London is a world-class spot for romantic weekend breaks. Experience the city’s endless romance like a true local.
Plotting the perfect marriage proposal? Planning to sweep them off their feet? Whether you’re sparking a new love or rekindling an old flame, here’s your guide to the most romantic places in London.
The Meeting Place
There are so many romantic things to do in London it’s hard to know where to start. But if you’re arriving by train you don’t have to go far for inspiration. On the concourse of St Pancras Station, The Meeting Place is a 9-metre bronze statue of two lovers tenderly embracing. You decide if the pair are greeting each other after a long separation or saying a wistful goodbye. While emotions are high, swing by Searcys Champagne Bar and drink in panoramic views of the spectacular station in all its glass and wrought-iron glory.
Bewitched in Greenwich
Greenwich, with its village vibe and vintage market, is full of charm. The Royal Observatory is London’s only planetarium and site of the famous Meridian Line, the point where east meets west like two returning lovers. After dark, you can stare up at the stars in the place where time truly began.
Walk to the sunset from Southbank
On a clear day, there are few more romantic things to do in London than a leisurely stroll. Start at Southbank with a private champagne flight on the London Eye. Duly dazzled, walk along to London Bridge, from where you can get an uninterrupted view of Tower Bridge to the east and, if you time it right, a stunning sunset to the west.
Win hearts on Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is a vast park with breathtaking city views. Near the northern edge is a little-known but beautiful section called Kenwood Park, where you’ll find Kenwood House: a real gem still hidden in a city with few secrets left. With their dark wood and hidden nooks, London’s traditional pubs serve romance by the pint. Grab a well-earned drink and lunch at the storied Spaniards Inn nearby—but make sure you leave room for dessert at Hampstead Creperie down the hill.
Dine at the world’s most romantic restaurant
To make your trip the finest of romantic breaks, book a table at Clos Maggiore. The pretty French place retains its charm despite being voted the world’s most romantic restaurant in 2016. First, have a sundowner on the rooftop of Netil 360 and watch day turn to night over London Fields in the heart of the hip east. Follow your meal with some dancing at Camden’s coveted Jazz Cafe or a digestif at Purl, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar set in a 19th-century cellar.
Row a boat or play ping pong
If you’re confident of a friendly outcome, Bounce Ping Pong Bar offers the opportunity to gaze lovingly at each other across a different kind of table. For a less risky option—yet precarious in its own way—take a rowboat out onto Victoria Park Lake.
Stimulate minds at the museum
No visit to London is complete without its world-class museums. Bond over the building blocks of life at the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum’s adults-only evenings. These ‘Lates’ take place on the last Wednesday and Friday of each month respectively, and include hot food, craft beer and fine wines, as well as exclusive experiences (think a pop-up planetarium and dinosaurs after dark).
Go and make some magic. Discover a perfect place to stay for romantic breaks in London.