Paddington Street Gardens

Overview

Paddington Street Gardens are two public green spaces in central London which are free to visit. They are situated on opposite sides of Paddington Street in the Marylebone area and include a children’s playground, lawned areas, and floral displays.

Kids will love the opportunity to let off a bit of steam on the playground, while adults will enjoy a quiet stroll through the park. Paddington Street Gardens provide a slice of nature and tranquillity in the centre of the UK’s capital city.

The gardens are a great place to stop off during your sightseeing activities in London, especially if you’re in need of some open space and chill time, away from the busy city streets.

Paddington Street Gardens history

The south side of the gardens was donated by Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, in 1730. The north side was bought later, in 1771.

Before its current use as a city park, Paddington Street Gardens was a burial ground for the St Marylebone Parish Church. The site dates back to the 1730s, and there are around 80,000 graves there. The cemetery closed in 1814 when the St John’s Wood burial ground opened.

Although the majority of the gravestones were removed from the park, some of them can still be seen today, around the edges. In Paddington Street Gardens South, you can still see the Fitzpatrick Mausoleum from 1759, which is now a listed monument.

In the late 19th century, the land became a recreational ground thanks to the Metropolitan Garden Association. The park was formally opened by HRH Princess Louise in 1886.

What is there at Paddington Street Gardens?

Paddington Street Gardens is split into two – the north and south sides. The north garden is a quieter, more reflective space, while the south garden is bigger, more vibrant, and houses the popular children’s playground. Both parks are pretty and well-maintained.

The parks contain:

Mature trees, including plane, beech, and lime
Shrubberies
Lawned areas
Flowers
Benches
Bandstand
Statue of a street orderly boy from the 1940s
Table tennis tables

The colourful children’s play area is especially suited to smaller children. The trees above provide plenty of shade to keep families cool during London’s warm summers.

The playground has plenty for kids to explore, including:

Climbing frame and slide
Climbing frame with ropes and rock climbing holds
Rope net
Toddler and standard swings
Wooden cash register and telephones
Seesaw
Rocking animals
Hopscotch
Roundabout
Tyre swing

What is there to do at Paddington Street Gardens?

Activities to take part at Paddington Street Gardens include:

Games or sports on the grass areas
Reading a book or listening to some music (please use ear buds or headphones!)
Eating a picnic
Play table tennis
A relaxing stroll
Children’s playground

During the summer months, Paddington Street Gardens hosts open-air cinema screenings.

Nearby, you’ll find countless shops and museums to explore, including The Wallace Collection, an art gallery, and Daunt Books, an impressive Edwardian bookshop.

Can I get something to eat near Paddington Street Gardens?

Paddington Street Gardens are near both Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, so you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for something to eat. There are many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops all within easy reach.

Marylebone High Street is well worth a wander, too. With its terraced Georgian and Edwardian buildings, this beautiful street is a lovely spot for an afternoon stroll. You’ll find plenty of independent shops to pop into for a browse and endless photo opportunities.

If the weather is fine, dining al fresco is a great idea. Pick something up from one of the many supermarkets or takeaways on your way to Paddington Street Gardens to eat while you sit on one of the benches and watch the world go by.

Paddington Street Gardens is also the perfect place to enjoy a picnic. There is ample seating, so why not make use of the self-catering kitchen at YHA London Central to prepare some sandwiches and snacks?

Are there toilets at Paddington Street Gardens?

Yes, there are public toilets available for use in Paddington Street Gardens.

Are Paddington Street Gardens accessible?

There is disabled access to the parks from Paddington Street. There is also an accessible toilet available for use.

How to get to Paddington Street Gardens from YHA London Central

Paddington Street Gardens are less than a mile from YHA London Central. The easiest ways to get there are by walking or cycling.

On foot: It’s around a 13-minute walk from YHA London Central to Paddington Street Gardens. It’s an easy walk from the hostel along Weymouth Street.

By bike: Cycling to Paddington Street Gardens should take about seven minutes.

By public transport: There’s no public transport service between YHA London Central and Paddington Street Gardens as they’re so close. If you’re visiting the park from somewhere else in London, the nearest tube station to Paddington Street Gardens is Baker Street.