If you are already getting bored of the autumn grind and need a few quick, hassle-free days away from wherever you are, why not save the pennies and the air miles and take a trip up to London? The capital is as big a destination for national tourists as it is a draw for those from overseas: take the opportunity to explore the city for pleasure rather than business.

With one of a wide range of London hotels to choose from on lastminute.com, you can sort out accommodation quickly and cheaply, as there are some great deals to be had on blink-and-you’ll-miss-it getaways. Think about where in the city you would like to be based, and plan your short trip around that.

If you feel like staying north of the river, and your interests are geared towards the big attractions dotted around below and to the west of Oxford Circus, you might want to think about staying near Kensington, or further west in Notting Hill or Paddington. These are some pretty high-flying areas, with wide, long leafy streets, pretty mews full of cottage-y houses and a few wonderful English pubs. Though real estate is fairly pricey, you can find some great hotels at a decent rate.

With a good night's sleep behind you, from these picturesque streets you can meander down to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, the Mall and Trafalgar Square - or alternatively hit north London for a stroll in the impressive gardens of Regents Park. If you fancy something less touristy to the north, why not take a walk along the canal from Little Venice to Camden: here you will see some of the swankiest property in the city alongside the delicate water setting, finishing with style at the end of Camden High Street, still a centre for artistic and politic activity in London.

As for a night on the town, you choose your price range, your cuisine, your location. From posh nosh near Marylebone to jellied eel in Walthamstow, you can take your pick. And if you find yourself peckish at 4am, hit Brick Lane’s Beigel Shop for a 24-hour bagel fix. The plain cheese bagel is great; but for non-veggies you have to try the salt-beef, which melts in your mouth and really fills a post-clubbing hole. Roll back into you pick of the cheap hotels in London, with sleeping arrangements the least of your worries, and make the most of a blow-out in the big city...