Not only will you find statues of him all around the area, you can also find the only official Paddington Bear Shop in the UK in Paddington station and if you want to take things even further take one of the Pawprint Trail routes for a fun day out.
2. Charter your own Boat
Pack a picnic, round up your family and friends and enjoy captaining your own boat from Paddington’s Grand Union Canal with GoBoat. Experience the beautiful Little Venice and marvel at the stunning houses that line Regent’s Park, on your way to Camden Lock.
3. Free Summer Music Sessions
There was a mariachi band in June and in July a steel drum band will take you to the Caribbean over a picnic lunch. If chilling out after work is more your thing then head over to the Floating Pocket Park in Merchant Square for a series of early evening music sessions from the rising stars of Busk in London.
4. The Topiary Butterfly Garden
These beauties are not just for show either. The have been designed specifically to attract more butterflies and insects to play their very important roles in our ecosystem. You’ll find them right on your doorstep if you stay in one the many great hotels surrounding Norfolk Square Gardens. Find out more.
5. Free Outdoor Yoga and Fitness sessions
Why not incorporate yoga into your staycation with this super relaxed and accessible to all slow flow yoga session in Norfolk Square Gardens every Tuesday throughout the summer. Merchant Square also have a series of outdoor fitness session check them out here.
6. Roof Top Bars
From the super chic Pergola Paddington to the cabana vibes of the Pilgrm Terrace, you can get the Ibiza vibes without the airport hassle. And yes there is a barge totally dedicated to cheese! The Cheese Barge is a 90ft double-decker floating restaurant celebrating the best of British cheese. Head up to the roof terrace for drinks and snacks and watch the boats, paddleboarders and canoes go by.
7. A Summer of Big Screens
From Wimbledon to the Olympics, with movies thrown in, giant outdoor screens will be showing sport and films at both Merchant Square and Paddington Central, from June to September. Safe and socially distanced, pull up a deck chair.
8. Eat, Drink, Paddington
When you stay in Paddington, you will be met with your very own food and drinks guide. From canalside dining and lazy lunches to local pubs and intimate eateries. The guide is available in Paddington hotels, and if you need inspiration on the go, you can read the online guide here.
9. Paddington Mews and Blooms
Did you know that Paddington is a London in Bloom three consecutive year Gold Award winner? And a finalist at RHS Britain in Bloom in 2020. Recognised for its colourful floral displays, its street cleansing and its Community Safety Team who deal with anti-social behaviour 5 days a week including Saturdays. You will be spoilt for choice from hanging baskets and stunning mews displays and lets not forget the new butterflies!
10. Marble Arch Mound
London’s latest tourist attraction is a short 15 minutes’ walk away and on your way to Oxford Street for all your staycation shopping needs. It’s selfie time with never before seen views of London. Book here.
