London Guide

This summer we did a short term let with a local real estate company in London. We always start looking in January on Right Move. The market changes and we never know what company we will go with, what homes will be available during the time frame of when we want to travel, for the amount of time we want and in the area we want.

This year we were in South Kensington and we loved it there. Ultimately, Belgravia is my favorite location but there aren’t many homes available for short lets there.

One of my top questions I get every summer is what neighborhood I recommend staying in… so here is my answer if you are looking at Home rentals.

London Neighborhoods from My Point of View

Belgravia is beautiful, think big white facades, clean streets, and quiet. Top of the top in my opinion.

South Kensington is the perfect location for all the spots. So many tube stations near that it makes getting across or around the park quick and easy.

Chelsea is amazing and there is so much around but there isn’t a tube station close by so it makes everything a little further away.

Notting Hill is a vibe, artsy, not as clean and the sidewalks aren’t even so it makes having a stroller difficult. But if you’re there for the food and art scene, this is your area.

Knightsbridge/Kensington is good if you are not right on Brompton Road or the big roads. Lots of people and traffic. BUT you are so close to the park, shops and tube.

Holland Park is in an amazing location with huge homes and feels very old worldly. In between Notting Hill and Kensington. Has an amazing Playground. We have stayed in the Phillimore Estates area and loved. 

Hotels

The Goring

The Connaught

Claridges

The Dorchester

Playgrounds 

 (in order of my kids favorites)

Princess Diana memorial Playground

Holland Park

Battersea Playground

+ Go Ape Ropes Course

Diana Memorial Fountain

St. Luke’s

Hyde Park Playground

St. James Park

Children To Dos

 London Zoo

Hyde Park Stables

Science Museum

London Eye

Transportation Museum

Coffee, Matcha and Bakeries

Jaks

Birley Bakery

St. Clair

Hagen (all over)

Daylesford (love their shop too)

Hjem Coffee

Restaurant

Amélie

Gaia

Wildflowers in Pimlico

Le Colombier

Farm Shop

Mount Street

Gymkhana

Scott’s

The Orange

Shopping Spots

Mayfair

Pavilion Road

Fiona Finds

Harrods

Bond street (high end)

Elizabeth Road

So many good shops, especially Pepa London

Walton Street

Notting Hill has La Coqueta, Bonpoint

Sloane Street

Emilia wickstead Anya Hindmarch

Pimlico Road

Bonadea

Kings Road has great pop ups (this year they had Wiggy kKt!)

Afternoon Tea