Explore London’s charming Bayswater neighbourhood
London has many lovely neighbourhoods to explore on a holiday to the city. One of the best spots to stay in central London is the area of Bayswater. It is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood sitting on the periphery of Hyde Park in West London. A fabulous location it is one of London’s most attractive areas with elegant and peaceful garden squares and stunning architecture, which contrasts incredibly against the lively, bustling Queensway. Travellers, who choose accommodation in Bayswater, will find all that want to be a stroll away. From exploring beautiful Kensington Palace and Gardens, or shopping at the many shopping spots in the area, there is plenty to do in Bayswater. Travel to other parts of London is also convenient with the Queensway on the Central Line. The area is home to more hotels than most other parts of the city.
Finding suitable Bayswater accommodation is never a hassle with a wide variety of places to stay at. From budget hotels to the best of boutique accommodation there are places galore to set up base while in the city.
The Bayswater London hotels are ideal to stay on a holiday and the perfect starting point from which you could set off to explore the many attractions in the neighbourhood.
Early history
The area’s name is actually a corrupted version of Bayard’s Watering Place and first used around 1380. Although the area was ostracised by the wealthier classes as it was on the other side of posh Hyde Park. As with other areas near mainline stations the area saw decline during the better part of the 20th century with houses and buildings in a state of decay and decline. As a result many of the places were converted to cheap hotels and dingy bedsits. Like with other parts of London that later saw gentrification thanks to government grants and a large influx of Brazilian, Arab, Jewish and American immigrants the area underwent a transformation. Now Bayswater is one of the most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods of London.
Modern Day Bayswater
As a consequence of people of different ethnicities and backgrounds settling in the area Bayswater is a multi-ethnic and colourful place with a vibrant atmosphere. Among the many homes and shops in the area you will find a wide variety of upmarket hotels and plenty of tourist attractions. It is also famous for its varied cuisines and restaurants that feature dishes from all corners of the world. Most of these eateries are in Westbourne Grove, the location where you will also find one of the best organic supermarkets in the UK. There is the massive Whiteleys building that plays host to a multi-screen cinema, cafes and a number of high street stores. Also in the area is the popular Porchester Baths famous for their steam baths.
Some of the best attractions to visit on a trip to the area are:
Albertopolis:
A neologism concocted specially for a part of South Kensington that comprises a host of family friendly attractions. These include the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Royal Albert Hall, The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. It brilliant collection of prominent attractions make it a great place to visit with the family, while on a tour of Bayswater.
Kensington Palace:
Towards the west end of Kensington Gardens is the famous Kensington Palace. It has been home to a number of members of the Royal Family including Princesses Margaret and Diana and lately the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. It is a popular tourist attraction famous for its fabulous collections of art, furniture, royal gowns, memorabilia, and incredible interactive displays.
St. Sophia’s Cathedral:
A short walk away from Bayswater Tube Station is beautiful St. Sophia’s Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox denomination. Its architecture features a stunning Byzantine design with a magnificent domed roof and amazing interiors. The Cathedral was consecrated in 1882, and still holds regular worship on weekends. It is famous for its Greek polyphonic choir and their riveting Byzantine musical events.
Kensington Gardens:
It is adjoining Hyde Park with the Serpentine dividing the two although; Kensington Gardens is considered a separate park. It has a lot of interesting attractions to explore at leisure like the popular Peter Pan statue, inspired by J.M. Barrie’s novel of the same name. In fact, Barrie used to enjoy long walks in the garden and mentioned the garden in his stories. Other famous attractions include the Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, the famous Serpentine art Galleries, a pirate ship-climbing frame and a plethora of wildlife in the area.
Marble Arch:
The stunning triumphal arch known as Marble Arch was built in 1827, a few years before Queen Victoria became Empress of Great Britain. It is among the most iconic landmarks of the city. When initially built it stood at the front of Buckingham Palace, it was relocated in 1851, to its present location in the north-east of Hyde Park in. Its present location was infamous as the site of the ‘Tyburn Gallows’, where condemned were executed publicly for almost four centuries till the early 1800s.
Hyde Park:
Spread over 142 hectares, Hyde Park is the biggest of the Royal Parks in central London. A great place to spend the afternoon it is famous for a wide variety of flora and fauna and is one of the most tranquil parts of the city, despite its location in the centre of London. From enjoying a picnic, enjoying a boat ride on the tranquil Serpentine Lake, or horse-riding there are plenty of activities for visitors to indulge in. When staying in a neighbourhood hotel like the Park Grand Bayswater hotel, a short stroll away, ensure to explore the stunning beauty of Hyde Park.
