Little London is situated between the North Hampshire Downs and the gravel plains of the Kennet valley, 7 miles north of Basingstoke and 15 miles south of Reading. It is recorded as having been established for at least 400 years. The local economy is principally agricultural. Until the mid 19th century the village was a local centre for brick-making, the local clays being particularly good. A major part of the village was confiscated from the Engelfield family and given to the Benyon family during the late Tudor period. Other parts were gifted in payment to The Queen's College, Oxford. It is assumed that this was in return for education, although it may not have been. This legacy can be seen by the names of farms, pubss and houses in the area.

The village currently suffers from a lack of design, being effectively one street with no social centre. Its desirable location causes high house prices that force local people out.

'Little London' is a common village name in England, assumed by many to have its origins in the quantity of seasonal Londoners who would camp for the harvest season.