With this article, I have compiled the definitive guide to house sitting in London, England. The UK is a hotbed for house sitting opportunities and as the country’s largest city, London has the biggest concentration of house sitting listings.
I was lucky enough to live an hour north of the nation’s capital city for much of my life and have visited it more times than I can remember. London stands as one of the world’s great cities and is the second most visited city on earth with around 20 million visitors annually.
I’m looking forward to writing about somewhere so close to my heart, so let’s dive straight into the definitive guide to house sitting in London.
Why Everybody Should Visit London
London is a city brimming with history and culture, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From the majesty of Buckingham Palace to the iconic Tower Bridge, there are endless photo opportunities. Plus, the vibrant street art and performers in places like Covent Garden add a different charm and an often quirky vibe.
Foodies will be in heaven with London’s diverse culinary scene, you’ll find flavors from around the globe. British fish and chips are of course a must and I highly recommend a trip to explore trendy food markets like Camden Market and Borough Market. No matter what your taste, London’s food scene won’t disappoint.
Shopping in London is an adventure in itself, with everything from high-end boutiques to endearing vintage shops. Oxford Street has all the latest fashion and Camden Market is packed with one-of-a-kind finds. The West End is home to all manner of world-class and independent productions and is considered a jewel in the London nightlife crown.
House Sitting in London, England
London is a large city with many surrounding boroughs that all fall under the banner of ‘London’. All of them, even in far-reaching directions are connected by The London Underground, or ‘Tube’. As such, house sitting possibilities in the Greater London area are extensive and diverse. At the time of writing this article, over 700 homes in London are accepting applications.
My Experience of House Sitting in London, England
When Hannah and I began house sitting in 2019 we had dreams of applying for listings in far-off lands and being accepted without hesitation. Sadly this isn’t quite how it generally works in the house sitting world and after a few unsuccessful international applications, we regrouped and came up with a plan.
We didn’t have any reviews or house sitting experience so attaining international house sits was always going to be difficult. We decided to apply for local sits to build our profile. Living an hour north of London we had plenty of opportunities to apply for attainable house sits and we were delighted to secure one in the city for our second-ever sit.
Taking care of 4 little dogs in North London was a great experience. We enjoyed the comforts of a lovely home whilst being able to hop on the tube for drinks in Camden and dinner in Leicester Square. The dogs were well-behaved and easy to care for, we got a 5-star review and caught the house sitting bug.
House Sitting Opportunities in London, England
London is the best city in the UK for house sitting opportunities. The number of homes accepting applicants is always in the high hundreds and currently sits over the 700 mark.
This presents a great deal of variance and flexibility when planning a London trip. Whether looking months ahead or hoping for a last-minute placement you will find house sitting opportunities in London that match your travel requirements.
There is everything from city center high-rise apartments to large suburban houses with great city links.
How to Secure a House Sit in London, England
To secure a house sit in London, you’ll need to join a house sitting website. Our favorite is Trusted Housesitters, but there are others also worth considering. It’s wise to have a few different options, especially if you plan on frequent or full-time house sitting.
Start exploring countless house sitting opportunities with a free Trusted Housesitters membership. Signing up is quick and easy – all you need is an email address. Click here to get started.
A full Trusted Housesitters membership costs $129/year, giving you unlimited house sits. This is $1 cheaper than the average cost of one night in a London hotel ($130). Alternative house sitting sites such as Mind My House ($29/year) and House Sitters UK ($49/year) are handy to join to broaden your possibilities but generally have fewer listings.
Use code BEACHES25 at checkout to save 25% on any Trusted Housesitters membership. Click here to sign up.
Building a Profile
Every house sitting website offers a profile feature where you can highlight your house sitting skills, motivations, and personal qualities. This is your chance to showcase why you’d be a fantastic house sitter. After the application, profiles are the next thing hosts will view when considering a house sitter.
Upload plenty of photos to your profile, ideally featuring you with various pets or in responsible, friendly settings. Avoid using photos of boozy nights out! Including social media links, personal websites, and contact information will give potential hosts a reassuring and all-encompassing view of who you are.
When you’re just starting out, Trusted Housesitters allows you to include three character references in lieu of official reviews. Ask three good friends or acquaintances from other exchanges to write relevant testimonials for you.
Setting Alerts and Applying
Searching properties and applying is the part of the house sitting process that I love – thinking about all the possibilities and seeing all the different options. Don’t see anything perfect straight away? Like your favorite properties and save your search filters, you’ll then get notified as soon as the right place becomes available.
When applying, craft a friendly and personalized message for each listing. Avoid sending generic emails to multiple hosts – these are easy to spot and I’m reliably informed they are always rejected. Take the time to read each listing carefully and mention any specifics the host has noted.
Putting in the effort to tailor each application shows your genuine interest and increases your chances of securing that dream house sit in London. For more tips on applying, check out my previous article – The Informative Step-By-Step Guide to Applying for a House Sit.
What to Expect in London, England
London is a bustling metropolis filled with historic landmarks, modern attractions, and diverse cultures. Expect a vibrant, dynamic city experience. Public transport is efficient, making it easy to explore the city via the iconic red buses and the extensive Tube network. Cocktail bars, craft micro-breweries, and old-school London pubs can be found everywhere.
It’s home to many professional football clubs, some of them like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the biggest clubs in the world. I highly recommend sports fans catch a game or take a stadium tour.
Weather can be unpredictable even in the height of summer, so pack an umbrella and layers. Rain or shine, London always has something to offer.
Best London Bars
I always like to have fun with my definitive house sitting guides and London is the perfect city for doing just that. I am particularly well versed on London drinking establishments so here are a few bars I highly recommend checking out during a London house sit.
Top London Bars
- Nightjar. A speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Shoreditch, renowned for its creative cocktails, live jazz, and vintage ambiance. It’s also home to some rare (but expensive) spirits.
- Bar Termini. A small, elegant Soho spot, perfect for Italian cocktails, espresso, and a chic, intimate atmosphere. It’s a convenient pre and post-theater stop.
- Sager + Wilde. This trendy Hackney wine bar offers a curated selection of wines by the glass, cheese boards, and a relaxed vibe. It’s situated just 2 streets from Hoxton Station.
Best London Pubs
From historic pubs that have stood in situ for centuries to neighborhood pubs with true regulars and great live music London has a pub for everyone. Here are a couple of my top London pubs;
Top London Pubs
- The World’s End. A huge and iconic Camden pub with a vibrant atmosphere, live music, and an extensive beer selection, perfect for lively nights. Steps from the Camden Tube Station and a great spot for pre-gig beers before heading downstairs to The Underworld.
- The Ten Bells. This historic Spitalfields pub with Victorian decor, offers a cozy atmosphere, craft beers, and hearty pub food. Set over 3 floors this pub oozes British pub tradition.
- The Hawley Arms. A famous Camden haunt, loved by Amy Winehouse, and known for its eclectic crowd, rooftop terrace, and live music sessions. This is always my second stop in Camden after a few at The World’s End.
Best Places to Eat in London
London is a paradise for foodies, there are so many great restaurants. You’ll find everything from super high-end establishments to excellent street food options, here are a couple of suggestions;
Top Places to Eat in London
- The Ledbury. A Michelin-starred restaurant in Notting Hill, offering innovative, seasonal dishes with impeccable presentation. A very popular dining spot well known for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional service. High-end for sure but perfect for special occasions.
- The Grazing Goat. A stylish Marylebone gastropub serving British cuisine with a modern twist. Cozy ambiance with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a relaxed yet refined dining experience. There is also a lovely courtyard beer garden, great for summer drinking.
- Dishoom. Popular Bombay-inspired eatery, offering delicious and affordable Indian street food. They serve some fantastic flavorful dishes, I highly recommend the bacon naan roll and black daal. To take a look at the locations across London, click here.
Best Things to Do in London
Where to begin?! London is jam-packed with things to do and I will send you over to our good friends at Goats on the Road for 25 Free things to do in London. But here are a couple of my favorite things to do when I’m in the capital;
Top Things to Do in London
- Explore the British Museum. The perfect rainy day activity and entry is free! Discover world history through an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
- Ride the London Eye. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from this iconic observation wheel on the South Bank. A once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers unrivaled views of London. Click here to book tickets.
- Visit the National Gallery. Another free and extensive exhibition in London to be enjoyed by all. Admire a vast collection of paintings, from medieval to modern masterpieces, located in Trafalgar Square.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the definitive guide to house sitting in London, England. Writing it has made me feel a little nostalgic for home! I hope the house sitting advice and tips have given you all the resources, information, and confidence you need to start applying for some amazing London house sit experiences.
I’ve barely scratched the surface with my recommendations for pubs, bars, restaurants, and things to do! I’ll update and add more as time allows. But there are some great ideas there to get you started.
Happy house sitting in London!
*Owners consent given to show property and pets
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FAQs
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about house sitting in London;
Is it mostly long term or short term house sitting listings in London?
There are so many house sitting listings in London that vary from one-night to month-long stays. Short term house sitting in London is more common, but long term London house sitting positions are regularly listed on sites like Trusted Housesitters.
Do you get paid to be a house sitter in London, England?
No, houses sitting in London generally don’t involve any form of payment. The benefit comes in a mutually beneficial exchange between a sitter and a host. Great accommodation in London for the sitter and a reliable house carer for the host.
Are there London house sits without pets?
Yes, occasionally there are house sits in London without pets. However, the vast majority involve some form of pet care. There are however hundreds of easy-to-care-for pets like cats, birds, hamsters, fish, and lizards regularly listed.