Paddington Bear Experiences London 2026: A Family Adventure
If you’ve got little ones who are mad about a certain bear in a blue duffle coat, then 2026 is officially the year to make their Paddington dreams come true! London is absolutely bursting with Paddington Bear experiences right now, and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to plan the ultimate family adventure.
Whether you’re die-hard fans or just discovering the loveable bear from Darkest Peru for the very first time, there is so much to see, do, and taste (yes, marmalade sandwiches are very much on the menu!).
Bear with us here! This guide covers the headline immersive experience, a brilliant walking tour, free things to spot around the city, and all the practical info you need to make a brilliant day of it. Let’s go!
The Paddington Bear Experience: London’s Most Magical Family Attraction
This is the big one! The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall on London’s South Bank is, without doubt, the most exciting Paddington day out you can have in 2026. Officially launched in May 2024, it has already won over families across the country, and it’s easy to see why!
Spanning an incredible 26,000 square feet inside the historic County Hall building, this multi-room immersive adventure takes you step by step into Paddington’s world. It’s not just a walk-through exhibition. It’s a full-on, multi-sensory, live-performance-packed adventure that kids and grown-ups absolutely love!
What Actually Happens Inside?
Your journey begins exactly as Paddington’s did: at Paddington Station! A cheerful Station Master greets you and invites you to board a life-sized train carriage. From there, you travel through the sights and sounds of London before arriving at the Brown family’s famous home at No. 32 Windsor Gardens.
Once inside, the fun really begins. You’ll help Paddington and the Browns prepare for the Marmalade Day Festival, the biggest party Windsor Gardens has ever seen! Along the way, you’ll:
- Explore multiple rooms inside the Browns’ cosy home, including the famous tree-adorned hallway
- Journey to the magical jungles of Peru
- Visit Mr Gruber’s beloved antiques shop
- Solve puzzles and play interactive games
- Dance to lively calypso tunes at the Windsor Gardens street party
- Try a marmalade sandwich (and discover a marmalade-making machine!)
- Get a photo with Paddington himself!
The whole walkthrough adventure takes approximately 70 minutes, but families are welcome to stay longer to enjoy the Marmalade Day Festival celebrations at the end. It’s a popular destination for a reason!
Tickets and Pricing
Book in advance to get the best prices! Tickets are available through Day Out With The Kids, and you’ll want to secure your slot ahead of time, especially during school holidays.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Child (2-15 years) | from £19.00 |
| Adult (16+) | from £29.00 |
| Babes in arms (0-1) | Free (must be carried) |
| Wheelchair users | £24 (carers go free) |
Top tip: Photography and filming is NOT allowed during the main experience, but you CAN take as many photos as you like once you reach Windsor Gardens at the end. So save that camera roll!
Good to Know Before You Go
- Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
- Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 5pm (check before visiting as times may vary)
- Getting there: Nearest stations are Waterloo and Charing Cross (both under 10 minutes’ walk). Tube stations: Waterloo and Westminster
- Pushchairs: A free buggy park is available on-site, but pushchairs cannot be taken into the experience itself
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets at the start and end
- Pre-booking: Essential! Walk-ups are not guaranteed
Follow in Paddington’s Pawprints: The Walking Tour
Want to stretch the adventure beyond County Hall? The London Paddington Bear Walking Tour is an absolutely brilliant add-on for families who want to explore the city through Paddington’s eyes!
Starting at Paddington Station itself (where the loveable bear first arrived from Darkest Peru), your guide will lead you through some of the most iconic Paddington locations in London. Highlights include:
- Paddington Station, Platform 1 where you can snap a selfie with the famous bronze Paddington statue under the clock
- Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market, which Paddington knows and loves
- 32 Windsor Gardens, the Brown family’s legendary address
- Paddington-themed street art and murals dotted around the city
The tour is packed with fun facts about how Michael Bond created the stories, why they’ve stayed so special for generations, and plenty of photo opportunities along the way. It’s a perfect way to round off a full Paddington day out in the capital!
Book the Paddington Bear Walking Tour through Day Out With The Kids!
Free Paddington Bear Spots Around London
Not every Paddington moment has to cost a penny! London is full of brilliant free things to discover for fans of the nation’s favourite bear. Here are some of our favourite no-cost stops to weave into your day:
Paddington Station
Start where it all began! Head to Platform 1 at Paddington Station and you’ll find the iconic bronze Paddington Bear statue, sitting patiently under the clock just as the Brown family first found him. It’s the perfect first photo of the day!
The Natural History Museum
Free to enter and one of the best days out in London full stop, the Natural History Museum in South Kensington is also a Paddington film location! In the first movie, it’s where the dramatic climax takes place. Kids who’ve seen the film will absolutely love spotting the connection!
Young V&A, Bethnal Green
The Young V&A has a brilliant collection of teddy bears, including a 1980 British Paddington Bear on display. Did you know the British version wears a safety pin in his hat, while the American version doesn’t? A fun fact to quiz the kids on!
Selfridges, Oxford Street
Pop into Selfridges’ toy department on the fourth floor, the very store where author Michael Bond bought a small teddy bear for his wife on Christmas Eve 1956, inspiring the whole Paddington story. History in a toy shop!
Leicester Square and Bear Street
Walk to Leicester Square, where the world premiere of the first Paddington film was held. Look out for Bear Street, which leads off the square. A lovely little Easter egg for eagle-eyed fans!
Tips for Planning the Perfect Paddington Day Out
Ready to put it all together? Here are our top tips for making the most of your Paddington adventure in London!
Before You Go
- Book the Experience in advance. Slots fill up quickly, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Booking early also gets you the best prices!
- Wear comfy shoes. Between the Experience, the walking tour, and any free spots you visit, you’ll be covering a fair bit of ground.
- Pack snacks for the journey, but remember you cannot bring your own food into the Paddington Bear Experience itself.
- Download the Tube app or get an Oyster card before you travel. The South Bank is brilliantly connected.
On the Day
- Arrive a little early for your timed slot at the Experience. There’s no rushing Paddington!
- Save your phone battery for Windsor Gardens, the only place inside the Experience where photos are allowed.
- Make a morning of the free spots first (Paddington Station statue, a wander through Notting Hill) and finish at County Hall for the Experience in the afternoon.
- Stop by Mr Gruber’s Shop at the end of the Experience for souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up a cuddly Paddington to take home!
Getting the Most From the South Bank
The Paddington Bear Experience sits right on the South Bank, one of London’s most family-friendly stretches of riverside. After your visit, it’s well worth a wander along the Thames. The London Eye, the Golden Jubilee Bridges, and plenty of street food stalls are all right on your doorstep!
It’s a popular destination for a reason! The South Bank is one of those magical London spots that always delivers, whatever the weather.
Explore more brilliant things to do in London with kids on Day Out With The Kids!
Ready for a Paddington Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a full weekend in the capital or just a brilliant day trip, a Paddington Bear day out in London is one of those experiences that creates memories the whole family will talk about for years. From the incredible immersive experience at County Hall to free statue selfies at Paddington Station, there is something for every age and every budget!
The most important thing? Book early! The Paddington Bear Experience is one of London’s most popular family attractions, and timed slots do sell out. Head over to our Paddington Bear Experience page to check availability and grab your tickets at the best price.
And if you’re looking for even more London inspiration, we’ve got hundreds of brilliant days out across the capital waiting for you. Discover all the best things to do in London with kids right here!
Now, who’s packing the marmalade sandwiches?
