Earlier this year I had an appointment in York, and with a little time to spare I headed over to York Minster to see Paddington Bear who was sat in Deans Park adjacent to the Minster.

Paddington arrived in York in October 2024, when he was welcomed by York’s Town Cryer and the Lord Mayor of York Cllr Margaret Wells.

It was part of a nationwide trail celebrating everyone’s favourite marmalade loving bear, and marks the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru – which arrives in cinemas on 8 November. York is one of the 23 locations across taking part in the Paddington Visits trail, with the special statues appearing in cities, towns, and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.

The statue of Paddington is sporting the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in his paws. Paddington will be sticking around to enjoy the spectacular views of York Minster for the foreseeable future! So, there’s plenty of time to stop for a selfie or maybe even share a marmalade sandwich or two, He was proving very popular whilst I was there with many people young and old stopping for a photograph with this great character.