london tourist rentals

• Holiday Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do

Apartments and Holiday Rentals in London, England

• Holiday Rentals    
• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    

London Apartments

Suitability, property type, distinctive features, neighbourhood, distance from.

• Your Place in Little Venice is a stunning apartment near Paddington

• Soho Apartment - Central London

• Fichi in the CIty

Stunning 1 bed flat in Southwark/ Zone 1 location

St Katharine Docks - Tower Bridge - Marina View

Covent Garden Apartment

River View, London Zone 2 Hammersmith, 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath

Spacious Fitzrovia Apartment

2 bedroom Kensington apartment with terrace

Old Town Greenwich 4 / 199WR

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Pimlico family flat

Professionally Cleaned - Bright Aircon Apt Earls Court London

Regency Apartment in Central London, Westminster

St Katharine Dock - Studio - Tower Bridge

NPH Duplex Penthouse Sleeps 6 wifi Clerkenwell

the house on the corner

Lovely Notting Hill Apartment

Boutique top floor apartment with terrace

Modern Luxury flat

Gorgeous 1 bed apartment in Fab Location - Zone 1

SUPERIOR 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH APARTMENT Riverside St Paul Zone1 WiFi

NEWLY REFURBISHED FLAT IN HEART OF FULHAM/CHELSEA 5 MIN FROM TUBE STATION

Stunning Bright flat

Fitzrovia - Central London

Bloomsbury Apartment

Chiswick 2 bedroom garden Flat

Central Zone 2

Holland Park modern flat near Westfield mall

Super Central Location

Beechhill House: Beautiful Edwardian house with 5 bedrooms and garden in South East London

Professionally Cleaned - Comfortable Aircon Apt Earls Court London

Westcombe Park Rd

large family apartment up to 7

Modern 3 bedroom apartment in London 0131

Suite 9, 2 min from Belsize Tube station, first floor, sofa bed for 3rd person

Fantastic Fulham Experience-2BR 2BT Garden Apt

Marylebone Apartment

Spacious Apartment near British Museum, Bloomsbury

M11 - Modern 2 bedroom apartment near Hyde Park

Stay Central! Bang for Buck! Zone 1!

LUXURIOUS RIVERSIDE APARTMENT

Large Luxurious Double Bedroom in a Penthouse - Central London

SPH Stunning City Views sleeps 6 Elizabeth Line

1M Farringdon sleeps 4 Large 1BR Former Warehouse

London Zone 1 Self Catering Apartment

Your Own House/2 Bedr/3 Beds/3 Bath/Covent Gdn

LUXURY/HUGE 3 BEDR/4BEDS/ COVENT GARD 5MIN SUBWAY!

4 Bedroom apartment, 2 bathrooms, 5 minutes walk tube

Superb Central London Elegant Apartment sleeps 4

• Stunning 1 dbl bed flat in London fields/Broadway market near outdoor pool
• Luxury 3 Bedroom Standard close to Harrods Knightsbridge
• Luxury One Bedroom apartment in a beautiful red-brick Victorian townhouse

• Holiday Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do

London, England Vacation Rentals and Holiday Rentals

• Holiday Rentals    
• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• London Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals in London

Suitability, property type, distinctive features, neighbourhood, distance from.

• Your Place in Little Venice is a stunning apartment near Paddington

• Soho Apartment - Central London

• Fichi in the CIty

Stunning 1 bed flat in Southwark/ Zone 1 location

St Katharine Docks - Tower Bridge - Marina View

Covent Garden Apartment

River View, London Zone 2 Hammersmith, 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath

Spacious Fitzrovia Apartment

2 bedroom Kensington apartment with terrace

Old Town Greenwich 4 / 199WR

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Pimlico family flat

Professionally Cleaned - Bright Aircon Apt Earls Court London

Regency Apartment in Central London, Westminster

St Katharine Dock - Studio - Tower Bridge

NPH Duplex Penthouse Sleeps 6 wifi Clerkenwell

the house on the corner

Lovely Notting Hill Apartment

Boutique top floor apartment with terrace

Modern Luxury flat

Gorgeous 1 bed apartment in Fab Location - Zone 1

SUPERIOR 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH APARTMENT Riverside St Paul Zone1 WiFi

NEWLY REFURBISHED FLAT IN HEART OF FULHAM/CHELSEA 5 MIN FROM TUBE STATION

Stunning Bright flat

Fitzrovia - Central London

Bloomsbury Apartment

Chiswick 2 bedroom garden Flat

Central Zone 2

Holland Park modern flat near Westfield mall

Super Central Location

Beechhill House: Beautiful Edwardian house with 5 bedrooms and garden in South East London

Professionally Cleaned - Comfortable Aircon Apt Earls Court London

Westcombe Park Rd

large family apartment up to 7

Modern 3 bedroom apartment in London 0131

Suite 9, 2 min from Belsize Tube station, first floor, sofa bed for 3rd person

Fantastic Fulham Experience-2BR 2BT Garden Apt

Marylebone Apartment

Spacious Apartment near British Museum, Bloomsbury

M11 - Modern 2 bedroom apartment near Hyde Park

Stay Central! Bang for Buck! Zone 1!

LUXURIOUS RIVERSIDE APARTMENT

Large Luxurious Double Bedroom in a Penthouse - Central London

SPH Stunning City Views sleeps 6 Elizabeth Line

1M Farringdon sleeps 4 Large 1BR Former Warehouse

London Zone 1 Self Catering Apartment

Your Own House/2 Bedr/3 Beds/3 Bath/Covent Gdn

LUXURY/HUGE 3 BEDR/4BEDS/ COVENT GARD 5MIN SUBWAY!

4 Bedroom apartment, 2 bathrooms, 5 minutes walk tube

Superb Central London Elegant Apartment sleeps 4

• Stunning 1 dbl bed flat in London fields/Broadway market near outdoor pool
• Luxury 3 Bedroom Standard close to Harrods Knightsbridge
• Luxury One Bedroom apartment in a beautiful red-brick Victorian townhouse

• Our Story & Our Service
• Press/Media
• Our Mission
• About Us Our Story & Our Service Press/Media Contact Us Our Mission
• Why book with Ivy?
• Verified Guest Reviews
• Guest Info & FAQs
• Guest Terms of Business
• House Rules
• Early Check In / Late Check Out
• Hosting with Ivy
• Host Testimonials
• Host Introduction Scheme
• Exceptional Service for Exceptional Homes
• Data Protection Policy
• Privacy Notice
• Guest Info Why book with Ivy? Verified Guest Reviews Guest Info & FAQs Guest Terms of Business House Rules Early Check In / Late Check Out
• Host Info Hosting with Ivy Host Testimonials Host Introduction Scheme Exceptional Service for Exceptional Homes
• Privacy Data Protection Policy Privacy Notice
• Search Rentals
• Collections
• Area Guides

A boutique agency with a big reputation.

Since 2009, we’ve been accommodating guests from around the world in our portfolio of central London homes. Today, we’re proud to be recognised as a class leader, representing some of London’s very finest homes and delivering highly responsive, personal and professional service to our guests and hosts alike.

Ivy Area Guides

PERFECTLY PLANNED

We're proud to be recognised as one of London’s most trusted and experienced vacation rental and short stay rental agencies. Trading since 2009, we’ve accommodated many tens of thousands of guests in our portfolio of London vacation rentals, ranging from studio apartments in Knightsbridge to six-bedroom houses in Marylebone. We cover the neighbourhoods of Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Holland Park, Belgravia, Fulham, London Bridge and Borough, and also Battersea, Clapham and Putney.

Our short let homes are located throughout central London and are hand-picked by us, ensuring they all pass our rigorous tests for comfort, amenities and convenience. We replace the guesswork and gamble of Airbnb, bringing ultimate peace of mind to our guests in their London travel plans.

Ivy offer a fully managed service to our guests, from enquiry through to check out. We start by helping you find the perfect holiday rental, listening to your needs and budget, and then by coordinating your arrival and helping with anything during your stay whilst you’re here. We stock our homes with luxury bed linen and toiletries, bringing hotel standards into your rental home.

Our goal is simple – to help you find the perfect London vacation home, and ensure you have a wonderful time when you’re here. Our friendly, attentive and highly committed service is supported by hundreds of excellent reviews over the past decade, and we hope to add you to our number of very happy returning guests.

We look forward to welcoming you to London!

Bookings starting within 3 days of today’s date cannot be made online. This doesn’t mean your rental property is unavailable, but please call or email us with your preferred property and dates, and we’ll get right back to you.

+ 44 20 7349 7016

[email protected]

We use cookies, view Privacy Notice

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best Airbnbs in London

By Condé Nast Traveller and Sarah James

Getting under the skin of London – finding the coolest neighbourhoods and best restaurants in London – can be tricky. But living like a local, in one of the capital’s finest Airbnbs, or alternatively a OneFineStay or home via another tasteful rental company, is a brilliant place to start. We've scoured through the most beautiful London properties listed to bring you this edit: the smartest homestays in brilliant locations that we love the look of. For a stay with room service, see our edit of the best hotels in London .

Tried and tested

Fulham Lodge

Who knew that a derelict old keeper’s lodge on the outskirts of a cemetery could be transformed into such a phenomenal piece of modern architecture , spread over three floors and fit with a 43ft swimming pool? Owner Justin Maxwell Stuart had foresight. He took on the hefty project of renovating the 19th-century neo-gothic lodge, which was aired on Grand Designs in January 2021, and after four years of tiresome but impressive works, the place has been converted into a staggeringly attractive space – from abandoned house amid overgrown weeds to a smart and sophisticated London playden – this is the ultimate destination for a quirky break in the city. What’s more, when you book your stay with quality homes marketplace Smarter, it will give a portion of every booking to its sister charity Stay For Good Foundation as part of its commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.

Walking into the five-bedroom property, you’ll be struck first by the design and how every corner of space has been thoughtfully and thoroughly utilised. The open-plan living area on the ground floor is bright, slick and fun, playing with a blue-and-white colour palette in the walls and furnishings to create a non-clichéd nautical theme, which continues to run throughout the house, from the unique fish figurines to the cushions dotted about. The contemporary kitchen becomes the central hub and provides the perfect dinner party setting, with Great Gatsby -style bar stools and a grand long dining table to seat 10. The large bifold doors open out to a beautifully manicured garden and the two surrounding living areas provide both a room to read the paper with your morning coffee, and a spot to snuggle up in front of the TV in the evenings.

The best feature of the house though has got to be the spiralling stone staircase that takes you down to the outrageous basement, where there's a spa -like swimming pool and sauna, chill-out entertainment room with its own elaborate bar and an extensive wine cellar to have a peak at (this is strictly locked to guests but a salivating sight). Spend the days floating in a zen paradise and end them knocking back a few G&Ts. Stumble back upstairs to the master bedroom at the very top of the house for a peaceful retreat away from it all – wade your way through the thousands of cushions to hit the fluffy, plumped-up pillows on the superking bed – or hole up downstairs in one of the four other bedrooms. Enjoy a bubble bath in one of the humongous tubs, blast your favourite tunes from the sound system which has speakers paired up in most rooms, and dim the lights to create whatever atmosphere you are after.

The renovation of this lodge was extensive and there is now so much to it (did we mention the moat in the garden?). The fusion of old and new protects the historical charm of the house – it is still a classical gothic structure in the grounds of a cemetery – but open the door and you’ll be transfixed by the modern creativity and design. It is truly a thrilling place to stay. Cordelia Aspinall

Sleeps: Nine Price: From £1,942 a night (five nights minimum)

Cockspur Street

Trafalgar Square

Who on earth lives on Trafalgar Square? The chap on the column, of course. And lots of pigeons. But this is grand-scale Monopoly-board London, a land of giants, of embassies, members’ clubs and museums . Does anyone actually live here? Well, turns out they do. This OneFineStay apartment sits five floors up opposite Canada House, just off the Square in what used to be Norway House, and provides a snug vantage point to dip in and out of central London as you like. Pick up provisions from Fortnum & Mason; take a morning stroll past Buckingham Palace and around St James’s Park to spot the pelicans; be first in line to see the Monets at the National Gallery.

The apartment has two spacious bedrooms, cooled by ceiling fans and set off a Georgian-blue-and-white hallway that feels like it belongs to a larger house, with two bathrooms on the other side, lined with swirling marble. At the far end is a small but well-equipped kitchen, and a clubby sitting room with beams from the original building and lined with reclaimed wooden panels. It’s a little like sitting inside a walnut, or a Jeeves and Wooster-era bachelor pad, with a vintage Harrow XI cricket bat in one corner, a deer-antler lamp in another, and a herringbone-print sofa and pneumatic armchairs to sprawl decadently in before mixing an afternoon Old Fashioned on the Calligaris teak dining table. A few clues to the owners, perhaps, in the Japanese flower art on the bedroom walls, and eclectic bookshelves that take in ceramics, Sarah Perry, British folk traditions and Norwegian geography. Easy enough to dawdle here for a day but just outside the windows is all the thrill – even for staycationing Londoners like ourselves – of the city beat. Weekend mornings here can be quieter than some backwater suburbs; the clop of horses heading to Hyde Park, the Post Office Tower greeting us with ‘Good Morning London’ on its digital display.

We downloaded a Treasure Trail map for our son and followed clues around Trafalgar Square, through back streets to unnoticed plaques and footnotes of history – the pub of two halves by Charing Cross, the map of the Trafalgar Way by Canada House. There’s some hidden history in this building too – above the door stands a statue of St Olav, sword in hand; during the war, with Norway occupied, Norway House hosted the government in exile, with King Haakon VII among the frequent visitors. Had he visited during our stay we might have taken him – via the OneFineStay concierge team – for pavement-side drinks at the Sofitel St James round the corner, or the bar at Da Henrietta in Covent Garden. In a part of the city that can feel imposing and impersonal at times, this is a little pocket of character and warmth. Rick Jordan

Sleeps: Four Price: From £466 per night, with a three-night minimum stay. OneFineStay now offers longer-term rents of between 30 days and six months Website: onefinestay.com

A smart, super-central maisonette

Minutes away from Mayfair , Bond Street and Regent’s Park and on the corner of villagey Marylebone High Street, this two-storey 18th-century townhouse could hardly be more central – although we couldn’t possibly tell while inside its quiet sanctuary. Filled with moody, muted art and vintage furniture pieces, the subway-tiled kitchen and bathroom are simple but cool and retro, while the spacious bedrooms are tucked snugly downstairs on the lower-ground floor, and the grand, high-ceilinged living-dining area is centred around an unforgettable, eye-catching marble fireplace. There’s even a tree right outside the imposing front door that manages to blossom in the heart of winter. It's one of hundreds of London homes that you can stay in via OneFineStay, and a booking here also includes a welcome and tour from a concierge, a hamper filled with goodies such as special batch coffee, English sparkling wine , tea and shortbread, and, if you want them, more tailored experiences such as cookery classes or a nanny service. Becky Lucas

Sleeps: Four Price: From £374 per night Website: booking.com

Some more London Airbnbs we like the look of

While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, we have carefully selected these as recommendations based on their location, design, previous guest reviews and the fact that they have achieved Airbnb's Superhost status at the time of our research. All listings on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A black and white townhouse

When a home has won nods from the Modern House, you know you’ve found a design gem. A cool restoration has turned this Hackney terrace into a sharp modernist retreat, minutes from Columbia Road flower market. Inside, you’ll find pieces from host Jo’s art collection, vintage and designer furniture pieces from all the cult names, plenty of plants and a cosy wood burner to sit fireside on chilly evenings.

Sleeps: Four Price: From £500 per night, with a two-night minimum

A stylish Victorian apartment

This chic Elephant & Castle apartment is smack bang in the centre of Zone 1, so you can check off all the sights – Big Ben, Borough Market, Tate Modern and a string of other museums – within 20 minutes on foot. A soothing palette of neutrals and tasteful modern furniture choices make a soothing sanctuary to return to at the end of the day.

Sleeps: Three Price: From £220 per night, with a four-night minimum

An arty hideaway with views of The Shard

London is full of high rise apartments with glittering skyline views, but this may be the most novel around. Situated just a hop from buzzy Borough Market and the Tate Modern, the hosts have created a playful, childlike space with huge windows looking directly out to The Shard. An open chest of drawers turns into a staircase leading to a tiny room, the oven has a children’s nursery aesthetic, and if you pull back the hand-stitched curtain hiding the secret door to the bathroom, you can take a shower under the moonlight. Traditional and holistic spa treatments are bookable, and there’s an array of the city’s best restaurants, delis and bakeries just minutes from your door.

Sleeps: Two Price: From £294 per night, with a two-night minimum

A traditional flat

Knightsbridge

This is the London Airbnb for culture lovers – set just a few minutes' walk from some of London’s finest museums, including the V&A and the Natural History Museum. Floral fabrics wouldn’t look out of place in a grand country pile, and there are quirky touches – tall lamps, hand-blown glass vases, a gallery wall in the living room – dotted around the snug space.

Sleeps : Two Price : From £135 a night

A classic apartment

Anyone who lives in London knows the rarity of having your very own outdoor space. This ground-floor flat in Chelsea opens onto a south-facing patio that acts as an all-day sun trap. Inside, host Marc has made use of lots of geometric stripes to make the space feel roomier than it is – on the open fireplace’s chimney breast in the living room, in one of the two bedrooms, and the sweet breakfast room.

Sleeps : Five Price : From £150 a night

Sophie Knight

Connor Sturges

A designer townhouse

A classic, pastel -painted townhouse near Chelsea’s Sloane Square is the setting for this serene Airbnb. Interiors are more muted than the candy-coloured façade might suggest – monochromatic armchairs, a glossy, oatmeal-hued kitchen, four creamy bedrooms. There’s room for six around the formal dining table, which makes this a brilliant option for those hosting during their time in the capital, and a compact but cute patio for those rare sunshiny days.

Sleeps : Seven Price : From £1,200 a night

An arty apartment

Holland Park

The pretty first-floor balcony at this West London flat overlooks the peaceful streets around leafy Holland Park, a corner of the capital that’s close to Kensington Gardens and Notting Hill . The flat’s double-height ceilings give the feeling of bags of space and the panelled living room is packed with art.

Sleeps: Two Price: From £275 per night

A quirky Georgian townhouse

This Georgian property sits in a row of classic North London terraces. The deep colours used on the ground floor – a soothing, grey-green living room and bold navy kitchen – are balanced out by the light-filled bedrooms upstairs. The house is just steps from Islington Green and Camden Passage, and a short walk from Hoxton, on the edge of East London .

Sleeps: Four Price: From £295 a night

A light-filled flat

Notting Hill

The open-plan kitchen is the heart of this Notting Hill split-level flat. There’s an open fireplace for cosy nights in, and exposed brick walls add texture to the clean white-washed rooms. The loveliest of the two bedrooms has a roll-top bath and there’s a petite study overlooking the surrounding rooftops. The roof terrace might be this Airbnb’s biggest draw: it overlooks the buzzy neighbourhood below.

Sleeps: Four Price: From £275 a night

A Victorian townhouse

This vast pad sits on the upper cusp of Islington , on a quiet cobblestone street lined with grand Victorian buildings. Interiors are cosy and colourful – a mustard-velvet armchair is offset by calming sage walls in the living room, and there is bang-on-trend Seventies geometric wallpaper in the hallways. The sweet sun-trap terrace is a brilliant spot for a pre-supper drink before you head out to one of the neighbourhood’s best restaurants – we recommend pasta spot Trullo.

Sleeps: Four Price: From £460 a night

Join my Mailing List ! Get exclusive travel news, tips and stories every week.

Join the VIP Travel Club for weekly exclusive travel updates!

56 Luxury London Vacation Apartments for Rent

Planning a trip to London England? The hardest part of your London trip planning might be finding accommodations. Don’t get me wrong, London has a lot of options to choose from, but maybe too many.

That’s why I’ve curated this list of the best London vacation apartments for rent for your next trip.

Why did I create this list of vacation rentals in London? I too was looking for a rented apartment for my London trip and was overwhelmed by where to stay and the sheer volume of places to choose from.

I carefully selected affordable luxury London vacation rentals that offer you a home-away-from-home experience with high-stylized designed spaces in ideal locations. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family – I’ve sourced options based on the number of guests, location, and all budgets. The price per night cost is represented by £ as a guide: £ = very affordable luxury ££ = luxury £££ = a very indulgent luxury

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to book. Please check out my  privacy policy and disclosure  for more information.  (Photo credit: Plum Guide)

Vacation Rentals in London: The Neighbourhoods

London is made up of a series of interconnected, yet independent neighbourhoods. And there are a lot of them!

Even returning visitors to this capital city find it confusing – so first-timers, give yourself a bit of a break. To help you navigate your way around the city, I provide an overview of London’s best-known neighbourhoods and those that are lesser known by tourists. 

London’s best-known neighbourhoods

• Closest to the city’s most popular attractions include neighbourhoods of South Bank, London Bridge, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Victoria
• One of the top places for nightlife in the UK capital is Soho due to the number of restaurants, bars, shops, and theatres. Some of the best places in Soho include Carnaby Street, Frith Street, and Soho Square  
• Known as one of the poshest areas of the city is Mayfair with its upscale shops, luxury hotels, and elegant streets. Mayfair is close to Hyde Park is offers a great number of restaurants 
• The City of London, known simply as The City is home to the financial district – modern skyscrapers dominate the city
• A popular hipster hang-out is London’s coolest neighbourhood of Shoreditch

London Travel Planning Tip : London’s metro, or the Tube, connects the whole city easily. Just because you are staying in one neighbourhood doesn’t mean you can’t easily go somewhere totally different. In fact, to see the London landmarks – be prepared to use transporation to get around the city.

London’s best-kept secret neighbourhoods

• One of the best all-around neighbourhoods in London is Marylebone and Fitzrovia as they have plenty of museums, pretty side streets, and are proximity to Mayfair and Regent’s Park
• Known for their quiet squares, literary history, and museums  are the neighbourhoods of Bloomsbury and Holburn 
• Wanting to live like a local while travelling stay in Clerkenwell known for its historic streets, fun markets, leafy squares, and pretty houses
• Stay in the heart of the city in Belgravia home to Buckingham Palace and all its embassies and ambassadors’ residences
• One of the most desirable places to live in London is Kensington due to its pretty mews, royal heritage and luxury boutiques, and proximity to Notting Hill

London Vacation Rental Using Plum Guide

Now that you know that each neighbourhood has its own charm it’s time to select the best vacation rental for your stay.

Have you heard of Plum Guide , the custom-curated marketplace of vacation rentals?

Well, let me introduce you. Plum Guide represents the top 3% of holiday homes . Each of their properties is carefully vetted through a long list of criteria with only the best ones being selected.

That means the chosen properties have the same calibre of design, aesthetics, and amenities.

I didn’t even look at other London vacation rental companies because Plum Guide is my go-to resource. I’ve stayed at their properties multiple times and it’s always exceeded my expectations.

For shorter stays, I will stay in a hotel, and if that’s your preference check out this curated list of the best affordable luxury boutique hotels in London . 

1-Bedroom London Vacation Apartments for Rent

Kensington & south kensington area.

• White Doves – has a gorgeous all-white interior design with peaceful views of Inverness Terrace, just steps from Hyde Park in the Bayswater neighbourhood  £
• Coffee Divine – is a stylish apartment with the most amazing views of Grosvenor Gardens in the Victoria neighbourhood  £
• Flower Show – is an elegant apartment located in a classic grand Victorian townhouse in the Chelsea neighbourhood  ££
• Rose Pink – this feminine, pretty apartment in the Chelsea neighbourhood is heavenly. Can’t you just picture yourself starting your day at that lovely window nook?  £££
• Get into the Grove – is an uber-stylish apartment that’s magazine-worthy and sits in the famous Notting Hill neighbourhood  £££

The West End Area

• A Literary Abode – is perfect for book lovers as this once used to be the apartment of Charles Dickens in the Fitzrovia neighbourhood  £
• Soho Social – is a modern apartment right in the heart of the entertainment neighbourhood of Soho   £ 
• The Ercolani – is a light, bright apartment in Covent Garden that’s filled with mid-century furniture designed by British-Italian designer Ercol Ercolani  ££
• Strand Rescue – offers a relaxing comfortable space in the heart of the Covent Garden neighbourhood  ££
• Paper & Ink – is in the posh neighbourhood of Mayfair and every ounce of this apartment has the look and feel of a luxury apartment  ££
• On the Town – is a minimalist Scandi-designed apartment in the heart of the West End neighbourhood near Leicester Square   ££
• Follow the Dusk – is a gorgeous architecturally designed spaced with impressive mid-century furnishings located in the Marylebone neighbourhood  £££
• A Pendant in Time – is a chic open-concept apartment with a ton of natural light right in the heart of Covent Garden   £££

The Clerkenwell Area

• Rosebery Gemstone – may be tiny in size, but big in appeal features a gorgeous modern bathroom, and a tiny terrace overlooking the charming streets in the  Clerkenwell neighbourhood  £ 
• Leather Jacket – is located in a former 1860s warehouse in the heart of the Clerkenwell neighbourhood and features amazing city views of The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral  £ 
• Bloom – is perfect for those seeking a quiet area of London located in the Bloomsbury part of the Holborn neighbourhood  £
• The Georgian – is oozing with charm with a right about of modern and antique furnishings. This apartment has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that open up into Juliet balconies overlooking the streets in the Clerkenwell neighbourhood  ££

The Shoreditch Area

• Warehouse Project – is a boutique apartment with a mix of modern vintage located in a former historic warehouse in the Shoreditch neighbourhood  £
• Urban Simplicity – is as cool as the Shoreditch neighbourhood with its mid-century furniture and large outdoor space  £
• Shoreditch Stripes – is a studio apartment in a converted warehouse in the trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood offering cafés and restaurants at your doorstep £

2-Bedroom Luxury London Vacation Rentals

• A Full Moon – a contemporary apartment in the Holland Park area of Kensington close to Notting Hill  £
• Earl Grey with Lemon – is a beautiful elegant home in the area of Earl’s Court close to the Natural History Museum  ££
• S u gar Kane – a contemporary comfortable apartment with soaring ceilings located in the South Kensington neighbourhood  ££
• Central Style – is an eclectic modern rustic townhome with an amazing outdoor space in the Chelsea neighbourhood  ££
• Renoir’s Secret – this elegant apartment in Chelsea looks and feels like a luxury hotel with its plush furnishings and pretty chandeliers  ££
• Camarillo – this traditional apartment is mere steps from Hyde Park and offers a little garden for the slightly lowered ground bedrooms  ££

• Fancy in Fitzrovia – is located in a red brick Victorian building in the heart of the Fitzrovia neighbourhood. This contemporary space offers a cute terrace from the bedroom  £
• Drury Lane Garden – a newly refreshed apartment in Convent Garden uses a former sunroom as extra living space  ££
• Bloomsbury Set – is a large apartment with double ensuites housed in a Victorian red brick building in Covent Garden   ££
• Magdalena Grand – is a beautiful old building with its original features of high ceilings, tall windows, and a marble fireplace that lies close to the Charing Cross station   £££
• Lucky One – is a bright apartment in the heart of Covent Garden featuring good-sized rooms with tall windows flooding the space with natural light  £££
• Central Walkabout – is an ever-so-chic apartment steps from Leicester Square with its monochrome colour scheme and clean lines  £££
• Nightcall – this modern Soho apartment both in design and style features a cute terrace with seating to enjoy a drink  £££
• Stand Up Tall – this penthouse in Fitzrovia features tall vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a large terrace  £££
• Three Windows – clean, simple lines in this stunning modern apartment close to the famous Oxford Street in Fitzrovia   £££
• Newman’s Penthouse – the standout feature of this comfortable penthouse is the large rooftop terrace and garden with amazing city views in the Fitzrovia neighbourhood  £££

• Concrete Jungle – in the heart of the Clerkenwell neighbourhood, is this good-looking Scandi duplex with a tiny terrace £
• The Easton Diamond – this apartment is perfect for entertaining two couples with a large outdoor dining space and double ensuites in the heart of the Clerkenwell neighbourhood  £££
• Britton Street III – this apartment in Farringdon feels more like a modern art gallery with its impressive high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and designer furniture pieces  £££
• Lambs Conduit Street – this warm, comfortable 2-floor apartment offers a quiet refuge in the Holborn neighbourhood  £££
• Hail to the King – is a stylish comfortable apartment tucked away from the busy streets in the Holborn neighbourhood  £££

• Modern Charm – is a brand new modern apartment with a balcony located near the Tube Station in Shoreditch £££
• Tiger Queen – once a former warehouse, this converted apartment offers a sunny terrace in the heart of London’s trendiest neighbourhood in Shoreditch   £££
• Shoreditch Treehouse – is a uniquely designed boho-styled apartment perfect for those who want to hang out in the cool Shoreditch neighbourhood  £££

3+ Bedroom London Vacation Rentals

• Chelsea Dagger – this is an elegant 4 bed, 4 bath home located in a posh area of Chelsea  £££
• The Artist’s Secret – this spacious, luxurious 5 bed, 5 bath home is located at an exclusive address near Kensington Gardens £££

• City of Colour – this stylish 3 bed, 2 bath apartment sits on the lively Charing Cross Road near Leicester Square  ££
• Montagues & Capulets – is an elegant 3 bed, 2 bath apartment with a lovely terrace in the Marylebone neighbourhood  ££
• The Stage Door – is a spacious 3 bed, 2 bath apartment in the Holborn neighbourhood  ££
• Pebble Pad – is a modern Scandi style 3 bed, 2 bath with views of London’s rooftops  ££
• Glitter of Light – is a chic 3 bed, 3 bath apartment that sits in the ideal location close to the Thames River and a short walk to Covent Garden, Soho and St. Paul’s Cathedral  £££
• The Liberty Sky – is a modern 3 bed, 3 bath apartment in Fitzrovia’s neighbourhood with some of the best restaurants, shops, and galleries at your doorstep  £££
• Smooth Operator – is a gorgeous comfortable contemporary 3 bed, 3 bath apartment exclusively located steps from Marylebone High Street and Regent’s Park £££

• Author’s Note – is a comfy 3 bed, 4 bath apartment tucked away on a quiet street in the middle of Holborn and Clerkenwell neighbourhoods  ££
• Great Percy Street III – is a stunning 3 bed, 3 bath apartment with classic mid-century modern furnishings located in the Clerkenwell neighbourhood  £££
• The Adaptable House – is a unique, quirky 4 bed, 2 bath house that’s part of the Open House London event featuring its adaptable living, multi-purpose spaces  £££ 

As a Holidaymaker

As you can see there are some incredible London vacation homes on this list. Each one offers great style in great locations.

I always love to stay in an apartment rental over a hotel. There’s just something about coming back after a long day of sightseeing in London and relaxing in your very own space that feels like a home. And, that is an experience that’s worth paying a little extra for. 

Hopefully, you’ve found your next holiday rental in London with this curated list. For more London resources and inspiration, visit my England Travel Guide , but I will leave you with the next article you might be interested in reading:

• my favourite private London tours

Creator, Founder of Dream Plan Experience

She specializes exclusively in European travel and crafting unforgettable day trips within her home province of Ontario, Canada.

She has been travelling to Europe for over 35 years and has lived abroad in Germany twice. Revisiting countries and exploring them extensively to create in depth travel itineraries, destination guides and helping travellers plan their trips to Europe through her customized services.

She also is a co-partner in a woman-led company that offers luxury retreats in Europe offering immersive cultural experiences.

London vacation rentals

Book unique homes, vacation rentals, and more on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in London

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Condo in Paddington

Little Venice Garden Flat

A very cool and spacious contemporary garden flat. Three double bedrooms, two bathrooms. Stylish with very modern upto date fittings including air conditioning, under floor heating, Home Cinema and multi room audio. Little Venice in Central London is a hidden gem famed for its canals and attractive, stucco-fronted houses. Nearby Maida Vale offers wide tree-lined streets and handsome redbrick mansion blocks. Located a pleasant an 11 minute walk to Hyde Park. Paddington station a 6 minute walk.

Apartment in Muswell Hill

Palace retreat -self contained flat-

Ground floor one bed flat in Edwardian house in crouch end / Muswell Hill , gloriously leafy area of London next to Alexander Park and Palace Shops and cafe 2 mins walk and Muswell Hill nearby. Cinemas abound both places as do Restraurants . Highgate /Hampstead close by. Accommodation is reception room with dining area , kitchenette. Double bedroom. Sofa Bed. Sky tv, Netflix provided Note. The entire house is NOT FOR RENT ONLY THE GROUND FLOOR THROUGH ROOM LEADING TO BATHROOM & KITCHENETTE

Apartment in London

Swifts Yard *ENTIRE* 1 bed flat Vintage Industrial

Entire 1 bed flat, styled on Vintage Industrial, set in a private Victorian gated yard. Stunning city views from the street. A quiet, fully equipped space, right next to Crystal Palace Triangle which has 50+ bars, restaurants & shops with luxury Everyman Cinema & bar. 9mins walk to Over Ground Tube & Rail. A Dinosaur Park, Sports Centre & Horniman Museum are minutes away. Luxury UK King size bed. Great for fun or work. Please ask if you require a longer stay than days visible on the calendar.

Condo in Southwark

The Shakespeare Room: Historic Design-led Stay

The Tanners Studios is a collection of boutique, design-led, eco-conscious apartments, located just a 10-minutes walk from London Bridge station and London's most iconic landmarks; Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Borough Market. Based in the Historic Centre, you’ll be footsteps from London’s best pubs, restaurants and breweries. This modern, secure & spacious one bedroom (3 person) apartment has all of the modern cons, whilst being designed within a uniquely charming and antique setting.

Guest suite in London

Stylish & Private Studio with a Roof Terrace Close to River Thames

Relax in this stylish designer studio on the top floor of a Victorian Townhouse in West London by the River Thames with excellent transport links. This bright, compact, private and self-contained space has it’s own separate front door and features a kitchen, separate shower and WC, work desk and a bed with high quality mattress and bedlinen. The space has been designed to feel and function like a hotel room but with the convenience of a kitchen and a sunny south facing roof terrace.

Apartment in Wandsworth

Artistic, spacious, bright & clean flat in Putney

Artistic, bright, clean & spacious flat, with a modern & stylish interior throughout. Located in an affluent area in the heart of Putney, with the convenience of an abundance of restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs & shops right at your doorstep. An enviable location, with excellent access to local transport. 4 min walk to East Putney tube (District Line), 2 min walk to Putney train station (takes you straight to Waterloo). There is also a bus stop 3 min walk which serves central London.

Modern, bright studio in centre of Kings Cross

Enjoy a stay at this centrally-located modern studio, just a minutes walk to kings cross tube, National and international stations. Coal Drops Yard and a wide selection of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops are just moments away. You will stay in a recently refurbished studio flat with double bed, en suite bathroom, kitchenette with coffee & tea facilities and work area. High speed wifi is also available. This clean and bright studio is the perfect base to explore the capital.

Pretty studio near Westfield / Olympia

A beautiful lower ground floor studio apartment on a quiet, Victorian era street. 8 minutes walking to Westfield / Olympia, 5 minutes walk to Shepherd's Bush and easy access to the best that London has to offer. The flat has it's own private entrance and patio, which helps ensure privacy and tranquility. The apartment has all the facilities required for a comfortable, quiet stay, having previously been used as a self contained long term let.

Apartment in Queen's Park

Beautiful 1 bed apt in Queens Park

A beautiful, light-filled, mid-century design inspired apartment in an attractive modern apartment block with great views across London. Perfect for couples or for a business traveller wanting a place to stay within easy reach of town and the world famous Portobello market. No parking permit available. Only on-street parking. See photo of parking restrictions in the gallery.

Condo in London

Lovely spacious studio in Fulham

Lovely spacious studio in Fulham. Apartment comprises of a bedroom, separate kitchen and bathroom. Washing machine, dishwasher, microwave provided. Local shops, restaurants and cafes are nearby. Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green stations are few minutes walk from the apartment. Six stops away from Wimbledon, two stops from away Earl's Court. Suitable for 2 people.

Apartment in Camden

Sip Tea at a Stylish Regency Apartment in Camden

Decompress after the buzz of Camden's markets, music venues, and pubs with a quiet morning drinking fine teas in the bright, open-plan living area of this flat. Enjoy luxuries like the memory foam bed with goose-down duvet and the Riva sound system, before heading out to the Tube station at the end of the street.

Kensington studio, ensuite & kitchenette

You'll enjoy a comfortable and peaceful stay at this stylish central London studio apartment. The wide range of amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, beautiful parks, transport links etc), that Kensington High Street and Notting Hill have to offer are all a short walk away. Quality setting + amazing location.

Vacation rentals for every style

Get the amount of space that is right for you

Popular amenities for London vacation rentals

Stay near london's top sights, london apartment rentals.

Apartment in Southwark

Artist School Borough Market Shard View SE1

Suite 11 a little home away from home

Studio flat close to Battersea Park

Gorgeous Garden Studio Room in Wimbledon Park

Cosy Garden Flat Kensington Olympia

Studio 9-Camden Style- Twin beds or Superking!

Notting Hill Glow

Apartment in Islington

Stylish bright 1 bed room apartment

London home rentals

Home in London

Park Lane,Mayfair. New Ultra Modern Spacious House

Home in Surrey

House Sleeps 5, 25 mins - London FREE Cancellation

Home in Southwark

Central London house, easy walk to London Eye

Stylish, courtyard garden house. Notting Hill

Home in Islington

Converted Warehouse | Clerkenwell, London

Home in Camden

Beautiful Camden Whole House With Garden & Terrace

West End - Third - Top floor - Superior apartment

Modern 2 bedroom house near Parliament/ London Eye

London condo rentals

Condo in Chiswick Homefields

Unique, cosy, boho artist's apartment

Super stylish 1 bed apartment with roof terrace

Condo in Harrow on the Hill

Stylish newly decorated one bedroom flat.

Entire Place. Lovely basement studio in New Cross

Condo in Islington

1 bedroom flat on a quiet leafy street in Highbury

Condo in Elephant and Castle

Breathtaking London Views from an Iconic Building

Condo in Lambeth

Bright, private, garden flat in Conservation Area.

Cute little space in Clapham South

Quick stats about vacation rentals in London

Total rentals.

102K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

41K properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

1K properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

12K properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

32K properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

1.8M reviews

Your guide to London

All about london.

One of the world’s most visited cities, London is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and innovation that come together seamlessly over 600 square miles on the River Thames. Even if you’ve never been to the English capital, chances are you’re familiar with its sights like Big Ben, London Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. You could spend months exploring its world-class museums, sprawling Victorian gardens, and A-list theaters and still not scratch the surface.

London’s creative drive extends beyond the exhibition halls and onto the plate. The city is an epicenter of gastronomy, boasting some of the most diverse cuisine in the world. Indian curry houses line Brick Lane, Jamaican jerk chicken shops populate New Cross, and the aroma of grilled Turkish kebabs welcomes you to Stoke Newington. In between meals, you’ll find high-fashion boutiques, niche markets, and some of the oldest bookstores in Europe. Just make sure you save time to spend a Sunday afternoon with a classic roast dinner and your beverage of choice at a corner pub — you’ll fall in love with London in an entirely different way.

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in London

London’s weather is fairly mild year-round, but that does not mean it is always warm and sunny. Rain is part of the charm in the capital, so it’s smart to pack an umbrella and a trench coat. Flowering trees and blooming gardens make spring a lovely time to visit, while a visit in December promises Christmas markets and holiday magic that emanates across the city. The weather is likely to be the best in summer, while chilly winter days make for a perfect excuse to park yourself in front of the fireplace and warm your stomach with some snacks at a pub. Regardless of when you go, keep in mind that there is no off-season in London and no shortage of apartments to rent.

Top things to do in London

Shopping in shoreditch.

Every Sunday, London’s trendiest neighborhood is home to Brick Lane market. Wander past buskers playing live music and striking street art, and you’ll find stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, and wares by local designers. Duck into basement thrift shops and past warehouse doors that house artist ateliers, and follow your nose to Upmarket, a sprawling street food hall, for a smorgasbord of international snack options.

Barbican Centre

Amble past the Southbank booksellers and turn your eye to the Brutalist beauty that is the Barbican. Part apartment block, part multidisciplinary art complex, it’s a one-stop shop for revolving contemporary art exhibitions, to take in a London Symphony Orchestra concert, see the season’s top-billed independent theatre, or watch an arthouse film. And in December it hosts one of the city’s most charming outdoor Christmas markets.

If you’re looking for views, you won’t get better ones than from the tip top of the Shard, a 72-story skyscraper that towers above London Bridge. It houses several restaurants and bars, each one serving up delectable views over the city skyline. Whether you’re after modern British fare, craft cocktails, or afternoon tea, you’ll feel on top of the world looking out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows with the whole city sprawled beneath. Naturally, the most impressive views are to be found at sunset and into the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather in london.

London's weather varies greatly throughout the year. Summers are generally warm, averaging around 73°F (23°C), while winters can get chilly, with temperatures around 41°F (5°C). Expect rain sporadically throughout the year, with most rain falling in the autumn and winter months.

What are some of the best things to do in London?

London has a variety of popular activities. You could ride a boat on the River Thames, explore the city's history in its many museums, browse through the bustling markets like Borough Market, or take a leisurely stroll in one of its beautiful parks like Regent's Park.

What is the best time of year to visit London?

The summer months from June to August are typically the most popular time to visit London due to the pleasant weather. Notable events during this period include the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in late June and early July, and the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, held in August.

What are the best places to stay in London?

There are several popular areas to stay in London. Notting Hill is well known for its vibrant atmosphere and colourful houses. Covent Garden is a favourite for its shopping and theatre scene, while Shoreditch is admired for its trendy vibe and street art.

What are the best places to visit in London?

London is brimming with popular attractions. Get a panoramic view of the city from The London Eye, explore history at the Tower of London, enjoy art at the Tate Modern, or encounter marine life at the Sea Life London Aquarium.

What are some hiking trails in London?

London has many scenic walking trails. The London Loop is a 240 km ring of walking paths around the city's outskirts. Hampstead Heath boasts a 12 km trail with stunning views of the London skyline, while the Thames Path offers a riverside walk that stretches for 184 miles.

What are some family activities to do in London?

Families can enjoy an array of activities in London. Visit the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum, explore the natural wonders at the Natural History Museum, or have fun at the ZSL London Zoo. The city also offers beautiful parks like Hyde Park for picnics and outdoor games.

What are some of the best day trip ideas in London?

From London, there are several impressive day trips. Windsor Castle, the Queen's residence, is just a short journey away. The historic city of Bath and the famous stone circles at Stonehenge are other popular destinations. The charming town of Oxford, known for its prestigious university, is also a frequent choice.

What types of vacation rentals are available in London?

Uncover the perfect home-away-from-home with our diverse selection of vacation rentals in London. From over 12,590 condo rentals, over 21,650 house rentals to over 58,970 apartment rentals, we've got you covered. For even more variety, explore our Airbnb Categories to find the ideal space for your getaway.

Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in London?

Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 41,290 vacation rentals in London featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore

• Central London   Vacation rentals
• City of London   Vacation rentals
• Cambridge   Vacation rentals
• Oxford   Vacation rentals
• Cotswold District   Vacation rentals
• Bournemouth   Vacation rentals
• Bath   Vacation rentals
• Birmingham   Vacation rentals
• Bristol   Vacation rentals
• Nottingham   Vacation rentals
• Cardiff   Vacation rentals
• Bruges   Vacation rentals
• Tiny house rentals   London
• Bed and breakfasts   London
• Townhouse rentals   London
• Pet-friendly rentals   London
• Private suite rentals   London
• Rentals with a home theater   London
• Rentals with pools   London
• Rentals with a sauna   London
• Luxury rentals   London
• Beachfront rentals   London
• Hotel rentals   London
• Rentals with an accessible height bed   London
• Villa rentals   London
• Mansion rentals   London
• Cabin rentals   London
• Rentals with an EV charger   London
• Rentals with a balcony   London
• Rentals with a kayak   London
• Cottage rentals   London
• Rentals with a soaking tub   London
• Apartment rentals   London
• Rentals with lake access   London
• Rentals with a fireplace   London
• Waterfront rentals   London
• Fitness-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with a hot tub   London
• Boutique hotel rentals   London
• House rentals   London
• Family-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with beach access   London
• Rentals with an accessible height toilet   London
• Rentals with a washer and dryer   London
• Hostel rentals   London
• Serviced apartment rentals   London
• Kid-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with a patio   London
• Guesthouse rentals   London
• Condo rentals   London
• Rentals with a fire pit   London
• Monthly Rentals   London
• Rentals with breakfast   London
• Wheelchair accessible rentals   London
• Smoking-friendly rentals   London
• Loft rentals   London
• Aparthotel rentals   London
• Rentals with outdoor seating   London
• Yurt Rentals   United States
• Yurt Rentals   United Kingdom
• Castle Rentals   United States
• Houseboats   United States
• Holiday Caravans   United Kingdom
• Private Island Rentals   United States
• Farm Houses   United States
• Farm Cottages   United Kingdom
• Cabin Rentals   Australia
• Luxury Cabins   United Kingdom
• Luxury Cabins   United States
• Holiday Chalets   United Kingdom
• Cottage Rentals   United States
• Holiday Cottages   United Kingdom
• Mansion Rentals   United States
• Villa Rentals   United Kingdom
• Holiday Bungalows   United Kingdom
• Bungalow Rentals   United States
• Condo Rentals   United States
• Holiday Apartments   Australia
• Holiday Houses   United States
• Holiday Houses   United Kingdom
• Private Holiday Rentals   United Kingdom
• Big House Rentals   United States
• Big Cottages   Australia
• Large Villas   United Kingdom
• House Rentals with a Pool   United States
• Cabin Rentals with a Pool   United States
• Villas with a Pool   United Kingdom
• Apartments with a Hot Tub   United States
• Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub   United Kingdom
• Beach Cabins   United States
• Beach Condos   United States
• Beachfront Rentals   United States
• Beach Houses   United Kingdom
• Beach Villas   United Kingdom
• Coastal Cottages   United Kingdom
• Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals   United States
• Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals   United States
• Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals   United States
• Dog-Friendly Cottages   United Kingdom
• Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages   United Kingdom
• › United Kingdom ›
• › England ›
• › Greater London ›

Vrbo just got better

• Monthly Rentals in London

Stay a month or longer, get a discount while you're at it

I am traveling with pets

If checked, only properties that allow pets will be shown

Discover the ideal place for your extended stay in London. Whether you are vacationing with your kids and pets, working remotely, or simply in need of a change of scenery, with Vrbo you’ll find the amenities you desire, including parking and Wi-Fi. Explore fully furnished rentals ideal for short or long-stays, where you can settle in and live comfortably for a week, a month or more in London. View all home rentals in London offering monthly discounts.

Sign in and earn OneKeyCash for your eligible stays

Great home rentals for your monthly stay in london.

View all home rentals in London offering monthly discounts

Find the perfect stay with great monthly rates

Home rentals in London with monthly discounts

Find great homes and convenient apartments in London where the host offers a discount for staying 28 nights or longer.

Only whole homes. Always private

Book a monthly stay in a Vrbo vacation home in London; you will always get the whole place to yourself.

Extended stay in London for digital nomads and remote workers

Book accommodations with reliable Wi-Fi and dedicated work areas, ensuring you can stay productive while on the move.

Pet-friendly accommodations in London

Discover homes away from home in London, from which you and your pet can have a prolonged stay and explore a fascinating destination.

Vacation rentals in London with great kitchens

Discover fully furnished rentals equipped with kitchens and all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay in London lasting a month or more.

Vacation rentals in London with parking

Find great homes with parking space in London so that you can conveniently have a month-long stay and enjoy hassle-free commuting.

Wheelchair accessible vacation rentals in London

Explore accessible vacation rentals in London and discover vacation homes designed to accommodate everyone for a comfortable and inclusive extended stay.

Vacation rentals in London with pool

Enjoy a refreshing escape in a vacation rental with pools in London during your month-long getaway.

Long-term rentals in London and around

Rentals ideas.

• London vacation rentals
• London bed and breakfasts
• London cabin rentals
• London condo rentals
• London cottage rentals
• London guest houses
• London lodge rentals
• London house rentals
• London houseboat rentals
• London townhouse rentals
• London villa rentals
• London family rentals
• London beach rentals
• London rentals with pool
• London rentals with hot tubs
• London pet-friendly rentals

Best luxury hotels in London

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• best-luxury-hotels-london

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Dre Roelandt

updated 27.05.2024

London is renowned for its luxurious hotels, each offering a unique blend of opulence, impeccable service, and iconic style. These hotels serve as more than just places to stay; they are destinations in themselves, some dating back to the 19th century or earlier.  From historic landmarks to contemporary marvels, each establishment exudes its own unique charm. Here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in London.

• Luxury hotels in St. James

Luxury hotels in Mayfair

Luxury hotels in chelsea, luxury hotels of belgravia, luxury hotels of soho, luxury hotels in knightsbridge, luxury hotels in covent garden, planning your trip to london, luxury hotels in st. james .

Nestled in the heart of central London, St. James's exudes an air of timeless elegance and refinement. This distinguished district is renowned for its esteemed art galleries, and exclusive boutiques, making it a magnet for those with a taste for the finer things in life.

The crowning jewel of St. James's is its namesake park. Renowned for its scenic beauty and immaculately manicured lawns, this royal park provides a serene escape from the urban bustle.

The Ritz London

The Ritz London is one of the world's most iconic and prestigious luxury hotels, known for its timeless elegance, impeccable service, and rich history. The Ritz London first opened its doors on May 24, 1906. 

Since then, it has remained a symbol of luxury and sophistication, attracting high-profile guests from royalty and celebrities to dignitaries and business leaders.

Its team of dedicated staff, including white-gloved butlers and expert concierges, strive to ensure that every guest receives the highest level of hospitality and personalised care  

The Stafford London

The Stafford London stands as a beacon of refined luxury and timeless charm.  This hotel is housed in a collection of historic buildings, including a 17th-century townhouse and former carriage house. 

It is also is home to one of the largest privately owned wine cellars in London, housing an extensive collection of fine wines and rare vintages. While here, you can enjoy wine tastings and cellar tours led by the hotel's expert sommelier.

The Pelicans basking in the sunshine in St. James's Park, London © chrisdorney/Shutterstock

Originally a sprawling hunting ground, Mayfair underwent a transformation in the 18th century, evolving into a haven for London's elite. Today, its streets are lined with grand Georgian townhouses and stately mansions, each bearing testament to the neighbourhood's illustrious past. 

From renowned fashion houses along Bond Street to exclusive jewellers on Mount Street, the district boasts a treasure trove of high-end brands and luxury labels.

Claridge's in London is an iconic luxury hotel known for its exceptional service, historic charm, and sophisticated elegance opened in 1856. 

Retaining much of its original Art Deco style, Claridge’s is renowned for its impeccable service, with a staff-to-guest ratio that ensures personalised attention.

The hotel has a long history of hosting royalty. For example, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were guests in the 19th century. During World War II, many European royals in exile stayed at Claridge's, including the Kings of Greece, Norway, and Yugoslavia.

In 1945, Suite 212 at Claridge's was temporarily declared Yugoslavian territory by Winston Churchill so Crown Prince Alexander could be born on Yugoslavian soil.

The Connaught

The Connaught showcases a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. The original building features a classic Edwardian design, while recent renovations have introduced modern elements.

The Connaught offers a traditional afternoon tea experience, served in the elegant Jean-Georges restaurant, featuring a selection of fine teas, pastries, and finger sandwiches.

The rooms and suites at The Connaught are individually designed, offering a mix of classic and modern styles. 

Tate modern London © cristapper/Shutterstock

This iconic district is synonymous with luxury living, boasting a blend of elegant architecture, a thriving cultural scene, and a dash of artistic flair.

Chelsea's artistic heritage runs deep, with a long list of famous painters, writers, and musicians calling the neighborhood home over the years. From the bohemian spirit of the Swinging Sixties to the avant-garde movements of the modern era, Chelsea has been a magnet for creative minds seeking inspiration and freedom of expression. 

Today, its galleries, studios, and theatres continue to showcase the work of emerging and established artists.

11 Cadogan Gardens

11 Cadogan Gardens is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Chelsea.  The hotel occupies four interconnected Victorian townhouses, which gives it a distinctive and historic character. 

The suites at 11 Cadogan Gardens provide extra space and enhanced amenities. Many feature four-poster beds, separate living areas, and private terraces or balconies.

Many rooms and common areas retain original Victorian architectural features such as high ceilings, decorative moldings, and grand staircases. 

At Sloane is a luxurious boutique hotel located at 1 Sloane Gardens. This elegant hotel merges British heritage with Parisian flair and is designed by the renowned interior designer François-Joseph Graf. 

The hotel features 30 individually designed rooms and suites, each evoking the charm of a private residence with unique design elements like curated photographs. 

The hotel is housed in a building originally designed in 1889 by Victorian architect Edwin Thomas Hall. The structure underwent six years of restoration and remodeling before opening, which included adding a sixth floor with a cupola​.

Some of the best luxury hotels in London can be found in Mayfair © Shutterstock

Originally crafted in the early 19th century by the influential Grosvenor family, who still hold sway over much of the area, Belgravia boasts a rich history intertwined with aristocratic heritage. 

This district is known for its exclusive shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury hotels.

For those seeking the ultimate in luxury accommodation, Belgravia doesn't disappoint. From boutique hotels exuding old-world charm to contemporary five-star establishments, there's no shortage of options.

The Hari's interior design is crafted by the renowned designer Tara Bernerd, known for her elegant and contemporary approach. Her signature style can be seen throughout the hotel, blending modern sophistication with timeless comfort. 

The hotel offers a range of meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring unique furnishings, plush bedding, and luxurious amenities. The Hari offers in-room spa treatments, including massages and facials

COMO The Halkin

Guests of The Halkin can enjoy a range of luxury amenities, including 24-hour room service, a well-equipped fitness centre, valet parking.

The hotel features a holistic wellness center called COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, offering a range of wellness therapies, massages, and beauty treatments. 

The Halkin is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Ametsa with Arzak Instruction, which offers a unique dining experience combining Basque cuisine with modern culinary techniques.

Looking out onto Trafalgar Square © VisitBritain

Throughout its history, Soho has been a magnet for creative minds, attracting writers, artists, and musicians from across the globe. From iconic theatres to legendary music venues and chic nightclubs (some of which date back to the 19th century), Soho's nightlife scene is the stuff of legends. 

From Michelin-starred restaurants serving modern European cuisine to cozy bistros specializing in farm-to-table fare, Soho offers a wealth of options for dining.

Ham Yard Hotel

Ham Yard's interior design is the work of renowned designer Kit Kemp, known for her bold use of color, pattern, and eclectic furnishings. The décor at Ham Yard Hotel is stylish, contemporary, and filled with unique artistic touches. 

One of the highlights of Ham Yard Hotel is its spacious courtyard garden, a hidden oasis in the middle of bustling Soho.  This hotel offers a range of unique amenities for you to enjoy, including a state-of-the-art theater, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the London skyline, a luxurious spa, and a fully equipped gym.

The London EDITION

The London EDITION is housed within a historic Georgian townhouse, which was originally built in 1835. The building's façade has been meticulously restored. 

The hotel's design is the result of a collaboration between renowned hotelier Ian Schrager and British architect John Pawson. Schrager is known for his innovative approach to hospitality design, and Pawson's minimalist aesthetic is evident throughout the hotel's interiors. 

The London EDITION offers 173 guest rooms and suites. Each feature modern amenities, luxurious bedding, and custom furnishings.

London Eye, River Thames, London, England, UK © Shutterstock

For those with a taste for luxury, Knightsbridge is a fantastic place to stay. This neighbourhood is renowned for its high-end shopping, particularly along Brompton Road and Sloane Street.

It is home to some of the world's most prestigious department stores, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

You’ll find that this area has a very cosmopolitan atmosphere, from chic cafes to fine dining establishments.

The Berkeley

The Berkeley offers a range of luxurious rooms, suites, and apartments. One of the standout features of this hotel is its rooftop pool, offering stunning views of the London skyline. It is surrounded by lush gardens and stylish loungers, and is heated year-round.

The Berkeley is also known for both of its Michelin-starred restaurants. Marcus, headed by acclaimed chef Marcus Wareing, offers modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. Meanwhile, Koffmann's, led by legendary chef Pierre Koffmann, serves classic French dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough occupies a grand Regency-style building that dates back to 1827. Originally constructed as a private residence, the building was later transformed into a luxury hotel. 

The Lanesborough offers personalized butler service to all guests, ensuring that every aspect of their stay is attended to with meticulous attention to detail.  The hotel features an exclusive private members' club and spa, offering a range of wellness facilities and treatments.

Broadway market, Hackney, London © Shutterstock

This bustling district is steeped in tradition yet brims with modern energy. At the heart of Covent Garden lies its iconic market, a historic landmark that has been a focal point of the area for centuries. 

You’ll find that the Covent Garden Piazza is surrounded by lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination. The Royal Opera House, located in Covent Garden, is one of the world's leading opera companies.

Rosewood London

Rosewood London is housed in a stunning Edwardian Belle Époque building, originally constructed in 1914 as the headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company. 

The building's architectural grandeur has been meticulously preserved, and its 262 spacious guest rooms are elegant and comfortable. 

Throughout Rosewood London , you’ll find their impressive collection of contemporary art featured throughout the hotel, showcasing works by both established and emerging artists. 

The Henrietta Hotel

The Henrietta Hotel’s interior design is a collaboration between renowned designer Dorothée Meilichzon and the Experimental Group, the team behind some of Paris's trendiest cocktail bars and hotels. 

Their combined expertise results in a sophisticated yet playful ambiance throughout the hotel.

The Henrietta Hotel is home to Les Passerelles, a stylish restaurant and bar serving modern French cuisine with a creative twist. Despite its central location, this hotel maintains an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, with personalised service and attention to detail. 

Notting Hill, London © Shutterstock

Ready to see London? With our tailor-made trip service , you don't have to spend hours researching to take your dream trip. 

Let us take care of the planning and booking. Our trips are crafted by local travel experts and are completely customizable to your wants and needs. Here are a few of our English trips:

• Refreshing English Countryside Brea k (5 days): This trip will take you through picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads.
• Great British Road Trip (20 days): Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over to Scotland's capital Edinburgh  

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

• Architecture
• United Kingdom
• Inspiration
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for England

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to England

• Eating and drinking in England
• Sports and Outdoor activities in England
• Travel Tips England for planning and on the go
• Getting around England: Transportation Tips
• How to get to England
• Shopping tips for England
• Best time to visit England

Find even more inspiration for 57 here

Ready to travel and discover England?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice

• Holiday Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do

London, England Vacation Rentals and Holiday Rentals

• Holiday Rentals    
• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• London Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals in London

Suitability, property type, distinctive features, neighbourhood, distance from.

• Your Place in Little Venice is a stunning apartment near Paddington

• Soho Apartment - Central London

• Fichi in the CIty

Stunning 1 bed flat in Southwark/ Zone 1 location

St Katharine Docks - Tower Bridge - Marina View

Covent Garden Apartment

River View, London Zone 2 Hammersmith, 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath

Spacious Fitzrovia Apartment

2 bedroom Kensington apartment with terrace

Old Town Greenwich 4 / 199WR

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom Pimlico family flat

Professionally Cleaned - Bright Aircon Apt Earls Court London

Regency Apartment in Central London, Westminster

St Katharine Dock - Studio - Tower Bridge

NPH Duplex Penthouse Sleeps 6 wifi Clerkenwell

the house on the corner

Lovely Notting Hill Apartment

Boutique top floor apartment with terrace

Modern Luxury flat

Gorgeous 1 bed apartment in Fab Location - Zone 1

SUPERIOR 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH APARTMENT Riverside St Paul Zone1 WiFi

NEWLY REFURBISHED FLAT IN HEART OF FULHAM/CHELSEA 5 MIN FROM TUBE STATION

Stunning Bright flat

Fitzrovia - Central London

Bloomsbury Apartment

Chiswick 2 bedroom garden Flat

Central Zone 2

Holland Park modern flat near Westfield mall

Super Central Location

Beechhill House: Beautiful Edwardian house with 5 bedrooms and garden in South East London

Professionally Cleaned - Comfortable Aircon Apt Earls Court London

Westcombe Park Rd

large family apartment up to 7

Modern 3 bedroom apartment in London 0131

Suite 9, 2 min from Belsize Tube station, first floor, sofa bed for 3rd person

Fantastic Fulham Experience-2BR 2BT Garden Apt

Marylebone Apartment

Spacious Apartment near British Museum, Bloomsbury

M11 - Modern 2 bedroom apartment near Hyde Park

Stay Central! Bang for Buck! Zone 1!

LUXURIOUS RIVERSIDE APARTMENT

Large Luxurious Double Bedroom in a Penthouse - Central London

SPH Stunning City Views sleeps 6 Elizabeth Line

1M Farringdon sleeps 4 Large 1BR Former Warehouse

London Zone 1 Self Catering Apartment

Your Own House/2 Bedr/3 Beds/3 Bath/Covent Gdn

LUXURY/HUGE 3 BEDR/4BEDS/ COVENT GARD 5MIN SUBWAY!

4 Bedroom apartment, 2 bathrooms, 5 minutes walk tube

Superb Central London Elegant Apartment sleeps 4

• Stunning 1 dbl bed flat in London fields/Broadway market near outdoor pool
• Luxury 3 Bedroom Standard close to Harrods Knightsbridge
• Luxury One Bedroom apartment in a beautiful red-brick Victorian townhouse

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

17 Best Day Trips From London — From Small Towns to Stunning Forests

Take a break from the big city.

joe daniel price/Getty Images

There’s no denying London is one of the greatest cities in the world for art, culture, history, and theater. After a weeklong trip, though, you may want to escape its hustle and experience some of the U.K.'s best forests, country houses, seaside towns, and even other European neighbors. Thankfully, all of this and more lies within easy reach of the capital.

"London is often seen as the gateway to the rest of Europe and the United Kingdom, with six international airports and excellent rail connections to continue your onward journey," said Rose Wangen-Jones, the managing director of London & Partners, which runs the city's official tourism site . "You could even be at the Eiffel Tower taking snaps of the Paris skyline in just over two hours, thanks to the high-speed Eurostar train."

Complete with riverside walks, ancient towns, idyllic streets filled with indie shops, and amazing restaurants, here are our picks for the best day trips from London.

Whitstable, Kent

CBCK-Christine/Getty Images

Ask any Londoner and they’ll often tell you Whitstable, located about an hour east of London via high-speed train, is at the top of their city escape list. One of the U.K.'s most charming seaside towns , Whitstable is famed for its multicolored North Sea-facing beach huts and restaurants that plate up fresh lobsters. The town’s castle ruins are well worth exploring, too, and the hilly — and sometimes windy — coastal walks will help brush off those cerebral cobwebs.

Another major draw is the town’s oysters. Guzzling half a dozen of these must-try mollusks is almost a rite of passage in these parts, and one of the best times to try them is during the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival , which takes place every summer. Expect live music, markets selling local wares, and stellar wines.

Margate, Kent

Laurie Noble/Getty Images

Thanks to a cultural renaissance spearheaded by celebrities and artists such as Tracey Emin, Margate has experienced a rebirth. The Kent coastal town, less than a two-hour train ride from London, exudes cool grit and harbor glamour, with independent shops, contemporary restaurants, and the Walpole Bay Tidal Pool , made for a quick summer dip. Though Margate is on the gusty side, the Turner Contemporary gallery will keep you shielded from all the elements. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the retro theme park and roller-disco Dreamland is well worth the admission price.

Cliveden House, Berkshire

Andrew Holt/Getty Images

Over its long, illustrious history, Cliveden has been a retreat for royals (Meghan, Duchess of Sussex stayed here on the eve of her wedding), and it played host to the scandalous Profumo affair back in the 1960s. The former home of the Astor family, the house was originally built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham as a country pad to rival all others. Now, anyone can visit to admire its over-the-top English style (think winding oak staircases and hallways filled with paintings, chandeliers, and armor). Aside from it being a great spot for afternoon tea, Cliveden really is all about stunning riverside walks, park picnics, and if you’ve got the time, a riverboat tour down the Thames. The best part? It's just an hour's drive west of London.

Rye, Sussex

Aubrey Stoll/Getty Images

Instagrammers from across the globe descend upon Rye to snap photos of its cutesy, cobbled lanes and mishmash of Diagon Alley-esque antique shops and bookstores. Just under two hours from London, the small and hilly town is the perfect place to grab a local Sussex ale or English sparkling wine. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants serving top-notch seafood lunches and scrumptious lobster pots. Another bonus? It's close to one of the U.K.’s best beaches , picturesque Camber Sands. Tip: bring a fancy picnic basket.

Box Hill, Surrey 

Nickos/Getty Images

Green and pleasant pastures await in this dreamy part of the Surrey countryside. Less than an hour outside of London, Box Hill is a solid quick option for a day trip with fresh air. Most people cycle here from Richmond Park, but if you're short on time, you can take the train. It takes roughly four hours to complete the entire eight-mile circular Box Hill Hike , and those who reach the summit will be treated to sprawling views of the North Downs. Another option is walking from the train station via the Stepping Stones Path , which takes about two hours out and back. The National Trust cafe is a great spot for a well-deserved slice of cake, but if you fancy heading further out, the nearby Beaverbrook hotel has several dining venues on its 470-acre estate, including The Garden House Restaurant , which offers steaks of both the beef and cauliflower variety, salads, seafood, and pasta.

TJ Blackwell/Getty Images

Despite being more than 200 miles from the capital, York is actually one of the easiest day trips from London. Trains take just under two hours and run frequently enough that you can decide if you want to go the same day. The ancient walled city is best known for its Gothic masterpiece York Minster , one of the U.K.’s oldest cathedrals, dating back to the seventh century.

"York Minster is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world, as well as one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe," says Nicola Butler, a T+L A-List advisor and owner of NoteWorthy . "The first recorded church on the site was built in 627, and it has had a colorful and varied history ever since. We then suggest our clients admire the timber-framed buildings of the Shambles, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086."

In addition to seeing this stunner, visitors can walk along the city walls before climbing up Clifford’s Tower for some awesome views of the city and beyond. Learn about 3,000 years of chocolate history at York's Chocolate Story museum, then hit up the Shambles for winding, Harry Potter -style streets packed with cool storefronts and tea shops.  

Lewes, Sussex

Patrick Donovan/Getty Images

Lewes often gets overlooked for its neighbor Brighton but this quaint town, located about an hour south of London, has lots to offer. Lewes Castle , the remains of Lewes Priory , and the former home of Anne of Cleves will keep you busy for a few hours, as will the pubs and local handicraft shops. If you have more time to spare, take a cab to the nearby village of Rodmell. Here, you’ll find Monk’s House , the former 16th-century country retreat of groundbreaking 20th-century author Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard. The garden is pretty, and you’ll also get to go inside Woolf’s writing lodge where she sat and wrote her most famous novels and essays. And if you’ve got the stamina, the walk to the village of Glynde and its Elizabethan manor is well worth the steep hills. Your reward? Spectacular views over the South Downs.

KavalenkavaVolha/Getty Images

The beauty of Europe is its excellent and efficient train network. The Eurostar , for example, takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the French capital from London’s St. Pancras International station. With little planning, you can easily tackle many of the top attractions in Paris if you book yourself on the earliest service out and the latest back. To make the most of your day here, focus on the heart of the city: the Louvre , Musée d'Orsay , plus the amazing stores, coffee shops, and restaurants of Saint-Germain-des-Prés are all within walking distance of each other. Round out the day at the Trocadéro to snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower and relax on the banks of the Seine with a picnic, Emily in Paris- style.

Bath, Somerset

One of the best day trips from London for history lovers, Somerset’s largest city beckons visitors with its ancient Roman baths and Georgian architecture. After the Roman period, its healing hot springs experienced a surge in popularity, transforming Bath into a fashionable spa retreat in the 17th and 18th centuries. Recognized as one of UNESCO's "Great Spa Towns of Europe," the city can easily be reached via an hour-and-change train ride from London. When you arrive, explore the bathing complex, constructed around 70 C.E., and have afternoon tea at The Pump Room restaurant. Then, stop by Bath Abbey , where you can tour the top of the church tower. While you can’t swim in the historic baths, the next best option is Thermae Bath Spa 's rooftop thermal pool — a perfect place to cap off your visit before taking the train back to London.

Ashdown Forest, Sussex

Winnie-the-Pooh fans will likely want to add Ashdown Forest to their list of scenic day trips from the capital. A.A. Milne lived near the 6,500-acre woodland when he penned the stories of Christopher Robin and his friends. Better known as the fictional “Hundred Acre Wood,” the forest is accessible via a one-hour train ride to East Grinstead station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. For an even easier journey, join a customized tour with Pooh Trek , which will pick you up at the station and visit highlights like the historic Pooh Sticks Bridge, plus cozy cottages and pubs. Those looking to extend their stay can even spend a few nights at Milne’s former house, the 16th-century Cotchford Farm .

Brighton, Sussex

oversnap/Getty Images

The unofficial gay capital of the U.K. is the place to go if you're in search of wall-to-wall live music venues, classic seaside bed-and-breakfasts, buzzing clubs, and Soho House's members-only Brighton Beach House . About an hour's train ride from London, Brighton's famed Palace Pier , pebbly beach, and shops on The Lanes are all worth a visit. Visitors can expect narrow alleyways packed with independent boutiques, record stores, pizza shacks, vegan eats, and small pubs championing local ales sourced from all over the city’s home county, Sussex.

Hastings, Sussex

larigan - Patricia Hamilton/Getty Images

About a 1.5-hour train ride from London, Hastings has a long, colorful, and somewhat brutal history that’s kept tourists flocking to its windy cliffs for centuries. The former battleground of William the Conqueror offers all sorts of to-dos, from the ruins of its Norman castle (no dragons, sadly) to a strip of indie shops to great local restaurants. There's also a long pier stretching out into the English Channel that has "sunset walk" written all over it. The best views can be enjoyed from East Hill, accessible via the U.K.'s steepest funicular, the East Hill Cliff Railway. After riding down, head to George Street, a haven for continental-style cafes, art shops, and bookstores.

Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands

Jorisvo/Getty Images

Literature buffs will love this medieval town hidden away in England's West Midlands. Shakespeare’s former homes and his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage are the major draws. A little more than two hours north of London, the town is also a great place to indulge in a boat tour along the plant-flecked canal basin. If you’re a theater lover, catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company 's playhouse (book well in advance), or enjoy a dinner cruise down the picturesque River Avon on the Countess of Evesham restaurant boat.

Canterbury, Kent

Alexey_Fedoren/Getty Images

If you dig a medieval cathedral with a dash of Chaucer, head to Canterbury. Roughly a 45-minute train ride from London, the town is a great option for travelers who are pressed for time. Start off with a walk (or bike ride) down the wiggly King’s Lane to check out the city’s stellar indie shops. When it comes to fueling up, there's lots on offer, from pastries at The Goods Shed farmers market and food hall to Scotch eggs at pubs in town. Walk it off in one of England’s oldest parks, Westgate Gardens, before hitting up the nearby Blean Woods Nature Reserve , an ancient woodland filled with rare flora and fauna. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is also worth visiting for a glimpse at one of the world's most important collections of cow paintings.

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Tu xa Ha Noi/Getty Images

An easy, one-hour train journey from St. Pancras, this university city dating back to 1209 is home to some of the world's most photogenic colleges and dorms. Begin your journey at King’s College and stroll through its 15th-century landmark Gothic chapel, home to the world’s largest fan vault and some impressive stained-glass windows.

Next, explore the waterways in a punt, a long, flat-bottomed boat. Aside from hopping on a bike, it’s the simplest (and most fun) way to explore the city on the cheap. Plus, you’ll see all the top attractions, from Trinity College to the Bridge of Sighs , along the way.

"NoteWorthy clients often visit the Wren Library in Trinity College Cambridge, designed by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren," says Butler. "It is one of Cambridge’s most famous and historic college libraries. This experience will take you behind the scenes to see some extraordinary and valuable literary works guided by a subject expert. Two of Shakespeare’s first folios and various letters of Sir Isaac Newton are just examples of what you could see on the tour."

When you get hungry, head to the Pint Shop for gourmet pub-style food served in a joint once loved by E.M. Forster. The Sunday roast is great, as are all the beers sourced from hops all over the country.

Oxford, Oxfordshire

Famed for its academic history, ivy-clad buildings, and Harry Potter filming locations , Oxford is another university city well worth a day trip from London. The train journey from Paddington or Marylebone station takes just over an hour and once you arrive, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a real-life version of the Wizarding World. Start your visit with a walking tour ( Bodleian Libraries offers guided explorations of the city and its beautiful libraries). Then, climb the tower of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin for one of the best views of the rooftops. In addition to the towering Gothic architecture, the city's historic streets are lined with traditional pubs and charming cafes. After refueling, end your day with a punting adventure along the River Cherwell or visit the Ashmolean Museum , which houses an impressive array of art and artifacts.

Bruton, Somerset

Tim Green/Getty Images

Somerset is a long day trip from London, but it’s doable and worth the effort if you’re willing to wake up early. One of the most convenient ways to get a taste of it is via the Great Garden Escape , courtesy of one of England's most celebrated hotels, The Newt in Somerset . The approximately two-hour journey sets off from London’s Paddington station, with breakfast served on board before the train rolls into the hills of the West Country. Next to the hotel’s Georgian façade, explore picturesque gardens and ancient woodlands, plus learn the art of cider making before digging into an afternoon tea overlooking the orchards. It’s basically England summed up in about eight hours.

Related Articles

Monthly Rentals in London

Discover long-term rentals that feel like home for stays of a month or longer.

Nearby monthly rentals

Apartment in London

The Shakespeare Room: Historic Design-led Stay

Guest suite in Tufnell Park

Poppyseed Studio .. Home from home!

Flat in London

Oval-Stylish, newly renovated 1 bed flat

Flat in Croydon

Independent accommodation for a single traveller.

The comforts of home and great monthly rates

Fully furnished rentals

Digital nomads & travelling professionals

Delight included

Pets welcome

Amenities and perks for longer stays, furnished rentals, flexibility you need, simple monthly prices, book with confidence, work-friendly spaces for digital nomads, looking for serviced apartments, popular amenities for monthly rentals, stay near london's top sights, destinations to explore.

• New York   Monthly Rentals
• Barcelona   Monthly Rentals
• Florence   Monthly Rentals
• Athens   Monthly Rentals
• Miami   Monthly Rentals
• Montreal   Monthly Rentals
• Seattle   Monthly Rentals
• Berlin   Monthly Rentals
• Paris   Monthly Rentals
• Rio de Janeiro   Monthly Rentals
• Amsterdam   Monthly Rentals
• Istanbul   Monthly Rentals
• Lisbon   Monthly Rentals
• Rome   Monthly Rentals
• Copenhagen   Monthly Rentals
• Portland   Monthly Rentals
• Buenos Aires   Monthly Rentals
• Cape Town   Monthly Rentals
• London   Monthly Rentals
• Tokyo   Monthly Rentals
• Sydney   Monthly Rentals
• Austin   Monthly Rentals
• Prague   Monthly Rentals
• Vienna   Monthly Rentals
• San Francisco   Monthly Rentals
• Hamburg   Monthly Rentals
• Washington DC   Monthly Rentals
• Vancouver   Monthly Rentals
• Brussels   Monthly Rentals
• Los Angeles   Monthly Rentals
• Munich   Monthly Rentals
• Bangkok   Monthly Rentals
• Central London   Holiday rentals
• City of London   Holiday rentals
• Cambridge   Holiday rentals
• Oxford   Holiday rentals
• Cotswold District   Holiday rentals
• Bournemouth   Holiday rentals
• Bath   Holiday rentals
• Birmingham   Holiday rentals
• Bristol   Holiday rentals
• Nottingham   Holiday rentals
• Cardiff   Holiday rentals
• Bruges   Holiday rentals
• Tiny house rentals   London
• Bed and breakfasts   London
• Townhouse rentals   London
• Pet-friendly rentals   London
• Private suite rentals   London
• Rentals with a cinema   London
• Rentals with pools   London
• Rentals with a sauna   London
• Luxury rentals   London
• Beachfront rentals   London
• Hotel rentals   London
• Rentals with an accessible-height bed   London
• Villa rentals   London
• Mansion rentals   London
• Cabin rentals   London
• Rentals with an EV charger   London
• Rentals with a balcony   London
• Rentals with a kayak   London
• Cottage rentals   London
• Rentals with a soaking bathtub   London
• Flat rentals   London
• Rentals with lake access   London
• Rentals with a fireplace   London
• Waterfront rentals   London
• Fitness-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with a hot tub   London
• Boutique hotel rentals   London
• House rentals   London
• Family-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with beach access   London
• Rentals with an accessible-height toilet   London
• Rentals with a washing machine and dryer   London
• Hostel rentals   London
• Serviced apartment rentals   London
• Rentals with a patio   London
• Guest house rentals   London
• Apartment rentals   London
• Rentals with a firepit   London
• Rentals with breakfast   London
• Wheelchair-accessible rentals   London
• Smoking-friendly rentals   London
• Loft rentals   London
• Aparthotel rentals   London
• Rentals with outdoor seating   London
• Monthly Rentals   Central London
• Monthly Rentals   United Kingdom
• Monthly Rentals   England
• Monthly Rentals   Greater London
• › United Kingdom ›
• › England ›
• › Greater London ›
• › Monthly Rentals

The best Taylor Swift-inspired properties listed on Airbnb as ‘passion tourism’ sees popularity boom

Properties dressed in Taylor Swift memorabilia, alongside apartments near locations mentioned in her songs and places she's stayed herself are all available to rent out on Airbnb

• 13:39, 27 MAY 2024

Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester

We have more newsletters

Taylor Swift mania is well and truly sweeping the country ahead of the singer’s arrival in June for her huge career-spanning tour.

The singer will be bringing The Eras Tour to Edinburgh , Liverpool , Cardiff and London next month, which will feature performances from songs across her 11 studio albums - all the way from her self-titled 2006 debut up to the recently-released The Tortured Poets Department.

The tour, which has lasted close to three hours in some cases since beginning in America last year, will see fans travel from across the country, and beyond, to get a chance to see the singer live in person.

READ MORE: The 12 Greater Manchester summer festivals you can still get tickets for

But some Swifties have been keen to take their fandom an extra step further by either designing their properties with inspiration from the singer in mind - and you can stay in a bunch of them thanks to their listings on sites like Airbnb. There's also places situated right near to locations mentioned by Taylor in her songs, and even some where she has stayed herself.

As Wales Online first reported , fans could decide to take a trip to Florida, like Taylor’s song of the same title from her most-recent album, or they could choose to live their Forever Winter fantasy in Iceland, as inspired by her Red album.

Amanda Cupples, General Manager for the UK and Northern Europe at Airbnb, said: “A huge part of what we do at Airbnb is offer unforgettable travel experiences that tap into the parts of culture people love the most. Whether that be musicians, TV shows, or films."

She added: "We’re seeing the ‘passion tourism’ trend rise across the board, and Taylor Swift is no different. When tickets for the UK leg of the Eras Tour went on sale last July, searches for Airbnbs in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Liverpool during the concert dates increased by 337%, compared with searches for those dates the previous month.

"With people willing to travel further afield to celebrate their fandom, we hope our curated list of extraordinary stays help bring Taylor’s iconic Eras set list to life.” Below is a look at several Taylor Swift-inspired stays on Airbnb around the world.”

Other Airbnb listings include a three-bedroom apartment in Camden, which could give fans a chance to live out their own ‘London Boy’ era, whilst a Brooklyn townhouse will be perfect for those who can’t stop listening to Coney Island from the evermore album.

We’ve taken a look at some of the listings below to help you choose which Taylor era you’d love to recreate yourself.

The Cäz - Mulzac Brooklyn Townhome , Brooklyn, United States - ‘Coney Island’, Evermore Era

Not far from Coney Island, this entire apartment boasts its very own waterfall. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, its sleek and modern interior invites you to experience the best of city living, with a rich tapestry of culture, history, and diversity right on your doorstep.

One-bedroom guest house in Malibu, California, United States - ‘Snow on the Beach’, Midnights Era

Whilst snow on the beach can't always be guaranteed here, spectacular views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean can be. Nestled on the side of a mountain, this intimate guest home has unobstructed views and this stay is best suited for couples or solo travellers.

Three-bedroom apartment in Camden, London, UK - ‘London Boy’, Lover Era

Situated not far from Camden Market, where Taylor has admitted to enjoying a stroll around every now and then, this apartment is right bang in the middle of the electric neighbourhood. The property features oak, leather, marble and steel finishes to give a refined experience for anyone choosing to stay a night or two.

Ocean Front Villa , near Blue Lagoon, Iceland - ‘ Forever Winter’, Red Era

Dating back to 1929, this newly-renovated farmhouse is a specular place to stay and is features plenty of strikingly beautiful Icelandic architecture references. Located on a large private property between Reykjavik and the airport, it has outstanding ocean and mountain views, a private beach and a jacuzzi.

One-bedroom loft in Manhattan , NY, United States - ‘ Welcome to New York’, 1989 Era

This beautiful, spacious, and bright loft is conveniently located in the Chelsea neighbourhood, which is home to more than 200 art galleries, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to peruse. Giving you a perfect Welcome To New York, it's a great Manhattan experience.

The Coach House in Dublin, Ireland

This cosy coach house in Dublin, Ireland, was once stayed in by Taylor herself during a visit to the capital city. The owners of the 200-year-old property posted on Airbnb: "Taylor Swift stayed with us while enjoying a low key visit to Dublin. We were delighted to have her at our home and equally thrilled she managed to avoid the attention of the media."

The Swiftie Shangri-La , Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Designed well and truly with Taylor fans in mind, the Swiftie Shangri-La in Nashville is dotted with memorabilia and items playing homage to the singer. Located in the heart of Nashville, where Taylor began her music career, the chic loft features a breath-taking outdoor terrace, with stunning city views and playful décor.

Apartment with panoramic view - 29th floor , Paris, France - ‘Paris’, Midnights Era

Situated on the 29 th floor, this beautiful apartment has a panoramic view of the city of Paris and is also conveniently located near the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars. This chic stay strikes the perfect balance of old-world charm and modern elegance, just like Taylor’s song Paris.

The Red House , in Cedarville, Ohio, United States - ‘ Red’, Red Era

A red house for the Red album sounds about right. This newly remodelled home sleeps seven guests - fitted with a spiral staircase, loft, fully-equipped kitchen, luxurious king-size bed and cosy living room. There are several outdoor spaces to relax and take in the red exterior - with the backyard leading to a large fishing hole along Massie Creek, which also just so happens to have a rope swing ready for your enjoyment.

Luxury Riverside Retreat with Stunning City Views , Vauxhall London, UK - ‘ The Black Dog’, The Tortured Poets Department Era

The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall went viral in April after Taylor name-checked it in her latest album. This modern and spacious two-bedroom apartment is situated right near to the famous pub, restaurant and beer garden, and also offers breath-taking panoramic views of the River Thames and London’s iconic skyline.

Lower East Side Sanctuary , New York, United States - ‘Cornelia Street’ (New York), Lover Era

This quintessential Lower East Side loft apartment is just an 11-minute cab ride from Cornelia Street, which was also name-checked by Taylor - this time in her 2019 album Lover. Located in a vibrant downtown neighbourhood,. you'll be able to enjoy a stylish tranquil stay here.

Four-bedroom home , Orlando, United States - ‘Florida!!!’ The Tortured Poets Department Era

This stunning home is in the most central location you can get in Orlando – so if you’re looking for a roller coaster kind of rush, you’ll only be three minutes from all Universal Studios and 15 minutes to the Disney parks. When you’re done chasing the adrenaline high, you can kick back and relax by the pool.

• Taylor Swift
• United States
• Most Recent

Money blog: 'He bought it on eBay thinking it was a toy' - How £600 car turning up at a mum's house helped inspire GoHenry

In the first of our Women in Business series, we speak to GoHenry founder Louise Hill about her journey to the top. Read this and the rest of today's consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog below, and leave your thoughts in the comments box.

Tuesday 28 May 2024 18:53, UK

• NatWest down: Major banking app crashes
• Chocolate bars with 'menopause almonds' branded a 'ridiculous money-making product'
• Raheem Sterling to pay for 14 people to go to university and applications close this Thursday
• Renters Reform Bill shelved - while leasehold bill passes without cap on ground rents

Essential reads

• Women in Business : 'A truck unloaded a £600 car that her son bought on eBay thinking it was a toy' - The schoolgate stories that led to GoHenry
• The pension policy some say is unsustainable - but that no politician will commit to scrapping
• Money Problem : 'My mortgage lender is ending my two-year fix and I haven't been in the house for two years - can they do this?'
• How much is pocket money in 2024 and where are kids spending it?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Just 18% of companies in the UK are led by women, a nd while data suggests female entrepreneurs are on the rise, men still receive more funding and are entrusted with higher average loans to get them started.  

In a new series every Tuesday,  Money blog reporter Jess Sharp speaks to women who are bossing it in their respective fields - hearing their stories, struggles and advice for those who want to follow in their footsteps. 

First up is the co-founder and CEO of GoHenry, Louise Hill...  

For many women, having kids pauses or unfairly disrupts their careers. For Louise, the opposite happened. 

Growing up in Lowestoft on the east coast of England, she had a childhood filled with days on the beach, kayaking and exploring old boats. But her own kids arrived into a very different world - one of apps and downloads and online market places.

It wasn't long before she started to think about financial education and the importance of practical money skills.  

Back when her two children had iPods and would download music from iTunes, she would print off an invoice every time they landed a bill in her inbox. The invoice would then be stuck on the fridge.

When they came to her at the weekend asking for pocket money, Louise would point to the fridge and deduct the amount they had already spent from their allowance.  

"I was trying to make them understand that money has to come from somewhere, and it really doesn't grow on trees," she told the Money team. 

"I could go through the process of saying, well you'd normally get £5 but here's what you've spent this week, so you only get £1.20." 

How the idea for GoHenry came about

Among school pick-ups and kids' football games, she heard other parents complaining about their children's spending habits.  

One parent told a story about her daughter spending £200 on an online My Little Pony game. Another didn't know what to do when a battered-up car arrived at her driveway on a flatbed truck after her son spent £600 on eBay on what he thought was a toy. 

"Everybody had a story. It was amazing to realise we were all having the same problems and kids were starting to have access through their parents to the digital world, but there was nothing in the market to help parents teach them to access it in a safe way," Louise said.  

"We wanted to create a service that would empower them with freedom, confidence, to use and understand money but in a safe environment."

The idea of GoHenry, a prepaid debit card and learning app, was born.  

With a big mortgage, little money to set up a business and two kids to look after following a divorce, Louise said she and her co-founders (who quickly left the company) "grafted".

"I could have got a fairly safe, well-paid corporate job - jumping off the edge of a cliff into the uncertainty of starting a business was quite a leap," she said.

"But, the idea was too good, frankly. 

"It took a little while to work out the right tool to use, so we worked nights, we worked weekends, we worked holidays, all because we really, really wanted to bring this to market." 

In an initial round of seed funding, she raised more than £650,000, which was followed by several successful crowdfunding campaigns. 

The challenges

Her company eventually launched in 2012 and while it's now a huge success, delivering a service to more than two million people across France, Spain, Italy, the US and the UK, Louise said it hasn't been without its challenges. 

The first one was the name. When it first came to market, the business was called PKTMNY (pronounced pocket money), but the name was changed about 18 months later after she realised it was "stupid".  

"Nobody could say it and nobody could spell it, it was a really silly idea," she added. 

The business got the name GoHenry after its very first customer – an 11-year-old boy named Henry from Bristol.

Another challenge was its scale of growth - GoHenry grew in a big way, very quickly, which meant constant changes needed to be made to the company structure. 

"About six or seven years ago, we were growing incredibly quickly... I know this sounds ridiculous but almost every six months you'd have to step back and look at what we needed," she said. 

This was an issue Louise had faced and failed to overcome years before in a previous business - an ecommerce company called Manners which she was forced to sell after running out of cash to sustain its growth. 

"We failed to think about how we would scale it. We couldn't grow it any more because we didn't have enough cash in the company. At the time, I was really cross with myself for not having thought about that," she said. 

'I was becoming a roadblock'

In around 2017-18, Louise realised another issue with GoHenry - herself. 

"I was becoming a roadblock. I was working flat out and so much of the information about why we did things the way we did them was in my head or in my laptop files," she explained.

"That kind of snuck up on me and I was fundamentally creating a risk for the business and stopping us growing as quickly as we could." 

She started a campaign across the company, encouraging staff to raise "single points of failure" to see where the problems were. 

"I appeared in there an awful lot," she said. "So, yeah, that's a top tip from me - don't let that sneak up on you. Plan ahead." 

What's been the key to her success? 

Now running for more than 12 years, GoHenry has continued to expand and innovate.

Louise said keeping her mission of "making every kid smart with money" at the forefront had been "fundamental". 

"That is our sole focus. This isn't an add-on product to another business, everyone who joins GoHenry is here for one reason and that's to serve Gen Z and now Generation Alpha's money needs and I think that makes a big difference," she added. 

Louise's advice for others 

"Who am I to give advice?" was her initial response when asked this question, adding that she hoped to see more young girls and women see images of people who look like them succeeding.

"The more that becomes the norm, the more people will think they can do it too," she said. 

"I've been asked many times what's the difference between a founder, an entrepreneur and a non-entrepreneur, and it has to come down to risk appetite," she added.

"I've thought about all sorts of different mindsets, different backgrounds, different abilities with, I don't know, spreadsheets or contacts... But at some point it comes down to being confident enough." 

So practically, she said women looking to set up a business should start by finding support groups.

"There are loads out there. They can be hugely helpful because founding a business can be lonely and a tough move to make. Nobody pretends that it's easy," she said. 

Another tip she had was to plan for scale "from day one", thinking about the partners you work with, the suppliers, how much money you need to bring in and how often you might need to "go out and get more money". 

But the most important lesson, she says, is was to hire people you know are better than you. 

"It's scary to hire people that you know are much better than you but if you can do that and then give them the space they need to do what they can really well, you'll have a much higher chance of a successful business," she said. 

" What's the worst that can happen if you fail? Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start again." 

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

A company that makes microchips for artificial intelligence and became the first chipmaker to be worth first $1trn then $2trn has today reached another record high.

Nvidia shares are now going for a record $1,132.19 after it posted higher-than-expected quarterly profits and made strong forecasts. Its value is now $2.62trn (£2.05trn)

The US-based, New York-listed company is in the ranks of tech giants worth the eye-watering trillion sum, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google parent company Alphabet, as investors expect the company will benefit from the AI revolution.

Also making headlines was UK company Boohoo, the Manchester-based fast fashion retailer, as it cancelled annual bonuses worth £3m. 

A pay proposal for bosses was also ditched after talks with shareholders as the company has experienced losses after the pandemic-era online shopping boom faded and a cost of living crisis eroded consumer spending power.

Revolution Bars has rejected a proposed offer from rival Nightcap, warning it is "incapable of being delivered".

The hospitality group launched a sale process and restructuring plans last month amid efforts to stay afloat. The company's restructuring plans include £12.5m in fundraising and the closure of 18 venues.

But Revolution has said the non-binding proposal from Nightcap  did not include the proposed fundraising and would not work as it was "highly conditional".

Read the full story here ...

The rate of price rises in UK shops has returned to "normal levels", according to new industry figures.

Overall annual shop inflation eased to 0.6% in May, down from 0.8% in April, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and NielsenIQ said.

The figure is the lowest since November 2021.

More than 120 business leaders have written an open letter giving their backing to Labour in the general election.

The letter printed in The Times has been signed by figures including the founders of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales, chef Tom Kerridge and former CEOs of Heathrow, JP Morgan and Aston Martin.

Openreach plans to build full fibre broadband in over 500 more locations across the UK, it has been announced.

The new locations include 400,000 sites in the hardest to reach, most rural parts of the country, including Tobermory in Argyll and Bute, Haworth in West Yorkshire, Saundersfoot in South Wales, Pinxton in Derbyshire, Harlow in Essex and Roborough in Devon.

The work, which is part of Openreach's £15bn project to upgrade the UK's broadband infrastructure, will cover a further 2.7 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026.

Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said the plan was to build right across the UK, "from cities and towns to far-flung farms and island communities".

"Over time, we've learnt to deliver predictably, consistently and at a rapid pace - despite this being a hugely complex national engineering project," he said.

Check your full fibre availability here .

London is officially the world's cleverest city, according to an annual study.

Oxford Economics , an independent economic advisory firm, found the capital topped the list when it came to "human capital" - this encompasses the collective knowledge and skills of a city's population.

In its report, the firm found London came out on top in part due to the number of higher education institutions in the city, "which helps it achieve one of the highest rates of educational attainment in the world".

"London also attracts many highly educated people from abroad and several global corporations are headquartered in the city to take advantage of this world-class talent pool," the report added.

In second place was Tokyo and in third place was Riyadh.

Top cities by human capital score: 

1. London, UK

2. Tokyo, Japan

3. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4. New York, US

5. Seoul, South Korea

6. Paris, France

7. Washington, DC, US

8. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

9. Sydney, Australia

10. Boston, US

Concerns are being raised as fast fashion retailer Shein has its sights set on a London stock market listing.

Our City editor Mark Kleinman previously reported the fast fashion giant had held talks with the London Stock Exchange about staging a blockbuster public listing in the UK. 

Shein has quickly become one of the world's biggest online clothing retailers and the talks came at a time of crisis for the City as a listing venue for large multinationals.

But senior MPs are calling for more scrutiny of the Chinese company, which sells ultra-cheap clothing and has faced allegations of labour malpractices. 

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote on X: "With Shein's prices so low, the London Stock Exchange needs to ask itself, whose suffering is subsiding those prices?

"A company which has failed to make full disclosures about its supply chains as required by UK law, and where there are grave concerns about its factory working conditions, has no place in London."

Sarah Champion, the Labour chair of the International Development Committee, told The Guardian: "Transparency in supply chains is vital and something all governments should be demanding. Serious concerns have been raised about the use of modern slavery by Shein which need investigating."

A Shein spokesperson told the Money blog that it acknowledged its role in "creating a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry" and "believed it was healthy to attract scrutiny and transparency" and "wanted to be held to the highest standards".

"Shein has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labour and we are committed to respecting human rights," they said in a statement.

"We take visibility across our entire supply chain seriously and we require our contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions."

The company also said it was "investing millions of pounds in strengthening governance and compliance across its supply chain".

"Our regular supplier audits are showing a consistent improvement in performance and compliance by our supplier partners. This includes improvements in ensuring that workers are compensated fairly for what they do," they added.

Basically, the triple lock is a commitment from the government to keep the state pension in line with rising prices and wages.

The government's pledge is to uprate the new and basic pension every year by the highest of three things - earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5%. Hence the "triple" reference.

It was first announced by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government in the first budget following the 2010 election, and has been in place since the 2011-12 financial year – bar a brief suspension in 2022-23.

Prior to this, pensions had been increased at least in line with prices since 1980.

Why was it introduced?

The triple lock was brought in to protect the value of the state pension from being overtaken by increased living costs or the working population's income.

Announcing the scheme in his emergency June 2010 budget, then-chancellor George Osborne said pensioners would "have the income to live with dignity in retirement".

What does it apply to, what is it worth and who's eligible?

The triple lock applies to the basic or "old" state pension (paid to people who reached pension age before 6 April 2016), and the new state pension (6 April 2016 and later).

Last month saw the state pension rise by 8.5% to match the increase in average earnings - following a 10.1% hike the previous year.

It means for the current tax year (2024-25), the full new state pension is:

• £221.20 per week
• £11,502.40 per year

People who reached state pension age from April 2016 need at least 35 years on their national insurance record  to be eligible for the full new state pension.

The basic state pension is currently: 

• £169.50 per week
• £8,814 per year

Men born before 6 April 1945 will need at least 44 qualifying national insurance years to get the full pension, while for women it's 39. Men and women born between April 1945 and April 1951 need 30 years.

Will the triple lock continue?

An ageing population and soaring inflation has raised questions about its long-term affordability.

A 2023 report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies said the triple lock adds an extra £11bn a year to public spending, while the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned the "costly" scheme could push up pension spending by about 0.8% of GDP by the 2027-28 tax year.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said back in March that the Conservative Party would commit to keeping the triple lock if it won the general election - after previously saying it was being kept "under review".

The party has now announced plans for a "triple lock plus" that would see pensioners' personal tax allowance rise by the same percentage as their pensions.

The Tories have frozen income tax allowances until 2028 - meaning millions of Britons are paying more tax by "stealth", contributing to a record tax burden on the country.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has also vowed to keep the regular triple lock for at least five years if his party replaces the Tories in power.

Read other entries in our Basically... series...

Raheem Sterling will financially support 14 students to attend university through his scholarship fund, with applications closing this week.

This will be the second year the Chelsea forward's scholarship programme will assist successful applicants at King's College London and the University of Manchester.

Applications for the Raheem Sterling Foundation Scholarship Programme is open to students of black, African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds to help bridge the equality gap.

It covers their tuition fees, accommodation and other essential costs.

But those who wish to apply will need to send in their application before the deadline this Thursday. 

Speaking to the The Times , Sterling noted that in 2021-22 less than 5% of all UK students starting degrees were black.

He said he wanted to "take away" the worry of finances so that those from minority backgrounds could "go on to achieve their goals".

"It's really nice to see some of what I envisioned coming to life now," he said.

"I wanted to structure the foundation in a way that we could react to need and not be too rigid, as life and circumstances can change quickly. 

"The focus is to provide opportunity to those who wouldn't otherwise have it, going into minority and under-served communities and opening eyes to new experiences."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Shares in housebuilder Persimmon have dropped nearly 3% this morning after Sky News revealed it is exploring a £1bn takeover bid for rival Cala Group.

City editor  Mark Kleinman reported on Saturday that the company was considering the move ahead of a deadline for bids.

Analysts at JP Morgan said investors are price sensitive to potential mergers and acquisitions in the sector at the moment, with the UK's competition watchdog already looking into a potential £2.5bn buyout of housebuilder Redrow by its rival Barratt .

It comes amid expectations that housing will be a key issue in the current general election campaign, which got under way last week.

Otherwise, the FTSE 100 is quite flat following the bank holiday, and is currently down 0.15% in early trading.

Gainers this morning include Rolls-Royce, which is up nearly 2%, and grocery delivery firm Ocado, which is up more than 5%.

It comes after industry figures this morning revealed that shop price inflation has "returned to normal" .

On the currency markets, £1 buys $1.27 US or €1.17.

A banking app used by millions of people crashed for thousands this morning.

The NatWest app was displaying an error message for some users, with approximately 3,000 reporting issues on Downdetector from 7am onwards.

Users took to X to complain, with some pointing out the fault had occurred on payday for many.

"NatWest online banking is always broken when I need it," one said.

Customers trying to use the app were greeted with the message: "We're sorry, some kind of error has occurred when trying to establish a connection between your device and ourselves."

Some 9.8 million people use the app, according to the NatWest Group.

A NatWest spokesperson said the issue had now been resolved.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Monthly Rentals in London

Discover long-term rentals that feel like home for stays of a month or longer.

Nearby monthly rentals

Condo in London

The Shakespeare Room: Historic Design-led Stay

Guest suite in Tufnell Park

Poppyseed Studio .. Home from home!

Apartment in London

Oval-Stylish, newly renovated 1 bed flat

Apartment in Croydon

Independent accommodation for a single traveller.

The comforts of home and great monthly rates

Fully furnished rentals

Digital nomads & traveling professionals

Delight included

Pets welcome

Amenities and perks for longer stays, furnished rentals, flexibility you need, simple monthly prices, book with confidence, work-friendly spaces for digital nomads, looking for serviced apartments, popular amenities for monthly rentals, stay near london's top sights, destinations to explore.

• New York   Monthly Rentals
• Barcelona   Monthly Rentals
• Florence   Monthly Rentals
• Athens   Monthly Rentals
• Miami   Monthly Rentals
• Montreal   Monthly Rentals
• Seattle   Monthly Rentals
• Berlin   Monthly Rentals
• Paris   Monthly Rentals
• Rio de Janeiro   Monthly Rentals
• Amsterdam   Monthly Rentals
• Istanbul   Monthly Rentals
• Lisbon   Monthly Rentals
• Rome   Monthly Rentals
• Copenhagen   Monthly Rentals
• Portland   Monthly Rentals
• Buenos Aires   Monthly Rentals
• Cape Town   Monthly Rentals
• London   Monthly Rentals
• Tokyo   Monthly Rentals
• Sydney   Monthly Rentals
• Austin   Monthly Rentals
• Prague   Monthly Rentals
• Vienna   Monthly Rentals
• San Francisco   Monthly Rentals
• Hamburg   Monthly Rentals
• Washington DC   Monthly Rentals
• Vancouver   Monthly Rentals
• Brussels   Monthly Rentals
• Los Angeles   Monthly Rentals
• Munich   Monthly Rentals
• Bangkok   Monthly Rentals
• Central London   Vacation rentals
• City of London   Vacation rentals
• Cambridge   Vacation rentals
• Oxford   Vacation rentals
• Cotswold District   Vacation rentals
• Bournemouth   Vacation rentals
• Bath   Vacation rentals
• Birmingham   Vacation rentals
• Bristol   Vacation rentals
• Nottingham   Vacation rentals
• Cardiff   Vacation rentals
• Bruges   Vacation rentals
• Tiny house rentals   London
• Bed and breakfasts   London
• Townhouse rentals   London
• Pet-friendly rentals   London
• Private suite rentals   London
• Rentals with a home theater   London
• Rentals with pools   London
• Rentals with a sauna   London
• Luxury rentals   London
• Beachfront rentals   London
• Hotel rentals   London
• Rentals with an accessible height bed   London
• Villa rentals   London
• Mansion rentals   London
• Cabin rentals   London
• Rentals with an EV charger   London
• Rentals with a balcony   London
• Rentals with a kayak   London
• Cottage rentals   London
• Rentals with a soaking tub   London
• Apartment rentals   London
• Rentals with lake access   London
• Rentals with a fireplace   London
• Waterfront rentals   London
• Fitness-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with a hot tub   London
• Boutique hotel rentals   London
• House rentals   London
• Family-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with beach access   London
• Rentals with an accessible height toilet   London
• Rentals with a washer and dryer   London
• Hostel rentals   London
• Serviced apartment rentals   London
• Kid-friendly rentals   London
• Rentals with a patio   London
• Guesthouse rentals   London
• Condo rentals   London
• Rentals with a fire pit   London
• Rentals with breakfast   London
• Wheelchair accessible rentals   London
• Smoking-friendly rentals   London
• Loft rentals   London
• Aparthotel rentals   London
• Rentals with outdoor seating   London
• Monthly Rentals   Central London
• Monthly Rentals   United Kingdom
• Monthly Rentals   England
• Monthly Rentals   Greater London
• › United Kingdom ›
• › England ›
• › Greater London ›
• › Monthly Rentals