Where would you stay in London

[Londonvisit2024]

Where would you stay in London if you were site seeing? We're from another country and flying into and out of Gatwick. Should we base ourselves near the sites or stay a bit further out. If a bit further out, can you recommend an area?

We're from a small country and never use public transport here (its almost non existent here) so grateful for any advice.

What's your budget? That will probably be a big driver. I'd always prefer to stay more central but that's generally more £££

Sorry should have included that. Probably max 250euro per night (200 pound). I am seeing airbnbs and premier inns around that price on the south Bank for our dates. From what I have read the south bank is a good base for walking to some of the main attractions?

It's 2 adults and 2 DC under 10.

"Sightseeing" is a bit non-specific. I usually stay in an area that is relevant to what I plan to do. But if you're not sure, then I would recommend the South Bank (Southwark/Bankside/London Bridge) area. There is lots to do and see in the area, just the joy of being by the river, lots of restaurants, plenty of hotels from chains upwards. But there's also good public transport so you can get to the West End easily.
If you wanted to concentrate on the major museums, you might try staying further west - Kensington or South Ken, but Earl's Court has cheaper places, if you're on a budget.
Wherever you stay, be aware that even chain, budget hotels can easily be £200 a night.

Just back and stayed in the Novotel tower bridge - ideal location and within your budget

If you're spending 1-2 nights, then basing yourself nearby and more central to where you want to go makes sense, even if it's a bit more pricey.

If you're staying longer, perhaps a week, chances are you'll need to travel a bit anyway if the attractions are more spread out, so you could head a little further out.

My top tip would be to try to group the things you want to do and see together each day to minimise travel once in London, i.e. don't cross London several times in one day.

This could lead to museum overload, so you could base yourself near Earls court, start with doing 1 of the big museums each day and then heading across town to other places.

South Bank is definitely a great place to stay. So many places in walking distance and lots of easy tube rides to other places you might want to go like Buckingham Palace.

The Premier Inn next to the Tower of London is a perfect location for sightseeing and transport.

Yes, the South Bank / Waterloo is an excellent location.

Public transport is also very easy in London and your children will travel free. Best to stay as centrally as possible but then take short tube and bus trips to other parts of the city.

Premier Inn at Southwark Station is a great location too. Tube across the road or Waterloo round the corner. Buses at the end of the street. Close to the south bank. Lots of restaurants along The Cut or within easy walking distance.

If you want to travel back to somewhere quiet, I like Belsize Park or Hampstead. Zone 2 with a well connected tube line. I stay in the Premier Inn there which us fine although not luxurious.

South Bank is a good location if you're flying into Gatwick- train straight to London Bridge then walk (or quick taxi if you are tired and have lots of bags).
You can walk to most places from the South Bank or easily get public transport if you don't like walking.

@Londonvisit2024 If you travel into London on the Gatwick Express from Gatwick, you will arrive at Victoria. Lots of suggestions here are not so easy to access from Victoria. I would see what’s in the vicinity of the station. The Citizen M Victoria is worth a look. Plus the Premier Inn which is probably cheaper. You have decent transport links north, east and west from here. It’s commuter land to the south!
Staying near Victoria makes sense so
you get to a hotel quickly but can easily get to the most iconic sights. (Assuming that’s what you want).

Familiarise yourself with the underground map and plan your days. Victoria has restaurants and you are very close to lovely areas such as Kensington and Sloan Square if you want more choice. Do you know what you want to see?

Yes, the Gatwick Express goes to Victoria but Thameslink goes from Gatwick to London Bridge!

Personally, I'd rather be close to the river and both Tates and the Globe and Trafalgar Square, but of course both areas are lovely and suit different tastes!

South bank would be great OP to see lots and travel to other areas easily, or the tower bridge hotel another poster mentioned it isn't far from southbank

It’s so easy to get around London, you could stay anywhere. What’s your preference, being able to walk everywhere, good food in the evening and only having to stroll back to your accommodation?

@TizerorFizz you can get the train from
Gatwick to London Bridge. So staying in South Bank makes a lot of sense and is a much nicer area to stay, compared to Victoria, IMO.

Look at routes from Gatwick into centre using the train/underground and take it from there. Gatwick express can be pricey I think. Train in to Clapham perhaps and stay there or underground from there...

I would go by normal train, not the Gatwick Express. You will end in London Bridge and the area is good and you can get everywhere from it.

I would suggest you downloan an app called Citymapper, very easy to deal with, better than the official Transport for London.

And - lots of times you can better walk then taking the tube.

Get the train from Gatwick to Waterloo changing trains at Clapham Junction. Both lines run v frequent trains so there’s no need to plan a specific train in advance, you have to pay for the kids for that journey but they go free on all tubes and buses (just walk them through the wide gates with you). Then I would stay at the Premier Inn Southbank that you’ve found, it’s a great location and great price, and walking distance from Waterloo station where your train has come into. Easy peasy! Hope you have fun!!

Train in to Clapham perhaps and stay there or underground from there...
Just FYI that there’s no tube at Clapham Junction because it’s not actually in Clapham so annoyingly the 3 Clapham tubes aren’t nearby…

I would go by normal train, not the Gatwick Express. You will end in London Bridge and the area is good and you can get everywhere from it.
You can get stopping trains from Gatwick to Victoria too, changing at Clapham Junction to go to Waterloo would likely be the quickest way to get to Southbank but agree 💯 with the suggestion to download Citymapper - it’s so much better than google maps!

If I'm feeling flush my preferred location is Covent Garden. If I'm budgeting I like Southwark and the South Bank.

Don't stay in Clapham junction! As pp says, Clapham Common and Clapham South tubes are not that close; at least 25 minute walk I'd say (and I'm a london power Walker!).

Also, definitely not the nicest part of south london or london as a whole!
Stay where you can walk to most places and get tube easily.

I also agree with PP that if you can afford it, staying in Covent Garden would be lovely!
But south bank is a great choice!