Where is the Paddington Bear statue located?

The bronze Paddington Bear statue is located under the clock on Platform 1 inside Paddington Station. It is free to visit and accessible to anyone entering the station concourse.

How long does it take to walk from Paddington to the Serpentine?

The direct walk takes about 20-25 minutes, but with stops at the Italian Gardens and Peter Pan statue, you should allow 90 to 120 minutes to fully enjoy the experience.

Can children play in the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain?

Yes, the fountain was designed for interaction. Visitors are allowed to sit on the edge and dip their feet in the running water, though running inside the fountain itself is usually discouraged for safety.

Is the Peter Pan statue in Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens?

The Peter Pan statue is located in Kensington Gardens, which sits immediately adjacent to Hyde Park. The two parks are often referred to collectively, but the statue specifically overlooks the Long Water in the Kensington section.

Are there toilets along the Paddington walking route?

Yes, there are multiple facilities available. You will find public toilets inside Paddington Station, near the Italian Gardens at the north end of the park, and adjacent to the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

Absolutely. The paths from Paddington Station through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are wide, paved, and step-free, making it one of the most stroller-friendly walks in London.

What is the best time to visit the Italian Gardens?

Morning is the best time to visit the Italian Gardens to avoid the largest crowds and to see the morning sun reflecting off the fountains and the Long Water.

Can I see where penicillin was discovered on this walk?

Yes, the walk starts at St Mary's Hospital on Praed Street. You can see the exterior of the building where Alexander Fleming made his discovery and visit the museum located on-site during its operating hours.

Paddington & Hyde Park: Family Adventure | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a whimsical journey through one of London's most charming neighborhoods with this family-friendly self-guided walk. Your adventure begins in the bustling area of Paddington, a place where history, science, and cinematic magic collide. This neighborhood stroll is designed to captivate explorers of all ages, blending the legacy of world-changing medical discoveries with the enduring charm of a certain marmalade-loving bear from Peru. As you move away from the urban energy of the station, the route transitions into the serene, green expanse of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, offering a breath of fresh air in the heart of the metropolis. This walking route is perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. You will discover the exact spot where Sir Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, an event that changed the course of modern medicine forever. Just a short distance away, you can pay your respects to London’s most famous fictional resident at the Paddington Bear statue, a must-see for fans of Michael Bond’s beloved books and the recent hit films. The journey then leads you into the Royal Parks, where the landscape opens up into Victorian elegance and literary fantasy. Highlights of this experience include the ornate Italian Gardens, a 150-year-old gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria, and the magical Peter Pan Statue, which has stood by the Long Water since 1912. Children will especially enjoy the interactive elements of the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain before concluding the walk along the banks of the Serpentine. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local looking for a refreshing afternoon out, this walking tour London provides a balanced mix of education, relaxation, and iconic sightseeing. Discover the hidden stories behind these famous landmarks without the pressure of a fixed schedule, allowing your family to linger at the playgrounds or cafes whenever the mood strikes.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

See the site of Alexander Fleming's world-changing penicillin discovery
Visit the iconic Paddington Bear statue inside the station
Explore the Victorian elegance of the Italian Gardens
Find the magical Peter Pan Statue hidden by the Long Water
Experience the unique design of the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
Relax by the scenic banks of the Serpentine lake

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

St Mary's Hospital (Fleming Museum)

Welcome to the start of your journey. You are standing outside St Mary's Hospital, a place of immense historical significance. In 1928, in a small laboratory here, Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered penicillin when he noticed a mold called Penicillium notatum was killing the bacteria in his petri dishes. This 'chance' discovery revolutionized medicine and has since saved millions of lives. The site now houses a museum dedicated to his work, recreating the laboratory as it looked in the 1920s. As you stand here, imagine the quiet scientific breakthrough that happened just behind these walls, turning this London hospital into a landmark of global health history.

2

Paddington Bear Statue

Just a short walk into the iconic Paddington Station brings you to its most famous resident. Since 2000, a bronze statue of Paddington Bear has stood on Platform 1, marking the spot where the Brown family first found the polite traveler from Darkest Peru in Michael Bond’s 1958 book. With his battered suitcase and 'Please look after this bear' tag, he represents the spirit of adventure and kindness. This spot became even more popular after the Paddington films were released. It's a perfect place for a photo, and if you look closely, you’ll see the bear is life-sized—at least, according to the books!

3

Italian Gardens

As you enter the northern edge of Kensington Gardens, you are greeted by the stunning Italian Gardens. This ornamental water garden is over 150 years old and was reportedly a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria. The design features four main basins with central fountains, intricately carved Portland stone, and classical urns. It’s a masterpiece of Victorian landscaping that was intended to bring a touch of the Italian Renaissance to London. Keep an eye out for the Tazza Fountain and the relief carvings on the Pump House; it’s a peaceful spot that feels worlds away from the city traffic you just left behind.

4

Peter Pan Statue

Following the path along the Long Water, you’ll encounter one of London’s most magical monuments: the Peter Pan Statue. Commissioned by the author J.M. Barrie himself, the statue was erected in secret overnight in 1912 so that children would think it appeared by magic. The bronze sculpture features Peter Pan blowing a trumpet, surrounded by squirrels, rabbits, and fairies. Barrie lived nearby and drew much of his inspiration for Neverland from his walks in these very gardens. It remains a symbol of eternal childhood and the power of imagination, standing exactly where Peter Pan 'lands' in the book 'The Little White Bird'.

5

Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Continuing south, you’ll reach the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Opened in 2004, this unique monument was designed to reflect Diana's life and personality. Unlike traditional statues, this is an interactive stone fountain made from 545 pieces of Cornish granite. The water flows from the highest point in two directions, cascading, swirling, and bubbling before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. It was designed to be accessible and welcoming; visitors are encouraged to sit on the edge and even dip their feet in. It symbolizes her openness and the way she reached out to people from all walks of life.

6

The Serpentine

Your walk concludes at the banks of the Serpentine, the vast man-made lake that defines Hyde Park. Created in 1730 at the request of Queen Caroline, it was one of the first natural-looking artificial lakes in England. Today, it is a hub of activity where you can see locals swimming at the Serpentine Lido, people rowing boats, and a variety of waterfowl, including swans and geese. The Serpentine Bridge divides the water between Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Take a moment to enjoy the view across the water toward the city skyline, a perfect end to your exploration of London’s green heart.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “Paddington & Hyde Park: Family Adventure” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this self-guided walk is specifically designed for families, starting at Paddington Station to see the famous bear statue before heading into the playgrounds and magical statues of Hyde Park. It covers approximately 2 miles of easy, flat terrain.