The most Romantic things to do in London

Would you class London as a romantic city? I would. In all my wanderings, I have visited a few romantic European cities like Paris, Venice and Santorini, and I can confirm that London is actually up there with them. The most romantic things to do in London are usually the most simple of things. However, as I always say, the main thing about being romantic is the person you are spending it with.

1. Art Gallery

In romantic movies, there is usually a scene where the lovers (or potential) lovers get mesmerised by an art piece in a gallery. More recently, in the Bridgerton series, there is a scene where Daphne and the Duke are standing in front of a painting. She describes it in the most beautiful way from her point of view and we actually witness him fall in love with her in that scene. I am telling you, art will do that to you. I have attended some exhibitions at Victoria Miro and Tate Modern, which I highly recommend. However, there are so many galleries in London for the perfect romantic date

2. Fancy Dining

If there is one thing London is known for, it is for some of the most romantic restaurants in the world. Yes, I said it, in the world. From Scott’s to Clos Maggiore to Park Chinois, there is something for everyone. Anyone who has asked me would know I always recommend one of the 3 spots for the most romantic experience. Dinner with a view of London is also a fantastic romantic choice. The restaurants in the Shard and Heron Tower would be my pick.

Once, Mr E and I had dinner on a parked boat – RS Hispaniola on the Thames at Embankment and it was such a sweet night. London has views for days so you are spoilt for choice on dining options.

3. Picnic in a London Park

In summer, the absolute best date is a picnic date. It is not even up for debate, try it and tell me it is not the best. Now since it is an obvious romantic date, where do I come in? There are so many parks in London and it can get overwhelming deciding on one. I have visited a lot of them and I find a handful quite romantic. So to recommend the most romantic, head to Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’ Park and Holland Park.

4. London Walk

One of the most romantic things to do in London is actually just to walk. Say what? Yes, walk! London has so many walks and thanks to lockdown, I was able to discover some pretty romantic ones. My favourite is the one around Embankment at night. The London Eye lights up and you can walk all the way to Horse Guards, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Look out for the starry nights and get some street food along the way; don’t forget to hold hands.

5. Cycle around London

We all watched Normal People and drooled over Marianne and Connell riding into the sunset in Italy. Ok, they did not ride into the sunset but they had this romantic bike ride from her holiday house to the corner shop and I found it so romantic. Cycling in London is so much fun thanks to the Santander bikes aka “Boris bikes”. There are so many scenic and romantic routes and the best thing? They are pandemic friendly. So when next you are in London, rent Boris bikes with the person you fancy and go on a ride!

6. Spa Date

This would not be lifewithbugo without me recommending a spa date as a romantic activity. It is one Mr E and I have indulged in several times. I will always recommend Corinthia hotel for the most amazing spa day. Spa dates are incredibly intimate so I would only recommend this with someone you are already comfortable with. There are lots of hot tub, sauna and rubbing oils moments so you get the drift?

7. Sunset on the Bridge

How can a simple sunset hold so much power? That’s because sunsets are purely magical. So when you fancy someone and watch the sunset with them in silence? Top 2 my darlings and it ain’t number 2! Hahahahaha! Now, London has some pretty bridges and most of them will be perfect for a sunset watch. However, I recommend Albert Bridge in Chelsea and Millennium Bridge in the city for the perfect sunset views.

8. Tea Dates

Who doesn’t like a tea date? We are in England so of course a tea date would go down as one of the most romantic things to do in London. Afternoon tea spots are dotted all around the city and are by far, some of the simplest dates. Some actually come with a glass of champagne/prosecco for that extra special touch. I always feel like when bubbly is involved, it is definitely a proper date. Therefore, if you are going on an afternoon tea date, choose the one with bubbly on the side.

Related Posts:

Afternoon Teaspots in London | Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Harrods

9. Football date

One of the most romantic and fun dates I have been on was to Arsenal’s Emirates stadium with Mr E. Thankfully; Arsenal won the game so we left north London happy cats. If your partner is one who enjoys football, this is a really cute date to take them on. Sometimes, the romantic thing about the date is more about what the other person’s interests are over random stuff.

10. Thames/Canal cruise dates

One of the most romantic things to do in London is a river date. Who else finds boat and canal cruises incredibly romantic? I do. It is one thing we tend to do on every holiday so why not in London? Our canal cruise was so much fun and incredibly romantic. We got the boat from Paddington and cruised around London’s canals and now I recommend it to every couple.

11. Private Cinema date

There are cinema dates and there are private cinema dates. One is just a normal date and the other is an amazingly romantic date. Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary? I’m not sure if this even makes sense in the context of this point but it felt nice to type. Some of my favourite private cinemas are Everyman in Canary Wharf and The Cinema at Selfridges.

12. Theatre Production dates

I am obsessed with theatre productions and an ideal romantic date would be a trip to the West End to watch Les Misèrables for the umpteenth time. This is ideal for the movie or theatre lover or just anyone who loves a bit of artistry. For Mr E’s 2017 birthday, we saw Les Mis and it was such an epic date night. That part of London is really cute as well with bars, street food vendors and sweet shops.

13. Drinks date?

For a more casual date, I always recommend a drinks date in one of London’s rooftop bars in the city. They give off a less serious vibe and would be my pick for a first date. When you are getting to know someone, I think it is romantic to have one of your first face-to-face chats over some drinks. It loosens the atmosphere and makes conversation flow much easier. Another exciting option is the London Eye champagne experiences, which is perfect for London views while sipping on some bubbly.

14. A British History date

Another thing London will give you is history. One of the most romantic things to do in London is a British history tour and a museum date. A few tours to go on – Tower of London, British Museum, V&A museum, National History Museum, HMS Belfast, Imperial War Museum and Tower Bridge etc. I could actually go on and on but this is where I will advice to do your googles.

15. An afternoon at London’s Markets

London is popular with outdoor shopping; I reckon this is just the same with most big cities around the world. From street food markets to flower street shops to antique shopping, there is something romantic for everyone. Some of my favourite areas for this are Brixton, the City, Shoreditch and Notting Hill. When I think of outdoor shopping, those 4 areas of London spring to mind. What better way to spend the day with someone you like than to wander around street stalls?

16. Helicopter Tour

Say what? Yes, a helicopter tour. Hear me out. Remember that I have explained how picturesque the city skyline view is? One time we were having breakfast at Heron tower, we saw a helicopter land in the distance on a helipad. A couple stepped out (ok, might not have been a couple but for this story, they were a couple). I assumed they had just finished a tour of the city via helicopter and did my googles, I was right. It is actually quite popular via The London Helicopter and it is not as pricey as I initially imagined.

17. Staycation

You know I had to add this one right? As the self appointed Queen of staycations, I totally recommend some time away in one of London’s romantic hotels. I would suggest the ones that give a pretty view of London city such as Shangri La, Park Plaza County Hall and ME London Strand. However, if you are after classic ones, Claridge’s, The Langham, St Pancras Renaissance and The Savoy are epic romantic choices.

Related Post: Romantic Staycation at the Marriott Grosvenor

There you have it, this is my little list of the most romantic things to do in London. Hopefully you find something that makes the person you like go awwwwww. I have been on most of what I have recommended and honestly, the company is first step. Once you have a lovely person to share it with, everything else is secondary. So go forth and enjoy all the romanticness that the beautiful city of London has to offer.

Bisous, ‘Bugo x