Central London
The
following London areas are in zone 1 on the underground (the most central
area of London) and bed and breakfast accommodation in these areas are
in our A
Category:
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This is a particularly exclusive and prestigious
area with an abundance of smart shops and elegant restaurants.
You will be within easy walking distance of South Kensington and near the Victoria and Albert Museum,
renowned for its art and design collections, and the impressive
Natural History and Science Museums which are
great for children and even for adults. Enjoy the
varied architecture in the side-streets. Knightsbridge is
world-famous for Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and
from here you can take a leisurely stroll to Hyde Park Corner where
you can visit Apsley House, the home of the first Duke of Wellington
and his descendants. Then you can walk to Buckingham Palace
and along The Mall to Trafalgar Square. Or take
the shopping route along Piccadilly past Fortnum &
Mason, a very upmarket food store which opened in 1707. St
James's Park, bordered by The Mall and Birdcage Walk, is best
known for its enormous variety of birdlife.
You
will be in the heart of the West End, near the beginning (or end)
of Oxford Street, Europe's longest shopping street, with
a marvellous mix of department stores, shops and stalls. Selfridges
is an exciting store with fantastic shop windows, and the flagship
Marks & Spencer is directly opposite. You will also be
close to Hyde Park. Make sure you visit Speakers
Corner on a Sunday morning for lively "free speech".
This
trendy and fashionable area offers a wide variety of upmarket shops
and restaurants. The famous Portobello Road antiques market
which is most popular on Saturdays, draws visitors from all
over the world. You will also be close to cosmopolitan Bayswater
and the Whiteleys indoor shopping mall. For keen
walkers or joggers Hyde Park is also nearby . Julie's Bar and Restaurant - a good restaurant and fun bar in the original Victoria setting. Visit the bookshop in Blenheim Crescent that was used in the film "Notting Hill" or enjoy a film at the Electric Cinema (huge armchairs and order a drink if you wish).
A busy and central location near Oxford Street with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants. From Heathrow it is just a 20 minute ride on the Paddington Express. Close to the Serpentine with its Italianite fountains and boating in the spring/summer. Also near J.M Barrie's house, and Kensington Palace with the famous Peter Pan statue and the famous Albert Memorial. Take the opportunity to visit Queensway with its many ethnic restaurants and also home to the famous Turkish Baths. If you enjoy walking then it will take you about 20-25 minutes to Portobello Market, the V&A, Science, Natural History and Geological museums.
With
its great shopping and variety of restaurants Sloane Square is also
home to the Royal Court theatre which stages innovative and often
thought-provoking plays. The Saatchi Gallery – featuring interactive
modern art - opens in the spring in its new home at the Duke of
York’s headquarters building. Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden situated in the heart of London - this 'Secret Garden' is a centre
of education, beauty and relaxation. Founded in 1673 by the
Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it continues to research the
properties, origins and conservation of over 5000 species of plants.
There are few institutions in the United Kingdom with an
unbroken three centuries of service and none of them is so close
to the heart of the nation as "The Men in Scarlet", the
Chelsea Pensioners, and their home, the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Founded in 1682 by King Charles II and intended for the 'succour
and relief of veterans broken by age and war', the Royal Hospital,
with its Grade 1 listed buildings, still serves its original purpose
and intends to continue to further its role well into the 21st Century.
Located near to the Army Museum where visitors can find out how
Britain’s past has helped to shape our present and its future.
Victoria
coach station is the point of arrival (or departure) for travellers
from many parts of Europe, as well as cities in the UK. Also
convenient for Heathrow, Gatwick (take the Gatwick Express train direct), Stansted (take the airport bus direct) and Luton. You
are near to Church (Westminster Abbey) and Queen (Buckingham
Palace). Visit the mini-exhibition centre of the Royal
Horticultural Society or shop and then eat at the chic new Cardinal
Place which is sure to meet most visitors' taste. Westminster
Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic community
in the United Kingdom.
This
is an area undergoing tremendous regeneration where you will find
a great choice of pubs and restaurants to suit all budgets.
You
are only a short walk from Tate Modern, The Millennium Bridge, The
Hayward Gallery, National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall. You
are also just a 15 minutes walk from The London Eye, The Globe Theatre
and St Paul’s Cathedral. and a 20 minute walk will take you
to Covent Garden. The River Bus runs from Covent Garden to Tower
Bridge and passes many of London’s major attractions. The
service runs every ten minutes. Blackfriars is close to Waterloo
and together they have 5 different lines with British Rail services
including Gatwick Airport. |
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North London
The
following London areas are in zones 2 and 3 on the London underground.
We offer homes in all
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This is a very lively area full of trendy restaurants,
pubs, cafes and independent shops. Very easy access both into
the City and the shopping streets of London. The Design Centre is becoming very popular with interesting exhibitions. Take the opportunity to visit the Canal Museum, the
Barnsbury conservation area with its 19th century architecture mostly built by Lord Thornhill, including the Church in Thornhill Square. Lord Thornhill had seven daughters and the nearby Seven Sisters tube station is named after them.
Chapel Market is from Friday-Sunday and sells fruit, vegetables and clothes. There is also a vegetarian Indian restaurant with an all you can eat buffet for £3.50.
Local theatres include the Almeida, Kings Head, and the Sadler's Wells dance theatre.
Garden pubs such as the Albion, Drapers and the Hemingford Arms are recommended by locals.
It
is said that when Dick Whittington arrived at Archway he heard the
Bow Bells ringing and turned back to London. Hence the name
of the local hospital on Highgate Hill called the Whittington
Hospital and a statue of Dick's cat stands in front of it.
Rod Stewart the pop singer was born in Archway and as a youth worked
as a grave digger in Highgate cemetery. The cemetery has wonderfully
interesting tours and the famous grave of Karl Marx. Waterlow
Park is a delightful park in front of which stands Lauderdale House. This was the love nest of Charles II, and was renovated
in Victorian times. Here you can buy delicious home-made meals
and enjoy the gardens and a wonderful aviary. You can continue your
walk up the hill into Highgate village which has a typical English
village atmosphere. Just a short walk from here is the majestic Kenwood House with its historic landscaped park with beautifully sloping lawns and lakes and where concerts are held in the summer.
This quiet suburb in north London has direct underground
access to Heathrow Airport. It is so convenient – 25
minutes by tube to the centre of London on the Piccadilly Line. There is also the nearby Bowes Park train line which takes you straight
into Old Street/Moorgate in the City. Only a 5 minute
bus ride to Muswell Hill with great shops, trendy restaurants, places
to eat and lots of shopping. Also a 10 minute walk to Palmers
Green with lots more shops and Wood Green with a multitude
of shops and two cinemas. However for cinema the Art Deco Odeon
in Muswell Hill is worth a look or take the 102 bus from the opposite
side of the tube station to the independent
Phoenix cinema in East Finchley – only 15/20 minutes by bus.
Well worth it.
Camden
Town
Very
close to the centre - the northern line takes you to Leicester Square
in the heart of London and to King's Cross, St Pancras and Euston.
This lively area is best known for its busy indoor and outdoor market
at Camden Lock every weekend (and some shops and stalls open during the week) and for its proximity to the London
Zoo, Regents Park and Primrose Hill Park. Hampstead
is just two stops away on the underground. There is now a Gordon Ramsay bar and Restaurant, the recently updated Jewish Museum and a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes. In the summer there is an outdoor theatre in Regent's Park and a food garden cafe.
Close
to Primrose Hill with its village atmosphere, smart shops, cafes
and restaurants and to the kite-paradise on the top of the hill
from where you have a great view of Canary Wharf, the
London Eye and the Post Office Tower. Also walkable
to Camden Lock and Camden Town.
This quiet,
suburban area is a short bus ride to Highgate village
or just two stops on the underground. Do visit
both the new and much older Highgate Cemeteries which offer
conducted walking tours. You are also close to Muswell
Hill, a lively shopping broadway with many independent shops
which make a change from the usual shopping chains. Highgate Woods is about ½ mile walk - lovely cafe/restaurant, children’s play area. Queens Wood about ½ mile walk. Again a nice cafe/restaurant. Cherry Tree Woods about ¼ mile walk with a nice tea shop and extensive children’s area. Alexandra Palace is a ¾ mile walk. The original Palace and grounds have recently been renovated and offer panoramic views of London, now including the Olympic Stadium at Stratford. Kenwood House is about 1½ miles away. Free entry to the House and art Gallery and grounds and there is a lovely cafe and rolling countryside/gardens. Hampstead Heath is about 1½ miles away. If you are into walking, lovely walks taking you to Parliament Hill and Hampstead Village where there are a good selection ofpubs and restaurants. There are also numerous restaurants and gastro pubs in Muswell Hill (¼ mile) and in East Finchley (½ mile). In East Finchley there is the Phoenix Cinema, the oldestworking cinema in the country which is now listed and being renovated. In Muswell Hill there is an Odeon cinema which is an Art Deco style cinema.
In this lively and cosmopolitan
part of north west London you will find a wide variety of restaurants
catering to Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Jewish, Indian and Italian
tastes to name but a few. Brent Cross shopping centre
is a bus ride away (10 minutes). The 268 bus will take you
past Golders Hill Park with its animals, beautiful gardens
and brand new Butterfly House - the Italian ice cream parlour in
the park is renowned in the area. Continue up to Hampstead
Heath, one of the highest points in London where you will also
see Whitestone Pond, another London landmark. Turn left
(take the 210 bus in this case) and you will come to Kenwood House
set in rolling parkland, or continue straight on to Hampstead village
with its multitude of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Hampstead
This is one of the few places in London that still retains
a village atmosphere. Enjoy pavement cafe life and good restaurants
offering many choices of cuisine. Walk along cobbled lanes
and find grand Georgian houses, pretty cottages and Victorian terraces.
Experience the exhilaration of walking up Kite Hill, 98 metres above
sea level, with its breathtaking panaromic views across London.
Enjoy the sense of freedom offered by Hampstead Heath and
explore its 800 acres of woodland, lawns, meadows, lakes and swimming
ponds. Discover the splendour of Kenwood House, a grand neo-classical
building which houses masterpieces by Rembrandt and Reynolds amongst
others. Rest there by the lake in serene and peaceful surroundings
whilst only a stone's throw away from the centre.
Another
area which still retainins a 'village' feel with distinctive architecture,
a pretty area with its main High Street of boutiques and restaurants.
Stroll through the glorious grounds of Kenwood, visit
Highgate cemetery and Hampstead Heath. (Homes in
Archway within walking distance and East Finchley is just up the road)
This has become a very trendy and fashionable area with cafes, restaurants, wine bars, shops and a library. The Tricyle theatre and art house cinema is within walking walking distance. The main focus of the area is
Queen's Park itself- a park with an area of 30 acres. The park has been named a Green Flag Park in recognition of the quality of its services and environment. Facilities in the park include 6 all weather tennis courts, a pitch and putt course, a petanque pitch, an ornamental garden, a children's playground with paddling pool, an animal farm and a cafe. .
Swiss
Cottage
You will be only two stops to Baker Street on
the underground, and three to Bond Street and the West
End. Visitors arriving from Stansted can take the airport
bus to Finchley Road underground which is one stop to Swiss Cottage
(or easy to walk) and West Hampstead. The Jubilee Line takes
you to ExCel, Canary Wharf, Docklands,
and the City which is the financial centre of London.
Lovely area located between Maida Vale on the
Bakerloo line and Paddington which is on the Bakerloo line,
Hammersmith & City, District and Circle lines. Little
Venice is a picturesque canal with prettily decorated barges - you
can walk from Little Venice to Camden Lock, or take a cruise boat.
You are also very close to the Edgware Road and then it is
just a very short bus ride to Marble Arch.
Near
the famous Abbey Road of Beatles fame. Residents include
Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Matt Lucas.
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South London
The
following London areas are in zones 2 and 3 on the London Underground. We
offer homes in all
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Wandsworth is a picturesque borough set in the heart of
south London on the banks of the Thames, and probably has more parks
(including the famous Battersea Park), commons and open space than
any other borough in London.
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South West London
The
following areas in south west London are in zones 2 and 3 on the London
underground. We offer homes in all Accommodation
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East Putney, with its classic Victorian terraced houses and gardens,
lies on the south side of the river Thames where in April the historic annual
Oxford and Cambridge boat race begins. There are great transport
links - 20 minutes by rail to Waterloo or by underground to central
London, one hour to Windsor, and frequent buses to central London
passing the museums in South Kensington, Harrods in Knightsbridge,
and the Kings Road. Putney is a friendly, peaceful neighbourhood
with plenty to do (writes one of our hosts). Visitors have enjoyed visiting St Mary’s Church, Putney: a beautiful old church where Oliver Cromwell debated with others the future of the Monarchy. Now refurbished, it is a great venue for classical concerts as well as for worship. The Thames at Putney: flowing between Fulham and Putney, the Thames is edged by some glorious old pubs, serving real ales to enjoy while watching all the boating activity. The Bulls Head, Barnes: situated on the river, This pub plays host to the best in British Jazz, both mainstream and avant garde. Tremendous atmosphere and value. Barnes itself is a beautiful village only a short walk along the river from Putney. Richmond: an elegant and bustling part of suburban London on the River with great tow path walks, Georgian architecture, good restaurants, two theatres and a huge ‘village’ green where you can watch the cricket. Easy train ride from Putney. Richmond Park / Richmond. A huge park with herds of deer, golf course, large ponds, a plantation. Drive there and park. Then walk for ages and enjoy the space and the scenery. Take a picnic. Kew Gardens: a vast riverside park full of hundreds of species of plants and trees and boasting some truly enormous Victorian glasshouses, large enough to house gigantic tropical palms and plants from all over the world. On a fine day you can happily while away the hours. Quick train ride from Putney Station on the overground to Kew Bridge. The River Thames: Putney is right on the river and you can spend days walking the tow path, stopping off and visiting places on the way, crossing bridges, dropping in on pubs – just enjoying river life and exploring.
Putney Bridge is famous as a vantage point for the Oxford
and Cambridge Boat Race held each spring.
You are only 3 stops away from Wimbledon Park station which is the
station serving The All England Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club.
You are only minutes away from Kensington on the District Line,
and a short bus ride to the King's Road and Chelsea. Earls
Court is only 10 minutes away, and Knightsbridge the West End and
Victoria station 20 minutes. The nearby Fulham road is on
several main bus routes into town and only 20 minutes to The Natural
History, Science and Victoria and Albert Museums.
Fulham has become a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood
with something for everyone. Situated between two major league
football clubs (Chelsea and Fulham) the throbbing heart of Fulham
is Fulham Broadway which lies between the new Fulham Broadway tube
station complex with a floor of restaurants and cinemas and a floor
of health club and swimming pool above the entrance which encases
shops such as Sainsbury's, Books etc., Accessorize and HMV, and
the new Waitrose Store at the beginning of North End Road. Plenty
of nightlife for the young and various clubs, restaurants and bars
abound. North End Road where a newly opened Starbucks nestles
opposite the St John's Church, continues into a market street with
fruit and clothes stalls lining the east side of it. There is also
a plethora of foreign food shops, a Peacocks clothing store and
a great pizza parlour called Hell. Over to the west lies the
river Thames and the lush and beautiful Bishops Park with its leafy
lane along the river being a favourite for the joggers, three playgrounds
for children including a large sandpit and paddling pool and a cafe.
Bishops Palace has been newly refurbished with lottery money and
is a treasure to visit. It also has extensive beautifully sculptured
gardens and events are being planned in the evenings such as outdoor
theatre productions.
This upmarket area with antique shops, cafes, pubs and
restaurants is only a short journey (bus ride) to the bustle of
the King's Road, Chelsea, Fulham, Knightsbridge and Kensington.
Homes of character and quality, always popular, especially
during the Chelsea Flower Show. Very close to Putney Bridge, which has been the start of the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race for more that 150 years, stands Fulham Palace, the home of the Bishops of London from the 8th Century until 1973. The oldest parts of the Palace to survive date from the 15th Century. The grounds of two Premiership football clubs are within easy walking distance - Stamford Bridge, the home of world famous Chelsea Football Club, and Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club. The White Horse pub, which was voted best pub in Great Britain in 2007, is a former 300 year old coaching inn and has arguably the best beer list in London. The Andrew Robson Bridge Club, a mecca for national and international bridge players alike, is only 100 yards fron Parsons Green tube station.
Pretty area with shops and restaurants and very accessible
to the other south-west locations and the centre.
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West London
The
following west London areas are in zones 2 and 3 on the London underground.
Choose from a range of our
Accommodation
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Very
close to the centre, a busy and lively area of shops, restaurants,
cafes and so much more. Also
near Westfield, the newest and largest indoor shopping centre in Europe.
See what's on at the Lyric Theatre, a very popular venue which has
hosted a variety of events ranging from classical theatre to rock
and country bands, orchestra and jazz concerts, dance recital as
well as films.
Possibly the most cosmopolitan area in west London, Shepherds Bush
boasts a wider diversity of nationalities and their respective cuisines
and customs than anywhere else. The area is served by having no
less than five major tube lines, the Central, Hammersmith &
City from Shepherds Bush and the District, Circle and Piccadilly
lines from Hammersmith. Be in the heart of the West End of
London in under 15 minutes by jumping on the 94 bus anywhere in
“The Bush” which will take you direct to Shaftesbury
Avenue (and all its theatres) in 20 minutes, through the heart of
Notting Hill Gate, Hyde Park, Marble Arch and Oxford Street.
This area is now home to Westfield, the largest
shopping indoor centre in Europe with a myriad
of shops and restaurants. You are also only a 20 minute walk to Notting Hill.
This
area is
conveniently located for many tourist attractions including the
very lovely Kew Gardens, Richmond and Windsor Castle. The
centre of London is easy accessible. Heathrow Airport is only
15 minutes by train and there are many motorways nearby. You
will find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Either free or inexpensive street parking.
Named
after a prominent Jacobean manor house built in the area in 1623,
and only recently reopened to the public. This area is located
on the border of Ealing and Hounslow boroughs, close to Heathrow
and only 30 minutes on the underground to Piccadilly Centre.
A good choice of restaurants and some lovely pubs in the area.
These
are two
select and quiet areas of London where you will find tree-lined
avenues with a pleasant, comfortable outlook. There is a peaceful
and tranquil residential village atmosphere within close proximity
to Chiswick High Road and Turnham Green Terrace – Maison Blanc
delicious patisserie - the Obroma Cacao – heavenly chocolate
hideaway. Conveniently situated for the extensive amenities
on Chiswick High Road and close to the beautiful open spaces of
Ravenscourt Park, Chiswick House and its extensive grounds (where
Vanity Fair was filmed) Hogarth’s House (William Hogarth,
1697–1764 artist and satirist). Close proximity to River
Thames riverside restaurants, historic 17th century “Dove”
Public house, a riverside pub offering good food and scenic views.
Formerly a coffee house in 1796, the Dove was popular with writers
like Graham Green and Ernest Hemingway. William Morris lived
next door and it is claimed that Charles II and Nell Gwynne held
secret rendezvous in the pub. Kelmscott House now serves as
the headquarters for the William Morris Society. Near many
famous landmarks such as Hammersmith Bridge which has been used
in several film locations (Sliding Doors).
Very
near Heathrow, a suburban area on a good underground line to the
centre.
You
are a great location between Fulham in the west, Chelsea in the
east and Earls Court and West Kensington to the north. An
easy bus ride takes you to Notting Hill and Hyde Park, Wimbledon
(only 20 minutes by bus up the road), and a direct bus route to
Kew Gardens. Fancy a day by the sea? Then take the British
Rail to Brighton, a well-known British seaside resort, for a great
day out. |
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