ALONG COMES MARY

Did you grow up with Paddington Bear? The little chap in the red coat & fisherman’s cap?! I am happy to say I did, & that I am so excited a whole new generation of youngsters will get to experience him in all his glory when The Paddington Bear film arrives next year!

In honor of the highly anticipated Paddington movie, London’s Draycott Hotel will  be celebrating the legacy of the beloved bear with an exclusive Paddington  Bear Experience. Creating a fun way to explore London, families and explorers alike will  join Paddington at The Draycott and on his adventures around the city,  battered suitcase, duffle coat and all….how FUN will this be?!

The Draycott Hotel’s Paddington Bear celebration invites  guests to experience London  through Paddington’s eyes, honoring the polite, yet mischievous bear’s sense  of optimism and wonder. The Draycott is paying tribute to Michael Bond’s cherished original A Bear Named  Paddington stories, where Paddington travels to London  from the deepest jungles of Peru and finds adventure in a strange and wonderful city. Accompanied by their  very own take-home Paddington Bear received on arrival, families and guests of the fete will do the same with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to guide  explorers on a colorful and commemorative path through Paddington’s favorite  places in London.  The Draycott’s smallest guests will not miss a moment of their own adventure  with an official Paddington Bear’s guide book and a scrap-book to document  their own adventure, just like Paddington has in the classic stories.

Furthermore, London  and Partners will pay homage to the English icon with London’s Paddington Trail. Guests can be  escorted by their new, beloved bear on the Paddington Trail, comprising 50  statues created by artists, designers and celebrities. Highlighting locations  around London  close to cultural and iconic landmarks, an auction of the statues along the  trail will later be held to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, an organization in pursuit of protecting  vulnerable children.

Embracing the warmth and comfort at the heart of  the tale, Paddington’s guests will see why the Draycott is regarded by many travelers  as a home away from home. After the excitement and adventure of sightseeing  and learning about London’s  museums, parks and historical landmarks, families can return to the comfort  of their suite, many of which boast a fireplace, kitchen and plenty of room  for children to play. A miniature afternoon tea for the little ones, with  special treats and Marmalade, Paddington’s favorite, is included in the  festivities, in addition to Draycott Hotel’s signature English afternoon tea  service for all guests.

The Paddington Bear Package is subject to  availability and can be booked through the reservations team or on the  website with the promotional code “PROPAD.” For updated rates, itineraries, and other information contact The Draycott Hotel at Tel: +44 (0) 20 7730 6466 or reservations@draycotthotel.com. Visit their web-site HERE, too!

While I have no plans at this time, sadly, to take advantage of this exciting package, I am indeed keeping it in mind when I finally get to go see my British buddy, Holly! xo

Have you ever been to London?