The English capital is a destination for a romantic getaway. There are so many romantic things to do in London; it’s perfect for celebrating an anniversary, proposing to your loved one or relaxing on honeymoon. You don’t even need to have a particular reason to be romantic – simply embrace spontaneity and whisk your loved one away for an impromptu city break!
You can always find deals on London hotels to keep the costs low, then splurge on something fancy in town or make the most of the free, romantic things to do in London. If you’re still undecided, here are 5 romantic things to do in London.
1) For foodies… Gaze into each other’s eyes at a romantic restaurant
London is brimming with international restaurants from around the world, where chefs create gourmet meals in beautifully curated, utterly romantic settings. You can find world-class eateries serving food from all corners of the world. The Petersham (Covent Garden) is draped with flowers to create a romantic environment, whilst luxury Chinese restaurant Park Chinois creates a glamorous 1930s setting. Kitty Fisher’s candlelit dining room is the epitome of romance. The Park Grand Restaurant London offer an appetising seasonal menu which blends the best of British cuisines with exotic flavours from around the world.
London is also home to some quirky dining establishments. At Restaurant Dans le Noir, diners eat in pitch blackness and are served by blind waiters in a sensory experience. There are no shortage of sky-high restaurants atop London’s cloud-skimming skyscrapers, where your hearts will flutter as a you take in plunging views of the capital. Check out SushiSamba, where you can share a plate of Japanese – Brazilian – Puruvian sushi, or order dim sum in the lantern clad Hutong on the 33rd floor of The Shard.
2) For culture vultures…. Lust over a palace
London oozes art and culture from its colourful history. Besides the museums and galleries, the city also contains a number of palaces and some crumbling castles. Kensington Palace has served as the residence for Prince of Wales and Princess Diana, and most recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This elegant estate is fascinating to explore, and highlights of the grounds include the Sunken Garden and the Orangery, where you can share a plate of cake.
You might even decide to take a day trip from the Park Grand Paddington Court, and visit Hampton Court Palace. Home of perhaps the most passionate of British monarchs, Henry VIII, you can explore deluxe interiors and sprawling grounds. Featuring grape vines, rose gardens and picturesque ponds, the palace is dreamy, romantic day out in London.
3) For nature lovers…. Share a picnic in a green oasis
London is an incredibly green city. There are over 3,000 public green spaces for residents and tourists to enjoy, including the 11 Royal Parks, various pleasure gardens and open commons, even some city farms. London is blessed with moderate temperatures during its long summers, and mild evenings which make handheld walks and lazy picnics one of the most romantic things to do in London during summer. If you want to catch a romantic sunset, then pack a bottle of wine and head to Primrose Hill, in the northern stretch of Regent’s Park. You can relax in a rowing boat on the tranquil lake first, and explore the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden.
Alternatively, make a day of it at Greenwich Park, in east London. Craft a picnic from the delights of Greenwich Market and saunter along the riverfront to access this huge Royal Park. A short clamber up the hill brings you to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, from where you can watch the sun sink behind the peaks of Canary Wharf. The observatory host stargazing sessions, which is one of the most romantic things to do in London at night!
4) For night owls… Create everlasting memories at the theatre
From hotels in Paddington, you can find plenty of nearby attractions to to tempt you out after hours for a romantic night in the city that never sleeps. One of the most romantic things to do at night in London is catch a West End theatre show. This shared experience is something that you can treasure for years to come. Longstanding shows which have charmed theatregoers for decades include The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre) and Wicked (Apollo Victoria). If you feel like getting involved, check out the immersive adaptation of one of the greatest romance tales of all time, The Great Gatsby, at Gatsby’s Mansion!
Another option is to make a date at a cinema, the date night that will never go out of fashion. There are a number of independent cinemas near the Park Grand Paddington Court such as London’s ‘most romantic’ picture house, the Electric Cinema. Order a glass of wine, grab some artisan popcorn and settle in with the latest blockbuster, a classic rom-com or an independent flick to stimulate conversations late into the night.
5) For spirited adventurers… try a thrill-seeing experience
Rather than taking a romantic walk along the Thames, you could board a speedboat and charge down the water – hold on tight! Check out Thames RIB Experience for the fastest boats in the city. They offer 50 minute and 75 minute experiences 7 days a week, departing from Embankment Pier. If we had you at ‘boat’ but lost you at ‘speed’, you can always take a more tranquil ride with City Cruises and admire river views of London.
Whether you’re experienced or a total beginner, a horseback ride around Hyde Park is a novel and exciting way to explore this vast Royal Park. Make a booking with the Hyde Park Riding Stables, then saddle up on your quest around the serene Serpentine Lake. This is a fun, bonding activity for couples to do in London and in addition to the experience itself you will take home some frame-worthy photos of the pair of you.
