Yes, just because the UK broke up with Europe coldly and abruptly doesn’t mean it still hasn’t got that romantic soul.
London and its continental influences have been offering tourists virtually any escape for the sensory organs for as long as time can remember and couples are no different.
Pack your bags, lovers…
Here are 9 tips for a romantic weekend in London.
Take a Gin Tour
Tour London’s best gin bars and distilleries with the aptly named Shake, Rattle, and Stir tour.
Get chauffeured around town in your “gin carriage” and sample more than 10 gins and cocktails throughout the night. Let’s call it a posh pub crawl with a bit of history thrown in, the perfect way to get loose while keeping your dignity!
Walk Across the Roof at The O2
A good date night shouldn’t always be cozy and it’s good to get that heart rate up.
With this 90 minute guided expedition across the roof at London’s famous O2 Centre you’ll traverse a fabric walkway suspended 53 meters above ground level – hold on tight!
Discover Wilton’s Music Hall
The world’s oldest music hall has probably played host to more courting couples than anywhere else in London since its inception in 1858.
Check out any of the concerts, plays, and cabaret shows during the week or make sure you see the old-fashioned acoustic performances on Mondays at the classic Mahogany Bar.
Dine at Clos Maggiore
It’s rare to find an oasis of calm in the heart of historic Covent Garden but this Provençal/Tuscan inspired restaurant with a full retractable glass roof does just that.
Eat award winning cuisine with locally sourced ingredients under the stars in spring and summer or by a crackling fire in winter. Throw in a 2000 label wine list and you’re cooking with gas.
Take a Romantic Walk through Kensington Palace Gardens
Yes, the great thing about London is that common folk like you and me are allowed to walk in Will and Kate’s backyard. You can do just that here with a highlight being the lover’s arch bordering the flower beds in front of the royal residence.
Spoil Yourself at a Luxurious Hotel
Sometimes you deserve a little pampering and it’s the little details that will make your couples holiday, especially for anniversaries, that much more memorable.
From champagne on arrival to rose petal baths to Buckingham Palace-like service and elegance you can’t beat Hotel 41 or the Milestone Hotel.
Have Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Where else in London can you have a quality cuppa from 31 stories up and have a panoramic view for the ages?
Settle in to the spectacular three story atrium bar to see the city or go the whole nine yards with dinner reservations.
Go Bowling
OK, so the game has lost its favour with couples since a 1970’s heyday but Rowan’s 10 Pin Bowl keeps the spirit alive with its American retro-style 10 pin bowling alley.
Throw in some pool tables and amusement arcades and you’ll feel like a kid again – until you step into one of the many licensed bars or get down on any of the DJ nights.
Check Out Queen Mary’s Gardens
When your lover is worth just so much more than a bouquet of supermarket roses make sure to take them to this spot in Regent’s Park between March and October. The collection of more than 12,000 flowers will get the idea across pretty quickly.
