Last Updated on 12 December, 2022
As busy and as hectic as London can seem, it has a certain charm about it, a romantic side that perhaps doesn’t seem obvious. There are plenty of romantic things to do in London for couples.
Below are some of my favourite couples things to do in London to inspire you to see a softer side to this beautiful and bustling city that is the grand old metropolis that is London…Welcome to London, the famous English capital of England. Home to the most revered monarch in the world. The city of London is blessed with rich history.
London offers couples planning to visit it a great time in the serenity of the city. There are endless possibilities but below are 25 of our favourite romantic things to do in London for my husband and I.
These are tried and tested and where possible I have linked to post on the blog for further reading about each of these couple activities in London.
25 Romantic Things To Do In London For Couples
Whether you are looking for romantic things to do in London on a budget, or don’t mind splurging, there are enough fun things for couples to do in London to last you a lifetime. We love music, theatres, dinners and all the cool and fun thing so get to explore
London as much as work will allow when we are both not travelling. Living in London and fairly central at that means we have many of the best places to visit in London for couples right at our fingertips and below cool activities to check out. Many won’t break the bank either which is a bonus! Continue reading for tips on romantic places in London for dates.
1. ROMANTIC DINNER ON THE THAMES WITH A CRUISE
Nothing beats cruising on the Thames as you dine to delicious food with music in the background. Not a care in the world as you wheeze past London amazing landmarks.
There are day options as well as night options for these cruises. You also have the option to have afternoon tea in the afternoon which is just as cool for a romantic day in London.
You can read more about some of the best affordable Afternoon teas in London in addition to our dinner cruise experience on the Thames.
2. ADMIRE BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND OBSERVE THE CHANGE OF GUARD
Take your lover on a royalty trip to Buckingham Palace, the official London Royal residence of the British Monarchy. It’s a good place to take a picture with the magnificent palace in the background.
With the recent nuptials of Harry and Megan, nothing revives the story of prince charming coming to rescue you (yes even in 2019! :D), than taking to all things Royal family.
It’s free too so if you are looking for cheap romantic things to do in London, this is a perfect addition to the list of romantic activities in London.
3. VISIT WESTMINSTER ABBEY
The stunning and impressive architectural beauty of this ecclesiastical building is what has made it a must-visit for any couple visiting London. The Westminster Abbey has played host to countless of royal events since the 11th century when it was commissioned.
Some of those recent notable events include the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011, even queen Elizabeth was coroneted inside the abbey.
It’s one structure that is rich in London’s history and past. If you are looking for an impressive day out in London with a girlfriend make sure you not those historical marks for bonus smooch points.
4. TAKE A ROMANTIC STROLL ON SOUTHBANK
There is something romantic about London Southbank. Come rain or shine, winter or summer. When the sun goes down and all the river lights are twinkling, the buzz of the riverside entertainment are in full swing.
The restaurants and bars as bustling and you forget about all of that as you stroll the riverside with the Thames water sparkling to the river lights along the water’s edge, nothing could be more romantic than an evening stroll along Southbank.
This is one of the places to take a girl in London. If you need a break from the walk, there are bars, cafes and restaurants from Westminister all the way to Tower Bridge. I have shared a post on romantic things to do on London Southbank which has additional details.
5. GO ON THE LONDON EYE
The Grand wheel of the London Eye is as an iconic symbol to the London Skyline. Take a spin at the wheel and enjoy the views over the city with your spouse curl up in your arms as the great wheel rolls up and down the sky.
While on the wheel, take a long good gaze at River Thames down below and admire its beauty. This is one of the best views in London. There are several options for tickets for the London Eye. You can afford the splurge, there is also the option to have the capsule all to yourself. Even better might be waking up to a view of the London Eye from your hotel while sipping coffee.
6. ROMANTIC DINNER AT THE SHARD
If you are looking for places to take your girlfriend in London, or your husband, boyfriend for that mattter, this is one place not to must.
Visit the shard with your partner and explore the numerous dining options at this London iconic shard building. While you are sipping on your champagne at the pre-booked table for two, enjoy the complement of the aerial view of London at night from the glass windows.
There is always romance in the air at Shard, you may even witness a proposal as it’s a great spot for young lover to utter those magical four words that melt their partners heart away.
The sophistication and yet casual dining experience at the shard in unrivaled, with lots of British cuisine are on the menu. If you are looking for romantic things to do in London at night then the Shard is where to be!
There are at least 10 restaurants at the Shard and each with an air of romantic vibe about them. Check out these dining options with Shard views. There is a viewing deck on the top floors, in addition to the amazing Shangri La Hotel all housed within the Shard.
7. TAKE A DANCE CLASS
Take your spouse on one of those spectacular London dance classes where you will learn how to Waltz, Cha-cha, Tango and many more dance steps with your lover.
Most of these dance lessons take place in the evening and weekend, giving you the opportunity to have some romantic dance to end your day.
Hey, it’s always a great opportunity to keep fit and learn some amazing choreography movement. Visit the city academy, frame video dance lesson, or find your beat at “your beat”, for those fun-filled romantic dance steps that will help you get your groove on.
8. VIEW A THEATRE PERFORMANCE AT THE GLOBE THEATRE
The globe theatre is renowned for its daily performance of classic Shakespeare drama, which is very enjoyable to any visitor. A semi-outdoor art performance at the globe theatre is no doubt a romantic quality time in the city of London.
If you are a fun of the theathre then don’t miss out on London’s amazing theatre shows. For those coming especially for a theatre break, you can stay in the heart of Theatreland.
9. COZY UP ON THE SOFA AT THE ELECTRIC CINEMA
A great Cinema moment is meant to be shared, and there is no better person to share the soft sofa with than with that person you love.
The electric experience in the cinema hall located in Notting Hill is a romantic gift your spouse won’t forget in a hurry. At the Cinema, there are delicious meals and cocktail to warm your taste buds while you curl up in your lover’s warm embrace under a cashmere blanket.
Secure your ticket for about £30 and book a sofa for two in advance. There are several brunches in London but if you want to get dibs on the sofas at the front, you need to book in advance!
Affordable and yet still romantic! If you are looking for cozy romantic things to do in London in winter, this has to be up there on the list. They even give you a little blanket to snuggle up. What could be more romantic?!
10. GRAB A COFFEE AT THE SKY GARDEN
The garden is located in the “Walkie Talkie” building, it’s a good place for you and your partner to join other friends at the bar or restaurant and chat yourselves out.
You can also get an alone-time with your spouse while sipping on a warm cup of coffee. Last I check, entry into the sky garden is free but ticket must be pre-booked.
I have shared a post on the blog about our visit to the Sky Garden here. If you want a bit of evening ambiance, you can head back at night when it turns into a bar and cocktails start to flow. There are also two additional restaurants here too.
11. HAVE A PICNIC IN THE PARK WITH AFTERNOON TEA
This one is well worth remembering when the weather is good. London has so many amazing parks that then the weather is sunny nothing beats a good picnic out on the grass.
From Regents Park to Battersea Park to Hyde Park or Greenwich Park or Richmond Park with its deers in the background.
If you want to add a touch of quintessential Britishness to your picnic, order and collect afternoon tea from Marks and Spencers so you and have a romantic date in the park over tea, scones and sandwiches.
12. EAT AT CAMDEN MARKET
Whether you are looking for cheap things to do in London for couples or not, this is one place not to miss. This market is a place for every young lover to be and have a taste of the delicious meals the market offers.
Every other weekend, Camden Market is home to some of the best street food in the city of London. There are abundant local London dishes and super delicious desserts to meet the needs of your taste bud.
You also have plenty of music venues in the area, there is also a boat trip to London’s Little Venice as well as many pubs with live music and good old pub grub.
13. GET A ROMANTIC SPA TREATMENT
Show some love to your spouse by pampering him/her with a relaxing date at any of the spas in the London Metropolis. One of the best days out in London for couples.
While at the spa, enjoy the moment, let the passion flow, get rejuvenated and re-energize as you let your troubles and stress ease away.
The romantic ambience and the passion in a thermal spa experience is heavenly, you can be sure your spouse will not forget the experience quickly. Some of the best spas in London include the Ned, the Bulgari Hotel, Health and Beauty Spa, Four Season Spa, May Fair Spa and the Berkeley Spa, their prices are fair also.
14. WALK ACROSS TOWER BRIDGE
The architecture and engineering marvel of London is Tower Bridge, making it one of the most beautiful landmarks in London.
It stretches over the River Thames and its one of the must-go area of London for first time visiting couples. You and your partner can take a romantic walk on this London iconic bridge while looking down at the river below.
I particularly love Tower Bridge at night but you can also to to the glass walk on Tower Bridge during the day.
15. KAYAKING ON THE THAMES
Choose a date to kayak with your lover down the great river Thames. London’s huge winding river isn’t just for strolls and selfie shot alone.
Adventurous and fun-loving couples can go on a kayak tour that takes you past Westminster Abbey. Another cool activities to check out when the weather is better in London.
16. HAVE A FEAST AT THE FOOD THEATRE ARCADE
Located at Centre Point in Central London is a gigantic food court where couples go to fill the spaces in their stomach with delicious local British meals.
Blessed with seven different kitchens, a world-famous bakery and three round the clock bars. Here you can try out different dishes and drinks while you stretch your gluttony tendencies to its limit.
17. “EROS STATUE” ON PICCADILLY
The Eros Statue in Piccadilly is one of the notable iconic statues in London. So if you’re looking to captivate the fragile heart of that special person, take him/her to the Eros Statute on Piccadilly.
It’s been a popular meeting point since it was first unveiled in 1893. There is Hyde Park near the statue where you and your lover can enjoy a little picnic.
18. SHOP AT PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET
Arguably the largest antique market in the world, the market stalls are open during the weekend attracting large crowds of tourists who have waited all week for it to open.
If all you and your lover could do is to stroll round the market and feed your gaze on some of the objects on sale, it’s worth it. Portobello Road Market is always a tourists’ delight.
Once done with bargain hunting, Notting Hill has amazingly colourful neighborhoods to explore.
19. WANDER AROUND THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Famously known for its rare collection of Egyptian Mummies, the British Museum holds treasures, an ancient artifact from all over the world most especially rare African and Asian artifacts and treasures, most of which were brought to London during the pre-colonial days.
Famous artifact in the museum include; the Egyptian Mummies, Sutton Hoo Mask, the Rosetta stone and plenty of Roman artifacts. Other numerous Renaissance and Medieval objects are in the museum and guess what! Entry is free! If you are looking for cheap things to do in London for couples, nothing beat free.
20. LISTEN TO JAZZ AT RONNIE SCOTTS
If you are a lover of a bit of jazz then a romantic music session at Ronnie Scott is not to be missed. We have seen one too many shows and each one never disappoints.
This is a European vanguard for jazz and blues from the world’s top musicians, in the basement club with a late bar and not to be missed. There is one in the Westend and one in Canary Wharf.
21. TAKE A TOUR ON A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS
Your London trip is definitely far from complete without having to experience a ride in the iconic London’s double Decker bus.
Painted in red, the buses are not only a tourist attraction but it’s how you actually get around the city.
It’s cheaper than using the tube and it gives you the opportunity to admire the streets of London as you ride around in them. Even better is exploring London on a double-decker while sipping afternoon tea.
22. LEARN SOMETHING NEW AT MUSEUM LATES
Another one of the cool activities to do in London for couples and adults alike. London’s museum lates are split into two categories.
There are museums and galleries that stay open late once a week or once a month, offering a chance to view the exhibits outside of normal hours.
Then there are the museum lates which are events in their own right, with talks, workshops and food and drink offerings in these usually peaceful places. The Science Museum offers one of the best museum lates in London.
Once a month, the museum, gives adults a chance to explore the galleries after hours. Every late has a theme, as far-ranging as food, sexuality, circus and medicine, with events such as variety and cabaret shows and quizzes fitting in with theme. There is also a silent disco too if you feeling like shaking a leg.
23. ROW YOUR BOAT IN THE SERPENTINE IN HYDE PARK
As I mentioned above, London has amazing parks. In the summer when the sun is shining nothing is more romantic than taking to the pedalboats in Hyde Park and Greenwich with your partner.
24. PLAY MINI GOLF IN LONDON
This is another one of our favourite couple things to do in London. If you are looking for a cool place to hand out with plenty of music, a good bar and club ambiance without the rave then check out Swingers London.
25. TAKE TO MIDNIGHT DINING AT DUCK AND WAFFLE
Ever felt peckish late at night or if you have just finish a session in the city and don’t want the evening to end just yet, then take to Duck and Waffle for a mid-night or late dining session. The food is good and the views across London are stunning. Nothing more romantic than endless conversations into the morning as this place is open 24 hours.
Romantic Things To Do In London On A Budget
I have covered a number of budget and cheap romantic things to do in London. Hopefully, that gives you an insight in the many amazing things to do in London for couples and adults.
Romantic activities in London need not burn a hole in your pocket. There are cool dining experiences, there are tours in London to many free things to do in London that are perfect for couples to enjoy while also enjoying each other’s company. Below are further tips to help plan your visit to London.
Planning Your Visit To London
- Search for flight deals to London via Expedia. If you are passing through London on a layover there are plenty of hotels near Heathrow Airport to make sure you don’t miss your flight out. I also have tips for how to get from London’s airports and into the city.
- Book your accommodation via Booking.com which has the largest list of hotels, hostels and apartments.
- Explore the free things to do in London in addition to all the cool things to do in London at night.
- Book your tours around London via Viator or Get Your Guide who have tours for practically everything you can think of catering to various interests.
- Plan what to wear in London. I have tips for both London Spring/Summer packing lists as well as a London Winter packing guide too.
- Make sure you pack all the essential travel accessories for a trip to Europe.
- Always travel with travel insurance.
