Romantic London Weekend

Friday Night

One For My Baby

"Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine," says Rick about Ilsa in Casablanca. Sadly London doesn't have a Rick's Bar, but it does have iconic watering holes by the armful. There's something deliciously illicit and sultry about hotel bars, especially The Blue Bar at The Berkeley, The Mandarin Bar at the Mandarin Oriental and Oscar Bar at The Charlotte Street Hotel.

Saturday Morning

The Look of Love

Stop at Tate Britain to see some of the world's finest Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Romantically, it doesn't get much better than John William Waterhouse's Lady of Shalott, or Rossetti's Beata Beatrix. At Tate Britain, you're not only in a superb place for art, you're also in the perfect place for lunch – The Rex Whistler Restaurant is a masterpiece in its own right.

Saturday Afternoon

Two's Company

With over 4,000 trees, a lake, a meadow, rose gardens, horse-riding paths and more, it's easy to forget you're in central London while wandering round Hyde Park. Take a boat out onto the Serpentine for some time to yourselves when you can whisper sweet nothings to each other.

Saturday Night

Romancing the town

You may want to get back to the hotel to (ahem!) change. Tonight, it has to be a cultural celebration of romance: either the ballet or the opera, preferably at the impossibly romantic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden.

The Food of Love

Keeping it central and sensual, we suggest French food at either Elena's L'Etoile or L'Escargot in Soho – both are well known for fine cuisine and a great atmosphere.

Alternatively, why not head down to the low-lit, groovy 606 Club, where you can eat, drink, hold hands and nod along to some smooth jazz grooves. Nice.

Sunday Morning

Come Fly With Me

It probably won't be a very early start, but we suggest a flight on the London Eye as a lovely way to begin your day.

Follow this with a romantic stroll along the river. If you cross the Thames and head west, you can walk down the aisle at Westminster Abbey, the scene of many fairytale weddings.

Then wander hand-in-hand along the river until you come to Chelsea. Lose yourselves in the lovely backstreets, potter around in antique shops and enjoy lunch at The Cross Keys gastro pub.

Sunday Afternoon

Table For Two

On Sunday, head west to Holland Park, London's most perfect walled garden and home to one of the city's most romantically located restaurants, The Belvedere.

While in the area, make sure you don't miss Leighton House, the former home of Victorian painter Frederick, Lord Leighton. Many important paintings decorate its walls, and the exotic Arabic Hall (with its lavishly decorated ancient tiles from the Middle East) is well worth a visit. In addition, the artist's painting studio has been lovingly preserved.

Romantic Hotels in London

On a romantic weekend away, you and your beloved may want to spend quite bit of time in your hotel room. So finding the perfect boudoir in the right hotel is vital. 

Check out our Romantic London Retreats suggestions for some inspiration.

For a room with a view, it's hard to beat the Marriott County Hall. Sweeping vistas down the Thames, the magnificent tower of Big Ben and the awe inspiring London Eye can all be seen from its grand windows.

For decadent décor and a place to hide away from the rest of the world, try sophisticated Blakes, respected by celebrity clientele for its protection from the paparazzi. Or try the cosy, but superbly located Covent Garden Hotel. It claims to have the biggest bed in London – 8ft square! – perfect for a romantic weekend.

If you'd rather stay somewhere less central, try the elegant, tranquil Cannizaro House in Wimbledon. Staff will happily pack picnics for those couples hoping to wander hand-in-hand around the 1,140 acres of Wimbledon Common.