Which London attractions are close to Park Grand London Paddington Hotel

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British Museum

Guests of the Park Grand London Paddington Hotel are an ideal spot for seeing some of London’s greatest attractions. Multiple museums, galleries, parks and other places of interest can be accessed in 30 minutes or less!

To get you started, here are 20 London attractions close to the hotel.

1) British Museum

One of London’s most iconic museums, the British Museum, was the first public national museum in the world! Highlights include the Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone, an Easter Island head and mummies from Ancient Egypt. But don’t just tick off the top icons. Take a few hours to explore as much of this riveting museum as you can, there are over 60 galleries to explore for free! They also host regular special exhibitions. Travel time from your hotel in Paddington to the British Museum takes around 20 minutes in total; hop on the Central line at Lancaster Gate and alight at Tottenham Court Road.

2) Little Venice

Little venice

A neighbourhood rather than an attraction per se, the waterways of Little Venice are one of the most romantic places in London for a stroll. This tranquil district is home to quaint waterside cafes, traditional pubs and tree-lined residential streets. You can hop aboard a narrowboat for a tour or enjoy a show at the Puppet Theatre Barge. Take the Bakerloo line from Paddington to Warwick Avenue (3 minutes), or walk there in 20 minutes!

3) Wellcome Collection

Curated for the incurably curious, the Wellcome Collection bridges the gap between science, medicine, life and art. Free exhibitions explore topics such as what it means to be human in the 21st century, the role of play in our lives and the private collection of Sir Henry Wellcome, amassed on his global travels. They also have one of the best medical history libraries in the world, and host regular talks and discussions, many of which are free to attend. Take the Circle or Hammersmith & City line from Paddington to Euston Square (9 minutes).

4) Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London

Step into the spotlight and take selfies with the waxwork of celebrities at Madame Tussauds! Strike a pose with Usain Bolt, take to the stage with Taylor Swift, courtesy to Queen Elizabeth II and find yourself in a galaxy far, far away with the Star Wars crew. This is one of the best attractions near Paddington station for families or on a rainy day. Book ahead for the best price and to guarantee your time slot. Take the Bakerloo line from Paddington to Baker Street (4 minutes).

5) ZSL London Zoo

London zoo

If you’re wild about animals and conservation, add a trip to the zoo to your London itinerary. Take a wander around to observe the animals which include big cats, primates, birds and giraffes. Watch scheduled animal feeding sessions, book an encounter with your favourite, or become a keeper for a day. This gives you chance to find out more about what the zoo is doing to protect and conserve wildlife. If you have found money-saving special offers on London hotels, you might feel inclined to splash the cash at this roar-some attraction! Take London bus 274 from Lancaster Gate Station and alight at Regent’s Park Road (30 minutes).

6) Hyde Park

Hyde Park in London

Hyde Park is a playground for travellers and residents; this huge Royal Park has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy. Plus, it’s only a 10 minute walk from Lancaster hotels! There are lots of things to do in Hyde Park. Pack a picnic and catch some sunshine. Hire a pedalo and navigate your way across the Serpentine Lake. Swim in the Serpentine Lido if you need to cool down on a hot day (or have the courage to dive in on a chilly day!). Mooch around the two Serpentine art galleries for a culture fix. Go horseback riding with the Hyde Park Stables, beginners and experienced riders are welcome. During summer, there are often open-air music concerts and festivals.

7) Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

This elegant palace is only a 15 minute walk from the Park Grand London Paddington, and is found to the west of Hyde Park within Kensington Gardens. The birthplace of Queen Victoria, you can explore re-imagined childhood rooms of the former monarch. As the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the young royal family! Besides touring the interior apartments, you can roam the Sunken Garden, have a bite to eat at the Orangery and visit the tranquil Round Pond.

8) Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall

This statement concert hall sits on the northern boundary of South Kensington. It is worth visiting to admire the stunning architecture, even if you’re not planning to see a show. Events at the grand auditorium in the Royal Albert Hall vary from large-scale orchestras, Cirque de Soleil spectaculars and sometimes, sporting events. The Verdi Italian Kitchen and Elgar Room also host more intimate jazz nights, workshops and brunches. It’s a 10 minute taxi ride or a 25 minute walk from Lancaster hotels.

9) Oxford Street

Oxford Circus

If you’re planning to hit the shops in the city, the Park Grand Paddington is in a prime spot for reaching some of London’s top shopping districts. Oxford Street is only a mile away, and is where you can find high street fashion, beauty and jewellery brands, souvenir shops and the iconic Selfridges department store. You’ll be able to find anything you’re looking for on this famous strip! It’s a 2 minute journey on the Central line to Marble Arch from Lancaster Gate, or, choose to alight at Bond Street, Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road.

10) Victoria & Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert museum

A hoard of decorative art and design from around the world as well as a bank for precious stones and classical-era sculptures, the V&A is one of the best museums in London. The museum host exhibitions that sell out months in advance, covering fashion trends to the history automobiles and substantial figures from history. David Bowie Is holds the record for being the most-visited of all exhibitions! There is a wonderful lawn in the centre of the museum where you can enjoy a coffee around the water fountain. Take the Circle line from Paddington to South Kensington (10 minutes).

11) Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

One of the most popular attractions near Paddington station is London’s own answer to Jurassic Park, the Natural History Museum. Besides the animatronic dinosaurs, the museum also features galleries dedicated to creepy crawlies, British wildlife and Planet Earth herself. The museum hosts remarkable exhibitions including the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year and their special latest events on the last Friday of every month, which lets you explore the complex after-hours! Travel via the Circle line from Paddington to South Kensington (10 minutes).

12) Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

One of the most popular tourist attractions in London is the residence and office of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. You can turn up to take photographs of the grand facade of the palace from the gates, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the morning. Usually this takes place around 11am but do check the schedule in advance to be sure. If you want to explore the State Apartments and see the masterpieces of art that the palace contains, search for special offers on London hotels to coincide with the summer opening (25 Jul 2020 – 4 Oct 2020). Take the Bakerloo line from Paddington to Baker Street, change to Jubilee line and alight at Green Park (10 mins).

13) Science Museum

Science Museum

One of the most fascinating museums in London for kids, the Science Museum is dedicated to scientific achievements from the modern day to back in antiquity. Delve into 500 years of medical history, discover the iconic technological objects that have paved the way to the modern world and find out exactly what astronauts eat whilst they are on space missions. The Science Museum features lots of interactive opportunities as well as VR, flight simulators and a hands-on gallery to test your own engineering capabilities. Get there via the Circle line from Paddington to South Kensington (10 minutes).

14) Design Museum

Previously contained within an east London venue, the Design Museum is now on the doorstep of Lancaster hotels. The galleries span all disciplines of contemporary design including product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. Their annual Designs of the Year exhibition gives you chance to stay afloat with the most recent and cutting-edge feats of the design world. It makes for an inspirational and dynamic day out in London. Reach it by taking the Circle line from Paddington to High Street Kensington (5 minutes).

15) Royal Academy of Arts

Pioneers of both centuries-old and modern art, the exhibitions at the Royal Academy tend to vary. Their Summer Exhibition is a huge draw for London explorers, and shows over 1,000 works of art created by both well-established and brand new artists. The courtyard itself is an icon, and comes to life during the latest events that the gallery hosts on an ad hoc basis throughout the year, themed on their current exhibition. Take the Bakerloo line from Paddington to Baker Street, change to the Jubilee, and alight at Green Park (10 mins).

16) Marylebone Farmer’s Market

Taking place every Sunday (10am – 2pm), the Farmer’s Market is a great place to grab breakfast near your Paddington accommodation. Food varies on the season, expect strawberries in May or cherries in July to garnish your picnic in Hyde Park! You can also find cheese stalls, freshly baked bread, organic honey and Ethiopian coffee – perfect souvenirs from your time in London. Many of the food can be purchased to eat as you explore the market, so come with an empty stomach and don’t be shy to try. Hop on London bus number 274 from Lancaster Gate station and alight at Portman Square; the ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

17) Paddington Basin

Paddington Basin

If you’re looking for somewhere to have lunch or dinner near the Park Grand Paddington, then take a short walk to Paddington Basin. This thriving area is where you can find some of the best restaurants in Paddington, in an ambient waterside setting populated by local office workers and residents. There are several eateries to choose from. KuPP Paddington features a Scandinavian inspired menu, including excellent meatballs. Darcie & May Green is a fun restaurant onboard a barge, with pop art decor. Perfect for summer evenings!

18) Regent’s Park

Regent's park, London

This Royal Park in north London is one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. There is a charming rose garden, serene Japanese garden, large boating lake populated by ducks and geese, and an open-air theatre which hosts events during summer. In the northern area you can access Primrose Hill. This grassy knoll is revered for its panoramas of the London skyline, and is particularly wonderful at sunset. Access the Regent’s Park by taking the Bakerloo line to Baker Street (4 minutes) and plan your exploration alongside one of the other nearby attractions included in this list.

19) British Library

British Library

Lord of the libraries, the British Library houses some of the most important literature in the world. The collection includes manuscripts, letters, maps, photographs and historical documents. You can read about, literally, anything. The library always hosts a series of quirky cultural or literary exhibitions, most of which are free. Access the library by taking the Circle or Hammersmith & City line to King’s Cross St. Pancras (12 minutes).

20) Sherlock Holmes Museum

If you’re a fan of the great detective, then you shouldn’t miss the chance to tour the fictional home of Sherlock at 221b Baker Street! The house has been designed to look exactly as it was described. You’ll see Sherlock’s famous study restored to its Victorian-era origins; look for the famous deerstalker and smoking pipe! There are wax sculptures throughout the museum. Take the Bakerloo line to Baker Street (4 minutes).