New York Habitat Blog

If your image of London town includes grey skies and dreary weather, you’re way overdue for a trip to England’s capital. With summer temperatures and (almost) constant sunshine, London goes al fresco all season long with unlimited outdoor activities and entertainment. And since many events are free, all you need to enjoy them is a New York Habitat vacation accommodation—oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Since the Olympics are only two years off, why not take a beginner’s kayaking lesson to learn the sport? Sponsored by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, these courses go through August and take place on the Thames.

Another sporting activity in which you can participate is Ping. A month-long, citywide initiative, Ping will have ping-pong tables popping up in outdoor locations throughout London. Balls and racquets are provided, it’s free to play and it’s a great way to make friends.

Of course, what’s a visit to London without attending the theatre? Regent Park’s Open Air Theatre is a great spot to catch a play under the sky. If you’re looking for entertainment without a price tag, consider the free shows at the Scoop or the endless offerings as part of the National Theatre’s Watch This Space, both on the South Bank.

If film is more your thing, book tickets for the Somerset House’s extensive Summer Screen series, shown in a stunning setting, or Cinema Under the Stars at Syon Park. Although movie screenings are always a rather cheap source of entertainment, the Scoop again goes one better with free films and a fine backdrop of Tower Bridge.

Add to all that: backyard barbecues at local pubs, swimming lidos, beer gardens, outdoor markets, and al fresco dining, and you’ll be soaking up the London sun from early in the morning until almost nine at night. Unless, of course, you’re tempted to spend most of your time in the comfortable surroundings of your New York Habitat vacation rental, such as: 

Photo of London Accommodation (LN-915)

· A bright and modern studio in Bloomsbury, Westminster (LN-940) on the first floor of a walk-up Edwardian mansion block. This flat features a double bed, walk-in closet, courtyard and roof terrace—and best of all summer amenities: a pool!

· A studio in Bloomsbury, Westminster (LN-915) with loads of natural light! This accommodation is in a 1930s mansion block and comes with a fully equipped kitchen and double Murphy bed.

· A 1-bedroom vacation rental in lively Kensington-Chelsea (LN-953). This first-floor rental accommodation offers a queen-sized bed, laundry and lovely garden views.

London is the perfect vacation destination this summer—and with New York Habitat vacation rentals, you’ll have the best place to stay!

Which outdoor activities will you take part in? Let us know with a comment below.

This winter, if you need a break from the cold and could use some Caribbean food and flavor, why not head south—to South London, that is! Brixton, just a few short tube stops away from a selection of New York Habitat accommodations, is one of London’s most vibrant and culturally rich areas. Stop by and see why locals say you haven’t truly seen London until you’ve gone south. 

Brixton boasts one of the best market scenes in the city. With the covered Granville Arcade, the famed Brixton Station Road Market and Market Row all within steps of each other, visitors can find everything from prayer candles, original paintings and vintage clothes to stalls selling breadfruit, jerk chicken and other Indian, Afro-Caribbean and Vietnamese food. Here, you can get your hands on some of the best roti you’ll ever taste—and one of the best bargains in London, to boot.

Brixton market Arcade Photo

A few blocks away, on Coldharbour Lane, you’ll discover another Brixton institution: Bookmongers, an independent, second-hand bookstore literally filled to the ceiling with great finds. Once you’re done scanning the shelves, head over to—or, better yet, rock down to—Electric Avenue. Made even more famous by the Eddie Grant hit of the ’80s, Electric Avenue is also the address of Photofusion, one of the top photo galleries in London that always features exciting exhibits and first-rate talents.

If you’re looking for entertainment, you don’t have to search far. Brixton is home to the O2 Academy, with its nonstop lineup of stellar musical acts (look for Vampire Weekend in February and Tiësto in March), as well as the classic Ritzy Cinema, with its eclectic film screenings, the sleek Crush bar with foosball tables, and the sumptuous, old-school movie theatre surroundings. After a show, stop for a pint at the local Prince Albert, one of the finest and friendliest pubs in all of London.

For a convenient place to stay a short tube ride from Brixton and all the attractions of central London, consider these New York Habitat rental accommodations:

• A gorgeous, loft-style 2-bedroom vacation rental in Lambeth (LN-711) on the second floor of a converted walk-up with courtyard entrance. Both bedrooms boast double beds and open out to a terrace with vine-covered pagoda. This flat also features two baths, Baltic pine plank floor and fireplace.

Brixton Underground Staion

• A modern 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Lambeth (LN-234) on the second floor of a walk-up conversion that used to be a former tea factory from the 1850s. This open plan flat retains original features such as wooden floors and exposed beams and brick, and also has a state-of-the-art kitchen, two baths, a double bed, single sofa bed, laundry/dryer, and weekly cleaning service.

• A charming split-level, 1-bedroom duplex in Lambeth (LN-539) on Lansdowne Gardens near the Oval. The kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are on the second floor and stairs lead to the living room and balcony. This flat comes complete with double bed and laundry/dryer.

Who needs a trip to the islands this winter when you can take the tube to Brixton? Visit south London from your very own New York Habitat rental flat—and let us know some of your favorite spots with a comment below.

If you’re looking for one-stop shopping for culture in London, look no further than the South Bank. This part of London, near Waterloo Station, boasts the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and British Film Institute among other attractions along the river. Stay in a New York Habitat apartment and you’ll be in the middle of the action.

Thames River London Picture

With three separate theatres and a diverse repertoire, the National Theatre has something for theatergoers of all kinds. This season Alan Bennett’s play The Habit of Art is one of the hottest tickets in town and a new production of London Assurance with Fiona Shaw and Simon Russell Beale is coming up in March. If you don’t have time to see a show, be sure to check out their theatre bookshop and live music in the foyer every night at 5:45. On Valentine’s Day they’ll be hosting an outdoor screening of The Apartment on their Fly Tower, with drink specials at the bar.

If you’d rather be indoors for Valentine’s Day, head to the Royal Festival Hall for their St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, an evening with the Irrepressibles, a performance orchestra and London’s finest cabaret stars. The Royal Festival Hall hosts some of the best concerts in town and is the home of the London Philharmonic. If you’re bringing your family to London, be sure to check out Imagine, a children’s arts festival running from February 6-March 2.

Next door, the British Film Institute South Bank currently features a retrospective of Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu alongside films inspired by his work. And in February it will be featuring the films of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey. Be sure to save time for a drink or meal in the brightly upholstered armchairs at the benugo bar and kitchen.

The Hayward Gallery is undergoing renovations until May 2010, but the nearby Dali Universe features a Picasso exhibition and the gallery@oxo always has thought-provoking exhibitions, which make a perfect break during a walk along the Thames on your way to the Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe, or other destinations further east.

New York Habitat has plenty of apartments within walking distance of the South Bank. Here are a few:
This charming 2 Bedroom Townhouse Vacation Rental in Lambeth London (LN-525) on the ground and first floor of a period terraced house has a modern kitchen and bathroom.

This 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Lambeth - London (LN-873) near Lambeth Bridge features a double sofabed and weekly maid service and a 24 hour concierge.

This luxury 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental in Lambeth - London (LN-255) is directly across from the Royal Festival Hall and features a gym, pool, 24 hour security and fantastic views of London from the roof deck.

Have you seen any good shows at the National recently? Or have any suggestions for a good place for a drink or meal along the South Bank?

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Apartment in City/Islington (LN-659)

England’s capital is well-known for its centuries-old architecture (and, in fact, ancient ruins from the Roman Wall can still be seen throughout this bustling and cosmopolitan center, most unexpectedly in the basement of a barbershop in Leadenhall Market and most picturesquely within the sprawling confines of the Barbican Centre). However, in recent years, London has been undergoing a facelift in terms of architecture and design—and there’s more to come before the 2012 Olympics. Admirers of modern style will be pleased and perhaps a bit surprised at all the cutting-edge structures the city has on show—not to mention the stylish and contemporary accommodations that New York Habitat offers throughout central London.

To really see the changes giving London its updated look, head to St. Helen’s Church, a well-preserved example of twelfth-century architecture. Then contrast it with the infamous “Gherkin” (St. Mary’s Axe) rising behind it. That contemporary building was constructed on the site of a 1992 IRA bombing to commemorate the city’s commitment to continually moving forward.

Another nearby example of modern design is Sir Richard Rogers’s celebrated building for Lloyd’s Insurance, styled somewhat like a sophisticated Erector Set. The stone remains of Lloyd’s original doorway from the 1800s stand solemnly to its right, a reminder of London’s rich history.

Yet another of Rogers’s buildings, Lloyd’s Registry for Shipping, at 71 Fenchurch Street, is also a modernist masterpiece, with a courtyard garden, exterior glass elevators and a sleek, ship-shaped fountain. It was built in 1997 behind the classical façade of the original Lloyd’s Registry.

Of course, many of London’s shops, bars and restaurants also boast the most modern design elements while paying homage to the past. For example, the Hoxton Apprentice in Hoxton Square is an excellent restaurant that employs ex-homeless workers and trains them in the gastronomic arts. The high ceilings, wood floors and huge windows were once part of a Victorian schoolhouse, now transformed into a popular, stylish and socially conscionable eatery (profits go back into the charity/training program).

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Apartment in City/Islington (LN-659)

To really get a glimpse of London’s architectural present, stay in a chic New York Habitat vacation accommodation in the city center, such as:

· A breathtaking 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in City-Islington (LN 659) on the penthouse level. This apartment is built in a former luxury office and comes with two baths, laundry/dryer, dark oak flooring and two spacious outdoor terraces that allow striking views of the skyline. 
  
· A crisp, clean-lined studio in City-Islington (LN-212) on the third floor of a period walk-up. This vacation accommodation has a double bed, laundry/dryer, decorative Victorian fireplace and lots of light from the large windows. To contrast the white walls and appliances, there’s a black antique leather sofa.

 · A sleek studio in City-Islington (LN-681) on the lower-ground floor of a period building near Tower Bridge. This rental accommodation comes with a stylized and comfortable double bed, laundry/dryer, wood floors, open-plan kitchen and unique windows.
  
For fans of high design, there’s no better city than London—and no better place to stay than in a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Let us know your favourite building in London with a comment below.

London Accomodation 1 Bedroom in Islington (LN-436)

If it’s a vibrant creative scene, cultural diversity and low costs you’re after, then there’s nothing quite like a stay in London’s East End. New York Habitat has fully furnished accommodations that fit your budget and put you in the center of this hip and happening area. All you have to do is enjoy…and explore!

Some of the best deals in London can be found on Brick Lane. There are Indian restaurants galore—all with above-average fare and lower prices than in other parts of the city. Just walk down the street and let the bidding wars begin: Servers will try to tempt you into their establishments with free glasses of wine, appetizers or desserts, or fifteen percent off your total tab. Go with the best offer—and be assured that, as far as the food is concerned, you can’t go wrong.

Near Brick Lane is the Truman Brewery, an eclectic art space with shops, eateries and—as the name promises—pints. Stop by for free showings and events or the popular (Up)Market on Sundays, where you can score samples of global or local treats or reasonably priced one-off clothing and accessories. Such cutting-edge designs can also be found at the nearby Spitafields market, an East End

London Vacation Rental Alcove Studio in Hackney (LN-773)

institution. Throw in a stroll through the colorful Columbia Road Flower stalls, and you can make a fun, low-cost day of it.
 The East End is also known for its galleries, which are more manageable—and often more contemporary—than London’s large-scale museums. Drop by Whitechapel in East Aldgate for free installations and music (and some of the best souvenirs for under £5 or £10 that you can shove into your carry-on), or White Cube in Shoreditch for its vanguard of visual artists. 

To explore the great outdoors, go for a dip in the lido at London Fields or head to sprawling Victoria Park for some football, free films or low-price music festivals. Let New York Habitat put you near it all in one of these amazing places to stay:

· A mod-styled 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-436) on Hackney Road, near the Columbia Flower Market, Brick Lane and Spitafields. This funky ground-floor flat comes with a double bed, sofa bed, laundry/dryer, terrace and garden with deck. Smoking is permitted—and feeding the goldfish is encouraged!   

· A charming 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Haggerston, Hackney (LN-41) on the ground floor of a modern building with security. This apartment is located near Old Street station and comes complete with queen and double beds, laundry/dryer, an open kitchen, and homey wooden floors and shutters.
  

· This cool alcove studio in Hackney (LN-773) offers fresh furnishings, loads of light, exposed brick walls, parquet floors, a separate, fully equipped kitchen and a loft-style bedroom accessible from a staircase in the living room. It is located on the ground floor of a period block building with communal gardens, close to lovely London Fields. 
 

Check out our other Low-Cost London Neighborhoods:

- Mayfair

- Earl’s Court

- South Bank

With a New York Habitat accommodation in London’s East End, you don’t have to spend a lot to see it all!

Let us know your favorite low-cost local attraction with a comment below.

In the summer, there’s no place better to spend your time—without spending a lot of money—than on London’s South Bank. Whether you stay for a week or a month, you’ll find free things to see and do there every day—and New York Habitat will also help you save with rental accommodations in the area.

The warm weather brings with it a slew of summer festivals on the South Bank—and many of the shows and activities don’t charge admission. There’s free African and Caribbean dance outside Royal Festival Hall, as well as Brazilian, jazz, classical, swing and alternative music as part of late-night Fridays and lunchtime concerts. Look for live theatrical performances, outdoor movie screenings, comedy and acrobatics, and a temporary funhouse for all to enjoy.

Traveling with the kids? You’ll want to check out the Terrible Infants and Potted Pirates Workshop at the South Bank Centre for free live plays, improv and puppetry. Another big draw is the popular “appearing rooms” fountains for kids to play in—but be sure to bring along a towel, bathing suit and change of clothes from your nearby New York Habitat flat.

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom in Bermondsey (LN-409)

Stroll a bit further along the Thames and you’ll come to the impressively housed Tate Modern, with free permanent exhibits, changing video installations and a temporary bird-watching booth set up outside to see the peregrines (similar to falcons) nesting in its chimney. Close by is The Scoop, a sunken outdoor theatre that hosts free evening shows. This year’s schedule includes Greek drama and kids’ productions. If you keep an eye open, you may also catch the spectacular river pageant floating past as part of the ongoing Story of London festival.

If all of this non-stop, no-cost action makes you hungry, stop by the summer food market for some free samples of local, organic and traditional English foods. Then, with all the money you’ve saved, spring for a refreshing shandy, Pimm’s Cup or pint at the historic, riverside Anchor Pub.
To stay close to South Bank this summer, consider these New York Habitat vacation rentals:

· A gorgeous, gothic 2-bedroom rental in Bermondsey, Southwark (LN-409) on the tenth floor of a residential development with sweeping views of the Thames River, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. The building is surrounded by a communal garden, there are chandeliers and a balcony with seating, you can have use of the tennis courts and—get this—a free bottle of wine comes with rental! Open it on the balcony and drink in your view of London.

London Apartment 2 Bedroom in Lambeth (LN-711)

· A stunning, modern 2-bedroom vacation rental in Lambeth (LN-711) on the second floor of a converted coffee or tea warehouse built originally in 1850. This chic, loft-style space has its walk-up entrance in the courtyard and comes with double beds, whitewashed brick walls, fireplace, Baltic pine flooring, and a roof terrace with seating under a vine-covered pergola. The flat sleeps five, but a baby’s crib can be supplied at no extra cost.

To get the most bang for your buck (or your British pound), stay in a New York Habitat accommodation near South Bank this summer. For a full itinerary, go to http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ —and leave a comment below to let us know which free events interest you!

South Bank not for you? Check out our other article about great deals in London:

- Low Cost London: Mayfair

London Apartment Studio Vacation Rental in Chelsea (LN-762)

Earl’s Court is one of the most brilliant places to stay in all of London. Home to the renowned Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre, a short walk from the museums on Cromwell Road, and a few tube stops from the summer happenings on South Bank, this area once well-known as a backpacker’s paradise has grown into the destination of choice for families, short-stay tourists and international travelers of every stripe. What hasn’t changed, however, are the budget-conscious values that Earl’s Court offers—including a wide range of exciting and affordable New York Habitat vacation rentals.
To make the most of your travel budget, walk from your New York Habitat flat in Earl’s Court to the nearby Natural History, Victoria & Albert, and Science Museums—each of which has free admission. Keep costs low by avoiding entrance fees for “special exhibits” and taking advantage of the museums’ regular collections instead, which are amazing in themselves and have more than enough on offer for everyone. Also keep an eye out for free talks, tours and events, which range from late-night Fridays with DJs to “explorer tours” that allow children to become dinosaur detectives or hands-on wildlife experts.

Another way to save on entertainment is to sightsee your way from Earls’ Court to Soho (which will take you past Museum Row, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Harrod’s and Buckingham Palace). Then settle down to watch the free Rushes Soho Shorts programs of films that take place in a variety of venues and cinemas around the area at the end of July. Lots of talent, no cost—and air-conditioned comfort!
 For an “authentic English” experience near Earl’s Court, head to Riley’s for some snooker. For the low price of one game (and bragging rights), a local will be more than happy to teach you how to play. It’s similar to pool or billiards, but the best part is that a single game can last well over an hour—pound for pound, the greatest value for your British pound!  

While Earl’s Court is teeming with inexpensive ethnic eateries, another way to cut costs is to stop by the local Waitrose grocery, which slashes prices on some fresh food items an hour before closing. Take these bargains back to your New York Habitat vacation rental and enjoy a home-cooked meal! Some suggestions for your stay are:     

London Apartment Studio in Earls Court (LN-542)

 · A comfortable, fully serviced studio in Earl’s Court, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-293) that comes with a pull-down double Murphy bed, a bathtub and walk-in shower, and laundry/dryer. This vacation rental is on the fifth floor of a period mansion block with elevator, conveniently located between Old Brompton and Cromwell Roads. It’s the perfect place for one or two people.  

 
· A sleek and well-kept  studio in Earl’s Court Kensington-Chelsea (LN-762) close to many attractions on West Cromwell Road. This vacation accommodation comes with a double bed, laundry/dryer and minibar, and is in a building with elevator, outdoor pool, gym and coffee shop. You may just want to skip some sightseeing and spend more time here instead!
  
 
· A contemporary and nicely furnished studio in Earl’s Court, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-542) on a quiet residential street just off Cromwell Road. This rental accommodation comes complete with a laundry/dryer, double bed and luxurious Frette linen, as well as daily maid and weekly linen service. What more could you ask for in a flat?

Check out our other Low-Cost London neighborhoods:

Mayfair

Traveling smart means stretching your money without skimping on any of London’s most exciting attractions—and a stay in a New York Habitat vacation rental in Earl’s Court can help you to achieve that!

Let us know your budget tips in the Earl’s Court area with a comment below.

St. James’s Park is so centrally located that it’s nearly impossible to walk through London without skirting around, cutting through or passing by it—but we at New York Habitat suggest stopping in and spending some time there instead. Better yet, book a nearby New York Habitat vacation rental this spring and make the park your own backyard.

London Apartment: 1-bedroom apartment in Westminister LN-73 photo

St. James’s is London’s oldest royal park and it is something of an oasis. Surrounded by three palaces—Westminster (which now serves as the Houses of Parliament), St. James’s Palace (an impressive Tudor-style structure) and Buckingham Palace (the queen’s home)—the beautifully manicured park is the perfect place for a mid-sightseeing break. Visitors can watch the resident pelicans being fed every day at 2:30 or, for refreshments of your own, stop at the Inn the Park Restaurant for afternoon tea. To really stray from the usual tourist path, take a guided tour of the park’s aptly named Duck Island.

Designed by Sir John Nash in 1821, St. James’s serves as the spot for national celebrations and ceremonies. With The Mall running straight through the park grounds, it’s the ideal location in which to watch the upcoming Trooping the Colour (at the end of May) or the Horse Guards Parade. You can also see a bit of British history all along the park’s perimeters: The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, 10 Downing Street, and Admiralty Arch.

Located just off Whitehall (one of London’s main roads), St. James’s Park is a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, the shops on Regent Street, the excellent Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Mall Galleries, Marlborough House, Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the National Gallery and the Thames River.

However, there are some amazing sights to admire in the park itself. The Blue Bridge offers unparalleled views of the Swire Fountain, the Old Admiralty Buildings and the London Eye off in the distance—not to mention serene swans floating by in the foreground. St. James’s also has deck chairs and a bandstand, where springtime musical performances are held at lunchtime and in the evenings, and it still houses the original cottage donated by the Ornithological Society of London in 1837 as a home for the park’s bird keeper (a position that still exists today).

London Apartment: 1-bedroom apartment in Westminister LN-166 photo

To truly take advantage of all that the park—and the city!—has to offer, stay in a centrally located New York Habitat vacation rental, such as:

• A spacious and well-appointed 3-bedroom rental accommodation in Pimlico-Westminster (LN-721), near St. James’s Park, Vauxhall Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. This lovely living space comes complete with double beds, a full kitchen, laundry/dryer and a terrace from which to take in springtime views.

• A clean and crisply decorated 1-bedroom vacation rental in Westminster (LN-166) on the seventh floor of an apartment block that has it all: 24-hour doorman, elevators, gym, spa and pool. This comfortable apartment—perfect for two people—has a double bed and open plan kitchen, and is conveniently located close to St. James’s Park station.

• A stylish 1-bedroom vacation accommodation in Westminster (LN-73) that boasts three rarities for London: hardwood floors, high ceilings and huge windows to let in some springtime sun! Outfitted with a queen-sized bed and laundry/dryer, this warmly-lit rental is on the fifth floor of a modern building with elevator and full-time doorman.

Enjoy splendor in the park this spring and summer with a visit to St. James’s and a stay in a New York Habitat vacation accommodation in London.

Leave a comment to let us know the sights or events in St. James’s Park that you have enjoyed.

No warm weather trip to London would be complete without a visit to Hampstead Heath, an amazing 790 acres of ancient parkland and idyllic public space within the capital—only a fifteen-minute Tube ride from the city center. Though often overlooked by tourists, the heath is one of London’s hidden rustic highlights, as well as a favorite of the locals. In fact, you can feel like a local yourself by staying in a New York Habitat vacation rental in Hampstead this spring.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom Apartment in Hampstead (LN-362) photo

In addition to vast, sprawling grasslands and hills, Hampstead Heath has a chain of ponds along its perimeter—three of which are open-air pools accessible to visitors who don’t mind a cool, refreshing dip. The heath also boasts one of the highest points in London, so bring a camera along with your bathing suit to capture the breathtaking views from Parliament Hill (or nearby Highgate Hill).

Of course, you are still in the city so you’ll want to do a bit of proper sightseeing.  For that, there’s the stately Kenwood House, an eighteenth-century country estate that boasts works by Dutch masters, including Vermeer and (rare) Rembrandt. You are also close to the Keats House, where the esteemed poet wrote “Ode to a Nightingale” under a tree in the backyard while pining away for his next-door neighbor (who, understandably unable to resist his verse, soon became his fiancée).

To pay your respects to some other past residents, head to peaceful and picturesque Highgate Cemetery, where Karl Marx, George Eliot and the Dickens family are all buried, or take a short, convenient bus ride to Golders Green Crematorium to see the pastoral resting place of Sigmund Freud, H.G. Wells and Bram Stoker. (The staff welcomes visitors and has a handy map ready upon entry.)

London apartment: 3-bedroom vacation rental in Hampstead LN-306 photo

One not-to-be-missed stop near Hampstead Heath (close to Finchley Road station) is the Freud Museum, built in the family home where they took up residence after escaping Austria. The museum houses Freud’s huge collection of Greek, Egyptian and Eastern antiques—many of which you may care to analyze for yourself—as well as the showstopper: Freud’s famed couch for his patients of psychoanalysis.

Another London institution you won’t want to miss in Hampstead is Chaiwalla, a café that puts an Indian twist on traditional afternoon tea. Their clay cups of masala chai tea and South Asian snacks will fortify you on your stroll through Hampstead Heath and put you out less than eight pounds per person.

The best way to experience all that Hampstead has to offer is by staying in a conveniently located New York Habitat vacation rental, such as the following accommodations that seem to bring the spring indoors:

• A charming and spotless 3-bedroom vacation rental in Hampstead, Camden-Brent (LN-306) on the third floor of a building with porter and lift. Each bedroom has twin beds that can zip together into doubles, and there are three full baths plus a WC—perfect for families. This Finchley Road accommodation is outfitted with a full kitchen, parquet floors and laundry/dryer; it also has easy access to City and West End buses and is a short walk from the O2 Shopping Center, a Sainbury’s Superstore, Waitrose grocery, library, and health club with swimming pool, as well as countless nearby restaurants and eateries in the neighborhood.

• An absolutely lovely split-level 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in Hampstead, Camden-Brent (LN-362) on the ground floor of a modern Victorian building. This rental has a balcony and terrace, as well as a conservatory with seating for four and access to a 3-acre community garden for sunny spring days. It also comes with a laundry/dryer, a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, a double sofa bed (and extra pullout bed) in the second bedroom, and two baths, so there’s plenty of space for everyone.

To fall in love with London this spring, stay in a vacation rental in Hampstead—and see the city like a local.

Leave a comment below to let us know if you’ve ever experienced the outdoor oasis of Hampstead Heath.

Regent’s Park is perhaps the best known and most beautiful of all of London’s outdoor spaces, and it would be a shame to visit the city in springtime without a stop there. While the park provides travelers with a much-needed midday rest, it is by no means a break in the sightseeing action. There are a plethora of things to see and do in Regent’s Park, as well as plenty of nearby attractions—and New York Habitat vacation rentals!

London apartment: 2-bedroom vacation rental in Marylebone, Westminister (LN-422) Photo

After some shopping on tourist-heavy Oxford Street, visitors to London can start a pleasant and un-crowded walk to Regent’s Park north via Portland Place, an architecturally rich street on which the Royal Institute of British Architects is found. (Two alternatives would be Marylebone High Street, for boutique stores and chic cafés, as well as a direct path to the planetarium and Madam Tussaud’s, or Baker Street, for all things Sherlock Holmes, authentic and cheap English eateries, and the well-hidden Ray Cochrane Beauty School, which offers deeply discounted massages and cosmetic treatments…a London rarity.)

Once you enter Regent’s Park from the south, head north to Queen Mary’s Gardens for a variety of roses, the acclaimed Open Air Theatre, which begins its repertoire of plays in late spring, or the sun-drenched Garden Café. Going east from there will take you to the beautifully manicured Broad Walk, and west will lead you to the picturesque Clarence Bridge and the Boating Lake, full of water fowl willing to pose for pictures.

You still haven’t seen anything yet! Head to the north end of the park for acres of football (soccer) pitches and cricket pens, the Honest Sausage café for hearty and healthy snacks, The Hub for exercise classes, children’s outdoor activities and a terrace café with pretty park views, the sprawling London Zoo (where fans of Harry Potter can see the spot where he discovered his powers in the reptile house), and St. John’s Lodge, one of the few private homes in the park that allows visitors backyard access.

Add to all of that the stately John Nash architecture that surrounds the park, the free guided tours and wildlife walks that often take place, the charming Regent’s Canal boat rides and Primrose Hill views of the city to the north, and you may want to consider spending more than a day in Regent’s Park. In fact, we suggest staying as close to the park as possible in one of these New York Habitat vacation accommodations:

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom in Regents Park (LN-602) photo

•A pretty 2-bedroom apartment in Westminster-Marylebone (LN-422) just off Baker Street and Regent’s Park. This second-floor accommodation is near the University of Westminster in a purpose-built apartment block that comes with an elevator and underground parking. This spacious, sunny rental has two bathrooms, two bedrooms with queen-sized beds, a home theatre system, a laundry/dryer and ocean-themed paintings that give it a resort feel. Past clients have raved: “We loved coming home after a tiring day of sightseeing to our ‘own’ wonderful flat. I would highly recommend this apartment.”

•A charmingly decorated 2-bedroom accommodation in Camden-Brent-Regent’s Park (LN-602) on the sixth floor of a period mansion block with elevator. This spotless flat comes complete with balcony, parquet flooring, laundry/dryer, king-sized and double beds, and a dining room suitable for six. To further delight the cinephile staying here, there are framed film posters in each room.

•A bright studio vacation rental in Westminster-Bloomsbury (LN-386) on the second floor of a large apartment building with full-time doorman. This rental has a large window to let the springtime sun in, as well as a queen-sized bed, kitchenette and bathroom with tub and shower. Perfect for one or two people!

Make the most of your springtime visit to London with a trip to Regent’s Park—and a stay in a New York Habitat vacation rental. 

Leave a comment below to let us know which events or areas of Regent’s Park you have enjoyed.