Posted on

Camden Market: How to Get there and What You Can Find

Live Music

Camden Town is a thriving area famed for its eclectic market, heady aromas from street food vendors and a regular calendar of events.

Many people visit the area for some retail therapy and to browse the unique boutiques and handcrafted items available at Camden’s many stalls, but there’s so much more to the area than just the market.

Read on to discover what else Camden has to offer and why you should visit during your stay at the Chilworth London Paddington Spa.

A unique shopping experience

There’s nowhere in London quite like Camden Market for unique, handcrafted pieces, individual fashions and artisan goods that you won’t find in any high street store.

Visitors from all over the world flock to Camden Market looking to pick up a bargain and chat to the stall holders, and with some many weird and wonderful boutiques in the area, you’re guaranteed to find something special to suit your tastes and budget.

From fashion, home wears, collectables and handcrafted jewellery, there is so much choice at Camden Market that it’s impossible to come away without buying something, either for yourself or as a gift for someone back home.

If you’ve gone a little bit crazy with your credit card but need a little light refreshment after your mammoth shopping trip, then head back to our hotel to enjoy the best value afternoon tea in London while appraising your latest purchases.

A mecca for live music

Camden has an amazing live music scene featuring up and coming bands and acts performing almost every night of the week, so it’s a great hotspot for a birthday or special celebration.

The Chilworth London Paddington Spa is just a 30-minute tube trip away, so you can send a lazy afternoon enjoying your hotel’s fantastic spa treatments before getting glammed up ready for a night on the tiles.

From funk and soul to thrash mental, the quirky pubs and bars of Camden have something for everyone, so you’re sure to have a great night.

Sensational street food

From flavoursome falafel to artisan bread and cheeses, you can’t escape the tantalising smell of the many street food vendors that line the streets of Camden Market.

There’s literally every type of cuisine from around the world available at Camden Market, so you’re sure to find something new and exciting to try during your visit.

If you don’t fancy grabbing something on the go and want to enjoy something a little more refined, our hotels offer the best value afternoon tea in London, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy some delectable sandwiches, dainty sweet treats and a warming cup of finest tea or coffee away from the hustle and bustle of Camden Market.

It’s also a wonderful way of resting your legs after a busy day exploring Camden Market, so make sure you make a reservation for this special treat during your next visit to London.

Posted on

Explore spots for tech lovers staying at the Chilworth Paddington

science museum

If you’re a bit of a techie and are heading off to London for a short break, then boy have we got some attractions for you!

Whether you want to discover some important Victorian technology, check out some up to the second tech that’s shaping our world or do a little bit of gadget shopping during your visit, London certainly has something to offer for every type of tech lover.

Science Museum, London

No visit to London would be complete without a visit to the science museum, a mecca for tech lovers from all over the world.

Browse the collections featuring a wide range of tech objects that have shaped our world include x-ray plates, the atomic science exhibition and the wide range of information age objects and displays that only a true techie would appreciate.

However, there are plenty of amazing exhibits that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and interests, so you don’t necessarily need to be a tech lover to enjoy a day at here!

There are so many great exhibits to enjoy at the Science Museum, so make sure that you enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Chilworth Paddington before heading out for the day.

Getting there is straightforward, with the tube leaving from Paddington Station just a short stroll from the Chilworth Paddington every eight minutes. The journey takes just over 15 minutes, so you could get there early and beat the crowds.

Crossness Pumping Station, London

If you want to see some Victorian tech that transformed London into the modern city we see today, then head over to Crossness Pumping Station.

The journey is much easier made by train, so leave the Chilworth Paddington and head towards Paddington Station to begin your journey outside of the city. It might take a while to reach your destination, but this hidden gem is well worth the wait, and you won’t have to tackle the usual London crowds either.

This technological wonder of the industrial age is open to the public, and you’ll be able to find out more about the work of civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette and how he transformed the River Thames from a stinking cesspit and revolutionised the London sewer system.

Although this attraction is located a bit further out, you can maximise your budget with our luxury London hotels special offers, so you’ve got more money to spend on tube tickets or a few souvenirs as mementoes as your time in the capital.

Department stores

If you’ve taken advantage of one of our luxury London hotels special offers, then you should have a little spare change to treat yourself to some new tech to take home with you.

London is famous for its department stores, and there’s plenty to choose from, so spend a few hours browsing the stores and checking out the latest tech gadgets on offer during your visit.

Posted on

Three Amazing Parks near the Chilworth Paddington You Need to See this Autumn

hyde park

You wouldn’t normally associate a capital city with an array of natural wonders, but autumn in London is an amazing spectacle thanks to its beautifully maintained parks and green spaces that are dotted around the city.

The city takes on a new feel that this time of year, so many visitors flock to London’s parks and gardens to witness the leaves changing colour and grab a few snaps of their deep red, burnt orange and golden views.

If you’re staying at the Chilworth London hotel this autumn, then you simply have to check out these three amazing parks nearby.

Hyde Park

One of the largest and most well-loved parks in London, Hyde Park is a mecca for photographers hoping to capture the splendour of autumnal nature.

There’s also plenty to see and do at Hyde Park, including the Princess Diana Memorial and children’s play area, the Serpentine Gallery where you can enjoy the latest contemporary art exhibitions and even early evening bat walks with a team of wildlife experts.

The Chilworth London hotel is just a short stroll away from the entrance to Hyde Park, so it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying the vivid colours of the changing foliage.

St. James Park

Surrounded by landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall, St. James Park hosts ceremonial visits and trooping the colour events, so it’s a very popular place to visit.

The park comes alive in autumn where you’ll find tourists walking around the lake and enjoying the beautiful fountain nestled deep in the park.

Visitors also come to visit the parks resident pelicans who can be found enjoying the lake or basking in the sun by Duck Cottage. You can even watch the pelicans enjoy their daily feed of fresh fish between 2:30pm and 3pm every day.

The easiest way to reach St. James Park from the Chilworth London hotel is by tube from Paddington Station using the Bakerloo line and by checking out our luxury London hotels special offers, you’ll have more money to spend on tube tickets.

Buckingham Palace Gardens

Usually reserved for the use of the royal family for official outdoor events and garden parties, Buckingham Palace Gardens is open to the public during the autumn months when taking a tour of iconic Buckingham Palace.

These gardens are steeped in history and feature an array of opulent plants and trees, but are only open when the Queen chooses to permit visitors, so now is a great time to take advantage of our luxury London hotels special offers if you want to explore her majesties private gardens.

Bucking Palace Gardens is easy to reach from our Paddington hotel, just hop on the tube at Paddington and you’ll arrive at nearby Hyde Park Station in just ten minutes and then walk for a further five minutes before reaching the entrance to Buckingham Palace.

Posted on

Your Guide to the Boutiques of Camden Town

camden

Camden Town is famous for its eclectic mix of market stalls featuring tempting artisan treats, original pieces of contemporary artwork and handmade clothing, but you don’t need to wait until market day to peruse some unique items in Camden.

Camden also has an array of amazing independent boutiques offering a great alternative to the usual high street offerings and has long been a hotspot for those seeking something a little different.

Read on to discover what the boutiques of Camden Town have to offer and why a visit to Camden provides a fantastic shopping experience and the opportunity to discover some up and coming designers during your stay at the Chilworth London Hotel.

Rokit

If retro gear is your thing, then Rokit in Camden Town should be on your itinerary. Featuring a fantastic selection of vintage and retro-inspired clothing for men and women, you’ll find anything from flares to Stetsons, so even if you don’t buy anything you’re sure to enjoy checking out what Rokit has to offer.

To get to Camden Town from the Chilworth London Hotel, simply jump on the tube at Paddington Station and you’ll be enjoying the quirky shop fronts in just over half an hour.

Camberry

A one-stop-shop for the dapper gent about town, Camberry can be found in a small studio at the Stables Market in Camden Town.

Featuring a collection of velvet smoking jackets, bowties and colourful pocket squares, Camberry fuses British design with an eccentric edge.

There’s also plenty of food stall in Stable Market, but if you’re a fan of all things British, then maybe a Paddington afternoon tea back at the hotel is more your thing. After all, you don’t get more British than cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey tea!

Cyberdog

You might need to wear your sunglasses for this Camden Town boutique! Cyberdog features a wide range of funky, fluorescent fashions for men, women and children in its futuristic store.

Filled with neon lights and weird and wonderful outfits and accessories, you won’t be able to miss Cyberdog thanks to the huge robot model that guards the entrance to the shop.

Sai Sai

If gothic and punk attire is more your vibe, then don’t leave Camden Town without visiting Sai Sai.

With a wide range of clothing for men and women, they also stock a wide range of goth and punk-inspired accessories including bags, chokers, glasses and gloves – perfect treats for yourself or friends back home.

If all this retail therapy is making you feel hungry and if the thought of grabbing some street food isn’t to your taste, then treat yourself to a delectable Paddington afternoon tea at the Chilworth London hotel, the perfect way to unwind after a shopping extravaganza.

And remember, with Camden Town being only 30-minutes away via tube, you can always pop back to pick up a few last minute purchases before you head home.

Posted on

A Guide to the Science Museum for Tech Lovers

science museum

No visit to London would be complete without a visit to the Science Museum, especially if you’re a tech lover!

With dozens or engaging and interactive exhibits, halls full of exhibits celebrating the ingenuity of man and triumphs of scientific discovery, there’s plenty to see and do during your visit.

If you’re staying at our hotels close to Paddington Station, it’s also really easy to reach too. Either take a stroll through Hyde Park if you are feeling energetic or take the tube from nearby Paddington station that takes just twenty minutes to arrive.

Read on to discover some of the amazing exhibits at the Science Museum and why it’s a mecca for tech lovers.

The I-max theatre

You can’t get much more high-tech than the Hubble telescope, and at the Science Museum, you can get a 3D experience of spacewalking astronauts as they perform one of the most important tasks in NASA history.

Narrated by award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio, join them on their space mission to discover the impact the Hubble telescope has had on the way we see the universe.

If all that space travel has made you feel a little peckish, then check out our restaurants in Paddington London before heading back to your room.

The Electricity Zone

One of the most popular exhibits for tech fans at the Science Museum is the electricity zone, after all, none of our favourite gadgets would work without this amazing invention!

With several interactive demonstrations to take part in, including ‘Live Wire’, where you can discover the world of generators and wires hidden behind our plug sockets and test your knowledge of electrical safety, there are so many hands-on exhibitions for tech lovers, including the chance to launch your own rocket!

Space Decent Virtual Reality with Tim Peake

Before heading back to one of our hotels close to Paddington Station, don’t forget to check out one of the most techie exhibits the Science Museum has to offer, the virtual reality mission into space with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake.

Using the latest state-of-the-art VR technology, join Tim for a look inside a Soyuz capsule before journeying back to earth on this fully narrated adventure where you’ll be an astronaut too!

Suitable for all ages, this experience is suitable for the whole family, and you don’t need to be a tech lover to enjoy this special space mission.

After all of that excitement and adventure, head back to one of our restaurants near Paddington Station for a ‘welcome back to earth’ feast fit for a space traveller!

The Science Museum is a hugely popular attraction for tourists and London residents alike, but with so many different floors, exhibitions and areas featuring amazing things to see and do, it very rarely seems crowded, so it’s a great place to visit at any time of the day.

Just make sure that you enjoy a good breakfast first as your bound to want to stay all day!

Posted on

Westminster Abbey: The History and How to Get There

westminster abbey

With more than a thousand years of history, Westminster Abbey is a tourist hot spot where visitors from all of the world flock to admire the commemorative monuments and venue for royal coronations every year.

The abbey is centrally located, making it easy to reach by tube from our hotels near Chilworth and is a must see for anyone visiting London.

Not only can tourists visit the resting places of notable figures from throughout British history, but Westminster Abbey also houses a vast collection of priceless religious art and significant artefacts.

Let’s take a brief tour of the history of Westminster Abbey and discuss the best way to reach this world-famous historical attraction.

The present church was constructed by Henry III in 1245, although the site had previously been home to several smaller churches and places of worship prior to this.

Influenced by French and gothic architecture of the period, the majority of the abbey we see today still follows this style, although there were several additions to the structure in later years.

Internally, the beautiful fan vaulting created during this period still remains and is one of the most recognisable cathedral interiors in the world. Over the next few centuries, towers, naves and choir stalls were added in a complementary style.

Since the time of William the Conqueror, almost every British sovereign has been crowned in the abbey. Westminster Abbey also has a long tradition of royal weddings, beginning with Henry I’s marriage in 1100. The abbey was also the venue for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.

One of the main attractions of Westminster Abbey is the shrines and burial places of British kings and queens. The last sovereign to be buried at the abbey was George II with the rest of the monarch laid to rest at Windsor palace after his passing.

There are also several other famous names commemorated or buried at the abbey, including Sir Isaac Newton, Author Charles Dickens and naturalist Charles Darwin.

There’s so much more history associated with Westminster Abbey, so if you ar ethinking of visiting then check out our London Paddington hotel deals or hotels near Chilworth for some great offers.

If you’ve already made a reservation, the easiest way to reach Westminster Abbey from our hotels near Chilworth is via tube from Earl’s Court station.

Take the circle line that leaves the station every twelve-minutes and you’ll reach Westminster station in just under half an hour. From there, it’s just a few minutes stroll to the abbey.

As Westminster Abbey is such an important part of the history of London and indeed the entire UK, it can become rather crowded at certain times of the day. However, if you make the effort to get up early and reach Westminster Abbey just as it opens, you’ll be able to view all of the shrines, exhibits and artefacts in relative peace.

Posted on

Your Guide to the Best Museum Exhibitions this Month

exhibition london

London is world famous for its amazing array of museums dedicated to everything from science and technology to fine art and natural history.

Our capital’s museums work hard to create engaging, informative and interesting exhibitions for a wide range of visitors each year, and this autumn there is a range of fantastic exhibitions on offer that are well worth a visit.

Read on to discover some of the best museum exhibitions coming to London this autumn and plan your time carefully so that you can visit them all!

Dream on at the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood

The V&A Museum of Childhood is renowned for creating excellent family-friendly exhibitions and this year they’ve gone above and beyond with their ‘Dream On’ Exhibition.

Visitors can expect to be whisked away on an exploration of our relationship with the unconscious and imaginary world through art.

Showcasing dolls that are seemingly bought to life, the exhibition focuses on the idea of inanimate objects coming to life when no one’s around, and there’s also a surreal sculpture created by the children of St. George’s Hospital to enjoy during your visit.

To get there from the Chilworth Paddington Hotel, simply walk down Westbourne Terrace and head to Lancaster Gate Tube Station. From there, take the central line to Bethnal Green and walk to the museum.

The journey only takes 20-minutes in total, so it’s a great place to visit if you have small children with you.

Poppies: Weeping Window at Imperial War Museum

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting London before the 18th November 2018, then you can take in the beautifully poignant spectacle of the weeping window at the Imperial War Museum.

Several thousand ceramic poppies cascading down has returned to the capital as part of their nationwide tour to commemorate the First World War and simply must be seen as part of your visit to London.

The Imperial War Museum is easy to reach from the Chilworth Paddington hotel on Westbourne Terrace. Just head to Paddington Station located a leisurely 3 minutes’ walkway and hop on the Bakerloo line to Lambeth North.

From there, the museum is seven minutes’ walk.

Home Futures at Design Museum

From the 7th November 2018, those with an interest in interior design through the ages can enjoy the Future Homes Exhibition at the Design Museum.

At this engaging exhibition, visitors can enjoy more than 200 objects and experiences tracing the key social and technological aspirations that have driven change in the home.

Take in pasted ideas including the mechanised home and the compact home displayed alongside contemporary phenomena such as connected devices and the sharing economy.

The tube is the easiest way of reaching the Design Museum from the Chilworth Hotel on Westbourne Terrace.

Head to Paddington Station and take either the circle or district lines that run every five minutes and you’ll reach your destination in just over 15 minutes.

Posted on

Covent Garden: How to Get There, What to See and Where to Shop

shopping

If you’re a lover of theatre, fine dining, street performances and boutique retail therapy, then a visit to London’s Covent Gardens is not to be missed!

Featuring an elegant pedestrianised piazza, beautiful shopfronts and elegant marketplaces, thousands upon thousands of visitors flock to this iconic area each year to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy some great shopping and entertainment.

Here’s our five-minute guide that gives you everything you need to know when planning a visit to Covent Garden.

How to get there

Getting to Covent Garden from the Chilworth Hotel is really straightforward. Simply take the Bakerloo tube line from Paddington Station to Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden is located just three minute’s walk away.

The journey takes just twenty minutes, so you can easily pop back to your hotel when you’re laden with shopping bags.

If you’re heading off to one of the many theatres in Covent Garden later in the evening and don’t want to take the tube, it’s just a ten-minute black cab ride away from the Chilworth Hotel.

What to see

Covent Garden isn’t just a mecca for shopaholics, its also home to some of the world’s best theatres featuring well-known and new shows playing on a daily basis. Pop in for an afternoon matinee or book tickets for a later performance after heading back to the Chilworth Hotel to get ready for a big night out in Covent Garden.

There’s also plenty of places to eat, but as the area is always pretty busy, then it can be difficult to get a table. Instead, you could opt for a late lunch at one of the best restaurants in London Paddington that’s nearer to your hotel once you’ve finished browsing the performances you want to see during your visit to London.

There’s also plenty of street performers looking to entertain you during your visit to Covent Garden, so stroll around the piazza and streets and enjoy the musicians, street artists and comedians that help give the area its buzzing atmosphere.

Where to shop

Covent Garden is simply bursting with gorgeous independent boutiques, big high street names and designer labels. But what makes this area so special is the Covent Garden indoor market.

Packed full of handcrafted jewellery, homewares and one-off paintings, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. The market halls are sectioned off into different areas as there’s also an amazing selection of artisan breads, cheeses and preserves available as well as continental treats to tempt your palette, so its perhaps not the best place to visit if you’re on a diet or already have dinner reservations at one of the best restaurants in London Paddington later that evening.

Browse around the various stalls and chat with the local artisans and craftsmen to see if you can pick up a little piece of London at a bargain price.

Posted on

Three Things to do in Hyde Park this Autumn

autumn

Despite being a thriving city packed full of historical attractions, busy business districts and world- famous shopping experiences, London also has a reputation as a city renowned for its beautiful parks and green spaces.

One of the most well known and most loved parks is without a doubt Hyde Park, and there’s plenty to do there at any time of the year.

If you’re visiting London this autumn, then check out our top three things to do in Hyde Park.

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

Hyde Park is perhaps most famous for the Diana Princess of Wales Fountain, a beautiful memorial opened by the queen in 2004. Built using Cornish granite, the fountain looks more like a stream as it cascades and swirls before reaching a calm pool at the bottom.

There is also a beautiful children’s play area located nearby complete with a pirate ship, slides and swings, so the kids can burn off some energy while you enjoy the tranquillity of the memorial and take in the wonderful autumnal hues of the falling leaves.

Getting to the memorial in Hyde Park is easy, simply leave your Chilworth London Paddington hotel and walk for approximately seven minutes which will take you straight to the park entrance.

The Serpentine Gallery

If the weather is less than favourable for your visit to Hyde Park, then pop into the Serpentine Gallery to browse their unique collection of artwork and exhibitions for a few hours.

The gallery building is an attraction in itself and was used to house ammunition during the Second World War before being converted into the popular gallery thousands of art lovers visit today.

There’s usually an outdoor exhibit placed on or near the Serpentine lake next to the gallery too, so there’s plenty to see if there’s a break in the weather.

If a morning browsing the artwork has made you a little peckish, you can enjoy afternoon tea near Paddington Station or pop next door to the Lido Restaurant.

The Lookout

At the Lookout, you can enjoy the picturesque vista of the leaves changing colour in Hyde Park while you and your family learn more about the wonderful wildlife that called this beautiful green space home.

Again, just leave the Chilworth London Paddington hotel and head towards the entrance for Hyde Park. From there you can follow the signposts for the Lookout or stroll around the park for a while to see what birds and animals you can spot.

If all that nature spotting had made you a little peckish, then the Chilworth London Paddington also offers an excellent afternoon tea near Paddington Station, so head back to warm those frosty fingers and enjoy a delectable array of dainty cakes and finger sandwiches as you sip on a cup of Earl Grey.

A great way to enjoy a few hours on a chilly afternoon in London, just don’t forget to wrap up warm before heading out for the day.

Posted on

London Tech Museums for gadget fans

technical lovers

If you love a good gadget and want to find out more about some of the world’s most important (and not so useful) gadgets, then there are plenty of museums and exhibitions for you to visit during your next trip to London.

Read on to discover which of London’s popular museums, are a mecca for gadget lovers and well worth a visit.

The Faraday Museum

Housed within the Royal Institution, you’ll find the Faraday Museum with its floors of gadgets to wow and inspire gadget fans of all ages.

With inventions and gadgets ranging from as far back as 1799, there’s plenty to see and discover at this well-known museum in London.

The highlight of the exhibition is Faraday’s magnetic laboratory displayed as it was in the 1850s opposite a current state-of-the-art nanotechnology lab, a must for any tech or gadget fan.

Accommodation in Paddington London gives you the ideal base for discovering everything The Faraday Museum has to offer being just 18 minutes away via Tube. To get there, take the Tube from Paddington Station to Oxford Circus where the museum is located just a short stroll away.

Science Museum, London

The Information Age exhibition is a permanent fixture at the Science museum. Mapping the inception of the information age, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive displays, browse the wide range of important objects and find out more about how technology has made a big impact on our lives.

Located just 15 minutes away from the Chilworth hotel London Paddington via Tube, the Science Museum is easy to find using public transport and is open to the public seven days a week.

The museum is so vast that it’s easy to spend an entire day browsing the exhibitions, but if you skip lunch, there are always several restaurants near Paddington that you can enjoy before returning to your hotel.

The National Museum of Computing

The National Computing Museum pays homage to the ultimate gadget, the computer. Explore over 70 years of computer technology progress and marvel at just how from we’ve come from the bulky computers of yesteryear.

The museum also offers taster workshops on robotics and coding, perfect if you fancy trying your hand at some educational fun for all the family. There’s also the opportunity to try some virtual reality headsets out during your visit, a must for any serious gadget fan visiting London this year.

Although the museum is located outside of the city, it’s still easy to reach from the Chilworth hotel London Paddington by taking the train from nearby Paddington Station.

Enjoy the train ride back into the city in time for dinner and choose from the array of restaurants near Paddington or try out the hotel bar for a light snack and drink before heading back to your room.

You’re sure to be hungry after trying out all of those gadgets!