Paddington Bear Statue
A beloved bronze bear marking the spot where fiction met reality at London's historic station.
A beloved life-sized bronze sculpture of the famous literary character Paddington Bear stands on Platform 1 of Paddington Station in central London. Designed by sculptor Marcus Cornish and unveiled in February 2000 by author Michael Bond, this iconic statue commemorates the fictional bear's arrival at the station—the very location that inspired his name and story. Positioned beneath the station clock, the statue has become one of London's most cherished and photographed landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world.
A brief summary to Paddington Bear Statue
- 19 Eastbourne Terrace, London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during quieter hours (early morning or late evening) to photograph the statue without crowds obscuring it, as it is extremely popular with tourists throughout the day.
- Combine your visit with the Paddington Bear shop located within the station, which offers merchandise and memorabilia dedicated to the character.
- Take time to read the nearby information boards and the painted bench to fully appreciate the historical and literary context of the statue.
- Note that the statue's exact position on Platform 1 may occasionally change due to station maintenance work, so check current location information before visiting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Paddington Station is served by the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Bakerloo lines, as well as the Elizabeth Line. Travel time from central London locations ranges from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your starting point. The station has full lift access to all platforms. No ticket is required to access the platforms where the statue is located if you are already within the station.
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National Rail
Paddington Station is a major National Rail hub serving the West Country and connections to Heathrow Airport. If arriving by train, simply exit onto Platform 1 where the statue is positioned beneath the station clock. The journey from other London mainline stations typically takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on origin.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve Paddington Station, including routes 7, 15, 23, 27, 36, 46, 52, 70, 94, and others. Journey times vary from 15 to 45 minutes depending on your starting location and traffic conditions. Buses stop on streets surrounding the station; follow signs to Platform 1 once inside.
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Walking
Paddington Station is located in central London, approximately 1.5 kilometres from Hyde Park and Lancaster Gate. Walking from nearby areas such as Bayswater or Notting Hill takes 15 to 25 minutes on relatively flat terrain with good pedestrian infrastructure. The station entrance is clearly marked and accessible from multiple street approaches.
Paddington Bear Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Paddington Bear Statue
The Story Behind the Bear
Paddington Bear emerged from the imagination of author Michael Bond in 1958, inspired by a solitary bear he observed at a London store near Paddington Station, combined with memories of young evacuees leaving the city during World War II with labels around their necks and suitcases in hand. The character's origin story—a polite bear from Peru arriving at Paddington Station with a note reading "Please look after this bear. Thank you"—became the foundation for one of literature's most enduring and beloved characters. The Paddington books have sold over 30 million copies worldwide, and the character has transcended children's literature to become a symbol of British identity and values of kindness and acceptance.The Station's Victorian Heritage
Paddington Station itself stands as a testament to Victorian engineering excellence, designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Construction began in 1850, with the original four platforms completed in 1854 at the height of industrial innovation. The station's massive wrought iron arches and glass roof represent the engineering prowess of the era. By World War II, the station had expanded to 12 platforms and served as a crucial hub for troop movements and, most poignantly, for evacuating London's children to safety during the Blitz. This historical context deepens the connection between the station and Paddington Bear's narrative of displacement and belonging.The Bronze Sculpture and Its Placement
The life-sized bronze statue was created by sculptor Marcus Cornish and officially unveiled on 24 February 2000 by Michael Bond himself. The sculpture captures Paddington in his characteristic pose, positioned on Platform 1 beneath the station's iconic clock—the very spot where the fictional bear was first discovered by the Brown family. The statue has become extraordinarily popular with visitors, who frequently pose for photographs alongside it, sometimes obscuring the sculpture entirely. The bench nearby features a Paddington painting, adding to the commemorative atmosphere of the location.A Living Monument to British Values
Paddington Bear has evolved into far more than a children's character; the bear embodies enduring British narratives about welcoming migrants and offering sanctuary to those in need. The character's consistent good intentions, despite frequently getting into well-meaning scrapes, resonate across generations. In 2022, Paddington's cultural significance was cemented when the character appeared at Buckingham Palace to entertain Queen Elizabeth II, following the success of two acclaimed films voiced by Ben Whishaw. This elevation to national treasure status reflects how deeply the bear has embedded itself in British cultural consciousness.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
The statue is accessible from all Paddington rail and underground services, with the Elizabeth Line exit immediately adjacent to Platform 1, which features full lift service to underground platforms. The location is situated within Paddington Station, one of London's major transport hubs, making it easily reachable from across the city. The statue's position on an active railway platform means visitors encounter it amid the daily movement of thousands of commuters, creating an authentic backdrop that mirrors the original story of Paddington's discovery in this bustling transport hub.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sussex Gardens
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The Paddington Partnership
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Experience the vibrant community and rich culture of Paddington through the initiatives of The Paddington Partnership, a hub for local engagement and development.
Edward Jenner Memorial
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Speke Monument
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Space Apart Hotel
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Modern serviced apartments in historic Kensington Gardens Square, offering stylish comfort and easy access to London’s top attractions.
The Old Police House
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Historic police station and visitor hub nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, blending heritage with the tranquility of London’s iconic green space.
Norwegian War Memorial
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A solemn granite tribute in Hyde Park honoring British-Norwegian friendship and support during World War II.
Speakers' Corner
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Historic Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park: London's iconic open-air forum for free speech and public debate since the 19th century.
George Orwell Plaque
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A literary landmark on vibrant Portobello Road celebrating George Orwell’s enduring legacy in London’s cultural heart.
London Central Mosque
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London's iconic Islamic cultural landmark blending spiritual tradition with modern community engagement.
Former EMI House (Beatles album cover photo)
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Where The Beatles' iconic Please Please Me album cover was photographed in 1963.
University of Westminster Marylebone Hall
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Experience the vibrant academic life at Marylebone Hall, a historic university in London surrounded by iconic attractions and rich culture.
Notting Hill Hillgate Village
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Experience the vibrant charm of Notting Hill Hillgate Village, where colorful houses, unique shops, and cultural delights await every traveler.
Celebrity's Secret Door
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The Tabernacle
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Unmissable attractions to see
2 Eastbourne Terrace
0.2 km
Prime Paddington office space with flexible work environments, top amenities, and unbeatable transport links opposite Paddington Station.
Paddington Basin
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A modern canal basin in west London where historic waterways meet sleek architecture, waterside dining, and a relaxed urban vibe.
The Fan Bridge
0.4 km
A captivating kinetic footbridge at Paddington Basin that opens like a Japanese fan, blending engineering brilliance with artistic design.
The Swan, Hyde Park
0.6 km
Experience the charm of The Swan, a quintessential London pub near Hyde Park, offering delicious food and stunning views in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lancaster Gate
0.6 km
Elegant Victorian terraces bordering Hyde Park, offering tranquil sophistication and superb access to London’s cultural heart.
Jason's Trips Ltd
0.7 km
Historic narrowboat cruises reveal London's hidden waterways and 200 years of canal heritage.
Italian Gardens
0.7 km
Explore the stunning Italian Gardens in Kensington Gardens, a serene escape in London featuring classical design, beautiful fountains, and vibrant floral displays.
Grosvenor Casino, The Victoria
0.8 km
Experience premier gaming, fine dining, and vibrant social scenes at London’s iconic Grosvenor Casino The Victoria on Edgware Road.
QUEENS skate dine bowl
0.9 km
London’s oldest year-round ice rink, bowling lanes, and vibrant dining combine for nonstop fun at QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl on Queensway.
Notting Hill Bike tours
1.0 km
Discover London’s iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods on a safe, fun, and engaging bike tour through Notting Hill and beyond.
The Cockpit
1.0 km
Intimate in-the-round theatre in Marylebone offering cutting-edge performances and a vibrant creative community.
Kensington Gardens
1.1 km
Explore Kensington Gardens, a royal London oasis blending historic grandeur, iconic landmarks, and family-friendly adventures across 265 acres of green space.
St Mary's Church, Bryanston Square
1.1 km
Discover the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of St Mary's Church in Bryanston Square, a must-visit historical landmark in London.
Diana Memorial Playground
1.1 km
A magical, inclusive Peter Pan-themed playground in Kensington Gardens, offering imaginative play and adventure for children of all abilities.
Queen Caroline's Temple
1.1 km
An elegant 18th-century neoclassical summerhouse in Kensington Gardens, celebrating Queen Caroline’s artistic and landscape legacy.
Essential places to dine
London Shell Co. - The Prince Regent
0.4 km
Savor exceptional British seafood aboard a charming canal barge cruising the historic Regent's Canal in Central London.
Cocotte Notting Hill
1.1 km
Experience authentic French rotisserie chicken in a cozy, farm-to-table setting on vibrant Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill.
104 Restaurant by Richard Wilkins
1.3 km
A refined modern French gem in Notting Hill offering intimate dining, exquisite tasting menus, and impeccable service in a cozy setting.
The Shed
1.4 km
A rustic, family-run gem in Notting Hill serving sustainable, farm-to-table British cuisine with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
Granger and Co. Notting Hill
1.4 km
Experience vibrant Australian flavors all day in a sunny, welcoming setting at Granger and Co. Notting Hill on Westbourne Grove.
The Ledbury
1.6 km
Experience world-class Modern European fine dining in Notting Hill at The Ledbury, a 3-Michelin-starred culinary gem blending British ingredients with French elegance.
Alexandrie Restaurant
1.7 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors and elegant dining in the heart of Kensington with Alexandrie’s refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Mercato Mayfair
1.7 km
Experience diverse global street food in a stunning restored church at the heart of London’s Mayfair district.
Spaghetti House Italian Restaurant Kensington High Street
1.8 km
Authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm await at Spaghetti House on Kensington High Street, perfect for casual dining in central London.
Gold
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Stylish modern European dining with wood-roasted seasonal plates and inventive cocktails on iconic Portobello Road in vibrant Notting Hill.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant London Kensington
1.8 km
Cozy Italian dining in the heart of Kensington with classic pasta, pizza, and family-friendly options in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Zuaya London
1.8 km
Discover modern Latin American cuisine with vibrant flavors, stylish ambiance, and exceptional cocktails in the heart of Kensington.
Core by Clare Smyth
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Experience three-Michelin-starred modern British cuisine by Clare Smyth in an elegant Notting Hill setting, where sustainability meets culinary artistry.
Apricity Restaurant
1.8 km
Sustainable fine dining in Mayfair blending seasonal British produce with innovative, low-waste culinary artistry.
Ci Tua Osteria Romana
1.9 km
Experience authentic Roman cuisine and warm Italian hospitality in the heart of London’s vibrant Portobello Road.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The London Shop
0.9 km
Friendly and affordable gift shop in vibrant Queensway, London, open daily with a welcoming atmosphere and great souvenirs.
Church Street Market
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A bustling multicultural market in Westminster offering fresh produce, antiques, street food, and vibrant local culture from Monday to Saturday.
Kensington Palace Shop
1.4 km
Discover regal treasures at Kensington Palace Shop: fine china, jewellery, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by centuries of royal elegance in London's premier palace grounds.
London Beatles Store
1.5 km
A vibrant Beatles memorabilia haven on Baker Street celebrating the timeless legacy of the Fab Four.
Appletree boutique
1.5 km
A small Notting Hill boutique specialising in retro‑inspired prints, colourful womenswear and standout accessories for playful, individual styling.
The gift store
1.6 km
Discover quirky handmade crafts and Notting Hill treasures at this vibrant Pembridge Road gem, where every shelf holds a unique story from London's creative heart.
Notting hill store
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Explore Notting Hill's local convenience store, your one-stop shop for groceries, unique souvenirs, and reliable luggage storage.
RETRO GIFTS RETAIL
1.7 km
Discover nostalgic treasures at Retro Gifts Retail on Portobello Road—retro charms, quirky novelties, and market magic in Notting Hill's vibrant heart.
Portobello Gifts Shop London
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Retro souvenirs and nostalgic trinkets on Notting Hill's iconic Portobello Road—a treasure hunt for affordable London mementos amid market vibrancy.
Selfridges
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Experience luxury, innovation, and culture at London’s iconic Selfridges department store on Oxford Street.
Good
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Discover timeless designer vintage at Good, where Kensington Church Street's charm meets sustainable high fashion in a curated second-hand paradise.
Urban Outfitters
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Trendy threads and eclectic home vibes on London's iconic Kensington High Street – Urban Outfitters delivers boho-chic shopping with a creative edge.
London Souvenir Kensington
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Kensington High Street's go-to for authentic London souvenirs: red buses, royal trinkets, and Union Jack delights in a shopper's paradise.
The Blue Door
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Discover stylish clothing and unique hats at The Blue Door, a charming boutique nestled in the lively heart of Notting Hill’s Portobello Road.
Paul Smith - Notting Hill
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Dickens Tavern
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Classic British pub with hearty fare and ales, nestled in Paddington’s vibrant heart near London Paddington Station.
The Victoria, Paddington
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The Churchill Bar & Terrace
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The Walmer Castle
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The Henderson Bar & Kitchen
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Notting Hill's carnival-inspired bar serving twisted British classics from breakfast to cocktails on a sunny terrace—honoring Russ Henderson's legacy.
The Sun In Splendour
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Purl London
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Discover Purl London, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Marylebone offering expertly crafted drinks in a cozy vintage setting.
The Churchill Arms, Kensington
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London's floral-festooned pub icon: Churchill memorabilia, pioneering Thai eats, and blooming facades since 1750 in vibrant Kensington.
The Quiet Night Inn
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Piano Kensington
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Stables Bar
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AMARO BAR - London
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Naked & Famous Bar
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The Earl of Lonsdale
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The Little Yellow Door
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Privilege Entertainment Ltd
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Discover the pulsating nightlife at Privilege Entertainment Ltd, London's premier entertainment agency and nightclub, where unforgettable experiences await.
Notting Hill Arts Club
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The Globe
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Metric
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The Duke of Wellington
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Electric House
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Subteranian
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A compact underground club on Acklam Road delivering dense, DJ-led electronic nights with an intimate, bass-heavy atmosphere.
Carwash Nightclub
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Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
Dolce Night Club , London
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Elite VIP nightclub in South Kensington blending luxurious design, R&B beats, and high-end cocktails for unforgettable weekend revelry.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
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Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Tabu London
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B London
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Dive into South Kensington's electric nightlife at B London, where sophisticated beats and stylish crowds fuel unforgettable nights from 9pm till dawn.
The Cuckoo Club
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Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Sunset night club
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Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Bordello London
2.9 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Quirky
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Industrial
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
