London

London is so much more than the sum of its skyline. Behind the landmarks and bright lights, it’s a city stitched together by stories. Leafy backstreets and hidden squares, canal paths, indie cafés, wild gardens and creative corners offer a breather from the buzz, while centuries of history are held in its bricks and cobbles; a testament to a place in continual reinvention.

The lure of London lies in its contrasts. Dawn on Hampstead Heath, with mist rising up from the ponds, and the to-be-seen-in scenes of Soho just a tube ride away. Georgian terraces meet bold brutalism, artisan bakeries stand shoulder to shoulder with hole-in-the-wall curry cafés, and glassy towers reflect centuries-old church spires. Then there are the unexpected moments of calm; in the walled gardens of Chelsea Physic, the quiet flow of the river at Hammersmith, or the pretty streets of Clerkenwell at golden hour. This is a city of many worlds, waiting to be discovered.

We love London for its energy — not the rushing kind, but the hum of creativity, curiosity and innovation. Here, an old railway arch becomes a ceramic studio, a corner pub hosts the next jazz great, and a Sunday stroll might take you from flower markets to forest glades. It’s endlessly surprising, effortlessly stylish, and full of places that make you want to linger a little longer. See our Kip tips for the city, below.

We’ve found some really unique places to stay in London and beyond – including a stylish houseboat in Little Venice, boutique lakeside lodges on the outskirts and cosy cottages on Kent’s coast.