Baker Street is for the bold. It’s a bit of a walk—around 15 minutes through Regent’s Park—but this is the “thinking person’s” route. You’ll pass by the eerily lit Sherlock Holmes museum, which is a great place to mutter, “The game is afoot… to buy a mulled wine.” The path takes you through beautiful parkland, which is a welcome relief from the tinsel-fueled anxiety of the event itself.
Pro tip: Baker Street is also a major transport hub for the Jubilee, Metropolitan, and Bakerloo lines. If you’re arriving from north-west London, you can practically close your eyes and glide here. Just don’t try to deduce the identity of the drunk Santa you’ll inevitably see. It’s a party, not a mystery.
The Forgotten Genius: Paddington
Yes, Paddington! Home to a famous bear and, arguably, the most underrated route in existence. It’s a 20-25 minute walk, but hear me out. You can walk along the serene Grand Union Canal—it’s a moody, atmospheric route that makes you feel like you’re in a BBC period drama. You’ll pass under bridges, spot ducks, and arrive at the park feeling smug and well-exercised.
This “Palace In The Mountains” Sits Directly Across From A Tiny Snow
The real genius of Paddington? It’s connected to the Heathrow Express. So if you’ve just flown in from Paris or Timbuktu, you can drop your luggage and stroll to the wonderland without ever grappling with the Central Line. It’s the gateway for international champions who don’t want their first UK experience to be a train meltdown. And yes, you will see a Paddington Bear statue. Resist the urge to offer it a marmalade sandwich.
