Michael Bond's cherished Paddington stories first made their debut in London's literary scene in 1958, when A Bear Called Paddington hit shelves. Fast forward to today, and the timeless tales have captured the imagination of readers around the world, with more than 30 million copies sold globally.
But the magic doesn't end with the books. Paddington has become a true Londoner, brought to life on the big screen in a blockbuster trilogy featuring stars like Hugh Grant, Julie Walters, Ben Wishaw and Imelda Staunton. Many memorable scenes were filmed across the capital including in Notting Hill and South Kensington, firmly cementing Paddington's place in the city's cultural landscape. Fans can enjoy a thrilling mix of Paddington-inspired experiences across the city, from themed tours and public artworks to immersive activities celebrating the marmalade-loving bear. Read on for the ultimate guide to Paddington Bear-themed activities in London.
Paddington Bear things to do in London
Explore this fun-filled lineup of Paddington-themed experiences across London.
- Say hello to Paddington at the colourful Paddington Bear mural in London, a vibrant artwork celebrating Paddington's appointment as Visit London's first-ever Welcome Ambassador. On display until Jan 2026
- Step into the charming world of London's favourite bear at the immersive Paddington Bear Experience, featuring interactive sets and beloved characters inspired by the hit films.
- See London through Paddington's eyes on the Paddington Bear Guided Walking Tour, stopping at renowned locations such as Mr Gruber's antiques shop on bustling Portobello Road and the scenic canal path in Little Venice.
- Spot two of the 23 Paddington statues dotted around the UK at Westfield London White City and Connaught Village, where you can snap photos with the marmalade-loving bear.
Paddington Bear film locations in London
Paddington
Start your Paddington Bear explorations around London at Paddington Station, where the polite bear first arrived from Darkest Peru on Platform 1. On the platform, you'll find a bronze statue of Paddington designed by British sculptor Marcus Cornish and unveiled by Michael Bond in 2000, sitting beneath the striking clock.
Join a Paddington Bear walking tour through London or immerse yourself in The Paddington Bear Experience on the South Bank. Be sure to visit the Paddington Bear Shop – the only store in the world exclusively dedicated to the famous bear – where you can also pick up a map of all the key filming locations in London.
While the Pawprint Trail has now ended, you can still see one of the charming Paddington Bear Statues on display near the station's exit on Merchant Square. Originally created to celebrate the release of the first film and raise money for the NSPCC, the trail featured a series of Paddington sculptures decorated by various celebrities including David Beckham, Liam Gallagher, Emma Watson and Stephen Fry.
Meet author Michael Bond and his much-loved Paddington Bear creation in the form of a statue in Sheldon Square, near Paddington Basin. The statue was commissioned in 2013 as part of the Sustrans Portrait Benches project, with subjects chosen by the public for their contribution to the community.
Little Venice
Take a stroll along the tranquil waterways of Michael Bond's neighbourhood of Little Venice, where you can refuel at the cafes, pubs and restaurants once you’ve finished your marmalade sandwiches.
You might recognise the canal towpath in Little Venice from Paddington 2. This location features in the high-speed chase scene where Paddington and his four-legged friend Wolfie, pursue the thief Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant) after a break-in at Mr Gruber's antique shop, where he steals a rare pop-up book of London.
Enjoy a canal boat ride from Little Venice to Camden, then wander over to the pastel-coloured houses of Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill. This picture-perfect street serves as the filming location for Windsor Gardens in the films, home to the Brown family at number 32.
Oxford Street
Visit Selfridges on Oxford Street – one of London's most iconic department stores – where Michael Bond, then a BBC cameraman, 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 beloved book series. Head to the store's fourth floor to explore its fabulous toy department and pick up your own cuddly version of Paddington.
Stroll over to St Christopher's Place and browse the brilliant boutiques and unmissable restaurants. If you’re in the mood for exploring, head to Hyde Park at the western end of Oxford Street and visit the Serpentine Lake, a favourite swimming spot of Mrs Brown.
Regent Street
Wander towards Regent Street, where you'll find London's most famous toyshop Hamleys, which has been selling Paddington bears for decades. Children love exploring the store's seven fun-packed floors, filled with computer games, dolls, board games, specialist collector's items and more.
Leicester Square
Walk to Leicester Square, where the star-studded world premiere of the first Paddington film was held, with actors such as Nicole Kidman and Hugh Bonneville gracing the red carpet. Be sure to look out for Bear Street, which leads off the square.
Pack a lunch and enjoy your marmalade sandwiches on a bench next to the bear himself, and see which other recognisable modern and classic film characters you can spot at Scenes in the Square Sculpture Trail.
South Kensington
Take the Tube to South Kensington to visit the Natural History Museum, one of the Paddington film locations in London. In the dramatic climax of the first film, the villainous taxidermist Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) attempts to add Paddington Bear to her collection of endangered animals.
Explore the museum's fascinating exhibits including a Tyrannosaurus rex and the breathtaking blue whale skeleton.
Bethnal Green
Take the Central line to Bethnal Green to visit the Young V&A, which has a huge collection of teddy bears including Paddington Bear. The Paddington toy on display is a British version from 1980. It differs to the American version because he wears a safety pin in his hat.
Piccadilly
Spot awe-inspiring London attractions such as Buckingham Palace, which is featured in the first Paddington film, before walking through Green Park to Piccadilly.
Stop by fine food purveyors Fortnum & Mason for a jar of marmalade, Paddington's favourite food. This luxurious store offers a huge collection of marmalade flavours, ranging from lemon and rose petal to champagne and whisky.
Finally, finish up a marmalade-fuelled day out in London at Waterstones Piccadilly and get your hands on some of Michael Bond’s Paddington books.
Discover the guide to Paddington's London as he takes on the role of Visit London's first-ever Welcome Ambassador. See where other famous scenes were filmed and discover more top film locations in London.
Where to find the Paddington Bear statue in London?
Make your way to Paddington station and head to Platform 1, where you can pose for a selfie with the bronze Paddington Bear statue under the clock
Where to find the Paddington Bear statue in London?
Make your way to Paddington station and head to Platform 1, where you can pose for a selfie with the bronze Paddington Bear statue under the clock – the spot where the Brown family first found him. Alternatively, visit Westfield London, White City and Connaught Village, where you can take a seat next to two new Paddington statues.
Explore more exciting film experiences in London, or try to tick off as many top London film locations as you can during your visit to the capital.
