A sprawling metropolis with something new to discover around every corner, London is understandably a bucket-list destination for most travellers around the world. Whether you’re a foodie looking to fill up at one of the many markets, a theatre aficionado keen to take in the West End, or a history fanatic with the desire to learn more about the city’s fascinating past, you’ll never be short of things to see and do.
We’ve got a growing collection of homes, flats and apartments in London. From the bustling streets of Camden and the trendy neighbourhoods of Shoreditch and Notting Hill, London’s diversity offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, London is a city that is sure to capture your heart and leave you wanting more.
Discover the Oliver’s Travels way, where style and character define every handpicked rental in London. Our destination experts curate unique homes in beautiful locations that are perfect for families and guaranteed to ‘wow’.
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London is arguably several cities in one – and we’re not just talking about the size of it. As you travel from east to west, you’ll watch the architectural landscape change, mapping its history and the way the world-renowned destination has evolved over the years – something that makes it a popular filming location for movies and TV.
However, even if you prefer to live your life firmly in the present, you’ll instantly be bowled over by the amount of attractions on offer in London. Many of the historical monuments and museums have become tourist staples, but even locals love the way this city is in constant flux with the seasons, seeing new exhibitions, events, restaurants and bars pop up throughout the year.
London is also an excellent gateway to exploring more of the UK, with its various airports and train stations allowing you to extend your trip beyond the capital. Whether you’re heading to Cornwall in the South West or Snowdonia in Wales, our luxury holiday homes are ready to welcome you.
Samuel Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” – and we couldn’t agree more. The capital city is bursting with exciting activities, no matter how you like to travel.
Want to tick off the typical tourist sights? Start your morning grabbing a pastry and coffee to live like the locals do, enjoying a walk through Green Park and waving hello to the King as you pass Buckingham Palace. Hit up Oxford Street and Soho for awesome shopping (but go early if you don’t love the crowds), and don’t miss a visit to the British Museum.
It’s then over to Brick Lane for lunch at one of the countless curryhouses and a wander among the stalls, and perhaps even a trip up to the Walkie Talkie’s Sky Garden (for free – just reserve in advance!). Finally, head to Chinatown or Covent Garden for a pre-theatre meal, taking in an evening West End show as you put your feet up (but not literally, please!) after a day well spent.
Other must-dos include Kew Gardens, Tower of London, the Science Museum, Columbia Road Flower Market if your trip falls over a Sunday, and a visit out to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. But as you can see, there’s really no shortage of things to do when staying at one of our luxury London rentals.
London’s cuisine is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. With a rich multicultural heritage, the food scene in London is a melting pot of different flavors and influences. From traditional British pub food, such as fish and chips or bangers and mash, to contemporary British cuisine that showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients, London has it all.
But the city’s food culture extends beyond British cuisine. You can also find delicious Indian curries, authentic Chinese dim sum, mouth-watering Middle Eastern dishes, and much more.
London also has many markets that will keep everyone in your party well fed, no matter what you’re craving – Spitalfields, Seven Dials and Tooting Market to name just a few.
Want to splash out on an authentic afternoon tea? Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and The Ritz will obviously have you covered, but you can also find ample affordable options at mid-range hotels and characterful cafés.
Children under 5 travel free on London transport, and those under 3 have free admission to most attractions. There are also many parks and playgrounds for them to tot about in.
The SEA LIFE aquarium and Shrek’s Adventure are sure to appeal, followed by a trip round the nearby London Eye, while the ZSL London Zoo can easily fill an entire day.
You’ll definitely impress if you take them up The Shard – bonus points if you indulge in an afternoon tea once there. Keen shoppers will also love a browse around the world-famous department stores.
Take a boat ride down the Thames. There are so many tours to choose between, from City Cruises, to Thames Clippers hop-on-hop-off river boat services.
Immersive experiences such as Otherworld are a great way to spend a couple of hours with a group of friends!
Book in advance: Many activities may be free, but you’ll need to make a reservation to access them. Don’t be caught out at the gate!
Grab a bike: Santander bikes are available to hire throughout the city. It’ll cost you £2 to release one, but you’ll only pay more if your journey takes over 30 minutes. Head to a hire station before your time is up to get another 30 minutes totally free!
Pack an umbrella: Even if the forecast is sunny and clear, some unexpected showers may appear. Don’t let that stop you – come prepared to take on all weathers!
It may be a city, but there are so many green spaces in London. Whether you cycle or stroll your way around them, or maybe even pick a spot for a picnic and lounge the afternoon away, these parks are sure to add a serene touch to your trip.
Want a taste of Italy that extends beyond some of the best sourdough pizza? Head to Little Venice just north of Paddington. It acts as the meeting point of the Regent’s and Grand Union canals, with regular boat trips offered.
Over 9 million people call London home, spread across 32 different boroughs. While not all of them will make it onto your must-see list, there are various neighbourhoods outside of the city centre that you should definitely prioritise – and each boasts its own unique character.
Want to extend your trip further? We’ve got holiday homes to rent in nearby Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the picture-perfect Cotswolds too, allowing you to explore even more of the UK.
Pick up a postcard while in London and it’s probably packed with the sights of Westminster: Big Ben, Marble Arch and Westminster Abbey are all among its icons, but you’ll also find museums including Tate Britain, Madame Tussauds and The National Gallery. Looking for something extra special to do? Check out the event guide for the Royal Albert Hall and book tickets in advance.
The main draw of Camden is undeniably its bustling market. Home to numerous stands selling street food, antiques and unique gifts, this is the sort of place you could easily spend an entire day wandering around. However, if you need to get away from the crowds, head to Hampstead Heath and enjoy panoramic views from Parliament Hill – cameras at the ready!
Perfectly picturesque, Kensington & Chelsea is home to London’s elite. Spend your morning exploring the colourful houses of Notting Hill plus Portobello Road Market, and afternoons strolling around Kensington Gardens – look out for the Peter Pan statue! Then, to get your fair share of culture in, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Natural History Museum or V&A.
This borough may be a bit of a journey away from your other stops, but climb up Greenwich Hill and you won’t regret it! Stunning city scenes reward you, plus you’ll be well-placed to visit the Royal Observatory – home to Greenwich Mean Time – and uncover the rest of Greenwich Park. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch from Greenwich Market.
Every borough of London grew out of this one, and it’s now the location of all major business offices. It’s also home to Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most famous monuments, and you can even buy a ticket to climb all the way to the top. However, visit during the weekend and you’ll likely find many of the restaurants and cafes are closed.
A true artistic hub, Southwark is the proud home of the Globe Theatre – you can’t pass up one of Shakespeare’s plays if they’re showing throughout your trip! The Tate Modern is also located here, with free entry making a visit even more attractive. Grab a bite at Borough Market to keep you fuelled on your adventures, and then walk along South Bank on the way to other sights.
The buses all require contactless payment, so either have a suitable debit/credit card or topped-up Oyster at the ready.
Sometimes it’s faster to walk from one station to your destination rather than hopping on another tube for one stop – case in point, the Piccadilly line from Holborn to Covent Garden.
Whether you’re travelling to London from overseas or elsewhere in the UK, you have many options available. For shorter journeys, consider getting the train into stations including King’s Cross, Paddington, Victoria or London Bridge – not only does this alleviate airport stress, but it’s also a much greener mode of transport.
However, for those who have to fly, you’ll also have ample choices. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are both just a train journey away from central London, while London Luton and London Stansted, contrary to their name, will have you tacking on a longer taxi, train or bus ride before you actually get into the city.
While we’d typically recommend hiring a car to best see a city, London’s roads are not for the fainthearted! Driving them will prove a stressful experience, and that’s before you’ve even considered finding parking.
If you’re planning on leaving the city for day trips, going by four wheels is definitely a solid option, but for those staying within the M25, it’s best to explore the public transport alternatives.
London’s iconic double-decker buses are a visual draw in their own right – before you factor in how they get you from A to B in the most cost-effective way! While buses may sometimes take a roundabout route, that simply allows you to see the city from a whole other perspective. And at £1.75 per journey, you can’t argue with the price either.
London’s extensive underground network takes you all across the city with relative ease. The 11 interconnected lines may appear daunting when you first look at a map, but with apps like Citymapper, you can easily find a route that works for you.
The fare depends on time of day, how far you travel, and where you’re starting and going to. Most services run from 5am-12am, with Night Tubes operating on Friday and Saturday nights.
Want to save money and see the city up close? Walking is an excellent option for those who aren’t in a rush, while also allowing you to beat the traffic and avoid delays. Just be sure to wear suitable shoes – some of the older cobblestone streets can be unforgiving!
Hailing down a black cab may be on your London bucket list, and we can’t blame you – the iconic vehicles we know today have been ferrying people around the city since 1948, while other forms of London taxis (or hackneys, as they were once called) have been running since the 17th century.
If their yellow TAXI sign is on, that means it’s available to hire. Keep in mind that this is definitely the most expensive mode of transport, with a £3.20 minimum fare that goes up the longer you’re riding for.
