walk/tour
Warwick Avenue tube station, Street level, W9 2PT
what3words: scuba.origin.lifted
This walking tour uncovers the stories of urban redevelopment in Paddington, exploring how successive major infrastructure projects have repeatedly reshaped the historic fabric of the area. We will trace the impact of these transformations, considering the balance between disruption and economic progress, asking who benefited and who was left behind in their wake.
Paddington, Warwick Avenue
Paddington
18, 205, 46, 187
The tour starts at Warwick Avenue tube station, W9 2PT(Bakerloo line), street level, by the green taxi shelter
The entire walk is on pavements and tarmac paths.
Walking tour
10:00–12:00
How to book
Bookings will open at midday on 19 August. You won't be able to book a ticket before then.
Uncover the dramatic stories of urban redevelopment on this walking tour of Paddington. We will trace the area's evolution from the late 18th-century canal boom at Little Venice to the explosive arrival of 19th-century "railway mania." We will consider the legacy of post-war transport planning, examining how the construction of the Westway flyover in the 1960s wreaked havoc on local communities. Bringing our reflections up to the present day, we will explore the area's latest massive transformation. We will consider the arrival of the Elizabeth Line and the sweeping regeneration of Paddington Basin, Paddington Central, and Merchant Square to see who holds power in the modern urban landscape.
This tour is led by Elizabeth O'Hara, local resident and graduate of Open City’s Golden Key Academy – a course training up insightful and engaging guides dedicated to explaining London and bringing its many stories to life.
Learn more about the Golden Key Academy here: open-city.org.uk/golden-key-academy