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Walk from Paddington train station through Notting Hill neighborhood

During our visit to London in October we will do a day trip to Windsor - we will probably be back in London by mid-afternoon. I'm interested in strolling around the Notting Hill neighborhood a bit and thought we could possibly do this on our return from Windsor since we will be arriving back by train into Paddington Station, which appears to be fairly close to Notting Hill. Is it feasible and advisable to walk from Paddington Station to Notting Hill? If so, are there any recommendations as to the best route?

Posted by
226 posts

Yes. Sounds like fun. If you have high stamina for walking, include a walk through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. You should note that it's about 1 mile one-way from Paddington to Nottinghill Gate. If needed, you can save time and some energy and take the Circle or District line from Paddington to Nottinghill Gate station or take the Hammersmith & City line to Ladbroke Grove station.

Posted by
9122 posts

Yes, have walked this route many times. My meanderings are nearly always through Hyde Park into Kensington Gardens and then to Portobello Rd.

You can also take Bayswater Road ( adjacent to the above) or Westbourne Grove. Both major thoroughfares.

If you like to rest your feet after your exploration of Windsor use the tube. For a direct train from Paddington head outside and turn right, walk past the Paddington Hilton, turn left, cross the road, walk past The Pride of Paddington. Walk straight ahead to Sussex Gardens, cross the road and turn right. At the intersection where there’s a traffic light cross the street keeping the church to your left and follow Lancaster Terrace to Bayswater ( you’ll see Hyde Park) and turn left to find Lancaster Gate STation.

EASY 12-15 minute walk. Hop on a central level be train heading to Nottinghill Gate Station. 3-5 minute ride.

Mind the Gap and exit at Nottinghill Gate. When you exit and climb the stairs you’ll find a 3-5 story building across the road with colorful windows. Facing that building You want to walk to the right heading toward 25 story apartment building looming in the distance. One short block and Turn right at the United House onto Pembridge Road. Walk about 2 blocks and at the Sun in Splendor pub turn left. That is Portobello Road. Stroll about. Plenty of shops, cafes, market stalls and pubs to enjoy. By late afternoon shouldn’t be crowded, At the Starbucks turn left onto Westbourne Road. Then a right onto Ladbroke Grove and about 3 blocks up across the road is Ladbroke Grove tube station. Hop on a Hammersmith and City train back to Paddington Station.

As noted earlier you could start your Nottinghill visit by starting there ( Ladbroke Grove station) and following the directions above in reverse order ending up at Nottinghill Gate station.

Both routes allow you to see the Nottinghill neighborhood.

Posted by
327 posts

Just to echo the previous posters - yes, totally feasible to walk between Paddington Station and Notting Hill. We were staying in a hotel in Sussex Gardens and walked the area several times including strolls into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

Posted by
2665 posts

I'll be in London in late August and chose my hotel for its proximity to both Paddington for the Heathrow Express, and also to Notting Hill as I need to visit the Portobello Road market.

Posted by
52 posts

Thanks all for your advice! Since we're staying at The Bailey's Hotel in South Kensington, I think we'll plan to walk from Paddington Station to Notting Hill, meander about with a stop for a leisurely dinner, and then if our stamina holds out we'll walk back to our hotel through Hyde Park.

Posted by
2665 posts

Good hotel choice--I stayed at Bailey's on my first trip to London, lovely hotel and impeccable service--and you can't beat being right across the street from the Gloucester Rd tube station.

Posted by
52 posts

Christa, so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Bailey's, I spent a LOT of time researching hotels and it's good to have my choice confirmed!

Posted by
2665 posts

I'm a researcher, too! Unfortunately I was booking my upcoming trip at much shorter notice than my usual 6 months out so when I checked Bailey's all that was available was either a single--even though I go solo that's too small for me--or a big fancy room I wouldn't need, so I'm staying in Bayswater this time.

Posted by
7055 posts

I've heard good things about the Bailey's. Some friends of mine stayed there a couple years ago. When you come out of the Gloucester tube stop, turn right and it's directly in front of you. We usually stay at Rydges or the Radisson on Cromwell road. If you didn't want to walk from Paddington just take the tube to Notting Hill. We took the tube from Gloucester Rd to Notting Hill, then walked around. We didn't feel uncomfortable at all even at night. While walking around, stop at the bookstore used in scenes from the Notting Hill movie with Julia Roberts. The hotel should have a map of the area in case you get turned around.