If Richard Curtis is to be believed (and we certainly trust him with our hearts), London is one of the best places to fall, grow and stay in love. Just look at the skyline with its glittering lights and russet-coloured historic buildings – can you think of a more romantic backdrop to your inner-city escape?
Strolling hand-in-hand along the Thames by lamplight, sipping champagne in the city’s most romantic restaurant, eyes glistening as you take in a show… London has no shortage of romance whether you’re looking for a weekend break for two or a week-long celebration of love. To help you curate the dreamiest of stays, we’ve collected some of the most romantic things to do in London so you can relax into an amorous holiday with that special someone.
Love is a journey
When it comes to love, we are true believers that it's not the destination, but the journey that counts so why not follow that same lovestruck idea during your stay?
If you think travelling by bus can’t be romantic, then you’ve never toured London’s most tranquil bus route. Explore Regents Canal from the idyls of Little Venice to the vibrancy of Camden Town on one of London’s vintage waterbuses as you float blissfully past such iconic sights as Regent’s Park and London Zoo and ebb beneath the mood-setting Maida Hill Tunnel.
For those that believe there is nothing more romantic than a horse ride by a lake (and we’re inclined to agree), Hyde Park Stables can make your dreams a reality. Rotten Row in Hyde Park has been the most famous equestrian venue in England for over 300 years, allowing you to follow in the hoofsteps of many. Taking the horses alongside The Serpentine Lake, you’ll be whisked away to a time before cars took the innocent beauty out of travelling as you trot through one of the most romantic settings in the world.
No mountain high enough
To paraphrase Take That, how high is your love? When it comes to London, you have endless opportunities to show your partner how high your love for them goes. Take to the skies in a helicopter tour over the sprawling streets of London where you can see iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge from a mesmerising angle. Or if you prefer to stay a little closer to the ground, hiring a private pod on the London Eye is a magical way to see the city. With the Cupid’s Pod experience, you can sit back and watch London’s skyline unfurl in front of you as you sip champagne and nibble on Hotel Chocolat champagne truffles.
If to you, love goes hand-in-hand with adventure then take your romantic stroll to the next level on the high-level walkways of Tower Bridge where you can take in the stunning panoramic views together.
“If music be the food of love, play on”
When it comes to quoting playwrights on love, there’s no better place to do so than in London at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Catch one of the bard’s many tales of love and tragedy at the very theatre where his plays were performed many moons ago and remember once more why William Shakespeare will always have the last word on love and life.
From the puckish ardour of Shakespeare to the saucy nature of burlesque, catching a cabaret show in London is always on the top of our list for any date night. Stars from the West End combined with incredible choreography and superb costumes make every night at the London Cabaret Club one to remember as your eyes eat up every moment of the exquisite performances.
When looking for a soundtrack to your romantic getaway, one of London’s many intimate live music venues can whisk you away for an evening of musical delights. The Piano Works Farringdon brings your favourite requests to life with their live 6-piece band, while London’s original blues bar Ain’t Nothin But… oozes good vibes over a glass of your favourite tipple.
While away a day together
Sometimes there is no better way to spend a day than winding back and flitting from moment to moment. Luckily, London is full of dreamy activities that can blow the cobwebs away, soothe the soul and bring you closer together.
Speaking of soothing the soul, have you ever dipped your toe into the heavenly world of couples’ massage? At the Lanesborough, indulge in an other-worldly Himalayan salt stone massage with your one and only before continuing your mind, body and soul restoration with the spa’s hydrotherapy, thermal suites and dedicated spa butlers – oh, and all the cucumber water you can drink!
For a day together under the sun-soaked city, head into St James Park to enjoy a luxury picnic with unrivalled views over some of London’s most famous landmarks (not to mention the resident pelicans that call this beautiful inner-city green space their home).
Next, it’s onto one of London’s top markets, Columbia Road Flower Market, for some floral displays that put St James Park to shame. Finish off your return to nature with a visit to London’s highest public garden where you can bask in 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding harmony of plants that are suspended 160 metres above the sprawling streets of London.
Table for two
Candlelight, flowing champagne, whispered conversations over an intimate meal out has to be one of our favourite romantic endeavours and nowhere in London is this truer than at Clos Maggiore. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, it’s easy to see why this oasis of tranquillity was named London’s most romantic restaurant. Cherry blossoms, crackling fires and even starlight dancing across the ceiling, we defy anyone to sit down to a meal in this magical restaurant without feeling the fluttering wings of Cupid nearby.
Add a splash of elegance to your night on the town (or rather, city) with a cocktail (or two) at Dukes Hotel Bar where the great Ian Fleming used to drink. We mean, where better to sip on a martini and play out your 007 fantasies.
If you prefer something tall and sparkling over something shaken not stirred, the Perrier-Jouët Champagne Terrace at Harrods is the perfect way to ease into date night. Sip your way through their exceptional collection of Perrier-Jouët Champagnes while nibbling on some oh-so-satisfying seafood platters.
When it comes to wine and romance, it’s safe to say they are intrinsically linked, especially in the French bistro-style of Cabotte Wine Bar & Restaurant. Transport yourself to the idyllic French countryside as you sip and taste your way through their superb menu. Founded by two Master Sommeliers, you know you’re in for some unforgettable pairings.
Dining out isn’t just an evening activity either and we’re always in the mood for afternoon tea. With its opulently designed Gallery restaurant with eccentric pink walls decorated and intriguing drawings, Sketch provides us with another unique dining experience (read our guide to the top Michelin star restaurants in London to learn why the Lecture Room & Library is also worth a visit). Sit down to a lavish afternoon tea that would make the Duchess of Bedford proud (and more than a little peckish) or get yours wrapped up in a pink box and enjoy it back at your Boutique Retreat for even more intimacy.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury retreats in London.
