A West Countryman’s Guide to a Luxury London Escape: From Paddington to Belgravia
Updated: Aug 12
Beyond the Platform: A Refreshing Walk Through Hyde Park
There are places we all visit on a regular basis—so regular, indeed, that we no longer bother to think about them. Paddington Station is one such place for a great many Westcountry folk. Most of us have passed through it many times, and usually, our sole intention is to get out of the place as soon as possible.
I was thinking this the other day when I alighted from a train on Paddington’s Platform 1. Yes, there was the statue of Paddington Bear, but there wasn’t much else that grabbed my attention. With two hours to spare before check-in, a quick look at Google Maps showed a 40-minute stroll through the middle of Hyde Park.
What struck me as we marched out was that, in all the years I’ve been visiting London, I have never walked straight out of Paddington. It was marvellous to discover that the area to the south is all rather grand. Walking down Westbourne Terrace past Sussex Gardens, you soon find yourself at Lancaster Gate—the gateway to one of the capital's largest and most impressive green lungs.
Luxury Living at 15 Basil Street, Knightsbridge
The destination for our walk was 15 Basil Street, one of the new-style “apartment hotels” located directly opposite the back-end of Harrods. These places are for those who prefer the independence of a self-catering stay without sacrificing luxury.
Ranging from one to three bedrooms, these eight apartments offer a blend of contemporary design and "timeless elegance." I wanted a sanctuary while attending the annual general meeting of the British Guild of Travel Writers, and 15 Basil Street provided exactly that.
Owned by the same family behind the Royal Lancaster Hotel, the quality is impeccable. There is no flimsy flat-pack furniture here; it’s all solid, tactile, and built to last. It provides the privacy of a private residence with the atmosphere of a five-star hotel.
Exploring Belgravia and Secret Pub Finds
This is Belgravia, and as such, it’s about as posh as London gets. After a walk through the famous Harrods Food Halls, I found a wonderful old-fashioned gem: The Star Tavern in Belgrave Mews.
I highly recommend it if you’re in need of a quiet drink in a warm setting.
For dinner, we discovered The Anbar at the corner of Pavilion Road. Styled as a Mediterranean restaurant, the food was cheap and delicious. A feast of mezze dishes for two came to just £70—not bad for one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods.
The Royal Lancaster: A Room with a View
For the second night of our stay, we moved to the Royal Lancaster London. This independently owned grand hotel is a well-known institution, boasting some of the most spectacular views of the London skyline.
A Home Away From Home
Our vast suite on the 12th floor overlooking the park was the size of my cottage. With 411 rooms, the hotel manages to maintain a sense of character and personal service often lost in larger chains. Its location is exceptionally convenient for West Country travellers—just a five-minute walk back to Paddington Station.
Dining at Tortello: Handmade Pasta with a View
The hotel’s new Tortello restaurant is a triumph. Running for just a month, it offers a sophisticated interpretation of a traditional Italian trattoria.
The Food: Hearty choices like eight-hour slow-cooked beef shin ragù or calamarata pasta with langoustine and Dorset mussels.
The Vibe: The dining room is elegant (complete with a 1960s Fiat 500 at the entrance), and there is a heated terrace overlooking the Italian Gardens of Hyde Park.
The Value: With a three-course lunch menu for £35, it is remarkably fair value for this level of cooking in such a grand setting.
Returning Home
Our trip ended with a stroll back to Paddington for the rapid GWR service back to Taunton. It was an effortless, classy, and hugely comfortable trip. Now, all I need to do is get that shortly-to-be-announced novel onto the best-seller lists so I can make the Royal Lancaster my permanent London base!
Plan Your Trip
Stay at Royal Lancaster London: www.royallancaster.com
Dine at Tortello Restaurant: www.tortello.com
Luxury Apartments at 15 Basil Street: www.15basilstreet.com
Travel with GWR: www.gwr.com
Frequently Asked Questions about a Luxury London Escape
Is the Royal Lancaster London a good hotel?
Yes. The Royal Lancaster is a luxury hotel overlooking Hyde Park, with an excellent location for exploring central London. Its position close to Paddington also makes it particularly convenient for visitors arriving by train from the West Country.
How do you get from Paddington to the Royal Lancaster London?
The Royal Lancaster is within easy walking distance of Paddington Station, making it a particularly convenient choice for travellers arriving on the GWR from the West Country. The journey also takes you past Hyde Park and into one of London's most attractive central neighbourhoods.
Is the Royal Lancaster London near Hyde Park?
Yes. One of the hotel's biggest attractions is its position directly beside Hyde Park. Depending on the room, guests can enjoy views across the park and have easy access to its paths and gardens.
Is the Royal Lancaster a good base for exploring London?
Yes. Its position beside Hyde Park and close to Paddington makes it a useful base for exploring London. Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Mayfair and many of the capital's major attractions are within easy reach.
Is Knightsbridge worth visiting?
Definitely. Knightsbridge is one of London's most famous neighbourhoods, known for its luxury shops, elegant streets and attractions including Harrods. It is also close to Hyde Park and Belgravia, making it an enjoyable area to explore on foot.
Can you walk from Paddington to Knightsbridge?
Yes. Walking from Paddington through Hyde Park towards Knightsbridge is a pleasant way to see this part of London and avoids the feeling of simply travelling underground from one station to another.
Is Belgravia worth visiting?
Yes. Belgravia is famous for its handsome white stucco houses, garden squares and quiet streets. It provides a very different atmosphere from the busier parts of central London and is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot.
What is there to do around Hyde Park?
Hyde Park itself is one of London's great green spaces, while nearby attractions include Kensington Palace, Marble Arch, Knightsbridge and the museums and shops of South Kensington. It is also a good starting point for exploring central London on foot.
Is London a good weekend break from the West Country?
Absolutely. With direct trains arriving at Paddington, London can make a surprisingly easy short break from the West Country. Staying somewhere close to Paddington means you can be exploring the capital almost immediately after leaving the train.
What is the best area to stay in London for a luxury weekend?
There are many possibilities, but Paddington, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Belgravia are particularly attractive for a luxury weekend because they combine good transport connections with elegant surroundings, excellent restaurants, shopping and major London attractions.
For Stay22, I'd make the Royal Lancaster the primary booking opportunity on this article. The general London Allez map can then sit further down the page for readers who want to compare other hotels.
