Top 56 London date ideas

Plan the ultimate date night in London with these fun and romantic ideas.
Couple smile at each other as they walk down road past Shoreditch street art on a date.
Check out street art in Shoreditch for a fun date in London. Image courtesy of Jon Reid.

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Impress your sweetheart with thoughtful Valentine's Day ideas, special tours and attractions, a must-see show or a memorable dinner at a romantic restaurant with this guide to the ultimate dates in London.

Fun date ideas 

A woman sitting in the co-pilot seat, next to the pilot with a glass of Champagne
A Champagne helicopter flight © Adventure 001. Image courtesy of Adventure 001.
  1. For the ultimate date night show, check out London’s top 10 musicals: Cosy up to romantic tales or enjoy hilarious stories that will have you laughing all night.
  2. Treat them to the quintessential treat of afternoon tea: Try traditional or quirky options. impress with champagne teas or save with a cheaper option (we won’t tell).
  3. Really impress by booking a helicopter tour: Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime view of London from above.
  4. Be amazed by immersive experiences: Choose from theatre shows, attractions and more – a date that’s sure to live in their memory.
  5. Glam up for a luxury train journey from London: Enjoy a five-course meal aboard a classic British Pullman train* with champagne or join a special Murder Mystery trip*.
  6. Spend some quality time together with London’s best spa days: Relax with special treatments for two.
  7. Take an exhilarating speedboat ride down the Thames: Get the adrenaline flowing with an exciting London speedboat experience.

Sightseeing ideas to impress

Young woman smiling while she takes a picture of the view of London and the river Thames from The View from The Shard.
The View from The Shard. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
  1. Enjoy a special moment looking over London: The iconic London Eye, imposing The View from The Shard and The IFS Cloud Cable Car all provide amazing views of the city.
  2. Go for a stroll among all rare and ancient plants at Kew Gardens: Perch under the pagoda or cosy up in the palm houses.
  3. Dates need not just be a few hours, make a day of it with a day trip from London: Visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge or explore the romantic city of Bath.
  4. If you’re looking for a summer date idea, Buckingham Palace opens its doors every July to Steptember: See the State Rooms and explore the special exhibition.
  5. Are you both Harry Potter fans? enjoy a Harry Potter-themed date: See props and sets from the films at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, or seek out movie locations on a wizarding walking tour.
  6. See city highlights: Explore in your own time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour or enjoy a day-long date with the Total London Experience.

Date activities

A woman and man walk down the side of The O2, hanging onto a rope and wearing harnesses, during the Up at The O2 experience.
Up at The O2 © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet
  1. Go on an adrenaline-fuelled date with Up at The O2Climb up the famous entertainment centre and enjoy amazing views.
  2. Join a Valentine's afternoon tea bus tour: Enjoy delicious sweet treats, a glass of bubbles and live music as you go sightseeing around London.
  3. Unleash your inner artist at a Painting Lesson at Georgie Mason Art*: Get creative at this relaxed painting session in a London studio.
  4. Have a main character moment on a Notting Hill Rom Com Walking Tour*: Visit famous sites from iconic films such as Notting Hill, Love Actually and Sliding Doors. 
  5. Work together to solve clues on a London Treasure Hunt*: Pick from locations across London and try to beat other teams.
  6. Design the perfect perfume at a Bespoke Perfume Experience*: Discover the secrets of scents with a trained expert.
  7. Laugh-out-loud together at a Comedy Show*: Enjoy a hilarious evening of live entertainment at a London comedy club. 
  8. Spice up your date with some competition at fun activity barsPlay urban golf, shuffleboard or even try axe throwing!
  9. Hire a pedalo in Hyde Park: Glide along the beautiful Serpentine lake.
  10. Take a self-guided street art tour: Discover creativity flourishing in Shoreditch and snap some selfies with your date.

Date ideas for foodies

Smiling young couple enjoying a drink and a chat in a London street food market.
Tuck into delicious street food all over London. Image courtesy of visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet.
  1. Create delicious Dim Sum at Ann's Smart School of Cookery*: Take a masterclass in making this authentic Asian dish.
  2. Take a Beer Masterclass with a Meal at Brewhouse and Kitchen*: Sip on expertly crafted beers before tucking into a delicious dinner. 
  3. Satisfy your sweet tooth at a Chocolate Making Class*: Create fresh-cream truffles, decadent chocolate martinis, and more. 
  4. Pair a visit to the majestic Painted Hall with an Afternoon Tea*: Admire the incredible 18th-century artwork before tucking into a delicious afternoon tea.
  5. Sample DC Universe Inspired Cocktails with Nibbles at Park Row*: An evening of bespoke beverages and live music fit for any superhero super fans.
  6. Take on Sherlock's Mind Palace Mini Mystery with afternoon tea*: Enjoy sweet and savoury treats as you try to solve the mini-mystery quiz. 
  7. Journey to the Wild West at a Moonshine Saloon Immersive Theatre and Cocktail Experience*: Become outlaws for an evening at this undercover liquor operation.
  8. Head to one of London's top brunches: From bottomless to ball pits, find a memorable brunch date spot in the city.
  9. Feast at one of London's top food markets: Grab a bite at the famous Borough Market, or perhaps head to trendy Mercato Metropolitano for international cuisine and craft cocktails.

Date-night restaurants

The newly renovated Gallery at Sketch with glistening gold and yellow furnishings. Image courtesy of Sketch.
The Gallery at Sketch restaurant in London. Image courtesy of Sketch.
  1. Ramp up the romance with a dinner cruise or a lunch cruise: Or add some pizzazz with a jazz cruise*
  2. Explore Indian cuisine with a five-course tasting menu at Kanishka*: Indulge at this stylish two Michelin star Mayfair restaurant. 
  3. Head to a Mulan Rouge Cabaret Dinner at The Vaults*Dine on a four course dinner whilst you enjoy the live parody that blends drag, burlesque and comedy.
  4. Enjoy a world-class steak with a three-course meal at Gaucho*: Sip on your glass of bubbles as you soak up the ambience before enjoying the superb set menu.
  5. Savour a pre-show fine dining experience at Kinaara at InterContinental London - The O2: Indulge with rich and comforting flavours from across India as you enjoy a spectacular view of the Thames before stepping into the O2 arena for a night of top entertainment. 
  6. Get loved up in Clos Maggiore: The charming French restaurant is decked out in flowers for an extra special touch.
  7. Dine at the extravagant Gallery at Sketch or splash out at three-Michelin-star Lecture Room and Library: Pick from two great dining spots in the same building.
  8. Feast on oysters: Don't be shellfish, make sure to share at these seafood restaurants.
  9. Soak up breathtaking views from SushisambaTaste refined dishes combining the flavours of Japan, Peru and Brazil.
  10. Book a table at Bob Bob Ricard: Order bubbles without losing eye contact with your date by pressing a champagne button.

Inspiring date-night locations 

View on the immersive gallery, Frameless, with the painting The Garden of Earthly Delights projected from floors to ceiling.
The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch at Frameless exhibition. Image courtesy of Frameless/Antonio Pagano
  1. See London twinkle at night with a special London by Night bus tour: Glimpse the likes of the London Eye, Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral lit up come nightfall.
  2. Explore Sir John Sloane’s Museum by candlelight: Discover a collection of antiquities and exquisite paintings.
  3. Go on a cultural date at one of London’s exciting late museum openings: Grab a glass of chilled bubbles at one of London’s best champagne bars afterwards.
  4. Or visit one of London's top exhibitions: From the immersive Frameless exhibition, to spectacular astronomy photography at the National Maritime Museum.
  5. Bag tickets to a show at the magnificent Royal Opera House: Take your date to see a ballet or a classic romantic opera.
  6. Book a stay at one of these romantic hotels: Stay a stone's throw from London's magical landmarks. 
  7. Take a stroll along the river on the South Bank: Enjoy magnificent views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye as a backdrop.

Cheap date ideas

A person with a bicycle browses the flower-filled stalls of Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market. Credit: Shutterstock. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
  1. Catch some Shakespeare at The Globe: Standing tickets cost just £5. Or join a special tour of The Globe.
  2. Have a picnic in one of London’s most beautiful parksHampstead Heath, Greenwich Park and Primrose Hill offer some fantastic views of London.
  3. Browse stunning flower displays at Columbia Road Flower Market: Stroll hand-in-hand and take home some beautiful blooms and gardening essentials.
  4. Hire a Santander bike: Cycle around London’s most beautiful hidden routes.
  5. Take your date to one of the capital's independent coffee shops: Sip a flat white as you spend some quality time together.
  6. Visit the free Sky GardenBe amazed by wonderful views of London’s skyline.
  7. Or get lost among the foliage at The Barbican Conservatory: One of the city's bes- kept secret gardens - pair your visit with a trip to The Barbican's art gallery.
For more romantic ideas, check out romantic things to do in London, take a look this guide to Valentine's Day or discover fairytale locations.