The Best Airbnbs Within 2 Hours Of London
Although a holiday might not be on the cards for some time, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a think about where you would like to visit once things get back to normal. While London is great, even the most loyal of city dwellers need a change of scenery from time to time and these easy-to-reach weekend excursions are a great place to start.
Thankfully, we’ve done the leg work for you, and narrowed down the 12 best and most unique Airbnbs, within a two-hour drive from London.All you need is some wheels, a 120 minute-long playlist and your BFF/s. Whether you fancy a weekend with pals in a country castle, or a jaunt to a weird and wonderful water tower, read on to discover the coolest city escapes.
The Ski Lodge
Location: Kent
Rate: £110/ per night
Driving time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
If you aren’t hitting the slopes this year, then this cosy cabin is the perfect alternative. Featuring chalet-style interiors, the house comes complete with its own outdoor hot tub, meaning you can still enjoy that après ski feeling from the comfort of the countryside. Ideally located next to tons of pubs, hiking trials and a medieval village, this quirky cabin is made for a snowy weekend away.
Who needs skiing when you could be stargazing in the back garden instead?
The Warehouse
Location: Brighton
Rate: £165/ per night
Driving time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
When it comes to easy weekends away, Brighton is ideally located. Instructions for the perfect getaway are as follows: 1. Round up five of your favourite pals. 2. Jump on a train from London Victoria to Brighton. It only takes an hour and a bit. 3. Make this converted warehouse your home for the weekend. It has exposed brick walls, a Chesterfield sofa and is three minutes away from the sea. No-brainer.
The Bell Tent
Location: Wiltshire
Rate: £89 / per night
Driving time from London: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Swap smog for country air and sirens for birdsong by escaping to The Farm Camp in Wiltshire. A little more glamorous than your average camping experience, you’ll take residence in your very own bell tent, complete with futon (no sore backs here), wood burner and even a posy of fresh flowers.
Yes, this is the most luxurious tent you’ll ever call home.
The Stately Home
Location: Wiltshire
Rate: £150 / per night
Driving time from London: 45 minutes
If you’re partial to a period drama, you’re going to love Bradley House. Not only is it pretty darn picturesque, it boasts a rather impressive history, too — it was (Henry VIII’s wife) Jane Seymour and family’s crib after they moved from Wulfhall in the 1500s. Now home to the Seymour descendants, you can hire out a wing of the house for up to six guests and spend a weekend wandering in the extensive garden, swimming in the heated pool, and wearing Elizabethan ruffs (last part optional).
Serious Downton Abbey vibes and a pool? We’re sold.
The Windmill
Location: Kent
Rate: £175 / per night
Driving time from London: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Pretend you’re in an episode of Jonathan Creek for the night (except, you know, without the murderous stuff and Alan Davies), by paying a visit to The Old Smock Mill. It occupies four storeys and has been painstakingly restored without sacrificing on original features, which include massive beams, a giant spur wheel, and sack hoist.
No detail has gone unconsidered; guests can expect a welcome basket filled with organic eggs laid by the owner’s very own chickens!
The Country Cottage
Location: Gloucestershire
Rate: £215 / per night
Driving time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Sometimes, all you need is an escape to the country. That’s where this 18th century Cotswold cottage comes in. Airy, bright and beautifully furnished, it accommodates six people comfortably. Turn your phone on airplane mode (after some obligatory ‘we’re in the country’ Instagram snaps, naturally), and cook up a storm on the Aga or venture into nearby Nailsworth to paint a pot. Yes, you read right.
The Treehouse
Location: Brighton
Rate: £189 / night
Driving time: 2 hours
This treehouse is perfect for a romantic city break. Crossing the rope bridge takes you back to magical childhood dreams, yet forward into a grown up treehouse retreat.
Spend all day in this luxury treehouse, or roam the 44 acres of surrounding private farmland.
The Wagon in the Woods
Location: Alton
Rate: £99 / night
Driving time: 2 hours
Take a cosy escape to the countryside with this wagon in the woods. The large window fills the space with light for a fresh start to the morning. In the evenings, cook up a grill on the BBQ then roast marshmallows on the campfire.
The wagon even comes with a hot tub!
The Converted Chapel
Location: Brighton
Rate: £133 / per night
Driving Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
The Chapel Townhouse dates back to 1876, nestled along a picturesque Victorian muse. With over 400 five-star reviews, this could possibly be one of the best Airbnbs you’ll ever set foot. These interiors include a roll top bathtub original stained glass windows and a Victorian inspired chandelier made from black Lego bricks.
A second chandelier made of 300 antique crystal wine glasses is the centre piece for the winding staircase.
The Castle
Location: Suffolk
Rate: £900 / night
Driving time: 2 hours, 16 minutes
A former Augustinian monastery on 8 acres of private parkland. Butley Priory has incredible stone vaulted arches, huge fireplaces and enormous bedrooms that transport you to a magical bygone era.
The 8 bedroom castle is a great choice for weddings, retreats or perhaps a glamorous masquerade party?
The Farmhouse
Location: Surrey Hills
Rate: £225 / night
Driving time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Get cosy on the leather sofa in front of a wood-burning stove in this stylish conversion of a traditional barn. With beams overhead, a dining room and open-plan kitchen, this versatile space is a slice of rural idyll.
A great choice for 6 of your favourite people looking for relaxation and seclusion.
Originally published at https://www.refinery29.com.
