, dragging your luggage around while immersing yourself in unique adventures in the vibrant Paddington, is not a piece of cake.
That’s where Stasher is stepping in!
At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, hostels, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to store their luggage for a few hours or days safely.
Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags in Paddington with the help of Stasher.
After selecting Paddington, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.
Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.
Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.
Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are good to go!
At this point, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!
