Paddington to Marylebone: a Transport History

Westminster Guides

Examine the historical and social role of canals, railways, underground, taxis and buses including Paddington and Marylebone stations.

Paddington Station underground station entrance - outside

Harley Street BID free walks around Marylebone

Marylebone is a charming London district known for its elegant Georgian architecture, boutique shops and renowned medical centres. Take a walk around Marylebone with a friendly, qualified London guide, who will make history come alive for you.

Inside Out programme of free walks during August

Wonderful Westminster - a cultural treasure trove!  Come on a free walk with a friendly, qualified City of Westminster guide during the “Inside Out” Programme in August 2024.  There is a huge range of walks to choose from, so something for everyone!

Paddington, at a far corner of Westminster borough, was a favoured choice for the terminus of early canals and the Great Western Railway, because of easy gradients. There was however a problem – it was distant from central London, especially the City. When the railway opened it was said that you could get more quickly from Bristol to Paddington, than from Paddington to the City.Solutions to this were a major force for the development of transport throughout London. This walk will look at the Regent’s Canal, one of London’s busiest taxi ranks , the terminus of London’s first (horse drawn) bus terminus, the world’s first underground railway, the Westway urban motorway, and most recently, the development of the Elizabeth Line.It will then proceed to Marylebone station to hear about two larger than life characters, Charles Yerkes who (with dubious financing) developed most of London’s deep level underground lines, and Sir Edward Watkin, promoter of Britain’s last main line, the Great Central.This tour focusses on the history and social impact of the transport modes, and thus should be of general interest, not just for transport enthusiasts. It will be followed by an optional lunchtime visit to the former Metropolitan Railway dining rooms, now a Wetherspoons pub by Baker Street station.This walk is led by a qualified City of Westminster guide, Philippe Tomlinson. Meet Philippe outside Paddington Station underground - Praed Street entrance, W2 1EEThis free walk is part of the “Inside Out” programme of walks, kindly supported by Westminster Council.After the walk we would be very grateful if you could you complete a short survey, with questions about the walk. Thank you.

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Paddington to Marylebone: a Transport History

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Paddington to Marylebone: a Transport History

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