The 12 best Airbnbs near London

City life driving you nutty? Go off-grid and detox from chaos in this Chestnut eco-lodge Airbnb retreat in Northamptonshire. Situated in a quiet, woody area of a working farm, the Airbnb is hand-built from sweet chestnut and aims to give you a place to escape and unwind. Small and quaint, it sleeps two people in a double bed and is a great alternative for a romantic trip away from London. It has an ensuite with a compost toilet and heated shower (so you don't have to pee in a bucket), and a gas stove for light cooking and lots of tea. The interior is rustic with a country charm, and the fairy lights strung up make it a very cosy little space. Plus, you'll have use of the log burner to make sure you don't freeze in the good ol' British weather. During the sunnier times of the year, you can make use of the outdoor kitchen, with a gin bar and fire pit BBQ. Bonus: you'll have access to a tiny shepherd's hut with extra lounge space and sofa bed for an additional guest, perfect for your third-wheeling friend.

Beds? One double bed. Sleeps two guests. 

The space? A real-life hobbit home featuring an indoor fireplace, cosy amenities and stunning nature – perfect for a weekend getaway. 

Location perks? Ideal for those looking to unplug for a weekend as the eco-lodge is off-grid and surrounded by forest and farm life.

Budget range? An affordable retreat for two.

As far as escapes from the Big Smoke go, Cambridge is a bloomin' lovely one. Hop on a train from King's Cross and alight in the verdant countryside in less than an hour. Things get even more tranquil if you head just three miles out of town to this gorgeous Grade II-listed cottage (formerly a buttery) situated within 23 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The decor is chic, modern rustic with all the home comforts. Plus, if you explore the grounds, you'll find a pool (shared), a rope swing and even some sheep. 

Beds? One large bed. Sleeps two guests. 

The space? A stunning home in the heart of the English countryside and filled to the brim with bespoke amenities and beautiful interior design.

Location perks? 23 acres of private parkland to explore from the doorstep of your Grade II listed home from home.

Budget range? A romantic cottage getaway with a decent price tag – but so worth it.

The low-key seaside town of Deal is one of our favourite places to visit. The massive pier and bronzy stone beach are one of the South East's best-kept secrets and this seventeenth-century cottage is the ideal spot from which to soak it all up. The decor is stunning, there's no other word for it. Opulent, townhouse chic galore, with a quaint garden. It's also just a few steps away from the stones and sea air, for movie-level tinnies and chips as the sun goes down.

Beds? One king, one double, and two singles. Sleeps up to six guests. 

The space? A beautifully styled 17th-century Airbnb Plus home by the seaside, complete with indoor fireplaces, a fully equipped kitchen and three well-sized bedrooms for the whole family.

Location perks? An easy few minutes walk from the beach. Dreamy indeed.

Budget range? A well-priced family getaway for six.

A wild swim in your own private lake is a great way to wind down and, if that's what you're after, this Airbnb would be the perfect fit. You can say goodbye to that chaos you get trying to go for a swim in a London lido and simply hop into the water whenever you want. North of Brighton, Ditchling Cabin is right in the middle of the South Downs National Park. The owners provide wetsuits so you don't need to worry about hypothermia. You'll also have the luxury of an outside hot shower (plus an indoor roll-top bath), a fire pit and a hot tub. 

Beds? One double bed, two bunk beds and a cot. Sleeps up to four guests and a baby. 

The space? A luxury wooden cabin on a secluded lake. Honestly, what more could we ask for?

Location perks? The cabin sits on a stunning private lake with a hot tub, jetty and a boat for your entertainment.

Budget range? A high-end luxury getaway for the whole family.

This oak cabin for two in Hertfordshire was voted one of the UK's most-wish-listed Airbnbs in 2020 and we're not surprised. It's situated in a verdant, leafy clearing – the perfect, peaceful setting for a romantic getaway. The back gate allows you to walk straight into the woods to explore 5,000 acres of deer-filled forest and its other wildlife. And just 20 minutes walk away is the award-winning local, the Alford Arms. We'll cheers to that!

Beds? One double bed. Sleeps up to two guests. 

The space? A cosy oak frame cabin in the forest. Perfect for outdoor explorers looking to stay among the trees.

Location perks? In the heart of the National Trust's Ashridge Forest. Think romantic getaway meets nature's finest.

Budget range? An affordable rustic experience for two.

Recognise this wonky old building? This stunner, right in the middle of Lavenham, Suffolk – one of the most remarkable medieval villages in the UK – stood in for Harry Potter’s birthplace in the movies. It was also a five-star B&B before its pivot over to the Airbnb world. Book a room in the historic building for an otherworldly break from modern life. Marshmallows for the fire are included. You'd be a mug(gle) not to consider this gem. 

Beds? One four-poster double bed. Sleeps up to two guests in one private ensuite bedroom.

The space? A 'Harry Potter' home, as the owner lovingly describes it. And indeed it is. Live out your best wizardry fantasies in this gorgeously mythical home.

Location perks? From private courtyards and quaint nearby villages, this lovely area will be right up your (Diagon)alley.

Budget range? A budget-friendly getaway for Potter buffs.

Chill the eff out at The Well on Margate’s seafront. It’s got bohemian charm by the bucket (and spade) load and has been designed to promote wellbeing. We're talking a meditation area with soft cushions, yoga mats, relaxation masks, and aromatherapy oils. Go with the flow. Soak in the tub – handily located just a metre from your bed – or venture outside to watch the waves. The chic retreat is located right on the seaside and is also close to the famed Turner Contemporary art gallery. 

Beds? Two double beds. Sleeps up to four guests.

The space? A gorgeous home created with wellness in mind. Think naturally light spaces with bohemian styling. Bliss.

Location perks? Walking distance from the beach and the infamous Viking Coastal Trail.

Budget range? A spiritual escape with a group of pals – or your loved ones.

Forget Margate, the go-to seaside escape these days is Hastings. Similar to Margs and Brighton, it has that hippyish charm of a town by the water, alongside trendy restaurants, vintage shops and one helluva view. This Victorian townhouse takes advantage of said view, with French doors opening out onto a private terrace with access to Warrior Square Gardens and the ocean. It sleeps four, is beautifully decorated and – a massive bonus – has free on-road parking.

Beds? One king-size bed and one double sofa bed. Sleeps up to four guests.

The space? A naturally lit luxury apartment with next-level sea views and interiors to die for. 

Location perks? The balcony and garden are both welcome invitations to stay home and indulge, but the nearest beach is within walking distance and just as magical. Enjoy.

Budget range? A well-priced getaway to Hastings; a magical English coastal town.

Not quite done with that isolation vibe? Head to bleak and beautiful Dungeness for a quiet stay in this modernist paradise of a cabin. It’s all timber and glass, looking out over the area’s trademark wildflower-studded shingle. The price may seem a little eye-watering, but this true spectacle of a house sleeps ten people across eight beds, so is ideal for a super-sleek and peaceful group getaway.

Beds? Eight beds across three bedrooms (two king-size beds and six single beds). Sleeps up to 10 guests.

The space? A RIBA-award-winning home on a nature reserve overlooking endless greenery and beautiful countryside. 

Location perks? Think dramatic coastal landscape meets greener-than-green countryside as you've got Dungeness. It's magic. 

Budget range? A 'time to splash out' kinda Airbnb, but we're here for it. It's worth every penny.

Fill your London lungs with fresh sea air at this two-bedroom cottage situated on the seashore. Tides Cottage looks out on the shingle and surf, with beach access from the front door. Whitstable and The Old Neptune pub are just a short walk along the beach, but we wouldn't blame you if you spent your entire stay sipping tea and watching the waves. You can't get more calming than this. 

Beds? Four double beds across three bedrooms. Sleeps up to six guests.

The space? A beachfront cottage with the perfect balance of rustic and coastal interiors. 

Location perks? You couldn't really get closer to the ocean if you tried. Soak up the sea from the comfort of your cosy paradise.

Budget range? A budget-friendly stay for a group of mates looking for a coastal weekend away.

This impeccably designed beachfront house is about as close to the waves as you can get, with its giant glass doors spilling out into the sand dunes. The wood and glass combination is both stylish and practical, giving you seaside views from the master bedroom, ensuite and lounge. It's close to the lovely cobbled lanes of Rye. The East Sussex retreat can also accommodate up to eight guests, making it perfect for a multi-family getaway – assuming you don't get into a fight over who gets the room with a view.

Beds? Four beds across four bedrooms. Sleeps up to eight guests.

The space? A walk-onto-the-sand-from-the-dining-room beachfront home in Camber Sands.

Location perks? The beach is quite literally on your doorstep. And it's as charming as it sounds.

Budget range? A not-so-budget-friendly stay for a family or group of mates but for a one-of-a-kind property like this, it's the real deal. 

Need to seriously switch off? Swap Zoom meetings and virtual hangs with sweeping views of gorgeous greenery and an expansive fishing pond. There's no wifi here anyway, so that's that. Embrace it. Open those large bi-fold doors and let the sunshine in. If you want to venture beyond the beautiful abode, you're in prime Buckinghamshire, so won't be short on things to do.

Beds? One double sofa bed. Sleeps two guests.

The space? A unique hand-built shepherd's hut overlooking a pond and private gardens. 

Location perks? All kinds of nature surrounds you and there are lovely walking trails nearby. 

Budget range? A no-frills but beautiful stay in the English countryside with a decent price to match.