The 17 Best Date Ideas In London

Delight your loved one with romantic Valentine's Day ideas and date activities in London. Whether it's special tours or unique attractions, an unmissable show, or a memorable dinner at a romantic restaurant, explore the guide to London's top 17 date ideas.

1. Stroll through London's Instagrammable neighbourhoods

Spend a day wandering around, hand in hand, exploring some of London's most charming neighbourhoods. Primrose Hill, one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset, offers fantastic cityscape views of London landmarks, including the London Eye, the Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral. So bring yourself a rug, some drinks, snacks and enjoy the sunset together.

Notting Hill, Bywater Street in Chelsea and Little Venice are also some of our favourites. Make special memories while snapping some lovely pictures for your Instagram followers to enjoy, who will be eager to see what you've been up to on your date in London.

For more instagammable sights in the city, check out our blog article.

2. Enjoy a performance at the Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House in London is a lovely way to spend a romantic evening in the city. With several operas, ballets, and concerts to choose from, there's something for everyone. The breathtaking architecture of this renowned location will undoubtedly astonish you both too.

3. Enjoy a romantic meal out

For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a three-course meal at one of London's best restaurants. Book a table at The Ledbury in Notting Hill for a dinner date you won't forget. Or, if you're looking for something a little more low-key, head to BaoziInn in Chinatown for a delicious dim sum and a relaxed atmosphere.

After dinner, take a stroll through Hyde Park - a romantic spot where you can walk hand-in-hand with your loved one. When it comes to date ideas in London, a fantastic meal out followed by a beautiful walk is sure to hit the mark for everyone.

4. Have a picnic in St James Park

With stunning views of Buckingham Palace, London's St. James Park is the perfect location to enjoy a picnic with your other half. Take a stroll before settling down for a bite to eat. We recommend picking up a hamper from Fortnum & Mason across the road for an extra special treat.

5. View the sunset from above

London has a number of bars and restaurants with spectacular views. St Paul's Cathedral's Madison rooftop terrace, Searcys at the Gherkin, and the Sky Garden are just a few of our favourites. Sip on a cocktail while you watch the sun go down - it's a truly unforgettable experience that is the ideal end to a romantic day in the capital.

6. Rent bikes in the capital

For a more energetic date idea, consider renting bicycles and seeing all that London has to offer on two wheels! There are many cycling routes for all skill levels, so you may go at your own speed. Spend the day touring London's most famous sites, stop off for lunch, retail therapy, or learn some fascinating history at a popular museum; make a day of it, whether you're new to London or familiar with the area.

This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time together as a couple exploring London's attractions making it a great option if you're looking for date ideas in London outside of the norm.

7. Book afternoon tea

Celebrate the occasion with afternoon tea in the capital. Tuck into clotted cream scones, finger sandwiches and delicious cakes, or opt for a quirky themed menu instead. There are a plethora of locations to select from throughout London, but our favourites include the Nightjar Carnaby and Brown's.

8. Enjoy a sunset cruise on The Thames

Nothing is more delightful than seeing the greatest London sites at dusk. City Cruises offers a variety of Thames River rides, including themed dinners and show cruises. The itineraries vary, but the majority of them go by Tower Bridge and go by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Not only is this a fantastic way to enjoy some of London's most popular attractions, but it's also an excellent way to see them from new angles.

9. Go to the movies

Whether you are looking to impress a new date or have some quality time for your anniversary, going to the movies on a date promises romance and relaxation. London has a number of fantastic options for couples looking to spend an evening watching a film together.

The Rooftop Film Club’s, open-air movie screenings, are not to be missed. Cosy up under the stars in an atmospheric, sky-high spot and enjoy films like Rye Lane and many others. Whether you prefer the old theatres with grand architecture or modern venues with double sofa chairs, it's a wonderful date come rain or shine.

10. Book a high adrenaline activity

Looking for more than just dinner and drinks in the evening? Book London In The Sky - a unique dining experience where you are lifted up on a crane and enjoy a meal in the sky.  If you are a couple of adrenaline junkies, looking for a unique experience in London for dating, this is it.

11. Stroll around Kew Gardens

These are wonderful gardens to spend quality time in with your partner on a date. Walk among the trees together, look at the glasshouses and explore the wild meadows. You can stop off and enjoy hot food and delicious treats at the cafes and restaurants, teas, coffee, cakes and sandwiches are on offer.

There are also art galleries at the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew that display a magnificent collection of botanical artwork – from the early days of photography to the present day.

12. Discover Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a great place for dating, especially if you're looking for somewhere with a bit of everything. This iconic London district is home to some of the best shopping, restaurants, and bars in the city. And if you fancy something a little more cultural, Covent Garden is also home to world-famous theatres, such as the Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum.

13. Take in the view from Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of the most popular parks in London, and it's easy to see why. This huge green space offers stunning views of the city, as well as a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of central London making it a great option when you’re looking for date ideas in London. Hampstead Heath is also home to a number of romantic spots, such as Kenwood House and the Elizabethan Gardens. So why not take a picnic and spend a lazy afternoon in this idyllic setting?

14. Listen to live music in London

London is a city with a rich musical history, and there are plenty of places where you can enjoy live music on your date. For something truly special, book tickets to see the world-famous Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. Or for something more low-key, check out one of London's many Jazz clubs, such as Ronnie Scott's or the 60s-themed 100 Club.

15. Book a table at Clos Maggiore

Clos Maggiore is widely regarded as one of the most romantic restaurants in London, so it's the perfect place for a memorable date. This intimate restaurant serves French-inspired cuisine, and the decor is simply stunning. Be sure to book in advance, as this popular spot gets busy quickly!

16. Book a trip on the London Eye

The London Eye is a popular tourist attraction in the city, and it's also a great place for dating. For a truly romantic thing to do, book a private capsule and enjoy unparalleled views of the city as you sip champagne with your other half.

17. End the day with a cosy night in

After a busy day exploring London, there's nothing better than heading back to your hotel room for a cosy night in. The Park International Hotel offers cosy and comfortable rooms, perfect cuddling up, catching films while sipping on some drinks and unwinding after a long day.

The wide range of room and suite categories available at the hotel feature high ceilings and modern décor, with each room having different styles from modern to heritage, adding variety to your couples stay in London. Whether it is for a long or short stay, you can enjoy privacy and space with comfortable amenities of ensuite bathrooms, separate work desks, flat-screen TVs, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities.

We hope this guide has inspired you to plan the perfect date in London. For more date ideas or help booking your stay at Park International Hotel, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd be more than happy to help you plan a truly memorable trip to London!