If you’re looking for a London stay that feels lively, practical, and right on the edge of the action, Driscoll House is worth a look. Set on 172 New Kent Road SE1 near Elephant & Castle and Bricklayers Arms in south-east London, this building has a long history — it’s operated as a hostel in one form or another since 1913. These days it’s known as RestUp London, offering up to 625 beds across seven floors in a space that feels modern, sociable, and a bit “funky” in the best way.
Location: Close to the City Without the Tourist Price Tag
One of the best things about staying here is how well placed it is for getting around. You’re roughly half a mile from Elephant & Castle station (tube and rail), and also about half a mile from Ministry of Sound if you’re in London for nightlife as well as sightseeing. You get that “London buzz” without paying the premium you’d expect in Zone 1.
What surprised me most is how quickly you can reach major landmarks using normal public transport — you really don’t need to spend a fortune on hop-on hop-off tours to see the city.
Getting Around: Buses That Double as a Sightseeing Tour
London buses are one of the most underrated ways to explore, and Driscoll House is ideal for that. A few routes do a lot of the heavy lifting:
- Bus 188: heads towards Tower Bridge and is a simple way to get over to the Tower area.
- Bus 53 and 188: useful for reaching Westminster, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.
- Bus 453: a brilliant DIY sightseeing route through Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and onwards towards Marylebone.
If you’re travelling on a budget, sitting upstairs on a double-decker and watching London roll past can feel like an attraction in itself.
Nearby Ideas: Markets, History, and a Thames River Trip
From the hostel, you’re within reach of some classic London days out:
- Borough Market is around half a mile away and makes for a great food stop (roughly a 30-minute walk, depending on pace).
- Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are easy by bus (or combine bus + walking if you fancy it).
- Greenwich is also straightforward on the 188 — great in summer for wandering the riverside, exploring the touristy centre, and visiting the area around the Royal Observatory (home of Greenwich Mean Time).
If you’re doing Greenwich on a warm day, the best finish is hopping on a river boat towards Westminster Pier, passing The O2 and soaking up the Thames views like you’re on a moving postcard.
Quick “To Do” List From Driscoll House
- Ride the 188 to Tower Bridge and walk along the river
- Do a foodie wander at Borough Market
- Take the bus to Westminster + London Eye for classic photos
- Spend a sunny afternoon in Greenwich, then return by river boat
- Use the 453 as a DIY sightseeing route through central London
A Hostel With Proper London Energy
RestUp London has that mix you want in a hostel: people coming and going, stories from every corner of the world, and a location that puts you right near the hustle of central London without being swallowed by it. You’ll see everyone from young backpackers to older travellers, plus plenty of UK guests too — which always makes a place feel more grounded and real.
RestUp London Link
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