Paddington returns to the Cathedral Close

Paddington has returned to the Cathedral Close and is enjoying tucking into his marmalade sandwich in a different spot close to the Cathedral.

After 11 months greeting visitors near the Herb Garden, the beloved bear is having a change of scenery and can now be found perched on his bench in the Upper Close, a short distance from the Cathedral’s Hostry entrance.

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paddington back to the Cathedral Close.

“It has been lovely to see how much joy Paddington has brought to people of all ages since he first arrived in February last year, and we hope people enjoy visiting him in his new location in the Upper Close.”

“Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich Business Improvement District, said: “2025 was a big year for Paddington arriving in Norwich and on 11 February we celebrate his bench birthday! A year on and he is still welcoming thousands of people of all ages every week to his special spot in the beautiful grounds of Norwich Cathedral Close.”

Paddington took a week-long break from his bench in the Close from Friday 16 January so that the statue could be treated for routine wear and tear.

He originally took up residence in the Cathedral Close in February 2025 thanks to the amazing efforts of Norwich BID and everyone from schoolchildren to shop keepers who wrote heartfelt entries encouraging Paddington to pay a visit to our fine city!

The special statue is one of 24 dotted around the UK and Ireland as part of the Paddington Visits trail celebrating the little bear from Peru and the release of STUDIOCANAL’S Paddington in Peru movie.