hiikotshomes

Top Places to Visit in Essex, London & Kent in 2026

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 23:21:00 GMT

Serviced accommodation in Essex, London, and Kent offers fully furnished homes with private kitchens, living spaces, and high-speed Wi-Fi. It is the premier choice for travellers seeking flexibility and value, providing a comfortable base to explore the South East’s rich historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and major commercial hubs.

At Hiikots Homes, we understand that whether you are a corporate professional, a contractor on a long-term project, or a family on holiday, your environment dictates the quality of your stay. Since 2018, we have curated a portfolio of properties that bridge the gap between the luxury of a hotel and the warmth of a home. Staying in our serviced accommodation allows you to immerse yourself in the local area while maintaining your daily routine without compromise.

What is the best way to explore London, Essex, and Kent?

The most effective way to explore the South East is by choosing a strategic base in a serviced apartment that offers proximity to transport links. London remains the gravitational centre of the UK’s tourism and business sectors, but the surrounding counties of Essex and Kent offer a unique blend of coastal beauty and pastoral charm that shouldn't be missed.

When visiting London, iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the South Bank are essential. However, staying slightly further out in areas with excellent rail links—such as our properties in Essex and Kent—often provides better value and a quieter environment after a busy day in the capital. The connectivity between these three regions is world-class, with high-speed trains and major motorways like the M25 and M2 making it easy to commute for work or leisure.

Essential Local Landmarks Near Our Properties

Essex, London, and Kent are home to some of the most historic and culturally significant sites in the United Kingdom. If you are staying in our serviced accommodation Essex , you are perfectly positioned to visit Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain. Colchester Castle and its surrounding park offer a deep dive into Roman history. For those seeking coastal air, Southend-on-Sea features the longest leisure pier in the world, providing a classic British seaside experience.

In London, the options are limitless. Beyond the typical tourist path, we recommend exploring Greenwich. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory. It is a fantastic area for families and history buffs alike.

Moving into Kent, often referred to as the "Garden of England," you will find the stunning Canterbury Cathedral. As one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England, it is a must-see. For a more adventurous day out, the White Cliffs of Dover offer breathtaking views across the English Channel. Our Home Page provides more details on our specific property locations near these landmarks.

Where are the top family-friendly attractions in Kent?

Families staying in our serviced accommodation Kent frequently ask for recommendations that cater to all ages. Kent excels in providing outdoor activities and educational experiences that don't feel like a chore.

Wingham Wildlife Park: A fantastic day out where children can see everything from tigers to flamingos.
Leeds Castle: Often described as the loveliest castle in the world, it features massive grounds, a maze, and a grotto.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham: An immersive look into Britain's naval history with real submarines and warships to explore.
Dreamland Margate: A vintage-style amusement park that has been beautifully restored for modern fun.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest: Ideal for cycling, walking, and the famous 'Go Ape' high ropes course.

Staying in a house rather than a hotel room makes these family trips significantly easier. Having a fully equipped kitchen means you can prepare packed lunches for your excursions, and multiple bedrooms ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep before another day of exploring. Check out Why Choose Us? to see how our amenities cater to family needs.

Why should contractors choose serviced accommodation in Essex?

For those working away from home, particularly in the construction or engineering sectors, the "hotel lifestyle" can quickly become draining. Contractor accommodation Essex is a growing industry because it addresses the specific pain points of professionals on the road.

Home-Cooked Meals: Unlike hotels, our properties feature full kitchens. This allows contractors to eat healthier and save money by cooking their own meals.
Increased Space: After a 10-hour shift on-site, a small hotel room can feel claustrophobic. A serviced house offers a living room to relax in and separate bedrooms for privacy.
Laundry Facilities: Having a washing machine in the property is a game-changer for long-term stays, eliminating the need for expensive hotel laundry services.
Work-Friendly Spaces: Our properties include dedicated desk areas and high-speed Wi-Fi, essential for filing reports or attending virtual meetings.
Cost-Effectiveness: For teams sharing a house, the cost per person is significantly lower than booking multiple hotel rooms.

We specialize in providing long-term stays that feel like a home away from home. By choosing Hiikots Homes, contractors can maintain their productivity and well-being while working on projects across the South East. You can read more about our professional standards on our Blog .

How does corporate housing in London benefit business travellers?

Business travel in 2026 is no longer just about the meeting; it’s about the experience. Corporate housing London provides executives with a level of prestige and comfort that standard hotels cannot match. When you are relocating for a project or visiting for a week of high-level meetings, having a private, quiet space is paramount.

Our properties are located near major transport links, ensuring that the commute to the City or Canary Wharf is seamless. Furthermore, the ability to host small meetings or work late into the night in a comfortable, private environment is a significant advantage. Serviced accommodation also offers a more authentic experience of the city, allowing business travellers to live like locals, discover neighbourhood cafes, and decompress in a space that doesn't feel clinical.

The Evolution of Travel Trends in 2026

The travel industry has seen a massive shift toward "bleisure" (business + leisure) and extended stays. People are no longer content with just a bed; they want a functional living environment. The rise of remote work means that travellers often take their jobs with them, requiring high-speed internet and ergonomic spaces as standard features.

Environmental sustainability is also a major trend. Travellers are looking for accommodation providers that implement green practices. At Hiikots Homes, we are constantly evaluating our properties to ensure energy efficiency and responsible management, aligning with the expectations of the modern, eco-conscious traveller. Our T's & C's/Guest Policies reflect our commitment to maintaining high standards across all our locations.

Maximize Your Stay with Modern Amenities

To get the most out of your stay in the South East, it is important to utilize the amenities provided in your serviced accommodation. Every Hiikots Homes property is designed with the guest's convenience in mind.

Smart TVs with Netflix: Perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or work.
High-Speed Wi-Fi: Essential for both entertainment and professional requirements.
Professional Cleaning: Every property is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring a stress-free check-in.
Welcome Packs: We provide the essentials to get you started, from tea and coffee to toiletries.
Local Guides: We offer curated information on the best local restaurants, shops, and attractions nearby.

Where to find the best shopping in the South East?

If shopping is on your agenda, you are spoilt for choice.

Lakeside Shopping Centre (Essex): One of the largest shopping complexes in Europe, featuring hundreds of shops and a massive food court.
Bluewater (Kent): A premium shopping experience set in a former chalk quarry, known for its high-end brands and beautiful architecture.
Oxford Street & Regent Street (London): The world-famous heart of British retail.
Canterbury High Street: For those who prefer independent boutiques and a more historic setting.
Westfield Stratford City: A modern shopping destination with a huge range of entertainment options.

Staying in a serviced apartment means you have plenty of room to store your purchases and a comfortable place to relax after a long day on your feet.

Key Takeaways for Your Next Visit

Whether you are visiting for work or pleasure, the South East of England offers an unparalleled variety of experiences. By choosing Hiikots Homes, you ensure that your accommodation is a highlight of your trip, rather than just a necessity.

Strategic Location: Our properties in Essex, London, and Kent provide easy access to the UK's top landmarks and business hubs.
Unmatched Flexibility: From one-night stays to several months, we cater to all durations with transparent pricing.
Superior Comfort: Enjoy the space of a house with the professional service of a hotel.
Cost Efficiency: Save on dining and laundry with our fully equipped in-home facilities.
Local Expertise: Benefit from our deep knowledge of the South East to make the most of your time in the area.

Ready to book your stay? Explore our available properties on our Home Page and discover why Hiikots Homes is the trusted choice for serviced accommodation across the South East.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

tech@hostaway.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:53:51 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Keep in touch with site visitors and boost loyalty

tech@hostaway.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:53:51 GMT

There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality

When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication

Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO

Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

Drive traffic to your site

Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

tech@hostaway.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:53:51 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.