Living in Bayswater

Bayswater runs along the northern side of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, and that gives it one of the best front gardens in London. The streets behind the park are lined with grand white stucco terraces from the Victorian building boom; many were long ago converted into hotels, bedsits, studios and small flats, which is why Bayswater has more compact, relatively affordable central rentals than its architecture suggests.

Queensway is the busy centre: a long strip of restaurants and shops with a very international character, reflecting decades of arrivals from the Middle East, Asia and elsewhere, and a large new development at the old Whiteleys department store. Westbourne Grove, heading towards Notting Hill, has a smarter mix of shops and cafés.

The area is constantly busy. Hotels and short-term lets bring a steady flow of visitors, particularly around Queensway and the streets near Paddington, and the population turns over faster than in most places. Some squares and crescents are very quiet and well-kept, while other streets feel tired and transient; the difference can be one block.

Transport is a strength. Bayswater station has the Circle and District lines, Queensway and Lancaster Gate are on the Central line for a fast run to Oxford Circus and the City, and Paddington, a short walk east, adds the Elizabeth line, the Bakerloo and the Heathrow Express. Living here means Hyde Park for running, cycling and summer evenings, the West End in ten minutes, and Heathrow within easy reach. It suits people who want central London and a park on the doorstep and will accept a small flat, some bustle and a less settled neighbourhood in return.