Situated by the green spaces of Hyde Park, Bayswater’s housing is generally more affordable than nearby Notting Hill and Marylebone.
If you’re looking for a central London location with attractive period properties, a cosmopolitan feel and plenty going on, that’s more affordable than its nearby neighbours, Bayswater might be the place for you. Find out all you need to know about living in Bayswater, W2.
Once better known for its down-at-heel hotels and the bustle of Queensway, Bayswater has come into its own in recent years, making it a highly desirable destination. New luxury residences sit alongside its trademark white stucco terraces - once home to those hotels, many of which have been transformed into family houses.
You’ll find Whiteleys shopping centre on the site of one of London’s earliest department stores – now the focus of a major development project, which aims to transform the Queensway.
The area has a diverse population, which includes one of London’s largest Brazilian communities alongside people of Middle Eastern, Greek, French and American heritage. This is reflected in the cuisines on offer in Bayswater’s many restaurants and food stores.
While plenty of the hotels remain, meaning there’s always a tourist population, this area of London accommodates its visitors well, at the same time as retaining a close-knit community feel - there’s an active residents association, local magazine and regular events.
Situated by the green spaces of Hyde Park, Bayswater’s housing is generally more affordable than nearby Notting Hill and Marylebone. Overseas buyers tend to focus on swish apartments in new developments, while the older property stock, including streets of white stucco terraces, is popular with families.
Things to see and do
The Porchester Spa is a celebrated local landmark, created out of the former municipal baths. This day spa boasts original, art deco interiors and has steam rooms, Turkish baths and a plunge pool - perfect for a bit of relaxation and rejuvenation.
On the Queensway you’ll find some excellent restaurants. The Queen’s Ice and Bowl is home to one of London’s few year-round ice rinks. You’re also handy for all the attractions of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens - perfect for a walk, a picnic or a visit to the Serpentine Gallery and Kensington Palace.
Property in Bayswater
Most of the property in Bayswater is made up of Georgian and Victorian terraces. Many of these imposing buildings, some of five storeys or more, have been converted into flats. The terraced properties, which look out onto garden squares are the most sought-after, but there are also mansion blocks, mews houses, and new apartments in residential developments.
Schools in Bayswater
For families looking to settle in Bayswater,
St Mary of the Angels Catholic Primary,
Hallfield Primary, or
St Stephen’s Church of England Primary are all rated good by Ofsted. At secondary level,
Westminster Academy and
Holland Park School are outstanding.
Transport links
Bayswater is served by no fewer than five tube stations. Bayswater tube station is on the Circle and District Lines, while Edgware Road, Lancaster Gate, Queensway, Royal Oak, and Paddington station are all in the vicinity.
There are good bus connections across London, including the number 7 (to Russell Square), the 23 (to Liverpool Street), the 27 (to Chalk Farm), the 70 (to Acton) and the 148 (to Camberwell Green).
Paddington station puts Devon, Cornwall and the whole of the West Country within easy reach - and the world, via the Heathrow Express.
Plus, you can walk to all the attractions of London’s West End in 15 minutes.
The Crossrail effect
With the opening of the Elizabeth Line, now expected in 2021, Bayswater will enjoy even better transport links from Paddington to Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf, offering an easy commute for City workers, and making the area a good long-term buy-to-let investment.
Buying a property in Bayswater, whether as a place to live in or with a view to letting it out?
Contact us to find out more about buying to let or to see our properties for sale in Bayswater.