Paddington is a vibrant part of London offering an almost endless array of great activities and things to see and do. While you may not instantly associate Paddington with romance, the area offers a wide variety of things to do and see, perfect for enjoying date night while you stay in the city. The district is particularly popular if you’re on the lookout for ideas which step off the beaten track, so we’ve compiled this rundown of some of our top tips for a successful date night in and around Paddington…
Go for a walk
Paddington is a particularly scenic part of London, ensuring that if you’d prefer to keep it simple, then there’s plenty of scope for a stroll around the area while staying at the Chilworth Hotel Paddington. The scenery of Paddington is varied enough to keep your interest, and by heading off the beaten track with no real plan in mind, you leave lots of room for interesting conversations and new discoveries along the way. As one of the quirkiest parts of the city, there’s always something new around every corner – and some of these destinations could prove one of your favourite parts of the trip.
Enjoy a meal in Paddington
While staying in this area of London you have access to a wide range of great eateries, perfect for a traditional date night meal at restaurants in Paddington. The Chilworth London Paddington provides classic hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere, with each dish using fresh seasonal ingredients and prepared with care. In addition, the restaurant offers a range of beverages to accompany your meal, served in a cosy space filled with modern art and sleek wood panelled walls.
Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or simply eager to experience one of London’s top restaurants, this is a fantastic place to take a date – with a fuss free approach to fine dining.
Discover some public art
Paddington has its own public art trail, perfect for those enjoying luxury London hotels special offers. The Paddington Art Trail includes 22 statues, and begins at Paddington Station. The trail takes you through some of the most impressive parts of the area, and offers a chance to see incredible public art which is situated around West London.
Key sights include the Brunel Statue created by Simon Milton, who helped regenerate Merchant Square. The public art in Paddington provides you with ample opportunity to discover lots of fantastic sights, but also provides plenty of scope for fans of local history.
See Paddington by boat
The Paddington Basin offers a unique way to see Paddington, with a wide array of boating companies offering a chance to rent a rowing boat or a pedalo. The Paddington Basin is the waterway which commences to the south of Little Venice, and was originally opened in 1801.
It has undergone significant redevelopment since the early 2000s, having previously acted as a major shipping destination before falling out of use. In conjunction with the Canal and River Trust, it has since become home to a number of businesses which run alongside the basin, as well as a leisure space which includes Merchant Square.
There are two pedestrian bridges at Paddington Basin, the Rolling Bridge and the Fan Bride, the latter of which is designed to resemble a Japanese fan. If you’re looking for a unique way to treat your date, then a trip along the water might be just the ticket.
Head for a Garden Square
London’s Garden Squares are popular spaces to relax in the great outdoors, and are often particularly colourful, unique places to visit during your own stay in the city. Generally much smaller than London’s public parks, the square are predominantly gathering spaces for local communities, yet many welcome visitors from all over the world eager to experience a slice of London life.
Not all garden squares are open to the public, but we highly recommend a trip to Norfolk Square Gardens, which is filled with ornamental shrubbery and stunning flora and fauna, and Paddington Green, which was first established as an area of conservation in 1988. This garden square became particularly fashionable during the 18th century, thanks to its close proximity to London’s trendy West End.
Take the Paddington Paw Print Trail
Paddington Bear is one of the area’s most famous exports; this famous fictional bear first found fame in a series of children’s books, and has since taken the silver screen by storm. The Pawprint Trail takes in a huge wealth of Paddington-centric locations, including four Paddington Bear statues, and a number of plaques and benches.
The trail can be adapted depending on how long you want the trip to me, and provides an unusual yet appealing way to experience London with your date, including adventures which take you along Paddington’s canals all the way to London Zoo, and excursions which encompass boating, famed bridges and much more.
If you’re feeling daring, you could even enjoy the most active of the trails, which encompasses everything from ping pong matches to chess (and even a spot of horse-riding near Hyde Park stables).
Have a picnic at Hyde Park
Warm summer evenings provide the perfect backdrop for taking a trip to one of London’s Royal Parks, and in Paddington, Hyde Park is right on your doorstep. The park was originally designated as hunting ground for Henry VIII, who acquired the park in 1536. It has since undergone a transformation into a public park, complete with 360 acres of parkland and numerous memorials, monuments and attractions.
As one of the busiest parks in the city, there’s always something happening here – including regular music festivals, sports events and much more – but there’s still plenty of space to relax and unwind on date night. If you really want to impress your date, grab a picnic blanket and treat them to a delicious meal while watching the world go by.
FAQs
Where can I go on a date in London?
Romantic Dates in London
- Book your tour to London City
- Spa Retreat
- Afternoon Tea in London
- Dine with Style at the Finest Restaurants
What can couples do in London?
- Visiting the London Eye
- A day out in Buckingham Palace.
- Boating at the Little Venice.
- Walk around Big Ben.
- Walk around Hyde Park.
55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 3UY
