London with Kids: The Paddington Guide 

Arriving at Paddington Station with kids feels oddly fitting. Not just because it’s one of London’s best-connected hubs, but because this is where a small bear once arrived with a note that read: please look after this bear. 

Stay at Wilde London Paddington and that story becomes real. You’re in the one part of London where family travel, children’s stories, and genuinely practical sightseeing all overlap. 

If you’re planning things to do in London with kids, this is one of the easiest places to base yourself. Hyde Park is a short walk away. The city’s best museums are within 20 minutes. And there’s enough nearby to fill a full day without touching the Tube. 

This guide to London with kids keeps it simple. What’s worth doing, how far it is, and why Paddington works for family breaks to London. 

Start with Paddington Bear 

If you’re travelling with kids, you don’t need to force a theme. Paddington has already done that for you. 

The bronze Paddington Bear statue sits on Platform 1 at Paddington Station. You’ll usually find families stopping for photos before they even leave the station. Nearby, the Paddington Bear shop leans into the story. Books, gifts, and all the usual souvenirs, but done well enough that it doesn’t feel like a trap. 

For something more immersive, the Paddington Bear Experience is a full attraction built around the character. It’s designed for younger children, but it works because it’s interactive rather than passive. It’s right by the London Eye, so it makes for a great day trip in Westminster.  

There’s also Paddington the Musical at the Savoy Theatre, which adds another layer if you’re planning a longer stay. The musical takes place in the Savoy in Covent Garden, which is home to another of our Wilde properties!

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens 

From Wilde Paddington, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are about a 10–15 minute walk depending on your route. For families, this is the biggest advantage of the location.  

Diana Memorial Playground 

This is one of the best playgrounds in London, and most visitors don’t know about it until they’re already in the park. 

The Diana Memorial Playground sits inside Kensington Gardens. Around it, there are teepees, sand play areas, and smaller structures for climbing and exploring. 

It’s designed for younger children, typically under 12, and it’s free to enter. During busy periods, you may need to queue or book a timed slot, but it moves quickly. 

The playground closed in October 2025 for a major refurbishment, with a special emphasis being placed on the Galleon, it will have three levels for play. Standing at over 12 metres in height, this is the perfect stop for kids.  

Hyde Park with kids 

Hyde Park itself gives you space to roam, play and picnic. The beauty of an aparthotel is the space and equipment to create your own picnic for you and the crew. Wilde Paddington has a kitchen with all the bits you need for a marmalade sandwich or two.  

You’ve got the Serpentine if you want to hire pedalos. Open paths for cycling or skating. There are a number of smaller playgrounds near the Italian Gardens, perfect for avoiding the crowds in others.. If your kids just need to run around after a flight or a long morning, this is where you come. 

From Paddington, you can walk straight in, or take a short Tube ride to Lancaster Gate if you want to reach the specific entrance for the Italian Gardens.  

Kensington Gardens 

Even though they’re connected, Kensington Gardens feels quieter than Hyde Park. 

You’ll find the Peter Pan statue, which makes for a cute family photograph. It’s subtle, but it works if you’re travelling with younger kids.  There’s also the Albert Memorial and wide open lawns that are ideal for slower afternoons. Throughout the park, you will find a lot of sculptures, memorials and statues. It’s great for spending time through the park, without a waymarked route.  

The museums 

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Paddington is how close you are to South Kensington. 

Within 15–20 minutes, you’ve got access to three of London’s best museums. All are free, which matters when you’re travelling as a family.  

Natural History Museum 

This is the one most families prioritise, as so many kids are enthralled by the four floors of animals.  

Entry is free, but you’ll want to arrive early or book a timed slot. The dinosaur skeletons and the earthquake simulator are the main draws, but the building itself does a lot of the work. You can explore indoors on rainy days, and also find the gardens on the sunny summer days.  

From Wilde Paddington, take the Circle or District line directly to South Kensington. 

Science Museum 

Also in South Kensington, the Science Museum is a great option if your kids prefer hands-on over looking. It sits next door to the Natural History Museum, so you can easily combine both. 

There are interactive galleries, space exhibits, and an IMAX cinema. It works best for kids aged 6 and up, especially if they like to press buttons and experiment. The newly launched Jellycat space shop will certainly be a place to stop on this museum visit.  

Free things to do 

London doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you’re staying in the right area. 

From Paddington, you can put together a full day without paying for entry anywhere. 

Start with the Paddington Bear statue at the station. Walk to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Spend time at the Diana Memorial Playground. Visit one of the museums. Walk along the Regent’s Canal. All of it is free, and you can even make your picnic in your studio or apartment. 

That’s why searches for “free things to do in London” matter. Families don’t want to spend all day queuing for paid attractions. If you want options, this guide gives them to you. Staying in Paddington gives you that without needing to travel across the city. 

Where to eat with kids near Wilde Paddington 

Eating out with kids in London isn’t always straightforward. Paddington makes it easier because you’ve got options close to where you’re staying. 

Dishoom in Paddington is a reliable choice. It’s busy, but the atmosphere works for families and the menu is broad enough to suit different tastes. 

The Ivy Café offers something more structured if you want a sit-down meal that still feels relaxed. 

For something quicker, there are plenty of cafés and casual spots around Paddington Basin where you can stop without committing to a long meal. But this is where staying at Wilde Paddington stands out. Having a kitchen changes how you eat. You can pick things up from a local shop or Portobello Market, bring food back after a long day, and avoid the pressure of finding a restaurant every evening. 

Staying at Wilde Paddington with kids 

You’ve got more space than a standard hotel room. Separate areas so kids aren’t going to bed while you’re still awake. A kitchen so you can manage meals around your day instead of around bookings. 

Paddington Station is a few minutes away, which makes arrivals easier, especially if you’re coming from Heathrow on the Heathrow Express. 

And because you’re central, you spend less time travelling and more time doing things. 

Planning your trip 

If you’re organising things in advance, a few details make a difference. Museums are free, but booking a slot helps avoid queues, especially at the Natural History Museum. 

Most routes from Paddington are step-free or pushchair-friendly, particularly along the Elizabeth line and Circle line. 

And if you’re unsure what to do in London with kids on a given day, start local. Paddington, Hyde Park, and the surrounding area can easily fill your time without overplanning. 

Paddington’s story started with a bear arriving in London and being looked after. For families staying at Wilde, it still works the same way. You arrive here, and everything you need is within reach.