Spare moments in a big city like London can be the most precious ones. Whether you’re rushing from your room at the Park Grand Paddington Court to business meetings or trying to tick off attractions on your London holiday bucket list, it’s important to make the most of your free time.
What’s more, finding those brief moments to yourself can sometimes uncover the city’s true personality and scratch under the surface of the city’s best-kept secrets. Whoever you’re visiting the city with, capitalising on your local area’s quirky and curious side could really make your trip!
Here are some of our favourite sites and attractions in the Paddington area, which should help you explore your surroundings when staying at hotels near Paddington Station London. Some of these may be familiar to you whilst others you might have overlooked on first glance.
Public Art Trail
With 22 statues on this walk, you can start the Paddington Art Trail as soon as you step off the train.
Taking you through some of the area’s most buzzing squares, this trail is one of the best ways to see the range of public art and sculptures scattered throughout West London. From the Brunel Statue in the station to the statue of Simon Milton, who was the brains behind the Paddington regeneration in Merchant Square.
With that in mind, the Public Art Trail gives you more than just pretty pictures, but a slice of local history, too!
Paddington Paw Print Trail
From plaques to sculptures, the Paw Print Trail around the Paddington area is a great way for adults and children alike to get to know the area.
This trail takes you through some of the top sites, from the adventures of the titular bear to activities you can actually take part in. You’ll find yourself boats to hire, table tennis and animal watching as you make your way through the West London borough.
Garden Squares of West London
West London is well-known for its pristine Regency White Townhouses and for its large garden squares. With many open to the public, you’d be mad not to sample the likes of Paddington Green and Norfolk Square Gardens.
Sail the Paddington Basin
Here, you can hire out a boat to see the city in a new light.
Whether you opt for a pedalo or a rowboat, the calm and tranquil waters of the Paddington Basin make for a great afternoon on the river. There are countless rental companies available throughout the Paddington area, most of which offer great value rates and the promise of a truly memorable experience.
Alexander Fleming Museum
Get to know the 1928 surgery room and laboratory of Alexander Fleming, the Nobel Prize-winning doctor who created the life-changing and life-saving Penicillin antibiotic.
This museum is located in St Mary’s Hospital in Praed Street and is open to the public from 10 AM till 1 PM from Monday to Thursday.
Idyllic Paddington Pubs
When you have an hour to kill, Paddington is the perfect spot to wet your whistle and sample some of Britain’s best beers and ales.
With pubs ornate pubs close by, you can indulge in flowery terrace gardens and chic interiors, bringing a Victorian-era gaudiness that reflects the history of the area. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a wholesome, cheerful restaurant near Paddington Station, there are a number of pubs that double as delicious, gourmet eateries.
