Do you want to find the best things to do in Paddington, London? Or are you wondering about the neighbouring area of Little Venice? Either way, this guide shares all the top places to visit in Paddington and Little Venice.
The Paddington area of London is northwest of central London. It’s north of Hyde Park, south of Maida Vale, east of Bayswater, and west of Marylebone. Little Venice borders Paddington’s northern edge, and is just south of Maida Vale tube station.
Paddington is also the name of the fictional bear from Michael Bond’s books, who has now also starred in a series of films. Little Venice, meanwhile, is so-called because of the network of canals and waterways running through the area. The Regent’s and Grand Union canals converge here.
There are plenty of attractions near Paddington station and Warwick Avenue to discover. This guide will introduce you to the best places to go, as well as where to eat, shop, and stay in this part of west London.
Read so you know all about the best things to do in Little Venice and Paddington!
- Who is Paddington (+ Little Venice) best for?
- Top 10 Things to Do in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
- Where to Stay in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
- Where to Eat in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
- Where to Shop in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
- Christmas in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
- How to Get to Paddington (+ Little Venice)
- Paddington (+ Little Venice) FAQs
- What Will You Do in Paddington (+ Little Venice)?
Who is Paddington (+ Little Venice) best for?
- Medics
- Engineers
- Photographers
- Paddington Bear fans
- Anyone who likes waterways
Top 10 Things to Do in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
Paddington station
London Paddington station is worth seeing for several reasons. It’s a Grade I listed building, and was designed by the renowned British civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Paddington is also central to British transport history. Since 1829, it’s seen the first public bus service, passenger railway, and direct airport rail link – the Heathrow Express.
The station’s name was also famously adopted by the children’s character Paddington Bear, as it’s where he arrived in the city, then met the Brown family. You can find a bronze statue of the bear on platform 1, plus a Paddington Bear shop.
If you want to stop for food, a drink, or a spot of shopping, there’s over 30 shops, bars, and restaurants at the station, too.
St Mary’s Hospital (+ Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum)
Another well-known building in Paddington is St Mary’s Hospital. It’s where the ground-breaking antibiotic drug penicillin was discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming, a Nobel Prize winner. Various heirs to the throne were also born here, including Prince William, Prince Harry, and the former’s children George, Charlotte, and Louis.
The Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum can be found at the hospital. It offers free admission. You can visit between Monday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm, or outside of these times by prior arrangement.
Regent’s Canal on foot
This Little Venice waterway is one of the area’s star attractions. Taking a walk along the banks is a lovely thing to do while in the area. You can head east to reach Regent’s Park, London Zoo, and Camden Town. Or go west, where it’s more peaceful.
Regent’s Canal by boat
Another way to experience the canal is to hire a GoBoat. You can pick one up from Paddington Basin for one, two, or three hours, and each seats up to eight passengers. A briefing and safety equipment are supplied, and the electric motor cruises along at a leisurely pace.
Click here to book a GoBoat on Regent’s Canal
The Water Maze at Merchant Square
You can find the first water maze in the world at Merchant Square in Paddington. It’s a popular attraction in summer, when 320 jets delight people of all ages.
You’re free to splash around in the three circles from 10.30am to midday, and 2pm to 4.30pm. Swimwear and waterproof footwear should be worn, and for safety reasons, no fast running is permitted.
Merchant Square also offers a floating park, sporting activities, events, and places to eat and drink.
Paddington Basin bridges
There are two notable bridges at Paddington Basin which are well worth taking a look at – the Fan Bridge and the Rolling Bridge. The Fan Bridge is named for the fact that it opens out like a fan when lifted, while the 12-metre Rolling Bridge is a hexagon that folds up or unfurls.
You can find the Fan Bridge at Merchant Square, and the Rolling Bridge just a little further along, also at Paddington Basin.
Sheldon Square
If you want to picnic in Paddington, then Sheldon Square provides the ideal spot. It’s a contemporary-style outdoor amphitheatre, with grassy terraces to perch on. Again, there are restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in the surrounding area, and sometimes you’ll hear live music.
Rembrandt Gardens
Spend some time by the canal at Rembrandt Gardens in Little Venice. This green space is conveniently located off Warwick Avenue, overlooking Regent’s Canal. You can see the barges lining the canal here while enjoying the tranquil waterside ambience.
Puppet Theatre Barge
The Puppet Theatre Barge is a 50-seater theatre on a barge, and has been operating on London waterways for four decades. Its permanent base is in Little Venice, though it does relocate in summer to other places, such as Abingdon-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, or Richmond in southwest London.
If you fancy a different kind of theatrical experience, why not check out what’s on when you’ll be visiting London? As well as whether the barge will be moored at Blomfield Road in Little Venice at the time, of course.
Colourful houses
You might think you need to head west to Notting Hill to see some of London’s iconic, colourful townhouses, but that’s not necessarily the case. South of Paddington station there are various mews, which once housed horses and carriages.
The prettiest homes can be found on Bathurst Mews, Conduit Mews, and Craven Hill Mews, which are far lesser-known – and therefore more peaceful – than some Notting Hill mews.
Where to Stay in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
Hotels
- £££ – Royal Lancaster London | 5* | Restaurants, bars, & gym | North of Hyde Park
- ££ – Hotel Indigo | 4* | Restaurant, bar, & gym | Central Paddington
- ££ – Hilton London Paddington | 4* | | Restaurant, bar, & gym | Connected to Paddington station
- ££ – Novotel London Paddington | 4* | Restaurant, bar, gym, & pool | On Sheldon Square
- ££ – Caesar Hotel | 4* | Restaurant, bar, & gym | Between Bayswater & Paddington
- £ – Point A Hotel | 3* | WiFi & 24-hour reception | Near St Mary’s Hospital
- £ – St David’s Hotels Paddington | WiFi & 24-hour reception | Near Paddington station
Where to Eat in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
The best restaurants in Paddington include a Thai place in a posh hotel, a dim sum joint, and a number of canalside pubs and restaurants. You can also head to Sheldon or Merchant Squares to find a range of tempting options.
Nipa Thai
Nipa Thai can be found within the Royal Lancaster London, close to the northern side of Hyde Park. It has a Thai-style interior with teak furnishings, and offers views across the park. Perfect for a special occasion.
Pearl Liang
If you’re looking for places to eat in Paddington and hanker after a Chinese feast, look no further than Pearl Liang. A cherry blossom mural decorates the dining room, and the restaurant specialises in authentic dim sum and Chinese cuisine.
The Bridge House
A traditional British pub between Warwick Avenue and Paddington stations, offering canal views and good pub grub.
The Summerhouse
This light, bright place is one of those Little Venice restaurants offering canal views as you dine. Both food and service are excellent, and there’s outdoor seating for the summer season.
The Waterway
Also offering canal views is The Waterway, a lovely gastropub with big windows and an outdoor terrace. The setting is bistro-style, and the menu modern European.
Merchant Square
Find plenty of places to eat and drink at Merchant Square in Paddington. There are cafes, bars, and restaurants for all tastes and budgets in this area, from Gail’s Bakery by the canal to a craft food and beer venue, a pizzeria, a smokehouse, and more.
Sheldon Square
The Sheldon Square area, with its characteristic outdoor amphitheatre, also offers a range of eateries. Stand-out options include The Cheese Barge. Whatever you feel like eating, head to Sheldon Square to find the right dining experience for you.
Connaught Village
North of Hyde Park, at St George’s Fields, you can find Connaught Village. It offers around 45 restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
Paddington Square
From autumn 2024, Paddington Square offers a range of casual places to eat and drink. These include Krispy Kreme for doughnuts, Starbucks for coffee, and Wahaca for Mexican fare.
Where to Shop in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
Paddington Station
If you’re arriving by train or visiting the station, you’ll find a range of shops at Paddington station. Options include Boots the Chemist, Accessorize for fashion accessories, FatFace for relaxed clothing, Lush for handmade cosmetics, and Oliver Bonas for homeware and more. Don’t miss the Paddington shop, too!
Clifton Road
Clifton Road in Little Venice is the area’s main shopping zone. You’ll find all kinds of retailers along here, including boutiques, gift and lifestyle shops, and artisan food sellers. There’s also some charity shops, which can be a treasure trove in this wall-heeled area.
Paddington Square
Opening in autumn 2024, Paddington Square is west London’s newest retail experience. Shop for new threads at Crew Clothing, shoes at Russell & Bromley, Kate Spade for designer fashion, Kiko Milano for skincare and cosmetics, and Holland and Barrett for health and wellbeing goods.
Connaught Village
This hidden gem at St George’s Fields, north of Hyde Park, offers around 45 places to shop, eat, and drink. It also has a pleasing village vibe.
Christmas in Paddington (+ Little Venice)
There are festive events held throughout Paddington and Little Venice. Find locally run Christmas bazaars and workshops, festive food, carol singing and of course winter lights throughout the area.
How to Get to Paddington (+ Little Venice)
Underground stations
- Paddington – Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines, + Elizabeth line
- Warwick Avenue – Bakerloo line
Train stations
- Paddington
Paddington (+ Little Venice) FAQs
Is Paddington good for tourists?
Paddington is ideal for visitors seeking a central, cosmopolitan part of the city. This part of west London is close to two major parks, and north of the West End.
It offers great transport links – including the Heathrow Express – and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels here.
What Will You Do in Paddington (+ Little Venice)?
The fact that the areas aren’t home to any major tourist attractions is all part of the appeal of Paddington and Little Venice. If you hanker after a more peaceful atmosphere, then these canalside districts make an ideal London base. This part of London is also perfect, of course, for fans of Paddington Bear of all ages!
Do you want to find the best things to do in Paddington, London? Or are you wondering about the neighbouring area of Little Venice? Either way, this guide shares all the top places to visit in Paddington and Little Venice.
Read next – London area guides
- Things to do in Covent Garden & Holborn
- Things to do in Tower Hill and Tower Bridge
- Things to do in Westminster (including Victoria/Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square)
- Things to do in Kensington (including South Kensington)
- Things to do in Greenwich
- Things to do in Mayfair
- Things to do in the City of London
- Things to do in Southwark & Bankside
- Things to do in Leicester Square and Soho
- Things to do in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia
- Things to Do in Belgravia & Knightsbridge
- Things to do in Notting Hill
- Things to do in East London (Shoreditch & Spitalfields)
- Things to do in Marylebone
- Things to do in Chelsea
- Things to do in Battersea
- Things to do in Piccadilly Circus