The 6 Best Bed and Breakfasts in London
In a city like London where there’s so much to see and do, a B&B is often a sensible option, coming with the added convenience of breakfast before you head out for the day. Here’s Culture Trip’s guide to London’s best.
The premise of a bed and breakfast is comfort and simplicity. But in the modern world of hospitality, they are often so much more than that. Some rival the sort of luxury hotel many of us would dream of staying in – especially in London. Here, you’ll find chic B&Bs sharing their roofs with trendy gastropubs yet retaining all of that homely feel. Here’s Culture Trip’s round-up of the very best.
The Buxton, Shoreditch
Bed and Breakfast
The rooms at the Buxton are fresh out of a Pinterest board, bearing all the hallmarks of a very chic and homely hotel. Whitewashed walls give the cosy rooms a spacious feel, while Victorian windows fill every corner with daylight no matter the weather. You’ll also find decorative touches such as locally woven rugs, throws and funky artwork, creating a vibrant look and feel. Take your morning coffee (made using your personal Nespresso machine) up to the private roof garden for sweeping skyline views over London.
The Lilac Door, West Dulwich
Bed and Breakfast
The Culpeper, Whitechapel
Boutique Hotel
The Culpeper is the sort of hotel that’s very hard to leave. The ground floor has its very own (and very good) pub, on the first floor is an upscale dining room, while sitting atop it all is a rooftop garden with its own restaurant and bar. Then there are the rooms: perched between the restaurant and the rooftop, they complement the chic-industrial look of the main pub perfectly. Think brushed concrete walls, natural wood headboards and sheep-skin throws – all featuring mod cons such as a Nespresso machine and a Bluetooth radio.
York and Albany, Camden
Inn, Pubs with Rooms
Owned and operated by the Gordon Ramsay Group, this hotel is as much about the food and drink as the comfort of the elegant 19th-century rooms. Once you’ve summoned the mental strength to leave your wooden four-poster bed in the morning, head downstairs to the gastropub for a reviving libation and a classic full English – approved (though not cooked) by Gordon himself. With breakfast in your belly, you can start to think about the day ahead. Camden, with its many markets and music venues, is right on your doorstep – and London Zoo is a mere 10-minute walk away.
The Sanctuary House Hotel, Westminster
Bed and Breakfast
The cosy rooms at this Victorian-era hotel make for a welcome retreat in the heart of London’s crowded Westminster district. Monuments such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are all in close quarters here – so you’ll spend a lot of your time on your feet when out sightseeing. Rest up in this homely base at the end of a long day, then wander downstairs for some classic gastropub grub. Breakfast is included with the room, ensuring you’re fuelled up and ready to begin another day of exploring this historic area.
40 Winks, Stepney Green
Boutique Hotel
This article is an updated version of a story created by Bianca Barratt.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.