The 19 Best Airbnbs in London, Whether You Want a Romantic Urban Retreat or a Family-Friendly Vacation
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You’re planning a visit across the pond, but might feel like a fish out of water without the right accommodations. Fear not: we did all the research for you and found the very best Airbnbs in London that meet every need, including posh urban escapes and family-friendly suburban estates with easy access to the city. Read on and start booking your dream London vacation.
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1. Zen Apartment with Terrace
This five-star gem gets bonus points for its convenient location in the heart of London and within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions (Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road stations are just a five-minute walk away). The stylish and well-appointed interior is clean, spacious and modern; the bed is large and, by all accounts, very comfortable; and there’s a balcony with a great view. In other words, this apartment checks all the boxes.
2. Historic Islington Townhouse
This historic Georgian townhouse has high ceilings, exposed brick accent walls, multiple fireplaces and a modern kitchen. Indeed, the interior is quite stunning, but we’d be remiss not to mention the charming private patio and garden, too. The space is also well equipped with every luxury amenity under the sun and located close to public transit and within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in the city.
3. The Mayfair Residence
Located in the ritzy Mayfair district of London, this sprawling luxury flat boasts two king-sized bedrooms and can easily accommodate a family. It also has some pretty posh interior design and a host of amenities, including a fireplace, a sleek and fully stocked kitchen and baby gear for those traveling with little ones.
4. Secluded Garden Home in Wimbledon
Here, a large home away from the hustle and bustle of the center of town that caters specifically to families and promises a relaxed, comfortable stay. There are plenty of toys, plus all the practical gear needed for folks traveling with babies or toddlers. In fact, one of the many glowing reviews states that “the accommodation is superlative in every aspect” and praises the property for its combination of “old world charm and “modern day amenities.” Bonus: There’s also a large backyard where the kids can romp around while you prepare for the day’s sightseeing itinerary.
5. Mayfair Art Nouveau Flat
Guests will swoon for the impeccable and colorful interior design of this gorgeous art nouveau-inspired flat, which features two bedrooms and a very spacious living and dining area. Best of all, this historic apartment building is located in the center of Mayfair, which is one of the best spots for visitors who wish to explore the city on foot.
6. Magnificent Marylebone Mews House
Tucked away on a quaint and quiet street in the chic residential area of Marylebone—this stunning three-story home is located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in London. It’s also fabulously designed and appointed with top-notch amenities, as well as some cool decorative touches (think: two working vintage juke boxes). When you’re not exploring the charming neighborhood, be sure to take advantage of the beautiful patio and garden before you take a snooze in one of the three luxurious king-size beds.
7. Entire Home in Iver
Pool? Check. Sprawling backyard? Check. In-house chef? Check. In fact, there’s no luxury amenity that this property doesn’t have covered—from custom made gift baskets to fully stocked beer and food fridges. There’s also a trampoline, pool table, football pitch and garden chess. In other words, if you’re looking for a party house that’s less than 30 minutes outside of London, this is the one.
8. London Eye NOMAD Home
This large, sundrenched flat boasts amazing panoramic views of the Thames and the city, which can be enjoyed from any of the terraces attached to the three bedrooms. The interior design is chic and, per one reviewer, the space is stocked with so many quality amenities that it felt like she was living there from the moment she walked through the door, which is pretty high praise for a vacation rental. Oh, and the tube (i.e., the metro or subway to us Americans) is right outside the building, which is also conveniently located within walking distance of numerous bars and restaurants.
9. Hidden Victorian Oasis
Fans of the movie Hook will agree that this charming home looks a lot like the one where dear Granny Wendy lived. If that reference means nothing to you, some other selling points include the spacious four-bedroom interior that can easily accommodate families and large groups, Mediterranean-style gardens and the quiet residential location that’s just a skip, hop and a jump to the bustling action of central London. Indeed, this home is just a 20-minute walk to Woolwich Station, which will take you to Liverpool Street in 15 minutes.
10. Covent Garden Station
An airy open floor plan, large windows that flood the space with light and polished wooden floors are just a few of the features that make the interior of this roomy two-bedroom flat so special. It’s also extremely well-appointed and the location—just steps away from the Covent Garden Piazza and Drury Lane—is pretty hard to beat.
11. The Dickens Room
You’d be hard pressed to find a more artistic place to stay than this eco-friendly, design-driven unit, which is in a centrally-located and historic building (you're just a 10-minute walk from London Bridge station). Indeed, the interior is absolutely gorgeous and plenty of attention has been paid to comfort as well. (We recommend spending as much time as possible relaxing on the large balcony when you’re not busy exploring the vibrant neighborhood.) Best of all, reviewers give the host very high marks for being attentive, accommodating and generally awesome.
12. The Artist School
A stay at the Artist School is a bit like stepping into the Satis House of Dickens’ Great Expectations…just minus the cobwebs and dust. That’s to say, there’s an antique, Victorian aesthetic that’s slightly spooky, but decidedly cool. Reviewers describe the space as “eclectic,” “artistic,” “enchanted” and “spectacular,” so it’s safe to say you will have a very special stay. Aesthetics aside, there’s nothing Dickensian about the creature comforts available, since the place is reportedly very well equipped with all manner of amenities. It’s also just around the corner from the Borough Market and the Tate Modern.
13. Battersea Riverside Apartment
If modern luxury is what you seek, you can’t go wrong with this swanky one-bedroom apartment, which boasts numerous shared amenities, including a rooftop terrace and pool, gym, sky lounge and a pet spa, to boot. Enjoy the spacious open floor plan, state-of-the-art appliances and luxury amenities—just try to tear yourself away from the many comforts of the place, to explore the nearby Battersea Power Station, which sits on the banks of the Thames and is brimming with attractions.
14. Five-Bedroom Family Home in SW London
Need a place to stay when traveling with kids in tow? Look no further than this massive five-bedroom home in the ‘burbs, nestled between Tooting and Streatham. The location provides guests easy access to London and the accommodations couldn’t be better for families. There’s a kid-friendly garden, a private backyard, a playroom, plus all the toys and baby gear parents want but don’t want to schlep. There’s also enough space to spread out and all the comforts of home (so, be warned, you might want to move in).
15. Modern House in Victoria Park
Perfectly located near 413-acre Victoria Park—London’s largest and most visited green space—this urban oasis is another excellent choice for a family stay. The place is well-appointed with a wide range of amenities, including children’s books and toys for all ages, and boasts a beautiful garden and patio. Perhaps most important is that the location is notably quiet, thus providing guests with a truly peaceful retreat from the hubbub of the city, whilst still being within a stone’s throw of it.
16. Beautiful Large Home Near Central London
This palatial six-bedroom home is absolutely stunning, thanks in part to the three large and tastefully decorated living areas, enviable chef’s kitchen and floor-to-ceiling glass view of the beautiful (and accessible) backyard and garden. Large groups will be living in blissful luxury during their stay and the location is pretty ideal, too, given that the tube (Sidcup station) is within walking distance and the many trains will take you to any part of London you wish at any hour of the day or night.
17. Interior Designed Pied a Terre
If you enjoy the finer things in life and are looking for understated elegance in the heart of the city, this bespoke apartment in Chelsea fits the bill. The space isn’t huge but it’s large enough for a family of four and beautifully designed. It’s also well-stocked with every high end amenity you could need and, according to reviews, lots of other luxurious details, ranging from room scents to gourmet popcorn, that make for a truly special stay.
18. Quirky and Modern Home in Camden
This painstakingly restored historic home in Camden is a hidden gem that exudes Victorian romance from the exterior and features an interior with ample modern comfort and lovely design. Beautifully outfitted and located very near to both the tube and a wide range of restaurants and stores, you will have every convenience within reach when you stay at this unique property, That said, it’s worth noting that some reviews report that the place is quite loud due to thin walls and street traffic, so if you’re looking for a peaceful stay, you might want to look elsewhere.
19. Hampstead Heath Home
Maybe it’s the elegant reception area, the large terrace or the sprawling private gardens—it’s hard to say which of the winning features take the cake, but this picturesque coach house within walking distance to Hampstead Village and the Heath is really quite grand. Definitely avail yourself of the kid-friendly amenities (books, toys and gear), and be sure to spend some down time lounging in the hammock or warming up by the fire pit after a long day of sightseeing in London.
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
