Brunel's station and a famous bear
Paddington station, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1854, was the London terminus of the Great Western Railway. Its wrought-iron roof still spans the platforms. The station gave its name to Paddington Bear, who arrives from Peru in Michael Bond's stories, and a bronze statue of him sits on the concourse.
Nearby, St Mary's Hospital is where Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928; his laboratory is preserved as a small museum. Paddington Basin, on the Grand Union Canal, has been redeveloped with offices, restaurants and unusual moving bridges, and Little Venice is a short canalside walk away.
What to see
- Paddington Bear statue – on the station concourse.
- Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum – where penicillin was discovered.
- Paddington Basin – the Rolling Bridge and canalside restaurants.
- Little Venice – canal boats, cafés and waterside walks.
Eating and atmosphere
Paddington is busy with commuters and travellers on weekdays, while Paddington Basin and Merchant Square have restaurants and cafés by the water. Nearby, Edgware Road is known for Middle Eastern food, and Westbourne Grove and Queensway offer more options.
A suggested half day
Visit the bear statue and the Fleming museum, then walk along the canal through Paddington Basin to Little Venice. Take a canal boat towards Camden, or return to Hyde Park via Sussex Gardens.
Getting there
Paddington has the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth line and Great Western Railway trains to Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Wales and Cornwall. The Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines also stop here.
Getting there with Mason & Green
Many visitors arrive at Paddington with heavy luggage after a long journey. We meet passengers at agreed points near the station and drive them to hotels anywhere in London. Heathrow is usually reached via the A40 and M4, and we also provide onward transfers to Southampton, Oxford and the Cotswolds.
See our station transfers and Heathrow Airport transfers pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Heathrow Express or a private transfer better?
The Heathrow Express is fast between Paddington and Heathrow. A private transfer goes door to door, which helps with luggage, groups and families.
Can you meet me at Paddington station?
Yes. We arrange a meeting point near the station and track your train if needed.
Where is the Paddington Bear statue?
It is on the station concourse. Staff at the information desk can point you to it.