The best Airbnbs near London for a weekend break

How far from London: 2.5 hours by train, 2 hours 20 by car

Ah Whitstable. Sun (not guaranteed), sea and lots of oysters. This charming seaside town has all you need to destress away from the busyness of London. And it’s only a one hour and 18 minute train journey away from the capital. This spacious Airbnb is a stone’s throw from the sea and comes with a complimentary breakfast hamper. So there’s no messing about, you can just get straight into enjoying your weekend away from the Big Smoke.

Time Out tip: Sea Scrub Sauna is a five-minute walk away (and highly rated).

Beds: One bedroom. Two guests.
Price: From £94 a night.
Location: Whitstable.

How far from London: One hour 26 by train, one hour 50 by car

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. 

Time Out tip: Walk along the River Cam for stunning views. 

Beds: One bedroom. Two guests.
Price: From £280 per night.
Location: Horningsea village, Cambridgeshire

How far from London: 2 hours by train or car

You really can’t go wrong with a weekend away in Margate. Yes it’s massively hyped, but a train from King’s Cross will get you to this coastal Kent town’s beautiful beach in just an hour and a half. Plus there’s a museum about socialism disguised as a museum about crabs. What’s not to love? This affordable and stylish Airbnb in Cliftonville is just five minutes to the sea and 10 minutes to the old town. Its courtyard oasis is the star of the show so pull up a deck year and crack open a cold one and take a deep breath of sea air.

Time Out tip: Buy the freshly baked bread from the neighbourhood bakery, Oast.

Beds: One bedroom. Two guests.
Price: From £93 a night.
Location: Cliftonville, Margate

How long from London: One hour 20 by train or car

This oak cabin for two in Hertfordshire has previously been voted one of the UK’s most-wish-listed Airbnbs, 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 a 20-minute walk away is the award-winning local, the Alford Arms. We'll cheers to that!

Time Out tip: Catch a film at the Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted, an independent 1938 art deco cinema.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Price: From £163 a night.
Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire 

How long from London: One hour 40 by train, 2 hours 40 by car 

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.

Time Out tip: 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.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.
Price: From £150 a night.
Location: St Leonard's-on-Sea, Hastings

How far from London: 2 hours 10 by car

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.

Time Out tip: If you’re visiting between March and May be sure to check out the bluebell woods in Everdon Stubbs.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Price: From £152 per night.
Location: Northamptonshire

How far from London: One hour 40 by train, two hours by car

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. 

Time Out tip: Fancy a tipple? There's a fair few vineyards, brewery and distillery tours knocking around in the South Downs.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Price: From £140 per night.
Location: Hassocks, South Downs. 

How far from London: 50 min by train, one hour 29 by car

Windsor is one of those places that’s so close to London it almost is London… only of course it’s not. Take that natty little train down from Slough and you’ll get off in another world. One where time moves slower, the streets are made for wandering in and, oh yeah, there’s a massive great castle in the centre of town. This beautifully made-up apartment is on the high street and has views of aforementioned castles. It also, in case you needed more convincing, is in a building with a spa on the floor above. All guests get a free 30-minute treatment (massage or facial) to help them look as pretty as a princess on her wedding day…

Time Out tip: You can watch the Changing of the Guard from the living room window.

Beds: One bedroom. Two guests.
Price: From £325 a night.
Location: Windsor

How far from London: 1 hour 50 by train, 2 hours by car

Stay at this newly restored, old dairy store in Sandwich and soak up a unique combination of modern upgrades and historic charm. This rustic shop-come-Airbnb from 1710 sold dairy goods until the 1950s, and now offers guests a luxury stay in Sandwich, among all of its glorious history. The usual fantastic amenities apply here, but you'll especially enjoy the indoor fireplace, as well as the outdoor courtyard – complete with BBQ, firepit and a lovely seating area for those balmy summer nights.

Time Out tip: Visit the renowned nearby restaurant ‘Updown’ – you won’t be disappointed.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.
Price: From £140 per night.
Location: Sandwich, Kent

How far from London: One hour 50 by car

Dream of bedding down on a thriving vineyard for the night? Well then you’ll be heading abroad, right? Wrong. Thanks to the now-booming English wine business, you can live your best winery life in good old Essex. Situated just 20 mins from pretty Saffron Walden, the Toppesfield Vineyard (just outside the tiny village of the same name), is home to this high-shine Scandi-style villa. It’s a great place for spending lots of time outdoors (preferably in the hot tub), but if the weather gets a bit too English, they’ve got a striking nickel bar for dining at while overlooking the vineyard. There’s also an honest box for Toppesfield’s award-winning white, rosé and sparkling wines. So do, you know, be honest (we saw you having that sneaky top up, Sharon).

Time Out tip: Catch a film at the Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted, an independent 1938 art deco cinema.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Price: From £163 a night.
Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

How far from London: Two hours 20 by train, one hour 30 by car

This two bed barn conversion in rural Oxfordshire is a little bit special. Located on a working farm, it provides the perfect balance of making-a-break-for-it with contemporary comforts and admirable style. The bedrooms and living space are enticing places to escape the autumnal chill and to settle down in for long hours with a dog, a book (Middlemarch, maybe) and a glass of red. But it’s the kitchen we’re most enamoured with. English farm cottage meets the spaciousness of something more Northern European to create a place that makes you want to drop everything and start baking pies all day. But before you do, just know that this area of the country has some phenomenal pubs hidden in various villages to dine at.

Time Out tip: Take a day trip to the lovely nearby town of Wallingford for great pubs and restaurants.

Beds: Two bedrooms. Four guests.
Price: From £192 a night.
Location: Cuxham, Oxfordshire 

How far from London: One hour 50 by train, two hours 30 by car

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.

Time Out tip: Be sure to stroll around the coastal gardens surrounding the property – they were designed by the late filmmaker Derek Jarman.

Beds: Three bedrooms. Sleeps 10 guests.
Price: From £638 a night.
Location: Dungeness, Kent 

How far from London: One hour 40 by train, two hours 30 by car

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.

Time Out tip: Camber is a short drive or cycle from the historic Cinque Port town of Rye: cobbled streets and antique shops galore.

Beds: Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests.
Price: From £924 a night.
Location: Camber

How far from London: Two hours 25 by train, two hours 10 by car

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.

Time Out tip: Bats can often be seen swooping over the pond over the summer months.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.
Price: From £133 a night.
Location: Thornborough, Bletchley

How long from London: Two hours and five minutes by train, two hours 20 by car

Sometimes wonderful stays come in small sizes, as with this luxury glamping experience nestled in the woodlands of The Haven. Your tiny Airship home in waiting comprises of a bright, open-plan living space with all the necessary amenities (kitchen, bathroom, living area, etc), complete with a cool, contemporary wood-panelled interior. Our favourite feature? The 'glass eye' at the head of the airship - it's yours to dine and look out of the pond and woodlands. Pretty cool. 

Time Out tip: There’s no WiFi, so leave the laptop at home and bring a pack of cards instead.

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps three guests.
Price: From £140 a night.
Location: The Haven, Billingshurst