The classic tales of Paddington Bear have captured the imagination of the young and young at heart across the globe, selling more than 30 million books worldwide.
You can take an adventure around the capital to check out these Paddington Bear book and film locations in London.
Paddington
Start your Paddington Bear explorations around London at Paddington station, where the polite bear first arrived from Darkest Peru. This allows for a great start of a Paddington Bear day out in London
Follow in the lovable bear's footsteps around London along the Pawprint Trail, a series of Paddington Bear statues decorated by celebrities and artists. The trail starts in Paddington station.
Pick up a map of the locations at the Paddington Bear Shop, the only store in the world exclusively dedicated to the famous bear, or join a Paddington Bear walking tour in London. For a fun immersive activity, check out The Paddington Bear Experience coming to London's Southbank in May 2024.
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 series and the subjects were chosen by the public for their contribution to the community.
Little Venice
Take a stroll along the tranquil waterways of Bond's neighbourhood of Little Venice, where you can refuel in the cafes, pubs and restaurants once you’ve finished your marmalade sandwiches.
You might recognise the canal towpath in Little Venice from the Paddington 2 movie. This location is featured in Paddington and his four-legged friend’s high-speed chase after a break-in at Mr Gruber’s antique shop.
Enjoy a canal boat ride from Little Venice to Camden and then wander over to the pastel-coloured houses of Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, which stands in for Windsor Gardens in the film, where the Browns live at number 32.
Oxford Street
Visit Selfridges on Oxford Street, one of London's best 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 book series. Head to the store's fourth floor to check out 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 allowing you to spend a Paddington Bear day out in London.
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 areas and more.
Leicester Square
Walk to Leicester Square where the star-studded world premiere of the first Paddington movie was held, with actors such as Nicole Kidman and Hugh Bonneville gracing the red carpet. Make sure to look out for Bear Street, which leads off the square.
Pack a lunch and have 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.
South Kensington
Take the Tube to South Kensington for the Natural History Museum, one of the Paddington bear film locations in London where the first film's dramatic climax sees cruel taxidermist Nicole Kidman attempt to add Paddington to her collection of endangered animals. Look around the exhibits at a wide range of creatures, including a roaring Tyrannosaurus rex, at this popular London museum.
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's different to the American version because he wears a safety pin in his hat.
Piccadilly
Spot 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's huge collection of marmalade flavours ranges from lemon and rose petal to champagne and whiskey.
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.
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 the Brown family first found him.
