London is an English literature landmark that has been home to many famous authors and playwrights, and this is all reflected throughout the charming Draycott Hotel.

Steeped in Edwardian splendor with high ceilings, fireplaces, and garden views, each room in the Draycott is theatrically themed and named after an influential actor, producer, or playwright of the past and adorned with Victorian antiques. Each room contains something of its theatrical namesake, including prints, posters, photographs, and a miniature biography, perfect for kids and travelers to London to learn about the rich literary history of the city. Whether staying in the Sheridan, Coward, Grenfell, Gershwin, Ashcroft, or any of the other individually named guest rooms, kids can experience the grandeur of the past with the luxury of today.

In honor of the highly anticipated Paddington movie, London’s Draycott Hotel will be celebrating the legacy of the beloved bear with an exclusive Paddington Bear Experience. Creating a fun way to explore London and learn about its fascinating literary history, families and explorers alike will join Paddington at The Draycott and on his adventures around the city - battered suitcase, duffle coat, and all.

The Draycott Hotel’s Paddington Bear celebration invites guests to experience London through Paddington’s eyes, honoring the polite, yet mischievous bear’s sense of optimism and wonder. The Draycott is paying tribute to Michael Bond’s cherished original A Bear Named Paddington stories, where Paddington travels to London from the deepest jungles of Peru and finds adventure in a strange and wonderful city. Accompanied by their very own take-home Paddington Bear received on arrival, families and guests of the fete will do the same with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to guide explorers on a colorful and commemorative path through Paddington’s favorite places in London. The Draycott’s smallest guests will not miss a moment of their own adventure with an official Paddington Bear’s guide book and a scrapbook to document their own adventure, just like Paddington has in the classic stories.  

Furthermore, London and Partners will pay homage to the English icon with London’s Paddington Trail. Guests can be escorted by their new, beloved bear on the Paddington Trail, comprised of 50 statues created by artists, designers, and celebrities.

London's Paddington Trail. Photo courtesy VisitLondon

The Paddington Trail highlights locations around London close to cultural and iconic landmarks. An auction of the statues along the trail will later be held to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, an organization in pursuit of protecting vulnerable children.

Embracing the warmth and comfort at the heart of the tale, Paddington’s guests will see why the Draycott is regarded by many travelers as a home away from home. After the excitement and adventure of sightseeing and learning about London’s museums, parks, and historical landmarks, families can return to the comfort of their suite, many of which boast a fireplace, kitchen, and plenty of room for children to play. A miniature afternoon tea for Paddington’s smallest friends, with special treats and Marmalade, his favorite, is included in the festivities, in addition to Draycott Hotel’s signature English afternoon tea service for all guests.  

Kids and travelers can jump head first into the storybook that is London’s rich history of literature, language, and adventure.

All photos courtesy and copyright The Draycott Hotel, except where noted