Big Ben and Westminster Bridge over the River Thames at golden hour, London

England

London vacation rentals

Museums, markets, and village-like neighborhoods — a city best seen from a flat of your own.

Best time to visit

May–June and September–October for mild weather and long days; December brings markets and lights with the shortest daylight.

Rental types

Serviced apartments · Period conversion flats · Mews houses · Family townhouses

Getting there

Fly into Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW); the Elizabeth line and Gatwick Express reach central London in 30–45 minutes. Once here, use the Tube, buses, and your feet — a car is a liability.

Why a rental beats a hotel room in London

London hotel rooms are small and expensive, and breakfast for a family adds up fast. A one- or two-bedroom flat usually costs less per night than two hotel rooms, and a kitchen plus a washing machine changes how a week-long trip feels.

Neighborhood matters more than square footage here. Pick a Tube line first — anything within a few minutes' walk of a station on the Piccadilly, Central, Victoria, Jubilee, or Elizabeth line puts most of the city inside a 30-minute door-to-door trip.

Things to do

Free national collections: British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A
A West End show, booked directly or from the TKTS booth in Leicester Square
Borough Market for lunch, then a Thames walk to the Tate
Royal parks: Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Hampstead Heath for the skyline view
Day trips by train to Oxford, Bath, Brighton, or Windsor
Sunday markets: Columbia Road flowers, Broadway Market, Portobello

Booking tips for London

Short-let rules in London cap most entire-home stays at 90 nights per calendar year, so legitimate listings are plentiful but book early for summer and December. Always confirm the exact street or nearest station before booking — 'central London' is used generously.

Check which floor the flat is on and whether there is a lift
Confirm whether the price includes the cleaning fee and any linen charge
Look for a washer (and whether there is a dryer — many flats have neither)
Budget for the Congestion Charge and ULEZ if you insist on driving
Ask about street noise if you are near a pub, market, or main road

Where to stay in London

South Kensington & Chelsea

Museum row, garden squares, and quiet residential streets — the easiest first-time base.

Notting Hill & Bayswater

Pastel terraces, Portobello Market, and family-sized flats near Hyde Park.

Covent Garden & Soho

Walk to every theatre; expect noise and premium nightly rates.

Shoreditch & Hackney

Loft-style flats, coffee, and markets for design-minded travellers.

Southwark & Bankside

Borough Market, riverside walks, and quick Tube hops to the City.

Greenwich

Green space, maritime history, and better value for longer stays.

Vacation rentals in London

Browse all London rentals

Tower of London, Greater London

Tower Of London

2 bd2 baSleeps 5

via A1VacationHomes

Green Park, London, Greater London

Green Park View

3 bd3 baSleeps 7

via A1VacationHomes

London FAQs

Which London neighborhood is best for first-time visitors?

South Kensington, Bloomsbury, or Southwark. All three are safe, walkable, well connected by Tube, and within reach of the major museums and the South Bank.

Do I need a car in London?

No. Between the Tube, buses, and trains, a car costs you money in parking, the Congestion Charge, and ULEZ fees without saving you time.

How far ahead should I book a London flat?

Three to six months for May–September and December; six to eight weeks is usually enough in January–March.

Are London rentals family-friendly?

Yes — two-bedroom conversion flats in Bayswater, Notting Hill, and Greenwich are popular with families and often include cots and high chairs on request.