Help, London travelers: my husband and I will spend 2 weeks in London first half of October. We like renting flats when we travel so we can cook some meals. Our interests are history/museums, architecture and educational guided walks (London Walks). We plan to do a few day trips to the Cotswolds, Oxford, Cambridge and Stonehenge. Looking for recommendations of a good location for our base. And recommendations of places/sights to visit are also appreciated. Thank you, Susan
Posted by
New England
593 posts
London Connection is recommended by a friend who visits London often and prefers to stay in a centrally located flat instead of a hotel. Enjoy your visit!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
We have stayed with London Connection three times in three different neighborhoods and loved all of those locations. SOHO/Covent Garden is great if you want to be in the middle of a lively neighborhood, near theatres, and crowds. Very busy at night but that is part of the fun.
Westminster is the opposite at night and actually the residence we stayed in was very quiet, removed from the cathedral by just a couple of streets. Groceries were a bit of a schlep though as no shops were very close
We loved the quiet elegance of Mayfair and would probably seek to stay there again. Half and hour on foot to Piccadilly and many days bus and tube connections, close to Hyde Park.
We stayed with another company in a flat near St. Paul’s and St. Bart’s Hospital and while the flat was a bit of a problem, the area was interesting and historic and also convenient.
So, in our experience all of the close in neighborhoods were convenient. Find a flat that appeals to you, check distance to shops, available bus and tube lines. You will be all over the city and countryside in two weeks so no single location will be “the best” for sights.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
Forgot to mention that Waitrose does delivery. When we are going to London for a week or more I start an order at Waitrose online a couple of weeks out so that I can select a delivery time. I refine that list until the last minute then hit “send.” It is fabulous to have wine, water, and a few days worth of supplies carried in the day you arrive and then just fill in with fresh items during your stay.
Posted by
Land of La
8660 posts
AirBnB also works.
Good Neighborhoods for 1st timers:
Mayfair
Belgravia
Bayswater
Nottinghill
Pimlico
Kensington
As far as what too see and given your likes I’d recommend:
Museum of London
Tower of London
Treasure room at the British Library
Imperial War Museum
Viewing and appreciating the architectural dichotomy between the glass covered Leadenhall Market and the adjacent Lloyd’s Of London and the Gherkin ( 30 St Mary Axe) buildings. My favorite POV is seeing the Gherkin while on the grounds of the Tower of London.
I believe London Walks does an architectural tour.
For another architectural dichotomy exit the glass walled Blackfriar station and walk across the road to the see the gorgeous Art Nouveau Blackfriar Pub!
For a peaceful spot to experience more architectural dichotomy enjoy a respite in St Dunstons in the East church Gardens then stroll over to the Walkie Talkie building.
A must see is the Liberty department store, an architectural gem.
Lastly, don’t miss the Roman Amphitheater under Guildhall.
Posted by
OP
lake forest park, washington, usa
112 posts
Thank you all. The list of neighborhoods and suggestions were very useful. Susan
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4093 posts
We used London Connections as well and were very happy with the service and communication. We stayed in Covent Garden last Fall. Loved the location and being close to a lot of restaurants within walking distance after a long day of exploring. A friendly warning though, it is a lively neighbourhood and there was street noise well into the night.