8 Delightful London Cottages Where You Can Stay

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” wrote Samuel Johnson in 1777. Not everyone agrees with this quote, thinking that there are many experiences beyond the city bounds that can’t be found within them. This is undoubtedly true – but you’d probably be surprised to learn how many non-city adventures you can have in London.

For example, have you ever dreamed of staying in a quaint English cottage? You might think about spending a few nights out of the city, maybe in Kent or Surrey. No need for the extra train ride though – there are cottages in London that you can book for your next London trip!

While you can certainly stay in a more conventional accommodation like a hotel or book a flat via Airbnb, why not try something different? I’ve already covered one unconventional option (houseboats), and now I want to highlight another. These London cottages will give you the sense you’re far from the bustling city while sticking close to the amenities, sights, and all the best that London has to offer. If you’re ready to find the perfec tone – from quaint to quirky – read on for the best English cottages in London.

1. Sunny Garden Cottage in North London

This sunny garden cottage is an oasis in bustling London. The lovely cottage hides in the lush garden of host Clair in West Hampstead, a lively and young neighborhood in the North of the city. Despite being secluded, it has surprisingly good transport connections to the rest of London. It’s only minutes away from the tube, overground and trains to take you anywhere you want to go.

As for the amenities, the studio has a private entrance, outdoor eating area, and sun porch. Inside, there’s a toilet, sink, microwave, and fridge. The only drawback is that you have to shower in the main house. This studio is also one of the best cottages in London if you have children. The hosts have crates of Legos, many toys, and a large trampoline to keep your little one entertained. Oh, and for the Beatlemaniacs out there, the famous Abbey Road crosswalk is not too far away. 

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bed, 1.5 bath
• From $77/night

2. Magical Mews Cottage near Hyde Park

As London cottages go, you’ll see an ample variety to choose from in the market. Lucy’s Magical Mews Cottage is here to fulfill your demand if you’re looking for a traditional English Cottage. 

When redesigning the cottage, the host and her team had one goal: to perfectly recreate a cottage that combined the atmosphere of England’s 17th century feel with today’s comfort and luxury. They definitely achieved it. From the moment you step into the cottage, you feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1700s. The rooms feature old oak furniture, warm brown shades, and elegant artwork. 

You’ll find little luxuries everywhere: goose-down duvets, high thread count bed linen, bathrobes, Descamps towels, and Moulton Brown toiletries, just to name a few. Regarding convenience, the location is perfect, with many pubs and eateries and within walking distance of tube stations and shopping.

Details:

• 5 guests, 4 beds, 2 baths
• From $492/night

3. Garden Studio House near Lewisham

Note: As of August 2022, this Airbnb is no longer available. I’ll be updating this post soon!

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple in London, Rebecca’s Garden Studio House is a perfect option for you. This studio is one of the tiniest cottages in London mentioned on the list. The host has converted her garage into a cozy self-contained studio. Despite its modest size, the studio features a fully-equipped kitchen, a pull-out sofa-bed, shower, TV/DVD, and free internet. 

It’s extremely convenient and has easy access to central London by either Lee or Hither Green railway stations. The studio is also quite private, having its own side access and front door. Staying in Rebecca’s studio is also an excellent way to explore London’s family life. A primarily residential area, family houses surround the studio, and you might catch a glimpse of kids playing outside, dogs barking at squirrels, and BBQs in the summer.

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bed, 1 bath
• From $60/night

4. Garden Log Cabin near Hackney

One of the trendiest cottage vacation rentals on the list, the Garden Log Cabin matches Hackney’s cool atmosphere. Surrounded by lush gardens, this lovely log cabin is the perfect place to unwind and have some space to yourself after a day out. The owners have remodeled the kitchen and bathroom with high-end appliances. There’s also a table and a new sofa bed. 

As for the style, the log has light wooden panel walls and six big windows which the sun pierces in the morning. The studio features a Brazilian hammock where you can enjoy the peace and feel of being in the country. Being in Hackney, the log is steps away from great cafes and shops, Sutton House, the overground and buses, and close to plenty of east-end markets and galleries. 

Details:

• 1 guest, 1 bed, 1 bath
• From $113/night

5. Garden Cottage in Fulham

Note: As of August 2022, this Airbnb is no longer available. I’ll be updating this post soon!

So far, I’ve covered the cottages in London that make a perfect base for a short stay. However, if you plan to spend more than two weeks in London, then The Garden Cottage is your best choice.

Set in the heart of London, this quaint cottage can sleep two people and features one bedroom, a bathroom stocked with toiletries, an open planned living room, and a small garden with lovely furniture. It sits on Parsons Green, so you’ll have plenty of restaurants, traditional pubs, boutiques, and local shops. The nearest Tube station is 3 minute’s walk, and you can get to the center of London in only 30 minutes. 

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bed, 1 bath
• From $244/night

6. West London Garden Cottage near the Thames

Note: As of August 2022, this Airbnb is no longer available. I’ll be updating this post soon!

Forget about refurbished and modern cottages; this West London Garden Cottage is all about the authentic English countryside cottage vibes. 

This cottage is one of the few places that can provide a legit English experience. Why? Because it is a 17th-century building! The owners have made a great effort to preserve the cottage’s original features. Every detail inside is unique and reminiscent of the past time of Hammersmith, as a fishermen’s location in the river Thames. It feels like being in a storybook. 

The house features a master bedroom on the top floor, with a separate toilet and bathroom next to the living room one floor down equipped with a bathtub. Then, there’s a second bedroom in the basement with its own private bathroom and access via the rear garden. The kitchen and dining room are on the ground floor. It is also in a great location, a 10-minute walk to the Hammersmith tube station, and very close to various pubs and restaurants.

Details:

• 4 guests, 2 beds, 2 baths
• From $156/night

7. Camden Garden Cabin Studio

We usually associate cottages with seclusion and peacefulness. Yet you’re about to see this is not always the case. Located in Camden Town, this garden cabin studio is right in the middle of the action. It is close to Camden’s popular markets and lively nightclubs (only 10 minutes  away!)  

Built over an old air-raid shelter, the cabin sits in the middle of a gorgeous garden. It features private access from the street and has a terraced area with outside seating. There is also a bedroom and bathroom. Don’t worry if you’re visiting in the chilly season, for the house has underfloor heating in both the main space and the bathroom.

The cottage’s style is fantastic and resonates with the alternative scene that floods Camden’s streets. You’ll find Indian movie posters, a giant tropical plant painted on the bedroom’s wall, and chairs in gaudy colors. 

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bed, 1 bath
• From $130/sight

 8. Kensington Studio Cottage

Traveling with your bae or beau? This little English cottage in London, right of Kensington High Street, is a great option. It stands out for its modern yet warm style. It features very clean lines, and the furniture and wall colors follow contemporary patterns. While everything except the bathroom is in the same room, the hosts have done an excellent job distributing spaces.

You’ll find a double bed, a kitchenette, bathroom with shower, sofa, dining table and chairs. It has a private entrance from quiet cobbled mews, and it overlooks a lovely garden. The cottage is popular among exhibitors, given its closeness to the Olympia exhibition centre.

As you might guess by the name, it’s super close to Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace, two London landmarks. You don’t have to go far away to find eateries either. High Street Kensington boasts many shops and restaurants, cafes, and characterful pubs.

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bed, 1 bath
• From $130/night

Which of these cottages in London do you want to stay in? Personally, I love the Garden Cabin Studio in Camden (#7) and will be checking dates for my next London trip! If you have any questions about these properties or notice one of them is no longer available, please let me know in the comments.