London Paddington is one of London’s most appealing spots for visitors looking for a great base to easily explore the capital.
But what do you really know about the district of Paddington? Here is some facts about the area that could help enhance your knowledge ahead of your stay in the capital.
Famous residents of Paddington
Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement, was born in Paddington on 22th February 1857, but he is not the only famous inhabitant of the City of Westminster district. Other notable births include Kiefer Sutherland, Emma Thompson and Elvis Costello.
Paddington Station
Paddington Station is one of the most iconic railway stations in the capital and was actually designed by famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1854. There is now a statue of the engineer at the one of the entrances at the station.
Paddington Station was actually one of the first stops on the very first branch of the London Underground. Its role in railway history cannot be understated and it remains at the heart of the London Transport network today with 14 platforms, as well as numerous retailers and eating establishments.
The area benefits from great links with local tube stations serving the Paddington area include:
Paddington (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines)
Bayswater (Circle and District lines)
Queensway (Central line)
Lancaster Gate Station (Central line)
Marble Arch Station (Central line)
Edgware Road (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines)
Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line)
Royal Oak (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines)
Alternatively, if you have opted to hire a car that there are a number of car parks within the Paddington area of the capital, including
Paddington Station Public Car Park
Colonnades Car Park
Queensway Car Park
NCP Car Park London Arthur Court
Bell Street Car Park
Highview Parking
Bilton Towers Car Park
Bayswater Road Car Park
The Alan Sugar of Paddington
The popular Whiteley’s department store has played a key role in the Paddington area and it is now the most popular retail centre in the district, but it was all down to one man.
In 1867, William Whiteley created Whiteley’s, which was originally situated between Queensway and Westbourne Grove. He had a strong business outlook and referred to himself as ‘the Universal Provider’ selling everything from ‘a pin to an elephant’.
Unfortunately, in 1897 his store was destroyed in a fire that was visible across London. However, the shop was relaunched at its current site in 1911. Nowadays, it is home to a whole host of popular brands including Zara, Karen Millen and Gap. The retail centre also boasts a cinema and various food outlets.
There is more than one Paddington
Paddington London may be the most famous, but there are a number of other Paddingtons around the world. In fact, there are two areas called Paddington in Australia, one in Sydney, New South Wales, and another in Brisbane, Queensland. There is also a gold mine in western Australia that was referred to Paddington Gold Mine.
Bears love Paddington
Of course, everyone knows about Paddington Bear but do you know he still lives in the area? Well maybe not exactly, but there is a life-size bronze statue outside a shop close to Paddington Station – perfect for selfies with the famous Peruvian legend.
You can also pick up a whole range of Paddington merchandise, including books, teddy bears and badges.
