B&Bs in London

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a B&B in London?
• B&Bs in London: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring London: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in London?

• Types of B&Bs: London's B&Bs range from cosy Victorian townhouses to modern boutique guesthouses, most offering en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a proper English breakfast included in the price.
• Best areas to stay: South Kensington suits first-time visitors near the museums, while Notting Hill and Shoreditch offer a more local, neighbourhood feel with easy transport links.
• What guests say: Visitors consistently highlight warm, personal service, central locations within walking distance of the Underground, and generous breakfasts at London's top-rated B&Bs.
• Where to eat nearby: From Borough Market stalls to traditional cafés, London's food scene around most B&Bs suits every appetite, from a quick coffee to a proper Sunday roast.
• Top things to do: Highlights within easy reach include the British Museum, a stroll through Hyde Park and a ride on the London Eye for skyline views.

London's B&Bs suit solo travellers, couples and small groups looking for a personal, home-from-home stay rather than a big hotel. If you'd rather have more space, apartments in London and villas in London are worth a look, while houseboats in London make a memorable riverside alternative. Whichever B&B you choose, look out for these popular amenities that make a London stay easier:

• Free Wi-Fi and workspaces
• Air conditioning
• A private balcony or courtyard
• Pet-friendly rooms
• Swimming pool access

If you're booking last-minute, check last-minute stays in London or browse all London holiday lets for more choice.

What are the best areas to stay in London?

South Kensington is generally the best area to stay for first-time visitors, thanks to its museums and easy Tube access. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise London's B&Bs for their warm welcome, central locations. Many properties are within easy walking distance of major sights, making them a practical base for a first visit to the capital. Because each B&B is individually run, no two stays are quite the same, but attentive service and a genuinely local welcome come up again and again in reviews.

London sits in south-east England on the River Thames, spread across 32 boroughs plus the historic City of London at its core.

🥗Where to eat in London?

There are thousands of places to eat in London, but according to Google Maps data and reviews, Dishoom is the best-rated restaurant in London. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Olivia, over for a weekend, recommends Monmouth Coffee Company in London: it's the perfect low-key spot for a solo coffee or a slow catch-up before heading back out to explore the city.

1. Explore Westminster Abbey
2. Wander through Kensington Gardens
3. Stroll across Hyde Park
4. Ride the London Eye
5. Discover the Imperial War Museum
6. See Big Ben up close
7. Walk platform 9¾ at King's Cross

1. Explore Westminster Abbey

   One of London's oldest and most important buildings, Westminster Abbey has hosted royal coronations for centuries and holds the tombs of some of Britain's best-known writers, including Charles Dickens and a memorial to William Shakespeare.

2. Wander through Kensington Gardens

   Bordering the elegant Kensington Palace, these landscaped gardens are a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Look out for the Princess Diana memorial fountain, the ornamental Italian Gardens and plenty of shaded benches for a quiet coffee break.

3. Stroll across Hyde Park

   At 140 hectares, Hyde Park is one of the largest green spaces in central London, and there's plenty to do beyond a simple walk. Hire a deckchair, cycle along the paths, or take a slow lap of the Serpentine before settling on the grass for a picnic.

4. Ride the London Eye

   No first visit to the capital feels complete without a turn on the London Eye, the giant wheel. Each of its 32 capsules takes around 30 minutes to complete a full rotation, giving sweeping views over the Thames, the Houses of Parliament and, on a clear day, the countryside beyond.

5. Discover the Imperial War Museum

   The Imperial War Museum tells the story of conflict from the First World War to the present day across several floors of genuinely moving exhibits, from uniforms and tanks to personal accounts from those who lived through it. Entry is free.

6. See Big Ben up close

   Officially the Elizabeth Tower, but known to everyone as Big Ben after its huge bell, this is arguably London's most photographed landmark. You won't be able to go inside without booking well ahead, but it's worth the short walk from Westminster Abbey just to admire the ornate Gothic detailing up close.

7. Walk platform 9¾ at King's Cross

   Far from being just a working train station, King's Cross is a pilgrimage spot for Harry Potter fans thanks to its famous platform 9¾, tucked between platforms 9 and 10, complete with a luggage trolley fixed to the wall for the classic photo. If you're travelling onwards, the Cotswolds and the New Forest both make lovely countryside escapes a short train ride away.