A statue of Paddington Bear has come to Cornwall ahead of the launch of a new film.

‘Paddington Visits’ is a trail of Paddington Bear statues that will run across the UK to celebrate the forthcoming release of Paddington in Peru - the third film about the marmalade-loving bear, due to be released in cinemas on November 8.

As part of the build up, a bench with a statue of Paddington has been placed at Land’s End as one of a number of locations, which also include Birmingham, Bury St Edmunds and, of course, London Paddington station.

The exact date the statue was due to arrive in Cornwall was not made public - but organisers have now revealed that it was put in place today (Monday) at Land's End. 

A family test out the new bench (Image: Daniel Dayment/PinPep) The bench has been placed with the famous Land's End fingerpost sign in the background. 

Each hand-painted statue features the wise bear’s signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and, naturally, a marmalade sandwich in paw.

Trevor Broome, general manager for Land’s End, and non executive director of Visit Cornwall, said: “We’re delighted to be included as a location for one of the Paddington Bear benches as part of Paddington Visits, a UK and Ireland trail ahead of the new film release.

"As a landmark UK destination, it seems fitting that such an iconic British character should have a home with us. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and Iconic Land’s End signpost, we’re sure visitors will enjoy having their photos taken here with Paddington.”

The bench is perfect for selfies (Image: Daniel Dayment/PinPep) Fans will be able to sit with Paddington for a spot of tea, a sandwich or two, or even write a postcard to Aunt Lucy!

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Mr Brown in the film, said: “I am thrilled to reveal we are going to be unveiling a number of benches across the UK, all featuring a statue of our beloved bear.

“Ahead of the new film, fans, families and friends can sit down and have a chat with the marmalade loving bear, so watch this space for more information about Paddington…coming to a bench near you!”

The statues being hand painted (Image: Press release) The new film will see Paddington return home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears.

With the Brown family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mysterious disappearance plunges them into an unexpected journey from the Amazon rainforest to the mountain peaks of Peru.

Locations taking part in Paddington Visits are:

Ashby

Birmingham

Bury St Edmunds

Cardiff

Chester

County Mayo

Edinburgh

John O’ Groats

Lanark

Land’s End

Liverpool

London Paddington

London Westfield

Manchester

Newbury

Newtownards

Penrith

Peterborough

Reading

Salisbury

Southampton

Sunderland

York

  • This article was updated at 4.50pm on Monday, October 7, 2024 after the official launch.