So you have hopped off your cruise in Southampton and you are off to visit London, you will need this Paddington Bear London guide to find where the beloved Paddington Bear is. Snippets of Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear can be found all over London. In fact, he is one of the most famous Toys that London has! He can be found in a variety of locations and in various guises, from Paddington bear statues, toy shops and, of course, at Paddington station.
Paddington Bear in London’s Must-Visit Spots for Fans
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Let’s go on a Paddington Bear tour and find all the places where you can see the world-famous bear in these Paddington Bear London haunts.
Paddington Station
The most obvious place to look for Paddington Bear would be at Paddington Station! But where is he, and why is he here? Well, apart from the name similarity, Paddington first arrives in London at Paddington station. This is where Mr Brown and Mrs Brown first meet the cute bear. This station is the most famous place you can find Paddington Bear.
The Paddington Bear Statue At Paddington Station
The first stop is Paddington train station. If you’re heading to the station, you must check out the Paddington Bear statue and a Paddington Bear bench with a plaque above. The life-sized bronze statue of Paddington of the little Peruvian traveller can be found here with his small suitcase.
The statue was designed by the sculptor Marcus Cornish and was unveiled by the Paddington Bear series author Michael Bond on 24 February 2000.
Paddington on Bear Bench At Paddington Station
Next door to the bronze Paddington Bear statue is a bench painted with bear scenes. The painted scenes of Paddington Bear make it a lovely place for a photo. You may need ask somebody to move if you want to come and sit here for a photo. Paddington sits on the bench eating his marmalade sandwiches. Above the bench is a plaque telling you all about Paddington Bear when he first came to the station many years ago in 1958.
The Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station
The Paddington Bear shop at Paddington Station is tucked around the corner, just near the other restaurants and Bear Pub. The shop sells a whole paraphernalia of Paddington bear souvenirs, such as Paddington bear tea cups, bears, toys, books and gift ideas.
There is even a Paddington Cafe inside! There is a large Paddington bear sitting on a bench in here too, and he is great for a photo!
Paddington Bear Pub the Mad Bishop and Bear
There is even a Paddington station pub called the Mad Bishop and Bear. It is upstairs in the station, not far from the Paddington bear statue. It is also not far from where the shop is either—named after Matt Bishop, who was a local man of the cloth who, despite supposedly gifted the land for the station at a bargain price many years ago.
Take the Pawprint Trail Paddington Bear trail
Paddington Bear walking tours consist of three Pawprint Trail starting at Paddington Station and has been updated to include all the latest things to do in and around Paddington. It includes family-friendly places along the route as well as food places to keep you fed and watered as you go in search of London’s most beloved bears.
Leicester Square Paddington bear Statue Eating Marmalade Sandwiches
In Leicester Square, Paddington Bear is sitting on a bench as part of the Leicester Square scenes in the square. You will find up to 13 different statues, including the famous Mr Bean statue in the square and they are beautiful! The Paddington statue sits on the left-hand side of the square, eating his marmalade sandwiches and you can sit right down next to him and have your lunch with him how lovely is that?
Paddington Bear at Notting Hill
Oxford Street Selfridges where Micheal Bond First Bought a bear For His Wife
Do not forget to visit Selfridges on Oxford Street. One of London’s best and biggest department stores, where Michael Bond bought a small teddy bear for his wife on Christmas Eve in 1956.
That little bear which Bond named Paddington, went on to inspire the book series. Selfridges has a toy department where you may be able to pick up your own cuddly version of Paddington.
Many years ago, in roughly 1981, Selfridges windows and Santas Grotto were adorned with Paddington bears. I remember going as a small child. I will seek out a photo!
Hamley’s Toy Store Bear Figure
If you head off to Regent Street, you’ll find London’s most famous toyshop Hamleys. Hamleys have been selling Paddington bears for decades. The shop has seven fun-packed floors filled with all sorts of toys: Lego, Cars, computer games, soft toys, dolls, board games, and Paddington’s!
You will also see a life-size bear statue here too! Perfect for a bear photo op.
Buckingham Palace, Where Paddington Met The Queen
Take a walk to Buckingham Palace. You may not see the bear, but you will see the beautiful palace he visited on his visit to see and meet the Queen.
The late Queen became associated with Paddington Bear during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Queen Elizabeth took part in a CGI sketch with the marmalade-loving bear.
He was invited for tea, but he did not have the right manners. The Queen did not seem to mind and showed off her sandwiches kept in her bag!
Paddington wishes the Queen a “happy jubilee ma’am and thank you for everything. “
Hidden in Shop Windows
You may also find Paddington Bear in Leicester Square,’s Cecil Court. It is a quaint road in London that has a lot of unusual shops and includes many bookshops. Keep your eyes peeled for the cute little fellow in the window.
Spot A Retro 1960’s Paddington in London
Seek out a retro 1960’s Paddington Bear in the Museum of Brands!
Try a Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea
Why not seek out a Paddington Bear Afternoon tea? Bridgit’s Bakery hosts a Paddington Afternoon tea tour around London.
Paddington Bear at Christmas
If you are heading off to a London Christmas market it is also a wonderful time to go and find Paddington Bear! You can find him nestled in the tree at Hamleys, or why not buy the Paddington-themed Christmas book? “Paddington Bear and the Christmas Surprise” was written in 1997. It is a funny, festive picture book all about Paddington. When the Browns take Paddington to the Christmas grotto at the local department store, their journey through the Winter Wonderland is full of unexpected surprises. But the best surprise is a present from Santa.
This post originally appeared on Likelovelondon.com
