PLANNING THE PERFECT LONDON WORKATION

PLANNING THE PERFECT LONDON WORKATION

• Travel Planning

Planning a "Workation" in England's Capital

Remote work has redefined the way we travel. No longer must we choose between career and exploration—now, we can do both. If you're considering a “workation” in London, you're in for a remarkable blend of productivity and pleasure. The British capital isn’t just a hub for business and culture—it’s the perfect backdrop for remote professionals seeking inspiration, elegance, and efficient connectivity.

At Ivy we understand that your home base needs to offer more than just comfort. It must inspire focus while offering easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. This guide covers where to stay, how to stay productive, and how to make the most of your London workation—whether for a week or a month.

Why Choose London for Your Workation?

London isn’t just a major global city—it’s a cultural and intellectual playground. Here, you can take your video calls from a sun-drenched garden flat in Chelsea, brainstorm from a café in Notting Hill, or close deals before catching an evening play in the West End. It's a city that understands the balance between hustle and lifestyle.

For American remote workers, it’s especially appealing: English-speaking, just five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ideal for real-time collaboration), and filled with co-working hotspots, green spaces, and an endless stream of cultural diversions.

The Ideal Base: Short-Stay London Apartments

The success of your workation hinges on choosing the right accommodation. Forget cramped hotel rooms or generic rentals—what you need is a space that blends style, privacy, and practicality.

Our handpicked short-stay London apartments are thoughtfully designed to support remote work. With fast Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and access to quiet, elegant living areas, you can truly settle in and focus. Whether you're after a sleek city flat or a serene garden apartment, we have something to match your working style.

Best London Neighbourhood’s for a Workation

Not all areas are created equal when it comes to working remotely. These are our top picks for where to stay in London if you're planning a productive, enjoyable stay.

1. Chelsea: Classy, Quiet, and Well-Connected

Chelsea is a favourite for ‘workationers’ seeking calm, inspiration, and convenience. Leafy streets, nearby cafés, and the river make it ideal for reflective walks between meetings. Our luxury London holiday rentals in Chelsea offer generous space and privacy.

Perks for Remote Workers:

• Great café culture
• Reliable transport links
• Proximity to the Thames Path for post-work strolls

2. Notting Hill: Creative and Comfortable

Notting Hill is where bohemian charm meets modern comfort. It’s a quieter residential area with great energy—perfect for creative minds.

Perks for Remote Workers:

• Cosy work-friendly cafés (try Beam or Farm Girl)
• Local markets for fresh, healthy lunches
• Serene streets for concentration and calm

3. Marylebone: Central Yet Serene

Marylebone is your answer to central London living without the chaos. With boutique shops, quiet streets, and walking-distance access to the West End, it’s ideal for a balanced work-life rhythm.

Perks for Remote Workers:

• Sophisticated, peaceful atmosphere
• Excellent local delis and restaurants
• Close to Regent’s Park for outdoor thinking sessions

4. Fulham: Spacious and Residential

For longer stays, Fulham is a fantastic choice. It’s slightly removed from the hustle, offering a slower pace and family-friendly feel, but remains connected to central London via the District Line.

Perks for Remote Workers:

• Spacious vacation homes in London
• Great local cafés with Wi-Fi (like District or Local Hero)
• Riverside walks and leafy streets for mental resets

Designing Your Perfect Workday in London

A workation shouldn’t be all work and no play. Here’s how to craft a day that combines productivity with the best of what London offers.

Start Strong with a London Breakfast

Begin with a hearty breakfast from a local favourite—Granger & Co. in Notting Hill or The Ivy Chelsea Garden. Both offer light-filled atmospheres perfect for mapping out your to-dos over a flat white.

Set Up a Beautiful Workspace

All Ivy homes come with high-speed Wi-Fi, and many have desk setups or quiet nooks perfect for work. If you need a change of scenery, consider:

• Work.Life in Fitzrovia for a drop-in coworking spot
• Fora in South Kensington, ideal for short-term memberships
• The Hoxton Hotel lobbies (Holborn or Shepherd’s Bush) for casual co-working

Power Lunch with a View

Break up your day with a stroll to a nearby café or park. For something special:

• Ottolenghi (Belgravia or Notting Hill) – inventive, energising meals
• Petersham Nurseries Café – a destination in itself
• Borough Market – if you’re up for a food adventure

Get Inspired Between Meetings

Use your mid-afternoon break to recharge:

• Walk through Kensington Gardens
• Browse Daunt Books in Marylebone
• Catch a quick exhibit at the V&A or the Design Museum

Wrap Up with a Local Treat

After logging off, enjoy a taste of London life:

• Have a pint at The Churchill Arms (Notting Hill)
• Watch a play at The National Theatre or a fringe show in Camden
• Dine at Dishoom or Padella—book ahead!

Staying Productive While Travelling

Here are some practical tips to make the most of your workation in London:

• Time Zones: London is five hours ahead of New York, making early evenings ideal for overlap with U.S.-based colleagues.
• Tech Ready: Our homes are equipped with fast, stable internet and plenty of plug points—bring a UK adapter and a power bank for days on the move.
• Routine: Stick to a daily schedule to avoid burnout. Reserve your evenings and weekends for exploration.

London Weekends: Recharging the Right Way

One of the best things about a London workation? Your weekends are wide open for discovery.

Try this itinerary:

• Saturday: Explore Hampstead Heath, browse the antiques at Portobello Road, and catch a jazz show at Ronnie Scott’s.
• Sunday: Start with brunch in Clerkenwell, stroll the Southbank, and watch the sunset from Primrose Hill.

With every neighbourhood offering its own mood and magic, you’ll never run out of inspiration.

Planning Tips: What to Know Before You Go

• Visas: U.S. citizens can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa for tourism or remote work (as long as you're not employed by a UK entity).
• Travel Insurance: Make sure your policy covers health and electronics.
• Public Transport: Get an Oyster card or use contactless for the Tube and buses. Apps like Citymapper make navigating easy.

Workation with Ivy: Why It Works

At Ivy, we know what modern travellers value—elegant vacation homes in London, professional service, and local know-how. Our curated portfolio of luxury London holiday rentals is ideal for remote workers seeking a peaceful, inspiring place to stay. With homes in London’s most desirable neighbourhoods and a team ready to support your needs throughout your stay, you can focus on your work—and leave the rest to us.

Final Thoughts: Your London Office Awaits

A London workation offers the best of both worlds—career momentum and cultural enrichment. Whether you're Zooming from a sunlit Chelsea flat or spending your weekends immersed in London life, the city invites you to thrive.

Let Ivy help you find the perfect base for your London workation—because remote work should never mean compromising on experience.

Photo by Niels Kehl on Unsplash