The beloved character of Paddington Bear is set to come to life in a new interactive experience, opening in London in 2024. The Paddington Bear Experience will feature a large-scale, multi-sensory adventure that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The experience will open on May 31, 2024, at County Hall on London’s Southbank.
Created by The Path Entertainment Group, in collaboration with The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company) and Lionsgate, Copyrights’ agent for experiences, The Paddington Bear Experience will be a unique and fun-filled interactive experience that will span more than 26,000 square feet. Visitors will be able to step into Paddington’s world and embark on an exciting, immersive adventure through some of the most memorable locations from the Paddington stories.
Starting with the hustle and bustle of Paddington Station, guests will be greeted by a friendly Station Master and taken on a lively train journey through London’s most famous landmarks all the way to the Browns’ charming house at No. 32 Windsor Gardens. Once inside the famous tree-adorned hallway, the Brown family will whisk guests into a whirlwind of multi-sensory activities as they need to help Paddington and his family prepare for a very special occasion – The Marmalade Day Festival!
With numerous themed rooms to explore, interactive games, character interactions, and lots of surprises along the way, the adventure will culminate in a very special Windsor Garden Street party where visitors will have the chance to enjoy the Marmalade Day festival. A range of food (including Paddington’s famous marmalade sandwich!) and beverages will be available to all, as well as an opportunity to enjoy fun and games with the Brown family.
The Paddington Bear Experience will capture the hearts of the entire family, no matter the age. Paddington fans should also be on the lookout for ‘Mr Gruber’s Shop’ opening on 1st March at London County Hall. Inspired by the enchanting antique store in the Paddington stories, Mr Gruber’s Shop will give a first glimpse into what to expect from The Paddington Bear Experience as well as the opportunity to purchase tickets and Paddington merchandise.
David Hutchinson, CEO of The Path Entertainment Group, said in a statement, “For over three years, we have been working diligently on the launch of the most ambitious Paddington-inspired experience in the world, opening in the heart of Central London. ‘The Paddington BearTM Experience’ will allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the wonderful world of Paddington and the Brown family as they journey through the iconic locations of the much-loved stories in a sensory, thrilling, experiential adventure for all the family. We look forward to welcoming fans of all ages to enjoy the magical world of Paddington that our incredible team has created.”
Françoise Guyonnet, CEO of The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company) and EVP Kids Brands at STUDIOCANAL also expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Location Based Experience experts at The Path Entertainment Group to bring all generations the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magical world of Paddington. We’re sure that ‘The Paddington Bear™ Experience’ will be a great success, as Path’s attention to detail and passion for storytelling has really brought to life the marvelous world of our beloved bear.”
Paddington Bear was created by author Michael Bond in 1958, and his first book, ‘A Bear Called Paddington,’ introduced readers to the friendly and polite bear from Peru who is discovered by the Brown family at Paddington Station in London. The series of stories that followed chronicle Paddington’s adventures in London and around the world. Since its first publication, the Paddington books, published by Harper Collins, have sold more than 40 million copies worldwide.
The Paddington Bear Experience is expected to be a highlight for families visiting London and a must-see attraction for Paddington Bear fans. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 am on March 4, 2024, at www.paddingtonbearexperience.com.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.