I arrive to the station hauling nine weeks’ worth of Euro summer luggage, and follow signage to the lift to the main concourse.
asserted
I → arrive → concourse
Opened in 1854, this snow-globe-like station features arched, glass-roofed ceilings and detailed ironwork throughout.
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station → open → ceilings
, it’s also the headquarters for the Great Western Railway, which connects the British capital to the likes of Bath, Cornwall and Wales.
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which → ’ → Bath
Wayfinding floor stickers direct passengers to popular routes, such as the Heathrow Express, as well as taxis.
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stickers → wayfinde → Express
Safety + security
Given I’m taking a regional train to the Cotswolds, there are no security points.
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I → give → points
London Paddington is the third-busiest station in Great Britain, with nearly 70 million passengers passing through here in 2025.
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Paddington → pass → 2025
I overhear two heavily armed police officers chatting with a friendly staff member about how busy it is for a Wednesday, but while there are people constantly coming and going, it doesn’t feel cramped or crowded.
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it → overhear → Wednesday
In saying that, I’m conscious not to wave my phone about after a surge in phone theft in London.
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I → say → London
There’s no police station, but the British Transport Police patrol the network.
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Police → ’ → network
Located on the concourse, The Beer House serves food and beer on tap, but looks suspiciously empty despite being 12.20pm.
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House → locate → tap
There’s a Hungry Jacks for those who want to grab a burger to-go, as well as sandwiches and baguettes from Upper Crust and Cornish pasties from The Pasty Shop.
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who → ’ → Shop
I also spy a sweets counter serving baklava and cannoli.
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I → spy → baklava
I’m pressed for time, so grab chicken nuggets for the train ride; a walk of shame, because I’m on my way to a country wellness retreat
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I → press → retreat
It’s mostly gift shops and British high street brands, such as Accessorize, Boots and Lush and bookstore chain WHS Smith.
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It → ’ → Accessorize
Or pick up books, toys and souvenirs at Paddington Bear Shop, dedicated to the fictional bear who was found sitting on his suitcase at this very station.
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who → pick → station
The adjacent Paddington Square and high street Praed Street offer more options, including fashion brand Mango, skincare giant Kiehl’s and stationery shop Moleskin.
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Square → offer → Mango
Passing time
Pose for a photo with the bronze statue of Paddington Bear near Platform 1.
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Passing → pass → Platform
A first-class lounge with complimentary refreshments is available for Great Western Railway passengers travelling premium.
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lounge → travel → passengers
If you’ve got time to kill, store your luggage at left baggage for £10 ($19) for up to three hours.
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you → get → hours
It’s all very simple and civil, with the train departing from Platform 9 and station staff assisting passengers through the gates.
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staff → ’ → gates
I scan my QR code and make my way to my carriage, where an electronic display system conveniently shows which seats are reserved or available.
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seats → scan → carriage
It’s worth noting that the journey back to London on a Saturday is chaotic, with people standing in the aisles and occupying other’s seats, so make sure you reserve a spot.
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you → ’ → spot
Staff are friendly and helpful, the vibe is relaxed and there’s plenty of food and drink options should you wish to get there early or want to picnic on the train.
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you → ’ → train
Our rating out of five
★★★★★
The writer travelled as a guest of Daylesford Stays, daylesfordstays.com
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writer → travel → Stays
The Aporia
