Paris, the celebrated City of Love, might spring to mind when planning a romantic getaway. That is changing, with London making an impression as a lover’s paradise. The capital’s melting pot of cultures draws inspiration from its diversity, making finding a classical or unique couples-related occasion easy.
London has romantic restaurants, famous landmarks steeped in history and passion, and waterways and gardens perfect for picnics and strolls. Or if you want to pick up the pace with something lively and adventurous, London can offer that, too. Here are seven of the best couple things to do in London.
The Best Couple Things To Do in London
Skuna Tub Boat – Hot Tub on the Thames
Soak up the views, floating down the River Thames in a private outdoor-heated hot tub with Skuna. It certainly ticks the box for fun things to do in London for couples. The water is warm at 38°, making it a cosy experience all year round.
You don’t need any experience with boats. It’s electric and easy to steer. There are two prices available from Canary Wharf,
- Sunday to Friday: £225.00
- Saturday: £250.00
The price includes 75 minutes on the water and up to seven people. Ideal for spending quality time together as a couple or inviting friends who are couples to enjoy group fun. Skuna changes the water after each hire to adhere to strict hygiene measures.
There is a shared hot tub guided tour boat option, Sunday to Friday, at 3.45 pm for £39.00 per person. Sit back and relax as your Skuna skipper takes you on a Canary Wharf Docklands tour, giving you an insight into the area.
For sizzling summer fun, try the BBQ boat, available for various prices, depending on the day and time. It’s available as a private or shared boat.
A hot tub on the River Thames is an incredible experience, making a creative date option for couples.
Address: West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Rd, London, E14 4AL
Telephone: 020 7205 2827
Little Venice – Quirky and Beautiful
Step away from the hustle and bustle of London’s busy streets and stroll gently through Little Venice, a tranquil area by the canal. The affluent streets are broad and leafy, with large open spaces and beautiful, brightly coloured barges chugging slowly along the waterway.
There are several floating businesses, an art gallery, a floating hotel, and a waterbus. Take part in the pastime of gongoozling, watching the canal activity while dining at one of the bars or restaurants. Take a boat trip and discover the fascinating history of London’s canal network. Or picnic at the picturesque canalside Rembrandt Gardens.
Little Venice is a beautiful, peaceful area. It offers plenty to do and provides the opportunity for some rest and relaxation as a couple.
Address: Blomfield Road, London, W9 2PF
Bustronome – Fine Dining on a Double Decker Bus
Experience the views of London from a double-decker bus converted into a fine-dining restaurant. Bustronome. The dining room on the upper deck gives 360° city views. There is soft background music while you dine, or you can use the audio pens to discover London’s history.
The bus ride provides two hours of dining and sightseeing.
There is a lunch option for £70.00, which includes mineral water and a hot drink. If you prefer a wine paring menu, the price is £90.00.
Dinner prices are £120.00 with water and a hot drink or £150.00 to include wine.
Meals include four to six freshly prepared courses using the finest seasonal ingredients.
Bustronome is one of the more unusual things to do for couples in London. The food is delicious, and the capital city looks beautiful day and night, making it a memorable experience.
Address: Coach Bay, 40B Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 6PB
Telephone: 020 3744 5554
Regent Street Cinema – The Birthplace of British Cinema
Regarded as the birthplace of British cinema, Regent Street Cinema first opened its doors in 1848, making it the oldest in London. It wasn’t until 1896 that the cinema first showed moving pictures using the Lumiere Brothers Cinematographe machine.
Today, the cinema is a small and intimate venue with a 185-seat auditorium. It feels quaint and special for couples on a date night, adding a more personal dimension to movie-theatre going.
Films presented are from all years, and present showings include the true story, Chevalier, based on the composer and violinist Joseph Bologne.
The historic cinema holds regular events and festivals, including Monday classics, Singin’ in the Rain, and a live showing of the National Theatre’s, Fleabag.
Adult ticket prices vary. However, on Tuesdays, you can choose the amount you want to pay, £6, £8, or £10 per ticket.
Regent Street Cinema is an independent cinema very different from the larger commercial cinema. Step back in time with your partner and relax in this secret gem of London.
Address: 307 Regent St., London W1B 2HW
Telephone: 020 7911 5050
Visit Londons Parks and Gardens – Green London
London may, at first impression, feel like a thriving metropolis of urban sprawl. However, you might be surprised to know that London is a very green city. In fact, in 2019, London’s Mayor confirmed London as the world’s first National Park City, aiming to achieve 50% green space by 2050.
Despite this ambitious goal, London already has some beautiful parks and gardens, including Kew Gardens, Postmans Park, Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath and Holland Park.
The Japanese Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is one such gem. The city of Kyoto, in Japan, gifted the garden to London in 1991 as a symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
With its gentle atmosphere, the beautiful garden is perfect for a romantic stroll whilst admiring the waterfall and Koi Carp. As you would expect, it is a pristine oasis. If you want to see more, In 2012, the Japanese people donated the Fukushima Memorial Gardens, also located in Holland Park, as further gratitude for the British people’s help with the disaster.
Parks and Gardens enable you to reconnect with nature and each other, despite being in a bustling metropolis.
Address: Ilchester Place, London, W8 6LU
Eltham Palace and Gardens – English Heritage
Eltham Palace and Gardens provides a fabulous day out for couples. Wander in the magnificent gardens and marvel at the great medieval hall.
Dating back to the Doomsday Book of 1086, the palace became a Royal residence in the 14th century before falling into disrepair. In 1933 the Courtaulds took over and modernised the property into an outstanding masterpiece.
After being damaged in the Second World War and another change of hands, English Heritage now manages the palace restoring it to the former glory of the time of the Courtaulds, including London’s oldest working drawbridge.
The admission price is £16.00 per person for non-members and free for members of English Heritage.
Membership prices for couples are £120.00 per year or £96.00 for senior citizens.
Tickets and memberships are booked online or on arrival. However, discounts are available online and ensure guaranteed entry during busy periods.
Eltham Palace is beautiful, and the well-manicured gardens are lovely to walk around. There is plenty to see and do, and catching a glimpse of what life used to be is fascinating. The Glasshouse cafe has a reputation for serving good food. Altogether, it makes a great couples day out in London.
Address: Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London, SE9 5NP
Zedel Brasserie and Crazy Coqs – Four in One
The Zedel Brasserie complex is four unique Art Deco venues in one. Split into the Zedel Brasserie, the Bar Amercain, the ZL Cafe and Crazy Coqs, serving good food and drinks and amazing cabaret in the intimate Crazy Coqs. The Picadilly venue is perfect for a show and a meal, all in the same building.
The shows at Crazy Coqs are fantastic, with drinks available throughout, and the Art Deco cabaret lounge is stunning and intimate.
The Zedel Brasserie serves a French-inspired A la carte menu with a good selection of vegetarian options.
They offer fixed menus from £16.95 for two courses to £27.95 for three courses, including a glass of wine.
Options include a Blanquette of Lamb or Fillet of Sea Bream as fixed menu options. A vegetarian choice is Twice-baked Cheese Soufflé for £17.95.
An example of Crazy Coqs shows is The Black Cat Cabaret for £35.00 per person.
The Crazy Coqs is one of the best things to do in London for couples in the evening. It is a cosy atmospheric venue highly rated for its food, cocktails, and entertainment.
Address: 20 Sherwood Street, London, W1F 7ED
Telephone: 020 7734 4888
Things To Do in London for Couples: FAQs
- Is London good for couples? Yes, the city has a fantastic combination of romantic and adventurous things to do.
- Where can I take my partner for an anniversary in London? Parliament Hill and Hill Garden and Pergola at Hampstead Heath and Little Venice.
