The best Airbnbs near London for a weekend escape

Location: Folkestone, Kent

How far from London: Under an hour on the high-speed train, around 2 hours by car

You can't miss Shoreline. It's the gleaming, wave-shaped white building rising straight out of the pebbles on Folkestone beach, and The View is the slice of it you can actually book. This five-floor townhouse is built for four (two couples or a very lucky friendship group), with a front door that opens directly onto the beach, a kitchen kitted out down to the 12-bottle wine fridge, and a high-ceilinged living room whose curved balcony serves up an unbroken panorama of the Channel. You can spend an entire morning people-watching from it, and despite the crunch of pebbles and passers-by outside, shut the doors and the whole place goes luxuriously, eerily quiet. When you do peel yourself off the corner sofa, the Harbour Arm's food stalls and the Creative Quarter's galleries are a short stroll along the front.

Rooms: Two double bedrooms (master with ensuite). Sleeps four.

Price: From £440 a night, minimum three-night stay.

Nearby: The beach is literally your doorstep, Folkestone Harbour's food stalls and the Lighthouse Champagne Bar are a stroll away, and the Creative Quarter's cobbled galleries are just up towards town.

Time Out tip: Sea Scrub Sauna is the biggest beach sauna in the country, with wood-fired huts, cold plunges and a hot tub. Lucky for you, it's only two minutes along the boardwalk. 

Location: Horningsea village, Cambridgeshire.

How far from London: 1 hour 26 by train, 1 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. 

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Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £280 a night.

Nearby: Cambridge's colleges and punting are 15 minutes away, the gardens at Anglesey Abbey are just down the road, and the River Cam towpath runs practically past the door.

Time Out tip: Take a deckchair under the apple trees at Grantchester's Orchard Tea Garden, where everyone from Virginia Woolf to Rupert Brooke once idled over scones.

Location: Cliftonville, Margate 

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.

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Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £93 a night.

Nearby: Walpole Bay tidal pool is Cliftonville's worst-kept secret, and Turner Contemporary, Dreamland and the old town's vintage shops are all within a 15-minute walk.

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

Location: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

How far from London: 1 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!

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £163 a night.

Nearby: The Ashridge Estate's 5,000 acres of deer-filled woodland start at the back gate, the Alford Arms is a 20-minute walk, and Berkhamsted's castle ruins are a short drive.

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

Location: Rye, East Sussex. 

How far from London: Just over an hour by train via Ashford, around 2 hours by car.

Rye has its charm, with its wonky timber-framed houses, cobbles that will destroy any heel over an inch, and enough antique shops to furnish a small manor. This cottage sits on The Mint, one of the oldest streets in town, and squeezes four of you into two bedrooms with king-size beds, plus the reviews have raved about the homemade cake waiting when you arrive, which is frankly how all check-ins should work.  When you've had your fill of pottering, the best things to do in Rye are all within a five-minute wander. 

Rooms: Two bedrooms, both with king-size beds. Sleeps four.

Price: From £211 a night. 

Nearby: Mermaid Street’s cobbles, Lamb House (Henry James's old gaff) and the climbable tower at St Mary’s are all on your doorstep, and Camber Sands is a 15-minute drive.

Time Out tip: Book lunch at Tillingham, the natural winery ten minutes up the road in Peasmarsh. Do the vineyard walk first so you feel like you’ve earned a glass or 10. 

Location: St Leonards-on-Sea, Hastings. 

How far from London: 1 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.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps four.

Price: From £150 a night.

Nearby: St Leonards' Kings Road is full of indie shops and good coffee, while Hastings Old Town, the pier and the cliff railways are a seafront stroll east.

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.

Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire 

How far from London: 1 hour 45 minute train from London Paddington

Elmore Wild’s treehouses are something very special indeed, built entirely into the trees so as to feel completely private (you can’t see your treehouse neighbours even if you try). I stayed in ‘Wildcat’, which fitted three, but there are a number of stays to choose from – from couple’s havens to cabins with two-bedrooms. But all of them have the same special details; an outdoor bath, an open fire, aesthetic pink cookware, spare phone chargers, binoculars for spotting wild birds – and a set up that’s half indoors, half outdoors, and feels utterly immersed in nature.

Price: From £250 per night

Rooms: Varying from one to two

Time Out tip: Don’t even think about lugging Sainsbury’s bags over from London – order from Elmore’s menu of hampers and meal kits, which will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Nearby: Nearby Stroud is a lovely little town, home to plenty of nature and trendy neighbourhood bistro Juliet. 

Location: Northamptonshire.

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.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £152 a night.

Nearby: Footpaths spider off across the surrounding farmland, the Tudor manor at Canons Ashby is a short drive, and Daventry Country Park is good for a lakeside leg-stretch.

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

Location: Hassocks, South Downs.

How far from London: 1 hour 40 by train, 2 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. 

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four.

Price: From £140 a night.

Nearby: Ditchling Beacon and the South Downs Way are on the doorstep, the Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is in the village, and Brighton's seafront is 20 minutes away.

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

Location: Windsor.

How far from London: 50 minutes by train, 1 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.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £325 a night.

Nearby: Windsor Castle is quite literally out the window, the Long Walk and Great Park are minutes away, and Eton is just over the footbridge.

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

Location: Sandwich, Kent. 

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.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four.

Price: From £140 a night.

Nearby: Sandwich's medieval lanes are all around you, the Roman ruins at Richborough are just outside town, and Deal's seafront and Sandwich Bay are both a 10-minute drive.

Time Out tip: Book ahead for dinner at Updown, the Michelin Guide-listed farmhouse restaurant ten minutes up the road, where half the menu is cooked over an open fire. 

Location: Whitstable, Kent.

How far from London: 1 hour 20 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.

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Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £94 a night.

Nearby: The harbour's oyster shacks, Whitstable Castle and the high street's independent shops are all a short stroll away, and Tankerton Slopes is right there for a blowy seafront walk.

Time Out tip: Book a table at Wheelers, the tiny pink oyster bar that's been shucking since 1856. It's BYO, so grab a bottle en route.

Location: Toppesfield, Essex.

How far from London: 1 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).

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £199 a night. 

Nearby: The Norman keep at Hedingham Castle is 10 minutes away, Saffron Walden's medieval market town is about 20, and you're surrounded by some of Essex's prettiest villages.

Time Out tip: Postcard-pretty Finchingfield is one of the most photographed villages in Essex. Lucky for you, it's a 15-minute drive.

Location: Cuxham, Oxfordshire.

How far from London: 2 hours 20 by train, 1 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.

Rooms: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four.

Price: From £192 a night.

Nearby: The Ridgeway and Chiltern walking trails are minutes away, the market town of Watlington is next door, and Oxford's spires are about a 40-minute drive.

Time Out tip: Climb Watlington Hill to the White Mark chalk carving and count the red kites wheeling overhead. This exact patch of the Chilterns is where they were brought back from extinction in England in the '90s.

Location: Dungeness, Kent.

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

Rooms: Three bedrooms. Sleeps ten.

Price: From £638 a night.

Nearby: Dungeness's two lighthouses and Derek Jarman's Prospect Cottage are a shingle-crunch away, the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch miniature railway stops nearby, and the RSPB reserve is on the doorstep.

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

Location: Camber, East Sussex.

How far from London: 1 hour 40 by train, 2 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.

Rooms: Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight.

Price: From £924 a night.

Nearby: The dunes are literally out the door, Rye's cobbles are a 15-minute drive, and Dungeness's end-of-the-world shingle is a short hop along the coast.

Time Out tip: Book dinner at The Gallivant, the boutique beach hotel across the road from the dunes. Its restaurant is one of the best on this stretch of coast. 

Location: Thornborough, Buckinghamshire.

How far from London: 2 hours 25 by train, 2 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.

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.

Price: From £133 a night.

Nearby: Bletchley Park's codebreaking huts are 20 minutes away, the landscaped grounds of Stowe are a short drive, and Buckingham's market town is just up the road.

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

Location: The Haven, Billingshurst.

How far from London: 2 hours 5 by train, 2 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. 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps three.

Price: From £140 a night.

Nearby: The rewilded Knepp Estate (and its safaris) is a 15-minute drive, antiques-stuffed Petworth is about 25, and the South Downs are all around you.

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