Romantic things to do in London

Wednesday, 23 March 2022

It’s no secret that London is fit to burst with things to do and see, but if you’re planning a romantic getaway with your other half, it’s hard to know where to start. From the best places to spend some quality time together, to hunting down the most romantic places to wine and dine one another, and finding a place to rest your heads after a jam-packed day, here are some of the most romantic spots in the big city.

Things to See

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens

Perhaps one of the more overlooked London attractions, Kew Gardens is certainly not one to miss if you’re visiting London with your significant other. Located in the quaint and elegant borough of Richmond Upon Thames, and neighbouring the likes of Hampton Court Palace and Strawberry Hill, it’s so poetically beautiful here that even Virginia Woolf wrote a short story about it.

Lose yourself in the botanical gardens or spend some time amongst the trees on the treetop walk. Take a romantic stroll through the stunning glass houses and sit on the edge of the lake and enjoy a relaxing picnic. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, and a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

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Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe

A world renowned theatre in its own right, Shakespeare’s Globe is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy a romantic evening.

Now 23 years old, the Globe Theatre remains one of the most unique, remarkable and breathtaking theatrical spaces in London. Enjoy the true experience of an open-air theatre and snuggle up to each other as you find yourself lost in the performance.

Top romantic tip: Enjoy a spectacular sunset together over the London skyline from the top of Parliament Hill , or Primrose Hill . You won’t be disappointed!

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Things to Do

Up at the O2

Up at the O2

This one’s for the more daring of pairings! See a different side of the city by day, twilight or at sunset and create an experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Enjoy a 360 degree view of Historic Greenwich, The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf as you climb up the side of one of London’s most iconic buildings. And if you’re visiting the city for a special, romantic occasion - there’s even the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with a champagne toast on the roof. It’s a pretty good proposal spot, too...

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Royal Observatory

Royal Observatory

No need to gaze at each other when you can go star-gazing at the Royal Observatory Greenwich's planetarium. Stand beneath the magnificent onion dome and marvel at one of the biggest telescopes in the world.

Visit the planetarium and enjoy one of their hugely popular shows. Lean back and gaze up at the stars together and enjoy learning about the world around us. Stand on the historic Prime Meridian line, which symbolises the home of Greenwich Mean Time and take a journey through time.

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Places to Eat

Dans le Noir?

Image © Dans le Noir?

Dans le Noir?

If you’re looking for a culinary experience which is truly unique from all others, Dans le Noir? is it. Located in the heart of the Clerkenwell district, this restaurant offers the opportunity to taste gourmet cuisine in absolute darkness.

Re-evaluate your perception of taste together, whilst reinvigorating your relationship with the world and others around you. Experience this surprising encounter together, as you indulge in one of the most unforgettable evenings of your life.

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Clos Maggiore

Image © Clos Maggiore

Clos Maggiore

Often hailed as one of the most romantic restaurants in London, this French-styled oasis in the heart of Covent Garden is a top spot for a candlelit dinner with your loved one.

With a fully retractable glass roof ceiling, the conservatory is particularly beautiful during the spring and summer months. If you’re visiting in winter, cuddle up by the crackling fire and enjoy each other's company by candlelight. The modern French cuisine is inspired by nature and memories and is the perfect accompaniment to these beautiful surroundings.

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Where to Sleep

The Prince Akatoki

Image © The Prince Akatoki

The Prince Akatoki

The Prince Akatoki is the perfect place to enjoy peace and tranquillity as you get the opportunity to properly relax as a couple. Explore the ritual and elegance of Japanese hospitality in 5-star luxury.

This hotel promotes mindfulness and tranquillity at every turn. The rooms are designed with a minimal aesthetic and luxury fabrics, the rainforest showers will leave you feeling revitalised, and the in-room yoga mats give you the perfect opportunity to properly unwind after a busy day in the city.

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The Hoxton Shoreditch

Image © The Hoxton

The Hoxton

Join the creative crowd in east London and stay at one of The Hoxton Shoreditch’s 210 rooms – plus, you’re footsteps away from Shoreditch’s street art and cool bars.

The rooms are inspired by industrial design to create homely hideaways to help you rest and recover together. Enjoy drinks up on the roof at Maya, the hotel’s new rooftop restaurant with a Mexican-inspired menu for sharing, and enjoy the London skyline as you kick back, and relax after spending an exciting day together.

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However you choose to spend your time in London, you won’t struggle to find romance in the city. From incredible places to eat and sleep, to wonderful days out and exciting experiences together - a romantic trip to London is sure to cement your love for one another even further.

Our intercity services run direct to London St Pancras from Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, so you can arrive in the capital in comfort and style.

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