Torquay house

The clatter of morning traffic filters through double glazing, and beyond your window, London's skyline shifts through a hundred shades of brick and glass — you're deep in the city, and that's exactly the point.

This year-round spot offers camping pods and hostel-style bunks, so it works for solo travellers chasing museums and markets, small groups doing the South Bank on a shoestring, or anyone who wants a base without the West End hotel price tag. Dog owners should ask ahead, and the urban setting means this is firmly a beds-and-roof affair rather than a canvas-under-stars experience.

Facilities aren't spelled out in detail, so check what's included when you book — think basics rather than bells and whistles. Campfires are worth asking about on arrival, though in a London setting that's likely more wishful thinking than reality. The vibe here is practical and no-frills: a place to sleep, store your bag, and get out exploring. If you're after a budget bed in the capital rather than a countryside escape, it does the job.