Paddington Station

Paddington Station is home to the Underground and National Rail. There are a number of hotels near to Paddington Station and these provide a convenient base from which to explore the rest of London. Paddington Station was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and first opened in 1854. The site of Paddington Station is a historic one in that it was, before 1854 the London station for the Great Western Railway. Many of the original features of Paddington Station can still be seen today although over the years Paddington station has been extensively extended. Paddington Station has 14 platforms and trains departing from Paddington Station cover long distance services such as Bristol, Gloucester, Bath, the West Country and South Wales destinations. As well as the long distance services Paddington station also serves West London and Heathrow Airport. Paddington Station serves the Heathrow Express link which whisks its passengers from Paddington Station to Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes. During the peak hours the Express trains run every 15 minutes. If you arrive to London’s Paddington station and want to freshen up, there are showers, toilets and baby changing facilities at the station. If you need to change your currency then there is a Bureau de change and cash machines. Photograph booths can also be found at the station. There are also plenty of shops, bars and restaurants on offer. In 1863 Paddington Station became home to the first underground station in the world. Today Paddington Underground station covers the District, Circle, Bakerloo and Hammersmith & City lines. In 1854 the Great Western Royal Hotel opened on Praed street. The hotel formed part of the Paddington Station complex. The hotel is still open today but is now known as the Hilton London Paddington . The hotel is connected to Paddington Station by a footbridge so getting to and from your destinations couldn't be easier. When choosing your hotel close to Paddington Station, you will be at the centre of some excellent transport options that will enable you not only to see all of London, but also to travel easily to other parts of the United Kingdom. There are many hotels close to Paddington Station and these range from budget to luxury hotels. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. The budget hotels in the Paddington Station area are all converted Victoria houses, charming and comfortable but don't expect large rooms. Fast facts for Paddington Station; The famous children's book character was named after Paddington Station. You will find a statue of Paddington Bear at the station and there is also a shop full of Paddington Bear goodies. A popular haunt for Children and adults who grew up reading the antics of Paddington bear! Paddington Station is just 15 minutes away from Heathrow Airport by the Heathrow Express Paddington Station was first opened in 1854 and is one of the busiest rail terminals in London Hotels close to Paddington station include the Hilton London Paddington Hotel http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/hilton_london_paddington_hotel.htm?