While in London, we stayed in a tiny studio loft apartment in Putney, which I’d booked through Air B’n’B.
It was great to have our own space – although our host was very friendly and available if we needed her, as she lived in the flat downstairs. However we only really saw her on the day we arrived, and the day we left!
Our studio apartment was self-contained, complete with TV, washing machine and well equipped kitchen! After more than two weeks without a home cooked meal, the first night we were both craving a steak (and vegies), which we promptly bought from the nearest supermarket and cooked ourselves. The prices seemed about the same as what we’d pay in Australia – until we realised this was in £, not $ – so basically double!
The transport in London is amazing! Putney is out in the ‘burbs – on the Wimbledon line, about halfway to Heathrow from the centre of London as the crow flies. We stayed about 10 minutes’ walk from East Putney station, and there was a bus stop practically at our front door. We were soon navigating the tube like pro’s, changing at Earl’s Court station to head into the centre of London.
And if you missed one train, no worries, you could get the next one in about three minutes! We downloaded the Citymapper app, essential for any tourist in London. It shows various options for wherever you need to go – including a “wet weather” option which we used on the one day that it rained during our stay (didn’t want to get wet!).
I wish we’d taken more photos of our accommodation and the area where we were staying; I guess we were too busy seeing and taking photos of the big name sights! I will have to remember this, for next time … 😉
What sort of accommodation do you prefer when staying in a foreign city for more than a couple of days?
The more of your trip I see, the more I want to go. I’ve only been to NZ a couple of times, and because we were traveling quiet quickly, we stayed in hotels. I do always prefer an apartment with a kitchen, so that I can prepare my own food though. xx
This looks like a lovely spot to stay. We are actually taking all the kids to London and Paris next year. I haven’t yet looked into accommodation – I know I will probably have heart palpitations when I do! London, like NYC is great for public transport, makes things so much easier to get around.
It looks a great spot. Public transport is so good isn’t it. I love finding my way around London by tube, bus and then on foot too. Loved your photo essay of your time in your studio flat though – sometimes it’s the little things that are so interesting – like how you found the price of food.
You chose a great spot Janet. Putney sounds lovely and it looks like you guys had the transport down pat. Don’t worry about not taking enough photos on your travels – I personally think you need to be present and really enjoy the place where you are, rather than peering through a lens the whole time.
Oh, this brings back so many memories! When we lived in London 10 years ago Putney was our next door suburb. We almost lived in Putney in a Victorian flat around the corner from East Putney station, but the contract was firmed up in Wandsworth first. I love London. Favourite city in the world!
Funnily enough Caitlin I just read a novel set in and around Putney and Wandsworth. It was so cool, when the characters mentioned Keswick Road I’m like YES! I know where that is and got so excited – coz I’m a dag like that!
Love London too! Would love to go back there again. Soon.