AirBnB London: Pub, canal barge and jewellery store - six alternative places to stay this summer

Whether it’s the parks, the museums, the pubs or any of the other delights London has to offer, spending time over the summer in the capital should be high up on everyone’s lists.

For those travelling in and having to find a place to stay for a night or two, there is a seemingly endless list of potential hostels, hotels and B&Bs to choose from.

If you’re needing a few options of places to stay in the capital over the summer this year, we’ve taken a look through AirBnB to pick out a selection of spots offering something a little bit different. Check out our list below.

Queen of the Inland

Given the extent of London’s canal system, it’s perhaps no surprise that we kick off our search with a form of accommodation which makes use of the capital’s waterways; a boat.

Costing £110 per night, Queen of the Inland is regularly moved, and so can be anywhere between Tottenham Hale and Portobello. Guests can rent out the living quarters, with the engine room and boatmans cabin remaining private. A shower, electricity, cooker and other essentials are all included.

An old granary studio

Just sneaking into the greater London area, this granary studio near Chelsfield is currently up for £110 per night. Complete with one bedroom and one bathroom, the listing boasts a five-star rating, with one guest describing it as “by far the nicest AirBnB we have ever stayed in”.

Luxury houseboat in central London

Located in the Limehouse marina, this houseboat is offering a particularly plush experience for those wanting to take to the water.

At £225 a night, guests can enjoy luxuries such as an indoor fireplace, a TV and Avtex Bluetooth sound system. Plus, obviously, the gorgeous view of the marina.

Flat in a ‘vibrant’ jewellery shop

For the more artistic among us, this Oval-based space in a jewellery shop might be just the ticket.

Pictures show the room to be decked out just as you’d expect, with the host describing it as “a haven for artists all over the world”.

Complete with facilities from a shower to a washer and a dryer, the flat is also not far from Brixton, with easy access to a range of bars, cafes and restaurants.

Eco-friendly canal boat

Stay off-grid with this east London narrowboat. Often docked around Victoria Park and Hackney, it does have to move on every two weeks, so the location may vary.

Powered by solar panels and with water from its onboard tank, use of electricity and hot water is limited. However, with benefits including a delightful canal-side view every morning, that hardly seems like such a chore.

Classic London boozer

Dating back to 1856, The Stag’s Head in Hoxton is a typical old-school east end pub. So much so that some of the movie about the Kray brothers, Legend, starring Tom Hardy, was shot inside, as was an episode of Black Mirror.

Guests at The Beds flat, which is located above the pub, are able to enjoy 50% off food when purchasing a main meal. Guests are invited “to join in on the party, eat good food, stroll around the canal and listen to good music”.