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BAYSWATER

Although small-time builders developed isolated sites over the years, it was not until the 19th century that urbanisation began to take hold in Bayswater. As development gathered pace, the area attracted an artistic and literary set, followed by successful merchants and professionals. As Bayswater grew wealthier, so its properties became grander. The plain villas and cottages of the 1820s and 1830s gave way to the smart Italianate terraces of the 1850s and the ornate mansion blocks that followed towards the end of the century.

Bayswater Property

Bayswater has retained much of its original Victorian layout, including a significant selection of period properties such as the original brown-brick, three-storey townhouses of Orme Square, as well as the stucco ranges around Westbourne Terrace and Prince’s Square. Down the decades, many of Bayswater’s main terraces escaped systematic rebuilding thanks in part to the hotel trade, which helped to maintain their facades, if not always the properties behind them. Many of the area’s historic buildings now fall within conservation areas, helping to preserve Bayswater’s distinctive architectural character.

Things to do

Whatever your interests, Bayswater has plenty to enjoy on your doorstep. From exploring the beautifully restored Whiteleys development and browsing the independent shops, cafés and restaurants along Queensway, to relaxing in the Russian steam rooms at The Porchester Centre, take a look at our favourite spots in the area.

Luminaries

Bayswater has long attracted notable figures from the worlds of politics, literature, science and music. Local luminaries have included statesman Sir Winston Churchill, Peter Pan creator J. M. Barrie and scientist Alexander Fleming. Musician Sting also occupied a basement flat at 28a Leinster Square during the formative years of his band, The Police, while Trudie Styler, now his wife, lived in a basement flat a couple of doors down.

With easy access to the open spaces of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, Bayswater is reassuringly family friendly. It is predominantly residential, while its cosmopolitan streets bring a lively mix of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels. Queensway, the area’s main thoroughfare, has benefited from significant regeneration and offers an increasingly diverse selection of places to eat, shop and relax. The beautifully restored Whiteleys development has brought a new dimension to the neighbourhood, while The Porchester Centre provides a gym, swimming pools and its famous Art Deco spa with Russian steam rooms.

What’s On

Popular attractions in and around Bayswater include the Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens, while the newly regenerated Whiteleys development provides a range of restaurants, leisure and hospitality offerings. The famous Hyde Park Stables gives riders the opportunity to ride through central London along the historic Rotten Row bridleway. For something more active, Queens Skate Dine Bowl offers ice skating and bowling, alongside food, drinks and entertainment.

Food

Bayswater and the surrounding streets offer a diverse choice of relaxed dining, reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan character. Local favourites include Hereford Road for modern British cuisine, Maroush Gardens for Lebanese dishes, The Cow for its oysters and Irish-inspired menu, Gold Mine for Cantonese-style Chinese cuisine, Halepi for Greek food, Alounak for Persian cuisine and Banana Tree for Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. The wider neighbourhood also offers an ever-growing selection of independent cafés, restaurants and bars, particularly around Queensway, Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill.

Schools

Popular places of education in and around Bayswater include Lansdowne College, Hallfield Primary School, St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary School and Queensborough Community Nursery. The wider area is also well served by a number of independent schools and nurseries, including Pembridge Hall School, Wetherby School and Southbank International School, providing a range of educational options for families living locally.