Where to search out Paddington Bear in London

Start your Paddington-themed go to to London by discovering the Paddington statues dotted across the metropolis, beginning (in fact) on the station which gave him his title.

Paddington station

For followers of Paddington Bear (and who isn’t?), you’ll be able to’t miss a go to to Paddington Station, the place the furry hero of the books was first discovered by the Browns and obtained his title.

The lifesize bronze statue with the label asking folks to take care of this bear is again in its normal house by Platform 1, after a quick stint close to the Praed Street entrance, between Platforms 9 and 10.

The station can be house to the Paddington bench, the place youngsters can sit subsequent to him and pose for pictures – head over in direction of the Paddington store to search out it.

The Pawprint path

The station can be the place to begin for the Pawprint Trail – three trails, actually, every with one of many Paddington statues from the 2014 assortment dotted across the metropolis.

Pick up your free map from the Paddington store within the station and head off on one of many three ‘adventures’. Or all three, in fact.

Adventure One: Canalside Views to London Zoo takes you to the Grand Union Canal, the place you’ll be able to spot Bearing Up, a blue flock Paddington tucked below a bridge, as you wander previous the barges and string of cafes.

This explicit statue has been quickly eliminated for a fast restoration of his fur, however is due again in November 2022.

The route leads you on to Little Venice and past, the place you can hop onto the Waterbus to Camden Lock, which passes London Zoo – maintain your eyes open for monkeys and painted canines (although you gained’t spot bears en route.

Adventure Two: Boating, Bears and Bridges leads the alternative approach alongside the canal to Paddington Basin, the place you’ll spot Brick Bear as you head over in direction of Merchant Square.

Time your go to for Wednesdays and Fridays at midday and you’ll watch the fan bridge raise too, in addition to testing the Floating Pocket Park (mini inexperienced areas which bob on the water).

Adventure Three: Ping Pong, Ponies and Peter Pan results in Norfolk Square Gardens – quickly house to a particular exhibition of statues made with Lego-style bricks in summer time 2022 – the place you’ll be able to spot Paddingtonscape, as Paddington tries his paw at some chess.

If you’re visiting outdoors the summer time months, he sensibly hibernates within the Hilton London Paddington as a substitute.

Keep strolling and the route takes you to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the place you’ll be able to see the Two Bears fountain close to Lancaster Gate and the Italian Gardens within the northern finish of the park. Not Paddington, admittedly, however a bonus bear by no means goes amiss.

Paddington Green

For a much less well-known statue of Paddington, head to St Mary’s Churchyard at close by Paddington Green.

You’ll discover him commemorated right here along with his creator Michael Bond, one of many Sustrans portrait benches dotted across the nation – the churchyard additionally options two different locals, nurse Mary Seacole and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing.

Leicester Square

While a lot of the Paddington statues cluster round Paddington station, you could find him proper within the centre of London too.

There’s additionally a statue of Paddington along with his well-known marmalade sandwiches among the many statues in Leicester Square, one among a string of stars from the world of movie.

As one other bear bonus, be careful for Bear Street which leads from Leicester Square to Charing Cross Road.

Paddington Bear afternoon tea in London

If you’re in search of Paddington Bear afternoon tea, London has a brand new choice that’s excellent for teenagers.

The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour launches on October 26, obtainable weekly from Wednesdays to Sundays, with a day tea impressed by meals Paddington would like to get his paws on – together with, in fact, an important marmalade sandwich.

Using an iconic double-decker Routemaster bus, the Paddington afternoon tea tour by Brigit’s Bakery – additionally behind the Peppa Pig afternoon tea bus excursions – travels round central London and a few of Paddington’s favorite London landmarks.

Along the way in which, you’ll hear about a few of his adventures and mishaps, in addition to attending to see the sights. Each desk has a built-in display with a Paddington-guided animation, the place Paddington and Mrs Bird share their data of the town’s different icons.

Lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, it’s really helpful for age 5+. There are vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free menus, however no bathrooms aboard.

There are frequently different Paddington-themed afternoon teas, typically to mark the launch of a brand new movie or a particular occasion – beforehand together with the Athanaeum and Aquashard amongst others.

Paddington Bear strolling tour

While it’s simple to place collectively your personal Paddington Bear strolling tour of London, Brit Movie Tours leads its personal ‘official’ Paddington tour as properly.

Starting at Paddington station, it takes you to a few of the filming places from the flicks in addition to protecting locations talked about in over 15 Paddington Bear books.

As properly as passing by means of Little Venice, you’ll find yourself on the Portobello Road, the place Mr Gruber had his antiques store. There’s a reduction for kids below three go free – the tour lasts round 2-2 ½ hours so there’s numerous strolling for little ones although.

Also obtainable to ebook by means of Viator, with a reserve now, pay later choice, in addition to free cancellation tickets.

Or choose up Paddington’s Guide to London with Paddington’s personal tips about exploring the town.

Locations from the Paddington books

If you wish to make your personal Paddington-themed strolling tour of London, it’s simple to walk between a few of the key places in addition to combining them with the Pawprint path.

Read on to see a few of the places from the flicks too

Paddington station is without doubt one of the finest locations to begin, the place Paddington started his personal journey.

Don’t miss Portobello Road both, the place the little bear would go for elevenses at Mr Gruber’s antiques store.

But there’s no level looking for 32 Windsor Gardens – creator Michael Bond mixed his deal with along with his dad and mom’ particulars, plus some creative license, to create the house belonging to the Brown household.

So when you Windsor Gardens does exist, the story isn’t primarily based on the actual life location – and there’s no quantity 32…

Scroll down to find the placement of 32 Windsor Gardens within the Paddington films

Head into central London too, for Selfridges, the place Bond purchased the unique bear which impressed the tales – and for many who’ve learn the books, bears a definite resemblance to the fictional Barkridges division retailer in London.

Regent’s Park was the positioning of one other of Paddington’s mishaps from the tales, by accident disrupting a efficiency within the open air theatre.

Locations from the Paddington films

The closest you’ll be able to come to Windsor Gardens is Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, the place the Browns dwell within the movies.

The Serpentine Lake in close by Hyde Park was one of many film Mrs Brown’s favorite swimming places.

Not removed from Paddington station, Little Venice was an space creator Michael Bond knew properly – and the canal towpath would possibly look acquainted from Paddington 2, the place everybody’s favorite bear and his four-legged buddy perform a high-speed chase.

Or head to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, the place the primary movie’s dramatic climax sees Paddington escaping from fiendish taxidermist Nicole Kidman.

Find one of many oldest Paddington Bears

The first official Paddington Bear toy was made within the UK in 1972, and whereas the earliest ones at the moment are collector’s gadgets, you’ll be able to nonetheless see one particular classic bear on a visit to London.

One of the original-style Paddington Bears, relationship from 1980, has been a favorite on show on the V&A’s Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green through the years.

The museum is presently closed and resulting from reopen in 2023 because the Young V&A, with extra displays on show and new exhibitions, together with the tales behind favorite characters like Paddington.

The much-loved Paddington Bear, with the security pin nonetheless firmly in his hat, can be anticipated to return.

Please take care of this bear: the place to purchase Paddington souvenirs

If you simply desire a Paddington of your personal, there’s no must enterprise to Darkest Peru, with loads of locations to search out the pawfect memento.

There are Paddington souvenirs galore in addition to a variety of cuddly creations if you happen to’re questioning the place to purchase Paddington Bear in London.

Paddington station itself is house to the solely store on this planet solely devoted to the well-known bear, and also you’ll discover unique items right here.

If you’re visiting Barkridges, aka Selfridges, there’s a variety of toys and bears to be discovered.

And London’s most well-known toy store, Hamley’s on Regent’s Street, has its personal spectacular assortment of bears plus loads of Paddington-themed merchandise – you’ll be able to even get a baggage tag studying ‘Please look after this bear’.

You can even discover the books in most good London bookstores too, together with Paddington’s Guide to London. If you don’t fancy carrying all 15 books round all day, or wish to re-read the tales earlier than you go to, take a look at this nice field set from Amazon.

For extra concepts of issues to do in London with toddlers and preschoolers, take a look at my prime picks, together with extra free issues to do in London with youngsters

*first revealed 2014, up to date 2022*

Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Little Venice/Portobello Road/Natural History Museum photos courtesy of Depositphotos, Leicester Square Paddington by way of Picfair, all different photos copyright MummyTravels

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