I’ve been a London Travel Planner for over 12 years and have helped more than 100 people plan their visits there. My first visit to London was in 2002, and over the 21 years since then I have taken 53 visits there.
One thing I’ve learned for certain is that the most important decision you’ll make when planning your London visit is where to stay, and I’m going to give you 10 solid reasons why that place should be Paddington.
Staying in the right place will not only make your sightseeing more pleasurable, but can dramatically round out your overall London experience. Please take a few minutes and read on. I can promise you that by following my advice, your London visit will be a fantastic one!
The Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station
More than any other places I’ve stayed in London, Paddington is a place you want to come back to. It has a much different “feel” than London’s more iconic places, like Tower Bridge, Saint Paul’s, Houses of Parliament Area, etc. You sort of feel like it’s your neighborhood as opposed to just returning to an area where you’re going to sleep for the evening.
Unlike the iconic places, Paddington is very much a residential neighborhood. This eliminates the ‘Tourist Trap’ atmosphere you’ll experience in those other places. You’ll get a better feel for the real London while staying here. One of my favorite experiences here has been heading out to the pubs and chatting with some of the locals. The locals have made me feel very welcome here since my first visit way back in 2002, and continue to do so today. Indeed, I have made many friends in Paddington. Some of whom I can call close friends. It’s truly a special place.
The Wilkes family of New Jersey, enjoying pints and dinner at The Pride of Paddington PubÂ
The Victoria Pub – Just one of Paddington’s beautiful pubs
London Street in the heart of Paddington. Teeming with cafes, small grocery shops, and pubs. Paddington’s streets are very inviting.Â
Relax in beautiful Norfolk Square Garden