Your Complete Paddington Bear Guide To London
Look, if you’re not at least slightly obsessed with a fictional bear who eats marmalade sandwiches and calls everyone “Mr” or “Mrs”, then frankly, I’m not sure we can be friends.
For over 65 years, Paddington Bear has been charming his way through London and our hearts, proving that good manners and a proper sandwich can solve most of life’s problems. With Paddington in Peru still fresh in cinemas and a shiny new West End musical landing this November, London’s gone completely Paddington-mad. And honestly? We’re absolutely here for it.
Which is why we have created this guide to take you on the ultimate Paddington adventure, whether you’re 5 or 95. So, dust off your duffle coat, pack some sandwiches, and trust us, by the end of this, you’ll be saying “How do you do?” to strangers and eyeing up every antique shop window.
Start where it all began: Selfridges
In 1956, before Paddington Bear ever set paw in Aunt Lucy’s attic or Windsor Gardens, his story began in the Selfridges department store. On Christmas Eve, author Michael Bond was wandering through Selfridges when he spotted a lonely teddy bear sitting on the shelf. Something about that little face tugged at his heartstrings, so he bought it as a gift for his wife. They named him Paddington, and two years later, literary history was made.
Today, you can still walk through Selfridges’ toy department on Oxford Street and find an impressive selection of Paddington merchandise – though thankfully none look quite as lonely as that original bear.
Where: 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, W1A 1AB
Stop by Paddington Station
You absolutely cannot do a Paddington tour without visiting Platform 1 at his namesake station. This is where the Browns first spotted a small, polite bear from Peru sitting on a suitcase with the most heart-melting note ever written. And the bronze statue by Marcus Cornish captures that moment perfectly.
Don’t miss the Paddington Shop in the station’s atrium, because while it’s dangerous for the wallet, it is essential for the journey. And if all this nostalgia has worked up an appetite, nip upstairs to The Mad Bishop and Bear pub. The name pays homage to both the “mad bishop” who practically gave away the station’s land and our furry friend. Their full English will set you up nicely for the day ahead.
Where: Platform 1, Paddington Station, London W2 1HB
Explore Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill
Those postcard-perfect pastel Victorian houses of Chalcot Crescent happen to be the exterior of Windsor Gardens in the films, with number 32 standing in for the Browns’ home. It’s exactly the kind of classic London townhouse that makes you want to knock on the door and ask if there’s room for one more at the breakfast table.
Primrose Hill is one of those London neighbourhoods that makes you understand why property prices are completely insane. While you’re in the area and feeling sufficiently envious of other people’s property choices, take a stroll up to the park’s summit. The views of London’s skyline from here are some of London’s finest, plus you can pretend you’re in a Richard Curtis film.
Where: Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, London NW1
The Paddington Bear Experience
Located in County Hall on the South Bank, this immersive theatrical experience feels like stepping directly into the screen. You’ll journey from a recreation of Paddington Station to Windsor Gardens, participating in gentle problem-solving tasks and exploring faithfully recreated sets, including the entire downstairs of the Browns’ home.
While it draws heavily from the StudioCanal films rather than Michael Bond’s original books, it’s a wonderful way to lose yourself in Paddington’s world. They keep groups small, so it feels intimate rather than overwhelming, and yes, you can buy proper marmalade sandwiches at the end. Because what would a Paddington experience be without them?
Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Visit Portobello Road Market & Alice’s Antiques
Head west to Portobello Road Market, Paddington’s stomping ground and one of London’s most vibrant cultural experiences. Visit Alice’s Antiques at 86 Portobello Road, the real shop that doubled as Mr Gruber’s in the films. The antiques shop, owned by the Carter family since 1952, remains one of only three traditional antique shops left on what was once antique central.
The Portobello Road Saturday market perfectly captures the multicultural London that Paddington has always celebrated, with its mix of cultures, shops, and incredible food.
Where: 86 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 2QB
Shop Fortnum & Mason’s marmalade selection
Any self-respecting Paddington fan knows that marmalade is serious business, and nowhere takes it more seriously than Fortnum & Mason. With 47 different marmalades and preserves on offer, this spot is a marmalade paradise. Whether you’re after their classic English Breakfast Marmalade (£5.95), Hitomi Wakamura’s rather exotic Yuzu & Pear Marmalade (£7.95), or the cheeky ‘She Dreams in Marmalade’ Dark Chocolate with Orange Pieces Bar (£7.95) for a friend with a sweet tooth, you’re spoilt for choice. This is the perfect place to stock up for an impromptu picnic.
Where: 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 0ER
Enjoy canal views in Little Venice
Stroll through Little Venice and see the picturesque canal towpaths that were featured in Paddington 2. Despite the movie’s use of the location for its chase scene, this spot of London offers a surprisingly quiet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
You can take a leisurely canal boat ride from Little Venice to Camden or walk the Regent’s Canal to see the area’s colourful narrowboats and tree-lined towpaths.
Where: City Rd, London N1 8AP
Jump on the Afternoon Tea Bus
For the most entertaining way to tick off London’s landmarks, Brigit’s Bakery runs the official Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Board a classic red Routemaster and tuck into sandwiches and cakes while London rolls past your window.
Each table has built-in screens featuring Paddington-guided animations, and you’ll cruise past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and all the other icons that make London, well, London.
From November to January, book the 5:30pm tour to catch the spectacular Regent Street Christmas lights. Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it wonderful? Also absolutely.
Where: 6-7 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HU
Embrace a taste of Peru
Since Paddington hails from darkest Peru, it seems only right to sample some Peruvian cuisine during your adventure. London’s Peruvian food scene has exploded in recent years, offering vibrant, colourful dishes that capture the spirit of Paddington’s homeland beautifully.
For something more casual, try Chakana in Hackney, where the atmosphere is as warm as the food. If you’re feeling fancy, Lima in Fitzrovia offers refined Peruvian dining that’s earned its Michelin star.
Chakana: 41 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH
Lima: 31 Rathbone Place, London W1T 1JH
Stroll in St James’s Park
End your day with a peaceful moment in St James’s Park, away from the tourist crowds. Find a bench near Duck Island Cottage overlooking the lake and take a moment to reflect on your Paddington-filled day.
The park’s blend of urban tranquillity and natural beauty captures everything that makes London so captivating, just as Michael Bond intended when he first brought that teddy bear home from Selfridges nearly 70 years ago.
Where: London SW1A 2BJ
Book ahead: Paddington The Musical
This November, Paddington makes his West End debut with a brand new musical at the Lyric Theatre. Running until May 2026, it promises to bring all the warmth and gentle humour of Bond’s creation to the stage.
Paddington: The Musical is the brainchild of Sonia Friedman, who’s assembled quite the dream team, with Jessica Swale (of Nell Gwynn fame) handling the book, while McFly’s Tom Fletcher – yes, that Tom Fletcher – is writing the songs. The whole thing’s being directed by Luke Shepherd, fresh off his triumphant Starlight Express revival.
Where: Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7ES
Dates: 1 November 2025 – 25 May 2026
