Get Out of Town is a series where we highlight easy getaways from Boston. These may be a perfect bitesize weekend trip or a splurge worthy weeklong escape. But the main criteria are that the destination is both convenient to access and offers visitors an experience that surprises and delights. If you missed our recommendation last week, read all about why you should book a trip to Barcelona, Spain. This week we are headed to the Marylebone neighborhood in London.
Why visit Marylebone, London
London is always a good idea, but this Spring add the Marylebone neighborhood to your list. It is ideal for a first trip to London or a 20th trip! Close to the action, yet slightly off the main tourist path, it gives visitors a glimpse into what life is really like for Londoners. Minutes from Mayfair, Soho, Knightsbridge and all the popular sights in those neighborhoods, Marylebone is a great home base.
Getting there
London is another extremely accessible spot in Europe from Boston. With nonstop flights daily on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American, Delta and United there is surely a flight that fits your schedule. But one hack to perhaps save a little money, while upgrading yourself is to book Saga Class on Icelandair, which often works out to just be around the cost of an economy plus on the other carriers, but you are top dog on your flight and enjoy all the perks of a business class product.
What to do and where to stay
For the best trip to Marylebone, book a stay at Henry’s Townhouse. This little six room property is literally a home away from home. A regency period Grade II townhouse, Henry’s is available to book out all together or room by room. So, this is a great choice whether you are travelling with the whole family or if you are traveling as a couple or individual and want all the perks of discreet, traditional British service in a chic part of town.
When you arrive, you are greeted by Anne, the house manager who puts you at ease instantly. From showing you through the stunning sitting rooms on the ground floor, to pointing out her favorite paintings along the walls, she is practically the British mum you never knew you had.
The townhouse was the former home of Jane Austen’s brother and so each room is named after a different family member, each with their own charms. This place is peak British in the best way, not fussy or cluttered, fresh, yet traditional and wonderfully quirky.
Start the day with a Full English made by the house chef Carola, who whips up the most perfect scrambled eggs you have ever tasted, paired with some fresh pastries and locally sourced cold pressed juices and homemade baked beans. Trust me, it is hard to go back to toast and cheerios after beginning your day like this for a few days! There is a lovely little balcony to enjoy breakfast in the warmer months.
Henry’s is just steps from anywhere you’d want to go in London, so you should check out all the cool things going on during your visit in Time Out London, so you have as much fun as possible!
The owners of Henry’s Townhouse, Steven and Jane Collins painstakingly restored the home to its former glory and while they kept it traditional, they brought in all the modern conveniences while somehow maintaining the charm and warmth of the property. After you dash up and down the winding staircase to your room and back to the first floor living room a few times, you really do start to think of this place as your little London home-away-from-home.
And when you return from a day of sightseeing to a glass of champagne and a cup of tea waiting for you during the 6pm happy hour, it will be hard to get back on the plane home. Hygge may be Scandinavian, but the Brits are not far off.
For more ideas on the best weekend getaways from Boston this season check out our top picks and if you are looking to stay a little closer from home read our guide to the best day trips from Boston as well!