New York Habitat Blog

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 pretty 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in Southwark (LN-746) that comes complete with contemporary furnishings, wood floors, double beds, and floor to ceiling windows that let in the summer sun. To make you feel at home, this walk-up also has a doorman and security, laundry/dryer, and complimentary amenities such as soap, shampoo and a welcome pack!

· 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

Starting this year, the Bankside Winter Festival will sweep into London’s South Bank with the spirit of the holidays—stretching along the Thames in front of the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre, which are themselves amazing backdrops in any season. To really get into the festive swing, stay in a nearby New York Habitat vacation rental and be a part of all the spectacle and celebration!

London: Thames River

Included as an integral part of the ten-day entertainment festival is the four-hundred-year-old Frost Fair, which used to be held on the actual Thames itself when the river would freeze over in midwinter. This more updated version is a modern take on those classic winter markets, with about forty stalls selling the perfect presents, from handcrafted goods and jewelry to one-of-a-kind crystals and fossils.
Although the river no longer freezes over, that’s not to say there isn’t a nip in the air. To keep it at bay, a main bar serving mulled wine, ale, hot chocolate and seasonal foods is set up among the stalls for intrepid shoppers.

The Frost Fair opens in dramatic style with a stunning “parade of lanterns” that features schoolchildren carrying such illuminated seasonal images as ice skaters, roasted chestnut vendors and dancing bears past Southwark Cathedral and St. Paul’s (where you can listen to carolling performances in the grandest of settings). The parade ends in front of the Tate Modern, where a huge and ornate Frost Fair scene will be assembled.

You should also see the traditional “procession of boats”—stately cutters flying the Frost Fair flag as they float down the river between Southwark and Blackfriars Bridges, where the sailors, decked out in full livery uniform, disembark and join the festivities.

For even more family fun, there are special seasonal workshops at the Bankside Winter Festival that let the kids get interactive, Husky dog sledding displays and street theatre performances to keep everyone enthralled.

London Accommodation: 2-bedroom rental in Lambeth (LN-525)

Best of all, South Bank is the ideal place to stay in London at any time of year because there is always so much happening. Theatres (the Old and Young Vic, Royal Festival Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe), museums (the Tate Modern, the Hayward Gallery, The Gallery @ OXO), attractions (The Clink, the London Eye), pubs (the sprawling, absolute must-see Anchor), restaurants and shops abound—not to mention the knockout view! To experience it all, stay in a well-located, nicely appointed New York Habitat accommodation, such as:

• A bright and airy 2-bedroom vacation rental in Lambeth (LN-525) near Waterloo station. This ground- and first-floor accommodation is in a period, terraced house with a dual living room, hardwood floors, high ceilings and a sunny breakfast room with exposed brick walls.

• A charming and spacious 2-bedroom accommodation in Southwark (LN-528) near Blackfriars station, next to Blackfriars Bridge. This rental is on the third floor of a modern apartment building and comes with its own balcony overlooking the Thames. The view alone should be enough to keep you warm in winter!

• A 1-bedroom vacation rental in Southwark (LN-467) near Southwark station. This cheery and comfortable accommodation, on the first floor of a modern apartment block, has laundry and a balcony that looks out onto communal gardens.

There’s nothing quite like a traditional holiday festival in London—and to start your own tradition, stay in a New York Habitat vacation rental!

Let us know your favorite spot on the South Bank by leaving a comment below.

Waterloo London Sunset photo

In 1967, The Kinks released “Waterloo Sunset,” a pretty, personal pop song about a man wistfully watching two lovers meet outside Waterloo station every Friday evening. Time Out London magazine called it the city’s anthem. Music surveys argue that it’s the greatest song ever written about London. Some even speculate that the song’s “Terry and Julie” were based on the real-life romance of British screen icons Terence Stamp and Julie Christie—but when Ray Davies sings, “As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunset / I am in paradise,” this writer, for one, knows exactly what he means. Want to share in this paradise? Stay in one of New York Habitat’s rental accommodations on the South Bank, watch a sunset from Waterloo Bridge—and witness the Number Two Sight on our Musical Must-See List of London.

The Thames is the lifeblood of London. There are activities all along the river, dotted with bridges that link the Docklands’ industrial past and the grandeur of Parliament to the Tate Modern and the millennial spectacle that is the London Eye. Waterloo is perfectly situated among it all. Stand on the bridge and watch couples strolling along the river, tourists taking pictures of the city’s ever-changing skyline, musicians busking on the South Bank and skateboarders showing off in impressive and impromptu performances—or see it all unfold from the balcony of a furnished apartment.

New York Habitat has a spacious 2-bedroom vacation rental in Southwark (LN-528) on Upper Grand off Blackfriars Road that features a balcony with breathtaking river views. You can take afternoon tea while overlooking the Thames as the lyrics of “Waterloo Sunset” play in your head: “Every day I look at the world from my window /
But chilly, chilly is the evening time / Waterloo sunset’s fine.” Then step outside and browse through the enormous selection at the South Bank book market as you make your way to Waterloo Bridge when the sun starts to go down.

For another gorgeous view, consider our 1-bedroom vacation rental in Southwark (LN-467), just off Morley Street near Waterloo Road. This furnished accommodation is on the first floor of a modern apartment complex and has a breakfast bar (Bloody Mary or Bellini, anyone?) and a balcony that opens onto communal gardens.

You can also vacation in a lovely 2-bedroom furnished rental in Lambeth (LN-525) between Waterloo and Blackfriars Roads. It’s a two-level period terraced house right near the river—with interiors of exposed brick and laminated wood floors—that puts you within two minutes’ walk of Waterloo station, where “Terry and Julie” met every Friday. With any luck, you can also catch a Terence Stamp or Julie Christie restrospective at the neighboring National Film Theatre, one of the best cinemas in any city in the world.

London Accommodation: Sunset in a 2 bedroom London Vacatin Rental (LN-525) Photo

Try as hard as you want—it’s impossible to exhaust all of the things there are to do near the banks by Waterloo Bridge. On the south side, there’s the Hayward Gallery, Royal Festival Hall, the Old and Young Vic Theatres, Gabriel’s Wharf and endless free outdoor shows in the summer. The walk to the architecturally arresting former factory that is now the Tate Modern takes you past sprawling pubs, riverside restaurants and the still slightly swaying Millennium Bridge, which offers unparalleled views of St. Paul’s—particularly as night falls.

From Waterloo Bridge, look across the Thames to Victoria’s Embankment or gaze downriver at the beautifully backlit Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. As the sun sets, you’ll swear you’re in paradise.

If you have missed any of the previous top Musical Sites in London Check these out:

Next week, New York Habitat will reveal its Number One Must-See Musical Sight in London. In the meantime, put on your old Kinks’ CD and comment below on your pick for the city’s most spectacular view.

London Accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Bermondsey, Southwark

Bermondsey Street in Southwark is one of the trendiest spots in the whole of London. Lined with bars and art galleries, the chic and stylish Londoners flock to this area at any given time. And close to the lovely Tower Bridge, what’s not to love about this two-bedroom apartment rental in southeast London?

Two-bedroom Apartment in London:
Sleek and luxurious living is what’s in store for anyone who rents this pristine abode. This two-bedroom apartment in Bermondsey (LN-257) showcases an open, modern kitchen and two spacious, double bedrooms. The living room is completely furnished and comes with a 42-inch plasma television. Notice how the deep, red window treatments beautifully complement the polished, black furniture and the gleaming, white cabinetry under the television. An ottoman doubles as a place to relax and a table for performing work or eating a meal.

And who says you can’t get anything for free? You sure can in this London apartment! Some of the best perks of renting this two-bedroom in Bermondsey include the use of a free laptop with a WLAN card, free local phone calls from a LAN line, complimentary beverages and a free bottle of wine with your booking. With easy access to the West End via the nearby underground, the possibilities for fun and excitement are endless.

London Accommodation: 2 bedroom rental in Bermondsey, Southwark

Sleek and luxurious living is what’s in store for anyone who rents this pristine abode. This two-bedroom apartment in Bermondsey (LN-257) showcases an open, modern kitchen and two spacious, double bedrooms. The living room is completely furnished and comes with a 42-inch plasma television. Notice how the deep, red window treatments beautifully complement the polished, black furniture and the gleaming, white cabinetry under the television. An ottoman doubles as a place to relax and a table for performing work or eating a meal.And who says you can’t get anything for free? You sure can in this London apartment! Some of the best perks of renting this two-bedroom in Bermondsey include the use of a free laptop with a WLAN card, free local phone calls from a LAN line, complimentary beverages and a free bottle of wine with your booking. With easy access to the West End via the nearby underground, the possibilities for fun and excitement are endless.

Other apartments in the West End of London:
If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the West End, you will certainly love the three-bedroom apartment rental in Kensington - Chelsea (LN-354). Both the Bermondsey two-bedroom and the Chelsea three-bedroom are situated in South London near the River Thames. And by renting either of these two elegant apartments, shopping, dining and entertainment are never far away, and the sounds of the city are right outside your front door!

Why is the two-bedroom apartment in Bermondsey, London a hidden gem?

Tower Bridge

Living in Central London is like living in Times Square. Big, beautiful and busy, Central London is an adult playground, full of shops, restaurants, pubs and everything else imaginable! The fashionable and immaculate living conditions also make this two-bedroom apartment rental in Bermondsey a hidden gem. For up-to-date information on South London happenings such as sport, the job market and travel tips, visit icSouthLondon.

If you would like some travel tips from us here at New York Habitat, check out our blog titled Globetrotters: Apartment Tips for International Travel.

Feel free to comment on the fabulousness of South London below.

One of London’s hot districts is the Southwark area along the south bank of the Thames (Bankside). The neighborhood has changed over the past 10 years with significant new development, including the opening of the Tate Modern Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater and London’s new City Hall.

The furnished apartment market in Southwark:

The neighborhood has become increasing popular for apartment rentals because of its convenient location to London City. Vacation rental accommodations in the area range from 714 pounds a week for a one-bedroom apartment near Waterloo Station (LN-467) to as much as 1,588 pounds for a two-bedroom apartment with a garden near London Bridge (LN-257). In between there is a two-bedroom apartment with a balcony, also near London Bridge, at 907 pounds per week (LN-409).

Furnished rentals are limited in the area, though prices are more reasonable than comparable offerings in Knightsbridge, Kensington and Chelsea. One current offering is a two-bedroom apartment (LN-257) for 3,400 pounds per month.

Reasons to select Southwark:

Whether coming for a short or long stay, Southwark’s location on the South Bank of the Thames is ideal because it is just a few subway stops away from major attractions and a short walk from others.

With easy access to three major subway lines — the Northern, Bakerloo and Jubliee — most areas of the city are readily accessible. The Jubilee line offers quick access to Knightsbridge, Oxford and Bond Streets for shopping and Westminster Abbey.

Taking a walk from the apartment leads to the new construction mentioned above as well as the Millennium Pedestrian Bridge that was constructed across the Thames in front of the Tate Modern. Also, the neighborhood is convenient to Waterloo Station, the terminal of Eurostar rail, which makes the three-hour trips to Paris and Brussels on a frequent basis. If you decide to enjoy a few days in Paris during your London stay, remember to take a look at our Paris accommodations.

Other area interests:
London Accommodations near Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
Sports in London: Opening of the new Emirates Stadium

When you decide to book your London trip, remember to consider Southwark as a good alternative to some of the most popular neighborhoods in London. If you decide to make Southwark your home during a relocation, our London Corporate Relocation service would be happy to find the perfect apartment for your needs. If you are coming for a short stay, our Vacation Rentals team can help you find a suitable apartment.