Things to Do Near London Paddington Station with Kids
Most families travelling to London from Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, South Wales and Wiltshire by train arrive into Paddington, making West London one of the easiest places to explore with children.
Paddington is close to parks, museums, canals, and many family-friendly attractions in West London. Some are within walking distance, while others are a short tube or bus ride, making it ideal for a stress-free visit.
This guide shares the best things to do in West London near Paddington, including museums, parks, Little Venice, Regent’s Park, London Zoo, and a canal boat trip to Camden. It is perfect for families doing a London day trip from the South-West or visiting London by train with kids.
Why Paddington is a Great Base for Families
Paddington has direct train connections from the South West, including Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Wiltshire.
Paddington is a great starting point for exploring West London with kids, and is ideal for families travelling to London from Somerset or other South West areas.
West London is calmer than central London, with wide pavements, green spaces, and cafés that make it easier to navigate. Families can step off the train and start exploring immediately, with attractions close together which is perfect for London by train with kids.
Things to Do in West London
West London offers a mix of parks, museums, canals, markets, and shopping, all suitable for families.
Many attractions are easy to access and close together, so children don’t get tired from long walks or multiple tube rides.
Visitors from the South-West may prefer West London because it has plenty of family-friendly things to do near Paddington and is calmer than central London. This area is ideal for families planning a London day trip from the South West and often missed in favour of Central London sights.
Best Things to Do Near Paddington Station with Kids
Here is a detailed look at top London Paddington family activities:
Paddington Bear
Paddington Bear is a London icon. Inside Paddington Station, children can see his statue on Platform 1 and pose for a selfie. There’s also a themed shop which sells books, toys, and souvenirs.
It is a simple and fun way to start any visit to London by train with kids.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
These parks are a 10–15 minute walk from Paddington. They offer wide paths, open lawns, ponds, and playgrounds.
The Diana Memorial Playground is a highlight, featuring a Peter Pan pirate ship and climbing areas.
Other activities include cycling, boating, and feeding ducks, making it a top choice for things to do in West London near Paddington.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is our family favourite. The nearest tube station is South Kensington on the District/Circle line direct from Paddington.
The Natural History Museum is free to enter and ideal for children. Popular exhibits include dinosaurs, mammals, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
The Hintze Hall blue whale skeleton is awe-inspiring. The natural light is beautiful shining through the windows of this stunning building. It really adds to the magificence of blue whale skeleton exhibit.
Don’t miss the Grandfather clock used in Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures children’s tv programme.
There are family-friendly cafés, toilets, and baby-changing facilities.
It is easily accessible from Paddington, making it perfect for a London day trip from the South West.
Science Museum, London
The Science Museum is next to the Natural History Museum. It features fun hands-on exhibits for children of all ages.
Highlights include:
Wonderlab interactive experiments
Space Gallery with rockets and satellites
Flight simulators
- Power Up exhibition if your kids love gaming
It is an excellent rainy-day option and one of the best London Paddington family activities.
V&A Museum Children’s Gallery
The Victoria & Albert Museum’s Children’s Gallery is quieter than larger museums. It offers art, craft activities, and interactive displays suitable for younger children.
It is ideal for families who need a calmer indoor activity and one of the most family-friendly things to do near Paddington.
Little Venice and Canal Boat to Camden
Little Venice is a scenic canal area near Paddington where the Grand Union Canal meets Regent’s Canal. It’s perfect for gentle walks, feeding ducks, and relaxing before heading to Camden on a boat trip. You’ll find floating cafés, brightly coloured narrow boats and plenty of green space where you can enjoy your marmalade sandwiches by the water!
For younger children, the Puppet Theatre Barge is moored in Little Venice. This floating theatre offers traditional puppet shows in an intimate setting and is a unique London experience for families.
Families can take a canal boat from Little Venice to Camden. The journey lasts about 45 minutes and is one of the most scenic ways to experience West London with kids. For more information including prices, times and special offers, view the London Waterbus Company website here.
Camden Market has colourful stalls, street food, and canal-side paths, making it a fun London family activity.
Regent’s Park and London Zoo
Regent’s Park is accessible by bus or Tube from Paddington or Camden. There are wide paths, playgrounds, boating lakes, and flower gardens.
London Zoo is inside Regent’s Park and is one of the city’s top attractions for families. Children can see lions, penguins, gorillas, and interactive exhibits.
Many families combine a canal boat ride to Camden with a visit to Regent’s Park for a full day out. This is an excellent option for things to do in West London from Paddington Station.
No. 32 Windsor Gardens and Chalcot Crescent
Any fans of Paddington Bear will know he lives with the Brown’s at No. 32 Windsor Gardens. In reality, the filming took place in Chalcot Crescent, a curved terrace near Regent’s Park.
Chalcot Crescent is known for its pretty pastel-coloured houses and this film location is a popular photo spot with Paddington fans.
If you are heading towards Regent’s Park or Camden, this area is only a short detour.
Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush – West London with Teens
Westfield London is one of the largest shopping centres in the city and ideal for families with teens. It is a short Tube or bus ride from Paddington Station.
Families can enjoy shopping, entertainment, and interactive experiences, with opportunities to relax afterwards and grab a bite to eat. There is a huge selection of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, perfect for lunch or snacks.
Facilities include toilets, baby-changing, and space for pushchairs. It is an excellent rainy-day option and one of the top West London with kids attractions.
Free Family Activities Near Paddington
Many of the best things to do in West London near Paddington are free:
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
Paddington Bear statue
This makes London day trips from the South West more affordable for families.
Tip: Don’t forget to book free timed-entry tickets for these museums online in advance to guarantee entry. Walk-ins are possible, but you risk long waits or no entry if full.
Rainy-Day Things to Do Near Paddington
London weather can change quickly. Good indoor options include:
Science Museum
Natural History Museum
V&A Children’s Gallery
Westfield London for shopping and food
These are ideal for families exploring West London with kids or looking for indoor London Paddington family activities.
Paddington to Camden: Family Day Trip Itinerary
A family trip from Paddington to Camden is one of the easiest ways to explore West London with kids. The route is calm, scenic, and works well for families visiting London by train with children.
Start the day by walking from Paddington Station to Little Venice, via Paddington Basin. The walk is flat, buggy friendly, and lined with cafés, benches, and waterside views.
From Little Venice, families can board a canal boat along Regent’s Canal. The journey to Camden takes around 45 minutes and is very popular with children, with glimpses of animals in London Zoo.
Travelling by boat allows families to see a quieter side of London. It also avoids busy roads and Tube stations.
Camden is lively and colourful, with market stalls, canal paths, and street food options. Families will enjoy exploring the canal area, watching boats, and browsing the markets.
After Camden, Regent’s Park is within walking distance (20-25 mins by foot). This large green space offers wide paths, playgrounds, plenty of space to relax plus London Zoo.
Returning to Paddington is quickest (and probably easiest) by Tube or bus. This keeps the day flexible and avoids retracing the canal route.
This itinerary works especially well for a London day trip from the South West. It keeps travel simple while offering a full day of family activities from London Paddington.
London Day Trips From Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, and South Wales
Trains from these areas arrive directly into Paddington Station. West London is ideal for family-friendly things to do near Paddington, there is something here for all ages.
Read Next
For more inspiration of things to do around Somerset for families, check out the following posts:
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