Sat. Nov 23rd, 2024

A Mum’s Review of the Paddington Bear Experience in London

If you’re a parent looking for an enchanting, family-friendly day out in London, the Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall is a must! Here’s a breakdown of what makes this immersive attraction so special. Bring a baby carrier if you have a little one as push chairs aren’t allowed.

A Delightful Journey for Paddington Fans

As a mum, I was thrilled to bring the kids to a place that celebrates one of our favourite storybook characters. The experience begins at Paddington Station (staged), where you’re greeted by a Station Master before boarding a full-sized train carriage—a whimsical start to a fun adventure that kids will love!

Interactive Rooms and Family Fun

The themed rooms are brilliantly designed and so much fun to explore. From the iconic Brown family home to the lush Peruvian jungle, each room holds surprises, interactive elements, and familiar faces from the Paddington books. The kids loved helping prepare for the Marmalade Day Festival, which was packed with games, dancing, and Paddington’s famous marmalade sandwiches.

A Perfect Mix of Imagination and Education

The experience brings Paddington’s world to life with fantastic attention to detail. While the kids were captivated by the lively settings, the journey also encourages kindness, curiosity, and helpfulness, just like Paddington himself. It’s an ideal balance of imagination and subtle educational values that parents can feel good about.

Great Photo Opportunities and Lasting Memories

For parents, the experience offers plenty of photo-friendly spots that capture the magic of the day, from the train station to Mr Gruber’s antique shop. These memorable snapshots make a lovely keepsake and remind us of the fun we had in Paddington’s world.

(c) Alex Brenner. No use without credit.

Marmalade Sandwiches

As the end of the adventure and games you arrive at Windsor Gardens. Here the Marmalade Day Festival is on and you can buy festive treats including gingerbread paws, mince pies and orange hot chocolate and of course marmalade sandwiches.

Practical Details

Tickets can be booked online, with child and adult options available. The experience is accessible by Tube or bus, located conveniently in central London. This unique and fun-filled interactive experience inspired by the nation’s favourite bear spanning more than 26,000 square feet on the riverside of the Southbank.

In summary, the Paddington Bear Experience is a wonderful day out that brings joy to children and nostalgia to parents alike. For more details and ticketing information, visit Paddington Bear Experience.

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

Read next