Area Guide to Bayswater

Today, we’re going to explore one of London’s best-kept Zone 1 secrets: Bayswater in Prime Central London. Nestled between Notting Hill, Paddington, and Maida Vale, Bayswater is what I affectionately call the red-headed stepchild of central London. Despite its proximity to the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding it, Bayswater often flies under the radar. This area boasts a prime location on the edge of majestic Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, offers excellent transport links, beautiful architecture, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

The Charm of Bayswater

For years, Bayswater had become somewhat rundown and wasn’t as well maintained as its neighbors. However, this is changing dramatically with the redevelopment of Whiteleys Shopping Centre. But before we dive into that, let’s talk about what makes this area so special.

Transport Links

Bayswater is exceptionally well-connected. It is served by five Tube stations:

• Lancaster Gate and Queensway on the Central line.
• Bayswater on the District and Circle lines.
• Royal Oak and Westbourne Park on the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.

Additionally, Paddington Station is nearby, providing access to national rail services and the Bakerloo, District & Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines. Commuter buses also run along Westbourne Grove, with the No. 7 to Oxford Circus, No. 23 to Aldwych, and No. 36 to Marble Arch and Victoria. The No. 148 runs along Bayswater Road to Victoria and Westminster.

Literary and Film Heritage

Bayswater has an intriguing cultural heritage. Alfred Hitchcock’s film Frenzy was filmed in the area. It also appears in literature, such as Samuel Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and Linda Stratmann’s novel The Poisonous Seed.

Green Spaces

Bayswater offers unparalleled access to some of London’s most famous green spaces:

• Kensington Gardens: This 265-acre royal park features the Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial, and the Diana Memorial Playground.
• Hyde Park: A Grade I listed park, Hyde Park is the largest of the Royal Parks and offers wetlands, gardens, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities, and historic treasures.
• Holland Park: A 20-minute walk or 7 minutes by train, this 54-acre park includes semi-wild woodland, formal gardens, sports facilities, a giant chess set, cricket pitch, tennis courts, and two Japanese gardens: the Kyoto Garden and the Fukushima Memorial Garden.

Property Market

Much of Bayswater’s charm comes from its beautiful 19th-century architecture. The area is known for its:

• Victorian stucco terraces: Some subdivided into flats.
• Red-brick Victorian mansion flats and Georgian buildings.
• New builds and modern conversions.

According to Rightmove, properties in Bayswater had an overall average price of £1,511,616 over the last year (June 2023). The majority of sales were flats, averaging £1,170,443. Terraced properties sold for an average of £3,431,624, while semi-detached properties fetched around £7,426,750.

Schools

Bayswater offers a selection of quality educational institutions:

• State primary schools and two top private primary schools.
• Private Schools: Pembridge Hall (girls, ages four to 11) in Pembridge Square, Wetherby (boys, ages three to eight), and Kensington Park School (co-ed, ages 11 to 16), with its sixth form in South Kensington.

Activities and Amenities

Bayswater is one of London’s most cosmopolitan areas, with a diverse local population complemented by numerous hotels. Some highlights include:

• St Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Moscow Road, surrounded by a mini-Greece with Athenian Grocery, Santorini restaurant, and Kalamaras.
• Top restaurants: The Ledbury (two Michelin stars) and Hereford Road.
• Odeon multiplex cinema in Whiteleys Shopping Centre.
• Porchester Centre and Porchester Spa, featuring a swimming pool and one of London’s few Turkish baths.

Whiteleys Redevelopment

The historic Whiteleys Shopping Centre is undergoing a transformative redevelopment. This project will create a vibrant destination for the community, including:

• 139 world-class modern residences.
• 20 new shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• A central public courtyard.
• A cinema and a gym.
• London’s flagship Six Senses hotel and spa.

Bayswater is a hidden gem in Prime Central London, offering an unbeatable blend of connectivity, green spaces, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. With the ongoing redevelopment and its rich history, Bayswater is fast becoming one of London’s most desirable places to live. Whether you’re drawn by the stunning Victorian architecture, the proximity to Hyde Park, or the vibrant community spirit, Bayswater has something for everyone.