Paddington Bench to Remain at Norwich Cathedral for Another Year
In a heartwarming development for Norwich residents and visitors alike, the beloved Paddington Bench will continue to welcome guests at Norwich Cathedral for another 12 months. Since its arrival in February, the bench featuring the marmalade-loving bear has become one of the city’s most cherished attractions, drawing people from far and wide to sit beside the iconic children’s character in a moment of contemplation or simply to enjoy lunch in charming company. The statue has transformed a quiet corner near the Cathedral’s Herb Garden into a vibrant meeting spot that embodies the warmth and welcome that both Paddington and Norwich represent.
The impact of Paddington’s presence in Norwich has been remarkable, with Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) reporting extraordinary visitor numbers since the statue’s installation. During February half-term alone, more than 250 people per hour visited the bench, with over 70% traveling specifically from outside Norwich to see it. “Paddington has been a wonderful addition to our city, capturing the hearts of residents and visitors alike,” said Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich BID. This significant boost in footfall demonstrates how cultural installations can positively impact local economies while creating meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
Norwich earned its special Paddington Bench by winning a nationwide competition that saw the city selected as the 24th location for a specially commissioned statue in the “Paddington Visits” trail spanning the UK and Ireland. What made Norwich’s application particularly compelling were the heartfelt letters submitted by residents, including one touching note from a primary school pupil who wrote: “I would like to have a real-life Paddington Bear here in Norwich because it will bring lots of joy to people here, and so we can sit with him for lunch if we are lonely and so everyone is very, very happy here in Norwich.” The innocent wisdom of this child’s reasoning captures precisely what Paddington has come to represent in the community—a friend to all, especially those in need of companionship.
The city’s successful bid also highlighted Norwich’s credentials as both a City of Sanctuary and a UNESCO City of Literature, home to the National Centre for Writing. These distinctions resonate profoundly with Paddington’s own story as a refugee who found a loving home with the Brown family after traveling from “darkest Peru” with nothing but a suitcase and a note asking whoever found him to “Please look after this bear.” The parallel between Paddington’s journey and Norwich’s commitment to being a welcoming place for all creates a meaningful connection that goes beyond simple tourism, speaking to deeper values of inclusion and kindness that the city aspires to uphold.
The Cathedral grounds have proven to be the perfect setting for this cultural ambassador, with the Very Revd Dr. Andrew Braddock, Dean of Norwich, noting: “Paddington’s message of kindness and curiosity resonates beautifully with the Cathedral’s own spirit of welcome. With 900 years of history, the Norwich Cathedral grounds remain the perfect setting for Paddington to continue bringing joy to people of all ages.” There’s something particularly poignant about this modern children’s character sitting against the backdrop of ancient architecture—a reminder that while buildings and institutions may stand for centuries, it’s the values they embody that truly endure through generations.
As Paddington settles in for another year at his Norwich home, he continues to embody what people love most about both the character and the city—openness, warmth, and a gentle reminder of how simple acts of kindness can transform communities. Families planning visits to Norwich over the coming year can look forward to making memories on the bench, perhaps sharing sandwiches (marmalade or otherwise) with the beloved bear, while locals can continue to enjoy the company of their distinguished guest who has proven to be much more than a tourist attraction. Paddington, with his weather-worn hat and well-traveled suitcase, reminds us all that sometimes the most valuable thing we can offer others is simply a place to belong—something Norwich has offered to both the bear and countless visitors who have come to see him.
