Valentine’s Day in Paddington: 12 Things to Do Near the Hotel

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Valentine Day London Hotel

If you’re planning a romantic stay in a hotel around Paddington London over Valentine’s Day, you don’t need to traipse across the city to find something special and unforgettable to do to commemorate the day of love. 

Here are 12 fantastic things you can do near your Paddington hotel this Valentine’s Day.

1) Mooch around Queen Mary’s Rose Garden

Rose Garden London

Roses are red, violets are blue… And there’s a beautiful rose garden, close to you! Take a romantic walk together in the picturesque garden which showcases 12,000 rose bushes right in the heart of Regent’s Park. Assuming the weather plays along, you can explore the rest of this tranquil Royal Park of London as well.

2) Pick up some artisan cheese

Buchanans Cheesemonger on Porchester Place source and expertly condition the finest cheese from the best producers in the UK and Europe. Their offering changes daily based on what is ripe and tasting good in their onsite maturing rooms. Located a short distance from the Grand Park Hotel Paddington, we recommend visiting here if you want to indulge yourselves in something ‘cheesy’ on Valentine’s Day.

3) Have a tipple (or two)

If you fancy splurging on some multi-sensory cocktails, head to Purl London. The innovative bar staff use aroma, fogs, foams and liquid nitrogen to give these libations a creative twist. With smoky jazz crooning in the background this vaulted cellar is one of the best bars in Paddington. If you prefer wine, Vagabond stocks 120 wines from independent wine makers around the world. We can recommend their private wine tasting packages which give you the chance to try 6 artisan wines paired with charcuterie, cheese and guidance from your own personal sommelier.

4) Snuggle up with a film

Plush Edwardian picture house Electric Cinema is one of the oldest and most romantic cinemas in London. The former theatre hall has been renovated with luxurious leather armchairs and decadent velvet beds, perfect for date night. They have tables for keeping a bottle of wine or a cocktail on, and it’s in the coveted Notting Hill neighbourhood which isn’t far from the Park Grand Restaurant if you want to have dinner before you go. If you’d prefer to stay in, order room service and stream your favourite rom-com from bed.

5) Share a shopping experience

If you still need to buy your loved one a keepsake gift, the Grand Park Hotel Paddington is perfectly poised for a number of shopping destinations. You can take the tube to the sprawling Westfield London shopping mall. Alternatively you can browse the upscale boutiques on Marylebone High Street where you have clothing, lifestyle and bookshops to choose from.

6) Explore the waterways of Little Venice

Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and London has a small piece of it right by Paddington. The Little Venice neighbourhood is a serene canal area where you can find relaxing waterside pubs and cafes. Regency era white stucco terraced townhouses line the canal, which is peppered by floating barges. You can board a cruise if you wish to share a romantic cruise, or stick to dry land and lose yourselves in this unique part of the area.

7) Check out some art

Choosing to stay in a Paddington London hotel puts you within a radius of fascinating art galleries. If contemporary artwork is your passion then pay a visit to the Lisson Gallery which showcases both established and emerging artists. Pair a stroll in Hyde Park with a browse of the Serpentine Gallery. You can purchase a piece from here too. If you prefer antique, historic works, then don’t miss the Wallace Collection which is found in a splendid palatial townhouse.

8) Relive Fitzgerald’s most memorable love story

If you’re after a night of glamour, mischief, opulent dining and slinky cocktails, you need to snap up some tickets to the immersive Great Gatsby dinner party at the London Cabaret Club (Friday 14 February). The songs from the film starring Leonardo Di Caprio will be performed against the lavish backdrop of the 1920’s Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom whilst you dine. After your meal, it’s over to the dance floor for the night. Be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

9) Experience a riveting show

There are plenty of theatre and performance venues around Paddington. The Royal Albert Hall is a stone’s throw away and is currently showing Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia. Alternatively you can access the best of the West End stage moments from Paddington.

10) Fall in love with light at Lightopia

Taking places in the spectacular grounds of the 18th century Chiswick House and Gardens, Lightopia is an extraordinary lantern and light festival. Beautiful light installations are paired with an interactive art experience. As you wander the magical trails such as the Love Gate, Elysian Field, the Flower Road and Happy Valley, you’ll be guaranteed to feel loved up. Lightopia also has food stalls, live musicians and acrobats at this very special event, which runs all February.

11) Gaze into each other’s eyes over coffee

Or tea, or hot chocolate, or split a plate of pastries. There are plenty of local, independent cafes and coffee shops in Paddington to investigate. Take some time to relax, people watch and spend some quality time together. Stumble upon one that catches your eye, or take our recommendation and make a beeline for bustling Italian style Arro Coffee: The Temple of Coffee or hip Tab X Tab.

12) Go for the lucky strike

This one is perfect if your very first date was at the bowling arcade! It’s also a must-do for any couple who haven’t yet participated in the dating ritual of pulling on the comic pumps and flinging their bowling ball two lanes to the left. QUEENS is a huge, completely kooky alley in nearby Bayswater. It’s also where you can find London’s only year-round ice rink, if you prefer to take a hand in hand twirl on the ice.