Although largely a residential area, Paddington has served the needs of travellers since the building of the train station in mid-19th century.
Both trains from Heathrow airport to central London, the Heathrow Express and the Heathrow Connect, terminate at Paddington station. The area has good underground and bus links into the West End.
View a map of the Paddington area
History
Paddington became part of London in the 19th century. Marble Arch was then at the western edge of London and the area was little more than a village surrounded by farms and springs. It developed when a new section of the Grand Union Canal junction opened in 1801, providing a direct trade link with the Midlands.
Places of interest within walking distance
It’s a 5-minute walk to Hyde Park. Little Venice, a pretty canal-side area, is a 15-minute walk away.
Accommodation information
There are hotels of all price ranges and standards in the area and a good choice of cheap hotels. Most are traditional B&B hotels rather than budget chains. The majority are a 2–5 minute walk from the station. You certainly won’t have to walk more than 10 minutes’.
Book a cheap hotel in Paddington
Shopping
Paddington doesn’t really have a High Street but the train station has enough shops for your everyday needs. Praed St, in front of the tube and train stations, is a mixture of convenience shops and fast food outlets.
It’s only a 10–15 minute walk to Marble Arch, the start of Oxford Street or a short underground or bus ride. Westfield shopping centre is easy to reach from either Paddington or Lancaster Gate tube stations.
Supermarkets
Branches of M&S Simply Foods and Sainsbury’s Local in Paddington station.
Transport
Paddington has excellent transport links. Two train services operate from the train station to Heathrow airport: the Heathrow Connect and the (more expensive) Heathrow Express.
Underground
There are two main tube stations in the area:
- Paddington (Circle, District, Bakerloo & Hammersmith & City lines)
- Lancaster Gate
Local buses
If you prefer buses, numbers 7 & 23 take you to the heart of the West End.