The Knowledge

Paddington

Bayswater is the area surrounding Paddington - the doughnut round the Paddington hole. It has its own considerable attractions, whatever happens round the back of the station.

It is, after all, closer to the heart of things than Notting Hill, has a similar mix of homes, and sits on top of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Until recently it was a very transient area filled with hotels, short-stay flats and bedsits. However, concealed among these are several close-knit long established neighbourhoods, some up and coming flats and some of London's grandest properties. It offers almost every status of home all in the central location of W2.