PADDINGTON
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| Film Poster |
For the nostalgia of Brits everywhere, and the joy of us who like cute, talking animated animals, the news that famous UK mascot and marmalade enthusiast Paddington Bear was to be immortalised on screen was well received indeed. When the film succeeded critically and commercially, going on to have a successful sequel (hello Hugh Grant again), one can consider that Michael Bond's beloved creation has cemented himself in the eyes and hearts of fans worldwide.
I personally didn't know of Paddington Bear until the release of the first film. One day, recovering from a hangover, my brain needed something easy, original and most importantly: wholesome. Paddington provides all of this and more wrapped up neatly with a sprinkling of soft British accents throughout. And so my obsession with Paddington Bear began.
Created in Michael Bond's novel in 1958, it is the story of a bear who leaves his home in South America for London to then be adopted by the well-to-do Brown family in none other than Paddington Station. Throw in a little blue jacket, a cute red hat, polite manners and an abundance of marmalade sandwiches tucked away - you have yourself a memorable character for generations to come. If you have kids, or know any little ones - I would suggest screening this film, and if possible track down the original book as a bedtime story.
Continue reading if you would like to spend some time in old London town retracing the steps and origin story of Paddington bear.
If you haven't seen Paddington, I've attached the trailer below ⇓
PADDINGTON STATION
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| Paddington Statue |
The place where the London section of the story truly begins. This is where the little Peruvian bear is found and taken in by the Brown family, and thus christened with the name Paddington. Now, the establishing shots of the station were actually taken at Marylebone Station - the real Paddington Station doesn’t boast much of an aesthetic entrance. Inside, however, the shots were filmed right on location in Paddington Station. The cute restaurant may not exist, and the presence of a McDonalds is expertly hidden in the film, but the platforms and that ornate clock are the real deal.
Tips and Tricks: If you do venture to Paddington Station, there is a golden statue dedicated to Paddington Bear directly underneath the clock on platform 1. There is also a cute little Paddington bench next to the statue. Paddington Station has an official Paddington store - for you to purchase your own bear to take home! I bought one (I have no regrets, he now happily has an Australian residence). Although do mind that they aren't exactly cheap - but make a great collectors item or simply something to pass down to your future kids if you so wish.
Paddington Station is fairly easy to get to - located in central London's northwest, it contains both an underground station and network/national rail terminal.
WHERE TO GO: Praed Street, Paddington, London
TIMES: The station rail ticket office is open 24 hours for same day travel, and advance tickets are available between 9am and 7pm.
THE BROWN FAMILY HOME
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| The Brown family home |
One thing we can all agree on is that the Brown family have a very nice home. The audience is led to believe that the fictional address, the colourful 32 Windsor Gardens is located around the Notting Hill area. In actual fact, it was filmed at one of the most posh neighbourhoods in the whole city, 30 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill. The interiors may have been shot on a set, but you can still see the exteriors if you visit the address. Close to Regent's Park, the pastel houses provide an idyllic street and the perfect home for the endearing Brown family.
Tips and Tricks: to get to the elegant town houses that we see in the film, the easiest route is to take the underground to Chalk Farm underground station. Just a heads up to be respectful as this is a residential area! Also I would suggest visiting Primrose Hill and London Zoo whilst in that part of town!
WHERE TO GO: 32 Chalcot Crescent, Primrose Hill, London NW1
GRUBER'S ANTIQUE SHOP
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| Paddington entering Gruber's shop |
Paddington bear enjoys spending time at Gruber's Antique shop. Set and filmed on location in Notting Hill, the shop is number 86 Portobello Road. The real store is Alice's Antiques - which visitors continue to visit to this day. In one particular sequence we get to see Paddington skateboard through Portobello Road to return a wallet - it is locations such as these which continue the quirky and loveable aesthetic of London that Paddington sets itself.
Tips and Tricks: If you are on a Notting Hill day trip, ensure that you take a quick look around Alice's Antiques. It is an eclectic collection of artfully chosen items - you never know what you might find. And as a longstanding institution on Portobello Road, your visit won't go amiss.
WHERE TO GO: 86 Portobello Road, Denbigh Close, London W11
TIMES: Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, closed Sunday and Monday
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The climax of the film takes place in Millicent Clyde's (played by Nicole Kidman and the film's main antagonist) workplace - otherwise known as the Natural History Museum. Located in South Kensington, this is one destination to ensure you see. London is full of museums, but there is something enchanting about entering the Natural History Museum, with the contrast between the ornate design and the giant whale skeleton hanging above. Great for anyone with kids, or simply an interest in the history of the planet, you could spend hours wandering through exhibits in this magical building. There are many museum volunteers about to answer any specific fact or question you may have. Check out the chic neighbourhood of South Kensington whilst you're at it, or go that extra mile to get to Kensington Palace and the gardens - especially if the sun is out!
Tips and Tricks: The climax of the film takes place at night, and luckily for visitors, the museum has a selection of after hours events you can attend (even including sleepovers!). The coolest event to attend after dark? The silent disco! There are drinks and food stations around the museum, so a glass of shiraz is not out of the picture. Another reason I highly recommend a visit to the natural history museum is that is absolutely FREE entry. Some of the limited exhibitions may incur a cost, but there is still plenty to see without paying a dime - for students, this is good news. I would suggest going during an off-peak period, avoid school holidays, as this place can get quite busy. The closest public station is the South Kensington underground station, about a 5 minute walk from the museum. Similarly, bus lines 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop close to the Museum.If you need disability access, parking or care, contact the museum and they will organise help for you.
WHERE TO GO: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
TIMES: Open every day from 10am-5:50pm (except December 24-26)
PRICE: FREE!
The above destinations should make for a fun family day out - and you may even leave London with your own little Paddington Bear, ready for the next adventure 🐻🇬🇧
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| Having a nap with my own Paddington back in OZ 😴 I've attached a map below:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=17b-_1eEHlSMwNKvw5SOp9-dXxDh4kUCL&usp=sharing |
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