Find Tranquillity in the Heart of the City

The Paddington district of London is famous, above all else, for being home to the mainline train station of the same name, and thus the bear that was named after it. Paddington station marks the end of the line for trains running from Heathrow airport as well as trains running from places such as Oxford, Cardiff, Bristol and Bath, and the fact that it offers direct access to the Underground system, as well as being served by numerous buses and taxis, means that it is the perfect base from which to launch an exploration of the capital.

Edgeware Road Tube station is also within easy walking distance of Paddington, which means that staying in a Paddingtonhotel is the perfect choice for someone wishing to take advantage of what the city has to offer, both in the immediate vicinity and further afield. Visit www.theshaftsbury.co.uk to find a hotel in the area which suits your needs and meets your budget. 

One of the most surprising pleasures of the Paddington district is the fact that, despite being squarely in the centre of London and thus vibrant, crowded and lively, it also offers easy access to some much more laid back, tranquil and relaxing pleasures. Just to the north of Paddington station, within easy walking distance, is the area known as Little Venice. This is the pool of water where the Regents canal and the Grand Union canal meet, and it offers a chance to escape from the noise and crowds of the pavements just nearby. Sit outside one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants around the water’s edge and enjoy the chance to eat and drink whilst taking in the view of canal boats making their way serenely along the water. Better yet, take a ride in one of the boats which ferry passengers along the canal and enjoy the journey through Regents Park, past the zoo and on to Camden, hone to a market and a selection of unique independent traders selling everything from handmade jewellery to delicious street food from around the world. 

For those seeking a slightly more typical London experience, Paddington is excellently positioned for quick and easy access to shopping districts such as Westbourne Grove, Marylebone and Bayswater. All of these areas offer the typically eclectic London mix of well-known high street names and quirky independent traders and, for those with kids in need of entertainment, Bayswater is also home to the Queens London Ice Skating and Bowling Centre. As well as an ice rink and twelve lanes of ten pin bowling, this centre offers a karaoke bar, a games room and a café serving snacks. If you’re visiting during the summer months and seeking open air fun, then the area also offers easy access to the Royal Parks of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, both of which offer a wide range of activities and attractions. Take advantage of the opportunity to swim in an open air lido, take a look round a palace or simply hire a deckchair and soak up the sun.