GREAT THINGS TO DO NEAR SUSSEX GARDENS

Back in the early 19th century, the development of the Paddington Basin meant that many new roads and townhouses were built to accommodate the increased business and population to the West London area. Over time this has meant that there has been a sharp rise in tourism, especially due to the proximity of the Paddington area to the centre of the city, and has in turn led to the many 4 star hotels in Central London gravitating their branches around this spacious and luxurious part of West London. Below are some of the popular attractions in the Paddington area, giving guests in the leafy borough a chance to explore a richer face to the area.

Merchant Square

Home to the rolling bridge and 11 acres of multi use land, Merchant Square is home to housing, entertainment, dining opportunities and over 11,000 workers. This centrally located canalside square is located very close to Paddington Station and brings a wide range of pop up shops, food stall and entertainment to the rapidly developing area. With canals winding through glittering new build tower blocks, this modernised area acts as the fresh face of Bayswater.

Subway Gallery

Opened in June 2006, this Pedestrian Subway based art gallery was opened by artist Robert Gordon McHarg III and was created to celebrate modern and contemporary art in a 1960’s subway kiosk. Utilising glass walls and the public subway it is based in, the Subway is one of the most unique galleries in the West London area. Based below Edgware Road and Harrow Road this gallery is well worth a saunter.

St James’s Church Sussex Gardens

First known as St mary’s on Paddington Green, this 19th century church was created to accommodate for the growing population of the Paddington area and was well known for its striking gothic revival design, based on blueprints for a more neo-classical structure. Architects and religious historians will find interest in this idyllic addition to the Paddington landscape.

Speakers’ Corner

Speakers Corner is located just behind Marble Arch Station in Hyde Park. This famous area in Hyde Park has played host to a wide range of high profile figures, using the iconic spot as a place to express views, philosophies and concerns to the public. With the likes of George Orwell and Karl Marx having used the area as a space to debate and talk through their ideas, Speakers Corner has become associated with the idea of free speech, and is still a celebrated spot in London, attracting a broad range of ideologies and characters.

Michael Werner Gallery

The Michael Werner Gallery is based on the corner of Hyde Park and is well known for showcasing and selling some of the best in European and American contemporary artists. This Mayfair based townhouse gallery showcases some of the modern masters in a wide range of mediums.

Serpentine Boating Lake

The Serpentine Lake was built in the 18th century for Queen Caroline of Brunswick and is still one of the most popular attractions in Hyde Park. Filled to the brim with swans, geese, pedalos and even an open air lido for swimming, this scenic lake is one of the most memorable spots in any London Park.

Madame Tussauds

Based on Marylebone Road, this famous waxwork museum brings a wide range of historic and contemporary figures to life in vivid wax form. Selfie opportunities abound, this museum is home to wax lookalikes of David Beckham, Brad Pitt and JIm Carrey, alongside many others.