Another of London's busy transport hubs, Paddington train station takes care of arrivals from busy Heathrow Airport, while the large number of Paddington hotels makes it one of the best areas in London for accommodation.
Paddington Station
The station was constructed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1854, and serves destinations to the west of the UK, including Reading, Swindon, Bristol, Plymouth, Bath, Slough and Cardiff. Brunel's vision makes Paddington one of the most eye-catching train stations in the city.
Heathrow and Back
The Heathrow Express rail service runs to and from Paddington every fifteen minutes. Single tickets start at £16.50 for adults and £8.20 for children. Journeys last fifteen minutes. Alternatively, the Heathrow Connect service makes the same journey in 25 minutes, but tickets are only £8.50 for adults.
Paddington Bear
The name Paddington is of course now synonymous with author Michael Bond's fictional bear, who was discovered at the train station by the Brown family following his journey from deepest, darkest Peru. Since Paddington's first adventure was published in 1958, the books have sold over 35 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages, making him one of London's most popular and enduring fictional characters.
Other Paddington Places of Interest
As a location with travel as a primary use, there are few outright attractions within Paddington. However, museum lovers may well wish to note the
Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum, a fascinating look at the location of one of the most important medical discoveries in history, that of penicillin in 1928.
Paddington Pubs & Bars
If you are looking for somewhere to sit down and have a drink, then magnificently named inn
The Mad Bishop and Bear is a welcoming Fuller's pub situated within the railway station, serving an excellent selection of British real ale and traditional pub food. Other options include the very traditional
Royal Exchange Free House, serving hearty Sunday roast dinners near Edgware Road, while the stylish
Monkey Puzzle serves a wide range of ales, ciders, wines and bar meals.
Paddington Restaurants
For an evening meal,
Satay House is one of the most popular Malaysian restaurants in London, while continuing the Oriental theme
Pearl Liang is a fine Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar. If you prefer European fare, then go Italian at
Cristini or, if you are feeling really adventurous, treat yourself to the fine French cuisine at iconic double Michelin-starred
The Ledbury. For an excellent British option, try
Hereford Road.
If it is just a snack you need, you should definitely seek out the fantastic
Bagel Factory branch on Praed Street.
Paddington Shopping
There are of course better areas for shopping in London than Paddington, which hardly suffers from an embarrassment of riches in the retail therapy department. However, the first ever branch of clothes store
High & Mighty opened here half a century ago, and is now the first port of call for the larger gent. Fashion fans may also wish to note
House of Weardowney, where they will find luxurious woollen garments created by a former designer of John Galliano.
Paddington Parking
If you are bringing your car to London, you may be a little apprehensive about what to do with it once you arrive. Fortunately, there are plenty of
NCP car parks right across Paddington, most of which are open 24 hours and cost £6 for the first two hours.
The vast amount of very reasonably priced Paddington hotels are within easy reach of Hyde Park, Notting Hill and the West End, as well as a tube station that serves four lines, meaning you could not wish for a more convenient central London location.