London, one of the most famous capital cities in the world, is also (in our opinion) one of the most romantic. With historic streets to wander through, green space with quiet nooks to relax in, and countless restaurants to try you and your loved one will be absolutely spoilt for choice.
To help you decide on your romantic weekend itinerary, we've put together our top 10 most romantic places in London. Outdoors, indoors, luxurious and quirky there's something in there for everyone.
Romantic places in London
1. A candlelit dinner for two
With thousands of fantastic restaurants to choose from, you might not know where to start. The Paternoster Chop House is high on our list. It's got a delicious seasonal menu including a signature cocktail menu, it's just next to St Paul's Cathedral so offers the ideal location for an after-dinner stroll, and it's actually the filming location for the famous British TV show, First Dates. We recommend watching an episode or two to get you up to speed on your travels to the city before spending your evening finding love, like so many couples before you, at its candlelit tables.
2. A trip to the theatre
A trip to London simply isn't complete without sampling a show at one of the cities famous West End Theatres. Settle in for an evening of amazing theatre and music with the stage version of one of the most romantic movies of all time 'Pretty Woman'. Book your tickets well in advance to ensure you get great seats, pre-order your interval fizz when you arrive and grab yourself a programme as a keepsake of the evening. After the show, take a wander through the vibrant and colourful streets of Chinatown and treat yourself to a late-night sweet treat from one of the many Chinese bakeries.
3. See the London Skyline
The iconic London Skyline can be spotted from various points around the city, but one of our top favourites is the view from Primrose Hill. Surrounded by trees and green fields, you can relax for a peaceful, sunny afternoon overlooking the city. Pack a blanket, a bottle of something fizzy and stop by Melrose and Morgan on the way. Melrose and Morgan is a lovely delicatessen that stocks delicious artisan baked goods, meats, cheeses, fruit and sweet treats – perfect for that romantic picnic for two!
4. Watch the sunset together
For a different view of the city, and at that ever so romantic time of sunset, we think a ride on the London Eye is one of the most romantic places in London at night. Book in advance and time it just right to catch the sun going down behind the cities iconic buildings. To make it extra special we recommend booking their VIP champagne tasting experience which will see you fast track the queue, have access to the exclusive Eye Lounge and a guided tasting during your 30-minute ride on the Eye.
5. Whisper sweet nothings to each other
For something a little bit different, take your love to visit The Whispering Gallery in St Paul's Cathedral. Climb the 259 steps inside the famous dome to the first level, and you will enter The Whispering Gallery which runs around the interior of the dome. It's unusual construction (or a bit of magic perhaps?) means that you can stand on opposite sides of the dome, place your ear to the stone and hear the whispers of your partner from the other side.
If you've still got some energy left, you can climb almost to the top and be treated to panoramic views across the city.
6. Rowboats and an outdoor dip
If you're both filled with energy and fancy getting active on your date, then head to one of London's many green spaces to soak up the fresh air. Hyde Park is one of the most famous, and for good reason. It's super easy to get to, nearby to lots of great tourist spots and has acres of beautiful green space to explore. To really get the full romantic Hyde Park experience, hire a rowboat and read poetry to one another (think Hugh Grant in Bridget Jones) or if you're extra brave, enjoy a wild swim in the Serpentine lake!
7. Have fun!
With 'they make me laugh' being one of the most attractive traits, why not inject a bit of silliness into your romantic trip? Find your inner competitor and challenge your other half to a friendly game of mini-golf. Not just a regular course, however, experience mini golf like you never have before at Putt Shack. Claiming to be the best mini golf in London, Puttshack uses never seen before technology and the odd surprise or two along the way to keep you entertained.
8. Find a cosy spot
Finding time for just the two of you in such a busy city might seem hard, but luckily London has lots of historic pubs, full of cosy nooks and crackling fires for the two of you to disappear into. Ye Olde Mitre is tucked away on a back street in Holborn Circus, if you're successful in finding it you'll be rewarded with a maze of intimate rooms, quiet corners and real ales at the bar. Dating back to 1547 it is rumoured that Queen Elizabeth I frequented the pub, so you'll be soaking up a slice of London history while you sip.
9. A relaxed canal stroll
A trip to London is always going to be action-packed, so if you're craving something a little more low key, then a relaxed stroll by the tranquil canals in Little Venice could be just the tonic. This little oasis is located just near Paddington Station and marks the point where the Grand Union Canal meets the Regents Canal. With plenty of pretty waterside cafes and pubs to choose from Little Venice is a great spot to grab a chilled Sunday brunch and maybe even take a cruise on a canal boat.
10. Something extra special
Did you know there are 67 Michelin Star restaurants in London? For an extra special romantic meal out, surprise your loved one with a fantastic dinner to remember. Sketch in Mayfair serves its Michelin starred food in absolutely breathtaking surroundings. Luxurious jewel tones adorn the dining room so you can entirely forget the outside world as you tuck into the seven-course tasting menu. If that's not all, the toilets at sketch might possibly be the most exciting restaurant toilets you'll ever see – it's not often you get a toilet recommendation on a romantic list, but trust us!
Conclusion
With romance in the air and so much to see and do you'll want to guarantee that the spot you choose to rest your heads at night is just perfect. Dolphin House serviced apartments offer a quiet luxury in the heart of the city. Located in Pimlico, Zone 1, you're in easy reach of each of your romantic destinations.
As well as your own private apartment to relax in, there's a restaurant on-site and a beautiful Moroccan inspired spa for you both to indulge yourselves after a busy day in London.
