The Top 10 Things to Do Near Paddington Station

Those staying at the Chilworth Hotel Paddington don’t need to travel too far to discover some of London’s best attractions. Many of the best things to do in London are right on the doorstep of Paddington station! You can take your pick from parks, museums, galleries and places to eat.

To get you started, here are the 10 things to do near Paddington station.

1) Hyde Park

This huge, central, Royal Park has so much to discover; you might find you want to return at least once! During summer you can go boating on the Serpentine Lake or take a dip in the lido. If you do summon the courage to enter the chilly waters, reward yourself with a warming treatment in your spa in Paddington afterwards. There are two Serpentine art galleries to explore with fascinating modern art exhibitions. Take a stroll through the Italian Gardens, and look for the various memorials. Hyde Park is only a 10 minute walk from Paddington station.

Closest tube: Lancaster Gate & Hyde Park Corner

2) Sherlock Holmes Museum

221b Baker Street is the museum dedicated to the greatest fictional detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes. You can take a self-tour the residence which has been designed to look exactly as it was described in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s popular series. Look for Sherlock’s iconic deerstalker and smoking pipe in his study, as well a violin and an old copy of The Times newspaper, among other items. The 3-storied home also gives you the chance to have a mooch around John Watson’s bedroom – Holmes’s partner in crime. If you’ve not read the books, you can pick up a set in the gift shop!

Closest tube: Baker Street

3) British Museum

London’s largest and most visited museum is where you can find important relics from human history including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, mummies from Ancient Egypt and artefacts from the Age of Enlightenment. At the centre of the museum, the iconic Great Hall is flooded with light from its glass roof. The museum galleries are free to visit, but you must purchase a ticket to access any special exhibitions or curator talks. Allow a few hours for your visit, there are over 60 galleries to explore. The museum has a gift shop and cafè on site.

Closest tube: Tottenham Court Road & Russel Square

4) Royal Albert Hall

If you’re looking for a special nightlife activity during your stay at the London Chilworth Hotel, then find out what’s on at the Royal Albert Hall. Their dynamic programme of live events in the main hall covers classical music orchestras, ballets and high-octane spectaculars – they usually host the latest show from Cirque du Soleil. Alternatively, you can find intimate late-night jazz sessions at their Elgar Room, as well as weekend classical coffee mornings. The Royal Albert Hall is only a 10 minute taxi ride from Paddington station.

Closest tube: High Street Kensington

5) Wellcome Collection

The Wellcome Collection museum bridges the gap between science, medicine, life and art. Find out what it means to be human in the 21st century and view the private art and artefacts collection of Sir Henry Wellcome, acquired during his extensive travels around the globe. The museum is free to visit, plus they even host free talks! On the premised you can find a delightful cafe serving healthy, nourishing meals.

Closest tube: Euston Square

6) Paddington Basin

The home of some of the best restaurants in Paddington London, the Basin is a hub of local office workers going about their day grabbing lunch or a post-work drink. Restaurants offer coveted views of the canal. You can food ranging from Australian style brunches, to sourdough pizza, and Scandinavian cuisine. The Paddington Basin is a great spot for an evening drink if you’re not looking to eat, and you can find cocktail and craft beer bars.

Closest tube: Paddington

7) Wallace Collection

Within a stately townhouse, Hertford Houses, the Wallace Collection comprises paintings, furniture, suits of armour and porcelain, some which date as far back as the 15th century. The collection was built during the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, and was donated to the British nation in 1897. Masterpieces include the revered works of painters Rembrandt and Canaletto. Clocks, statement arms and homeware give insight to how the upper classes lived in antiquity. The gallery is free to visit.

Closest tube: Marble Arch

8) Little Venice

One of the most romantic places in London, the tree-lined waterways and avenues of Little Venice are a tranquil area to explore on foot. You can even decide to hop aboard a narrowboat and go on a cruise. There are waterside cafes and traditional English pubs to choose from where you can sit and soak up this unique neighbourhood. If you’re looking for something unusual, purchase a ticket to see the marionette show on the Puppet Theatre Barge!

Closest tube: Warwick Avenue

9) Oxford Street & Regent Street

If you wish to indulge in some retail therapy in London, then one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city is only an 8-minute tube ride from Paddington Station! Alight at Oxford Circus station and take your pick from Oxford Street or Regent Street. Oxford Street is the realm of high street fashion and jewelry, as well as the upscale department store, Selfridges. If you want high-end luxury, head south along Regent Street to browse designer labels and don’t forget to call into Liberty’s!

Closest tube: Oxford Circus

10) Marylebone Farmer’s Market

This Sunday market is a great spot to grab lunch if you feel like an alternative to restaurants in Paddington London. Food is seasonal, organic and farm-fresh. You can pick up a punnet of British berries, a pot of bee-friendly honey or a round of cheese. Takeaway meals can be purchased to eat on the go, including international specialties cooked from local supplies.

Closest tube: Bond Street