Things to do in London with kids who love Paddington bear
Paddington Bear, the lovable marmalade-loving bear from Darkest Peru, has captured the hearts of children worldwide through Michael Bond’s beloved books and the recent hit films. Named after Paddington Station, Paddington Bear’s adventures in the bustling capital city have made him an unofficial ambassador for London’s charm and excitement. As a result, the city offers a wealth of Paddington-themed activities and locations that bring the bear’s world to life for young fans. From the very station where Paddington first arrived in London to the places he explores in his stories, there are countless opportunities for children to follow in the paw prints of their favourite bear, whether your kids know Paddington from the classic books or the modern movies. Let’s explore some of the best Paddington-inspired adventures the city has to offer for young bears-in-training and their families.
Visit Paddington Station
A visit to Paddington Station is a must for any young Paddington Bear enthusiast. As the namesake location where the beloved bear first arrived in London, the station offers several exciting attractions for children. The highlight is undoubtedly the bronze Paddington Bear statue, located under the clock on Platform 1. Kids will love posing for photos with this iconic sculpture, complete with Paddington’s famous “Please Look After This Bear” tag.
Don’t miss the Paddington Bear shop on the station concourse. Here children can browse a delightful array of Paddington-themed souvenirs, from soft toys to books and even marmalade.
The grand Victorian architecture of the station itself. With its high arched ceilings and bustling atmosphere, the station provides an exciting backdrop that brings Paddington’s story to life.
To see more, have a look at our TikTok where we find Paddington bear in Paddington Station.
Enjoy afternoon tea on a bus, guided by Paddington
The Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is an enchanting experience that combines sightseeing, storytelling, and delicious treats – perfect for young Paddington fans! Hop aboard a vintage Routemaster bus, decorated with charming Paddington-themed details, for a unique journey through London’s iconic landmarks.
Paddington calls out all of the famous landmarks you see as you go around. Sights include Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Children can enjoy a specially curated afternoon tea menu inspired by Paddington’s favourite foods. Book the top deck for the best views!
Expect marmalade-themed delicacies and cute bear-shaped biscuits. Each table comes with a special built-in screen providing guests with a Paddington-guided animation of the tour of London.
Stroll along ‘Windsor Gardens’
A visit to Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill is a must for Paddington enthusiasts, who adore the recent films. This picturesque, pastel-coloured street served as the filming location for the exterior of the Browns’ Windsor Gardens home.
Kids will delight in imagining Paddington’s antics taking place right where they’re standing. After exploring Chalcot Crescent, take a short walk to nearby Primrose Hill park. Its grassy slopes offer a great spot for a marmalade sandwich picnic and stunning views of the London skyline, allowing children to see the city from Paddington’s perspective.
Remember to respect the privacy of residents during your visit, turning your exploration into a lesson in being a considerate tourist. You wouldn’t want to receive a Paddington-style hard stare!
Take a seat with Paddington in Leicester Square
A visit to Leicester Square offers Paddington fans a delightful surprise with the charming Paddington Bear statue, part of the “Scenes in the Square” trail.
This bronze sculpture depicts Paddington in his signature duffle coat and hat, sitting on his suitcase while enjoying a marmalade sandwich. Kids will be thrilled to see their favorite bear immortalised alongside other famous film characters. The statue provides a perfect photo opportunity for families, and children can sit next to Paddington, mimicking his pose or pretending to share his sandwich.
After visiting Paddington, families can explore the rest of the statue trail, turning it into a fun scavenger hunt of beloved movie characters. The lively atmosphere of Leicester Square, makes this a great stop in a day filled with Paddington-themed adventures. Don’t forget to bring a marmalade sandwich to enjoy while sitting with Paddington – it’s what the bear himself would do!
Make sure you check out what else there is to do in Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Visit the Natural History Museum that features in the first Paddington film
A visit to the Natural History Museum, featured prominently in the first Paddington film, offers an exciting blend of movie magic and real-life wonder for young Paddington enthusiasts.
As you approach the magnificent Romanesque building, encourage your children to recall the scene where Paddington chases the pickpocket through the museum.
Once inside, the grand Hintze Hall with its iconic blue whale skeleton (which replaced the Diplodocus cast seen in the film) will captivate young imaginations. Let your kids explore the various galleries, imagining Paddington’s awe at the dinosaur exhibits or his curiosity about the creepy-crawlies in the bug section.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Earth Hall with its escalator through a giant globe – a great spot for kids to pretend they’re embarking on their own Natural History Museum adventure.
After exploring inside, make sure that you check out the newly opened Evolution Garden and Nature Discovery Garden outside the Museum.
This visit not only brings a key movie location to life but also provides an educational and entertaining experience that Paddington himself would surely approve of.
Visit the locations from the Pop-Up Book in Paddington 2
Embarking on a tour of London inspired by the magical pop-up book from the second Paddington film is an exciting way for kids to explore the city through Paddington’s eyes.
Start your adventure at Tower Bridge, the first pop-up scene in the book. There you can either just walk across Tower Bridge or you can actually visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition and walk across the walkways (braving the glass floor if you dare). If you can, try and time your visit to coincide with a bridge lift, just like in the Pop-Up Book.
Don’t miss Piccadilly Circus with its dazzling lights and screens, a slightly more modern version of the one in the Pop-Up Book. From there you can explore Soho or Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
Next, pay a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, allowing kids to climb to the Whispering Gallery and enjoy panoramic views of London, just as Paddington might have dreamed.
Make your way to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, encouraging children to picture Paddington looking out over the river with his Aunt Lucy.
This tour not only brings the Pop-Up Book to life but also provides a comprehensive London sightseeing experience, filled with opportunities for storytelling, imagination, and creating Paddington-inspired memories.
Visit Portobello Road Market and Mr Gruber’s antiques shop
A trip to Portobello Road Market is a must for young Paddington fans, offering a colourful and lively experience straight out of the bear’s adventures. This vibrant market, featured prominently in both the books and films, comes alive on Saturdays with its bustling stalls and eclectic mix of antiques, vintage clothing, and street food.
Make your way to 86 Portobello Road, the location used as Mr. Gruber’s antique shop in the films. Challenge them to spot items in the market stalls that they think Paddington or Mr Gruber might like.
This vibrant, sensory-rich experience brings Paddington’s world to life while providing a genuine taste of London’s diverse culture and history.
Step inside Paddington’s world at the Paddington Bear Experience
The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall on the South Bank is a new London adventure. It immerses young fans in the world of their favourite marmalade-loving bear.
This interactive attraction, offers a series of engaging activities led by actors that are designed to bring the stories to life. Children can step into recreated scenes from the books and films, including the Browns’ home and Mr. Gruber’s antique shop.
The experience features hands-on elements like putting together jigsaws with Paddington portraits and a marmalade-making station (don’t worry, it’s pretend!) and a mini-London explorer zone. The tour culminates with a meet-and-greet opportunity with Paddington himself, providing a perfect photo opportunity (note, this is at an extra cost!).
With its blend of storytelling, play, and iconic Paddington moments, this experience is sure to delight young bears-in-training and create lasting memories of their London adventure.
Go book shopping to pick out a new Paddington story
A visit to a London bookshop to select a new Paddington storybook is a delightful adventure that combines the bear’s love of exploration with the joy of reading.
Head to one of London’s charming independent bookstores or a larger chain like Waterstones for this literary treasure hunt. Many shops have dedicated children’s sections where young Paddington fans can browse to their hearts’ content.
A bookshop visit not only adds to your Paddington-themed London adventure but also fosters a love of reading and provides a lasting souvenir of your trip. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for any book-signing events or Paddington-themed storytelling sessions that might be happening during your visit!
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
Have you visited any of these places? Share your experiences in the comments!