Lancaster Gate is a gem in Central London's crown. Offering a Zone 1 location with good access to green space, as well as being culturally diverse, but architecturally uniform, Bayswater embodies the best of several worlds. Its lovely white stucco terraces and tidy garden squares stretch to Hyde Park, dotted with varied restaurants and shops.
The area has staying power for its residents, from singles to families. 90% of Lancaster Gate ward residents report being satisfied with the area as a place to live.
The most common type of crime in this area by far is theft of various kinds, but the area has a lower crime rate than the Westminster average. Residents report that their primary ASB is homelessness/begging. 99% of residents feel safe in the area during the day, and 86% do walking alone after dark.
Parking in this area can be difficult, and the 2001 census revealed that Lancaster Gate ward residents were least likely of all Westminster residents to own a car. Nearby car parks, serving places like Hyde Park, can be pricey. However, Lancaster Gate was 7th highest of the 20 Westminster wards for residents agreeing that the parking rules are fair, and that it is easy to find a space. The area is within the congestion charge zone.
This neighbourhood, including nearby neighbourhoods like Bayswater, is a largely residential area. However, its Zone 1 location means that the buzzy nightlife of the West End isn't far, and places like Soho are easy to get to and from at all hours.
In addition to numerous great state and independent schools, there are many amenities for families and children in the area, including activities for children at Paddington Library, and one of London's few ice rinks at Queen's Ice and Bowl. There is also the vast green space of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which includes a lido and facilities for horse riding. About 40% of households in the area live as families, despite the large proportion of single households in the area.
There is excellent access to the vast green space of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which includes facilities for horse riding.
Lancaster Gate (Central Line), Queensway (Central Line), and Bayswater (Circle and District Lines) Underground stations are in Zone 1, as is Paddington station which offers access to the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Bakerloo lines in addition to rail services including the Heathrow Express. The area is well-served by numerous buses, including some 24/7 routes, and there are good road connections to the M4 and M25.