Car Hire Bayswater

Just north of Hyde Park, Bayswater blends quiet backstreets with lively corners and open green spaces which are home to 12 thousand residents. It’s easy to reach—the A402 (Bayswater Road) cuts right through the area, while the A5 (Edgware Road) and nearby A40 (Westway) connect you from further afield. But once you’re here, it’s the kind of place that’s better explored on foot. The weather changes its mind often enough to justify a compact umbrella and the rhythm of the area suits a slower pace.

Late spring and early autumn are ideal, when garden squares come into their own and the markets feel busiest. Tucked within easy reach of Chelsea, Bayswater holds its own with low-key charm—Victorian facades, canal walks and just enough surprises to keep you off-script.

Attractions In Bayswater

Driving into Bayswater doesn’t mean you’ll be chasing big-ticket sights—it’s more about what you notice once you’ve parked up. A short walk from wherever you stop might lead you past waterside paths, tucked-away gardens or old buildings with stories baked into the brickwork.

Paddington Pawprint Trail

We followed this playful trail starting in Norfolk Square, a subtle blend of character and calm that celebrates Paddington Bear’s legacy. Sculptures and signs are scattered along the Grand Union Canal and Merchant Square, inviting a slow wander with storytelling stops. It’s open all hours and best explored on foot—especially for families.

Bayswater Road Sunday Art Exhibition

A Sunday tradition that transforms the street into an outdoor art market, this one caught our eye while approaching from Notting Hill Gate. Original works line the railings, with artists happy to talk shop or offer a frame-ready deal.

Sambourne House

This restored Victorian townhouse on Stafford Terrace lets you step into the layered life of the Sambourne family—cartoonist Linley, his socialite wife Marion and their curious collection of belongings. A popular option with those based in Kensington, the house offers a detailed glimpse into Victorian domestic life. Open from 10am to 5:30pm most days except Monday and Tuesday.

Water Maze At Merchant Square

Hidden in plain sight, this playful installation is one of those oddities you don’t expect. The jets are timed to let you in—or trap you if you’re not watching. We’d heard about it during a stopover in Belgravia and made a point of checking it out. It’s open daily from 7am–12pm and again from 2–7pm.

The Blue Door – Notting Hill

Just off Westbourne Park Road is the famed blue door from Notting Hill. We spotted visitors taking photos but what held our attention was the rhythm of the surrounding street—cafés, independent shops and the ever-popular Portobello Road just a few turns away. We planned a morning outing from Westbourne Park and found the area perfect for wandering.

Floating Pocket Park

Tucked beside the canal, this floating green space is part garden, part bench zone, part picnic spot. Designed for lounging, with views across the water and planters full of herbs and flowers, it’s one of the quietest places we found. The setup draws a lot of interest from people coming in via Maida Vale, especially when the weather turns warm.

Leinster Gardens House Facades

We nearly missed the sign for this one—it’s easy to walk past. But stop outside number 23 and 24 Leinster Gardens and you’ll notice something’s off. They’re fake—just façades hiding a railway gap behind. This little oddity often gets pointed out by locals from Shepherd’s Bush, who know where London hides its quirks.

St Stephen’s Gardens

In a residential square just off Chepstow Road, St Stephen’s Gardens is compact and rarely crowded. There’s something local and lived-in about it. Small lawns, mature trees and a quiet play area make it feel like a garden square from another era.

Italian Gardens, Kensington Gardens

Just across Bayswater Road in Kensington Gardens, these formal fountains and flowerbeds feel more Roman villa than London park. We watched children toss coins into the water while older couples lingered over benches. Open daily from 6am–9:15pm.

Round Pond

While driving in from Brompton, we stopped at the Round Pond—expecting a quick look but staying much longer than planned. The light off the water, the slow-moving birds, the peace of it all—it’s hard to rush past.

Maarten Baas’s Real Time Clock

Inside Paddington Station at Eastbourne Terrace, we found a screen showing a man drawing and erasing the time in real-time—minute by minute. It’s a piece of kinetic art that sounds simple but it’s absolutely hypnotic. You might pass it without realising but it’s one of those installations that stays with you.

What It Feels Like To Stay In Bayswater

In Bayswater, it’s the in-between moments that linger—a bench by the canal, a second coffee, a turn down a quiet side street. You move between independent cafés tucked into corners or pause at Middle Eastern eateries like Al Kababgi Mezze & Grills on Queensway. For something heartier, Alounak on Westbourne Grove serves up grilled meats with rich Persian flavours. Accommodation options like the Garden Court Hotel offer a quiet base in elegant Victorian surroundings. Driving here is doable, though parking’s tight—once you’re settled, it’s a neighbourhood best enjoyed on foot.