Capital Staycays | The Best Overnight Spots & Activities for Getting Away While Staying Put
Discover some of London’s most enchanting overnight stays and see the city through a fresh pair of eyes. We’ve picked some of the best areas of London to enjoy a night away and immerse yourself in nearby hot spots.
The Great Gatsby Experience – The Ned at Bank
For those who don’t work in the city, the likelihood is that you very rarely venture towards the area surrounding Bank Station. The Ned Hotel is undeniably one of London’s most luxurious hotels. Housed within the Grade-1 listed former bank, it will take your breath away from the moment you step through its majestic front door. A foodie’s delight, it hosts a plethora of restaurants; from a sleek sushi bar, to the art deco Nickel Bar for time-honoured American staples whilst being serenaded by live jazz.
Guests of the hotel get access to its extravagantly decorated gym, spa, and beauty parlour, as well as the decadent Vault Bar for an evening tipple. The highlight in our books though is the rooftop bar and pool, perfect for sipping on a cocktail or taking an evening swim overlooking the sparkling city skyline. We’d recommend booking your stay for the weekend, to experience the area without its 9-5 inhabitants, allowing for leisurely strolls through the deserted streets whilst taking in the stunning architecture.
Rooms start at about £250 per night, with availability in June https://www.thened.com/rooms-and-suites/cosy
Image source: www.thened.com
The Shoreditch Experience – The Curtain
If you’re based in South or West London, venturing East to Shoreditch just for a day can feel like a mammoth operation. Our suggestion? Make a weekend of it and book a room at The Curtain, a New York inspired Oasis at the heart of Shoreditch. A favourite spot for the neighbourhoods creative set, the 120-room hotel definitely ticks the cool factor box. Guests can head downstairs and take advantage of exclusive basement nightclub and Red Rooster restaurant, or sun themselves poolside at the rooftop bar.
We’d recommend starting your day at one of East London’s most famous street markets, croissant & coffee in hand; the foody haven of Broadway Market (Saturdays from 9am), or the floral paradise of Columbia Road (Sundays from 6am). Next, wander through the streets of Shoreditch to peruse the graffiti offering, aiming for Box Park & Shoreditch High Street to browse their ever-changing independent shop collection.
Rooms start at £240 per night http://www.thecurtain.com
Image source: http://towerbridge-hotels.com/the-curtain/
The Notting Hill Experience – Airbnb
A mini staycation in Notting Hill is the perfect way to experience life as a local, stepping out of one of thecharming pastel-coloured residences on to the iconic Portabella Road pretending to be Julia Roberts or Hugh Grant. We’d recommend making this a mid-week trip to avoid the weekend hoards and peruse Airbnb for a quintessential Notting Hill apartment located near Portabello Road as your place of residence.
The highlight of the area is arguably the abundance of bohemian cafes, antiques markets and vintage shops lining Portabella Road, but Westbourne Grove with its upscale boutiques and restaurants is also worth a visit. Make sure to tie in a trip to Electric Cinema for the most luxurious of viewing experiences, featuring plush armchairs and a cocktail bar.
Image source: www.timeout.com
The Tudor Experience – The Mitre at Hampton Court
One for the Tudor nerds and lovers of historical fiction, Hampton is bursting with rich mementos of the past. The Mitre Hotel, set on the banks of the River Thames, across the road from Hampton Court Palace, is the most perfect place to stay whilst making the most of this beautiful area at a leisurely pace. The Grade-II listed building, commissioned in 1665 to host King Henry VII’s courtiers, recently received a stunning makeover, making it one of London’s most characterful and stylish boutique hotels. The historical venue will leave guests feeling as though they just stepped out of a Tudor Romance novel, before strolling across the road to take in the beauty of Hampton Court Palace.
Other highlights of the area include its abundance of antique shops, cute cafes for brunching, and boat hire facilities so you can enjoy an afternoon on the Thames.
Rooms start at £153 per night https://www.mitrehamptoncourt.com
Do you have a fave staycation spot in London? We’d love to know your ideas in the comments! If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.