Romantic things to do in London
Forget Paris, London is obviously the most romantic city in the world (despite the rain). However it can often be bewildering to decide where to go on a date. Here is Footprints’ definitive list of romantic things to do in London… just don’t blame us if things don’t go well!
Dinner Date: Clos Maggiore
Heading our list of romantic things to do in London is dinner at Clos Maggiore, the most romantic restaurant in London. Stroll around Covent Garden and take in the relaxed evening ambiance. Neal’s Yard is a perfect location for pre-dinner drinks before heading to this dreamy restaurant. Close Maggiore boasts sensational food in one of the most romantic settings in London. Take in a show at the Royal Opera House afterwards to complete the evening – top notch!
Opening Hours: 5pm-11pm
Getting Here By Tube
Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Getting Here By Bus
9, 91
Getting Here By Car
NCP Car Park, Parker Mews, London WC2B 5NT
A romantic evening stroll: Hammersmith Riverside
Next on our list of romantic things to do in London is Hammersmith Riverside. Take a romantic stroll down the riverside in Hammersmith, down to Hammersmith Bridge and turn right for a great selection of romantic pubs by the riverside. Top choices include, The Dove, where Charles 2nd would take his date Nell Gwynn. A royally romantic thing to do!
Opening Hours: 11am-11pm
Getting Here By Tube
Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly and Hammersmith&City Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
72, 220, 283, 295 to Shepherd’s Bush
Getting Here By Car
Bridge Avenue, London, W6 9JP
Explore The Southbank
Details
Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1, England
Live to Explore
Next on our list of romantic things to do in London is The Southbank. Head down to London Bridge and walk around Borough Market, The Golden Hinde, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and The Tate Modern. Alternatively head to Waterloo and walk down the river to explore the stalls, Christmas market, skateboard park, BFI and The London Eye.
Head to The National Theatre for drinks and watch a show after. Brasserie Blanc is a good spot for dinner and The Archduke for late night jazzy drinks.
Opening Times: 24hours
Getting Here By Tube
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, England
Getting Here By Bus
There are bus stops very close by at London Bridge, Borough High Street and Southwark Bridge.
43, 141, 149, 521 to London Bridge/Borough High Street
Getting Here By Car
Union Car Park, 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU. (020 7357 6799),
Wander around Portobello Road and Holland Park
Third on our list of romantic things to do in London is Portobello Road market. Portobello is best known for it’s jumble of antiques, fine art and vintage clothes and is a beautiful part of London to walk around. Instagram photo opportunities are in plentiful supply around the graffiti shutters of closed stalls and colourful market roofs.
Afterwards take a romantic stroll around Holland Park and you’ll soon feel like you’re in the heart of the English countryside. Be sure to check out the peaceful Kyoto Gardens or play with the giant chess-set.
Opening Times: Daily 10am-6pm
Getting Here By Tube
Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith&City, Circle Lines)
Notting Hill Gate (Central, District&Circle Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 and 452.
Getting Here By Car
Arthur Court NCP, (020 7229 9381), Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 4QH.
Drinks with a view: Heron Tower
Details
110 Bishopsgate, 40th Floor, Heron Tower, London, England
Great View
Head over to Heron Tower for drinks with panoramic views over London. The lift will whiz you up to the 40th floor where you can grab a drink before dinner. Duck and Waffle is pricey but well worth it for the view! It’s open 24hours so you can go for a late dinner date or an early morning breakfast date!
Opening Times: Daily 24hours
Getting Here By Tube
Liverpool Street (Central, Hammersmith&City, Metropolitan Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
(Primrose Street, Stop J) 8, 26, 35, 48, 78, 135, 149, 205 242, 388
Getting Here By Car
NCP Car Park London Whitechapel High Street, (0345 050 7080), Spreadeagle Yard, Whitechapel High St, London E1 7RA
Get lost in Kings Cross
Details
Cheap Date
Plan to meet your partner by the statue of ‘The Lovers’ at St Pancras and stroll down to the canal before heading to any one of the delightful restaurants and bars situated around Granary Square. If you’re looking for an inexpensive date: Pizza Union is nearby and has a really cool vibe! If you and your partner are vegan then we’d check out Mildred’s on Pentonville Road. For cocktails then we’d suggest German Gymnasium after. Or jump on the nearby Eurostar and head to Paris for cocktails up the Eiffel Tower! Oui Oui!
Opening Hours: 11am-11pm
Getting Here By Tube
Kings Cross (Piccadilly, Victoria, Northern, Hammersmith&City, Circle and Metropolitan Line.)
Getting Here By Bus
10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390 and 476. Get off at Kings Cross and walk up Pancras Road towards German Gymnasium. Then head up Kings Boulevard to Granary Square.
Getting Here By Car
3 Canal Reach, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BA
SEE THIS ON OUR FREE LONDON WALKING TOUR (Morning Session)
You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on our free London Walking Tour!
For more information, click here