Top 9 Airbnb Experiences In London For A Great Time

Rachel
Rachel 
Updated
| 9 min read

Almost a decade since it was founded in August 2008, Airbnb is now a familiar name to people looking to lease or rent short-term lodgings such as apartments and vacation rentals, homestays, and hostel beds. Since November 2016, the reputable online short-term lodging marketplace has expanded its offering with a new service that allows users to book immersive travel experiences in the marketplace. Such travel experiences include history tours, unique local meetups, and peer recommendations, so you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Of course, there are luxury Airbnbs where you can stay while checking out these experiences. London is also home to unique hotels for those seeking one-of-a-kind lodging.

If you are planning a trip to one of the world’s most visited cities - London, ditch the typical tourist route and book an Airbnb Experience for an unforgettable trip. In this guide, we give you a list of the top Airbnb Experiences in London that will offer a unique glimpse into the city!

1. Embark on a private photo walk through the iconic streets of London (from USD 75.0)

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of London’s iconic landmarks with this private photo walk experience. Led by a professional photographer, this personalized tour is designed to capture the essence and beauty of the city in every frame. From the timeless charm of Big Ben to the majestic London Eye, you’ll visit renowned locations while receiving expert guidance on composition, lighting, and techniques to enhance your photography skills.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Westminster and explore Westminster Abbey, and discover hidden gems along the River Thames. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shutterbug, this immersive adventure guarantees stunning photos and unforgettable memories of London’s most famous sites.

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Private Photo Walk in London iconic Places · ★4.97

Duration: 60 mins

137 reviews

2. Join a pottery workshop (from USD 75.0)

Unleash your creativity in a relaxed pottery workshop, perfect for both curious beginners and those seeking a new experience. This three-hour Airbnb activity in London introduces you to the captivating art of pottery, regardless of your skill level. Watch as the tutor demonstrates hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, empowering you to mould and shape clay with your own hands.

Immerse yourself in the joy of experimentation and play, as you create something personal and uniquely crafted. With a maximum group size of 10, safety is prioritized with thorough sanitization and provided protective gear. All materials are provided, and the option to glaze fire your piece is available for an additional 5 GBP (6.2 USD).

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London Pottery Workshop · ★4.97

Duration: 3 hours

237 reviews

3. Join an Oxford historian for an insightful history walk (from USD 15.0)

As a bustling metropolis with history stretching back to Roman times, there is a lot waiting to be explored by travellers in London. Most tourists tend to head to Jewel Tower, Buckingham Palace or Tower of London, which are some of the best places to visit in London. But have you ever wandered to the Clerkenwell district in central London? Known as being an area with great character and charm, join Nigel, an Oxford History graduate who has lived in London all his life, on an insightful walk through medieval London. With this Airbnb Experience, look forward to incredible stories from Nigel who has extensive knowledge of the area, as well as visit both popular and off-the-beaten-track sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Postman’s Park during the 2-hour walk.

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Tour around Medieval London · ★4.72

Duration: 2.5 hours

218 reviews

Nature experiences

London may be a highly urbanised city where most people would relate her to a concrete jungle image, but that does not mean you won’t be able to enjoy nature when you are exploring the city. Here are three fun nature experiences you can partake in London.

London Tour Guide

Robert Woolf

Robert Woolf

I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !

Tours by Robert

4. Enjoy the sights and sounds along a beautiful river with a relaxed bike tour (from USD 97.0)

If you think it is impossible to leisurely cycle and enjoy good old rustic charm in a built-up city like London, it is because you have not met Stefan yet. The friendly German and Spanish teacher is an avid cyclist who discovered numerous beautiful cycling routes in the city and he is more than willing to show you around these routes. When you book this bike tour hosted by Stefan, he will provide you with a bicycle and take you on an alluring ride across the city that is touted as one of the best Airbnb tours in London.

Let the sight of picturesque parks and rivers calm your mind as you cycle along, while you listen to interesting stories about people, history and culture through a local. End the fun-filled bike tour with some tantalising food and drinks from a 17th century pub at the ponds of a charming English village. Rest assured the bike tour is relaxing yet stimulating, and certainly not physically demanding. So book a date with Stefan to explore a cool bike tour off the beaten tourist track in London!

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London's Best Kept Secret Bike Tour

Duration: 4 hours

285 reviews

5. Hike through the remarkable natural beauty of the English countryside (from USD 43.0)

A direct 45-minute train from London Bridge railway station to Cowden railway station in Kent will take you to The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southeast England. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with Airbnb superhost Hugo, who will share fascinating stories and beauty of his hometown as you hike the captivating countryside together.

This 9-mile (14.5-kilometre) Airbnb tour in London will bring you through one of England’s finest landscapes, complete with rolling hills, woodlands and fern-clad streams that have existed since the Medieval times. Besides soaking up the incredible nature, you will also visit various noteworthy landmarks including a castle, church, tea shop and country pub, with origins dating back to several centuries. If you enjoy the outdoors and are comfortable walking long distances in the countryside for half a day, the Royal Rural Ramble tour is a perfect match for you. Spice up your London trip with a taste of English countryside life with this Airbnb Experience!

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Royal Rural Ramble (reasonably rapid)

Duration: 6 hours

94 reviews

Gourmet experiences

Food brings people together, and it is one of the main reasons why many people travel. A memorable gourmet experience is more than just savouring great food in the most reputable or popular restaurants in town. Read on for three unique food and drink experiences that will help you appreciate London’s rich history and culture more.

6. Join a dinner party in a storied antique shop (from USD 67.0)

Everyone loves a great dinner with good food and fun company. But the dinner experience would be even more superb if the venue was in a quaint, charming space. Join a dinner party hosted by Emma at the Town House in the heart of east London. Emma founded a supper club after working in a Spitalfields antique shop and hosting numerous dinner parties there.

Start the evening with a welcome drink as you mingle with other guests and admire the interesting facade of the antique building. As you sit down at the long table for dinner, listen to the enthralling stories that Emma will share about the building’s history and people. Each dish on the menu is also specially selected with links to the past which Emma will explain as the dishes are served. The dinner party is not just an opportunity for you to taste delicious food, but an all-rounded gourmet experience complete with interesting history and fantastic company.

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Learn a building’s history over dinner

Duration: 3 hours

61 reviews

Night entertainment experiences

London is a city that never sleeps, as it offers plenty to do and enjoy for everyone at night. Besides watching world-class theatrical or music performances, chilling out in top clubs in the West End, or partying your night away in east London, there is a slew of alternative experiences on Airbnb that will keep you entertained at night. If you’re curious about the experience of using Airbnb in London for tours and activities, check out these 3 interesting experiences for a captivating night out in town.

7. Enjoy a sensational night of live music in an incredible loft (from USD 39.0)

For the arts buff, you may have heard about Shoreditch, the new arty district located in east London where the hip and trendy head to these days. On the last Sunday of every month, partake in an unforgettable musical experience held in a unique loft space in the heart of Shoreditch. The private home is a lovely treehouse complete with fairy lights, cushions, swing and a spectacular Steinway Concert Grand piano.

Listen to mesmerizing voices accompanied with soothing classical music performed by multi-award winning instrumentalists in an intimate setting. Go behind the scenes as the inspiring performers share fascinating insights into their lives at some of the world’s greatest music conservatoires, West End musicals and major Opera productions. During the breaks, you can even have a chat with your favourite performer over a drink. Instead of joining the party crowds in clubs, enjoy a sensational night of relaxing classics in an enchanting setting with this secret concert experience!

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Secret Concert - Debut at Shoreditch Treehouse

Duration: 2.5 hours

404 reviews

8. Appreciate a live jazz performance in a cosy container space (from USD 22.0)

For those looking for an indie jazz performance in London, you will find joy in the Airbnb Experience by Hidden Jazz Club, founded in the summer of 2017. Highly acclaimed as one of Airbnb’s Top 5 most popular global experiences, the Hidden Jazz Club is formed by prominent jazz composers and vocalists in England. The captivating live jazz performance is housed in a beautiful repurposed shipping container in Brixton, so you can get up close to distinguished jazz musicians.

Only the best and brightest from London’s lively jazz scene will be invited to perform at Hidden Jazz Club, including star performers such as Vimala Rowe and Binker Golding. No two nights are the same at Brixton Hidden Jazz Club, so repeat guests to the experience are certainly welcome. Coupled with an accessible location within a stone’s throw from public transport options and surrounded by great street food choices in central London, it is no surprise why this stunning jazz experience is so well-received by everyone!

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Peckham Hidden Jazz Club

Duration: 2 hours

745 reviews

9. Explore the alternative side of London’s nightlife (from USD 73.0)

If you enjoy partying but are bored of the usual options and wish to explore the alternative side of London nightlife, this Airbnb Experience hosted by Alison is a wonderful choice to consider. As a friendly dance enthusiast who is passionate about London nightlife, Alison, nicknamed the “London Nightlife Encyclopedia" among friends, is the best person to approach in this aspect.

Start the evening in a quirky bar before you go on a personalised LGBTQ+ (an acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others) evening filled with the best live acts, secret bars and hidden gems that even locals may not know. Immerse yourself in the night as you drink, chat and mingle with other partygoers while treading the historical streets in London. “When Night Falls In London” with Aisha is best for anyone who is open minded with an appetite for a truly memorable night.

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LGBTQ night in London-Big Queer Energy

Duration: 5 hours

213 reviews

Experience the real London with local hosts

If you travel so that you get to gain more insights into the local culture, history and people, Airbnb Experiences is a good platform where you can find recommended immersive experiences to partake in. Get to know the capital of the UK better through tours or programs hosted by real locals who are seasoned Airbnb hosts in London. For your next London trip, try some things London is famous for, and break the monotony by not going through the same old tourist route that everyone else does. Create awesome travel memories with one of these top Airbnb Experiences in London.

Frequently asked questions about the top Airbnb experiences in London


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel has forgotten when and exactly how she caught the travel bug. What she does remember is the triumphant feeling she enjoys when she sees the fascinating world out there with her own eyes. She...Read more

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