1. Take a cruise down the Thames
You might be a local, but don’t sleep on the inherent romanticism that is sightseeing - and London’s got plenty of ways to do it, one of our favourites being the classic cruise. Pair it with lunch or afternoon tea as you float past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll likely get brownie points for an evening cruise, too - you can’t go wrong with sunsets and city lights.
Champagne Afternoon Tea and Thames River Cruise for Two
Set in the heart of London’s bustling shopping and theatre district, the Courthouse Hotel offers a secluded setting to enjoy a Champagne Afternoon Tea for two. Enjoy treats including a chilled glass of Champagne, finger sandwiches, cakes, pastries and warm scones, before heading out and enjoying a leisurely river cruise down the Thames with unlimited hop on and off travel.
Find out more
2. Try a cinema date with a difference
A classic date idea, reimagined. London’s come a long way from your average cinema - film buffs can discover contemporary and avante garde films at the BFI Southbank, whilst sofa-dwellers can enjoy the best of both worlds with cashmere blankets and bougie front-row beds at the Electric Cinema Portobello. Alternatively, plan ahead and experience cinematic immersion at The Secret Cinema or Backyard Cinema.
3. Play crazy golf
From the tiki-themed offering of Plonk, to brash, urban cool at Brick Lane’s Junkyard - dozens of these quirky crazy golf courses have popped up round the capital as of late, and it’s not hard to see why. Head to Swingers West End and you’ll find yourself transported to quintessential 20s British seaside charm, whilst at The City you’ll be stepping into a 20s inspired golf club, replete with rolling greens and elegant clubhouse. Both offer street food and cocktails, too, making it a win, win.
4. Join in authentic Italian pizza-making
Join la famiglia at Battersea’s beloved Bunga Bunga for a dough-tossing, showstopping London date. Welcome cocktails and authentic antipasti set the tone for what’s ahead, where the two of you will get your hands on Bunga Bunga’s top-secret stonebaked pizza recipe, learn how to make Italian sourdough from scratch, and compete in the day’s #BiggestTosser competition. Pizzas topped with ingredients of your choice will be thrown into Bunga’s hot stone oven, and all that’ll be left to do is tuck in.
5. Master your mixology skills
Mix up some magic together with a cocktail-making masterclass at one of London’s finest bars. From refined tipples at the likes of Skylon and Gordon Ramsay's Heddon Street Kitchen, to rum-laden cocktails at Laki Kane and offbeat treats at Mr. Fogg’s, there’s no shortage of spirited learning in the capital.
6. Take a stadium tour
Wembley, Stamford Bridge, London Stadium and more: sports fans are well catered for in the capital, whether it’s walking in the footsteps of their footballing heroes or soaking up the sights and sounds of the home of cricket at the Kia Oval. Wander along with a self-guided audio tour or get the low-down behind the scenes from an expert guide. Stadium tours have upped their game in recent years, too, boasting all manner of state-of-the-art museums and VR attractions.
7. Try your hand at axe throwing
Vauxhall’s Whistle Punks is the leading authority on this weird and wonderful activity - perfect for a unique date idea. The two of you will get the lowdown on slinging your axe and honing your technique to sink your steel in style, before putting your newfound skills to the test in an adrenaline-fuelled tournament.
8. Go treasure hunting
You can experience a lot of London’s best attractions free of charge, so if you’re on a budget, do some research ahead of time and you’ll find you’re spoilt for choice, with many museums and landmarks offering free entry. If you want to mix it up, though, we’d recommend trying an outdoor treasure hunt, which turns traditional sightseeing on its head, weaving it with puzzles, clues, and mental and physical tests. There’s no need to create an itinerary, either, as it’s all done for you ahead of time.
The Great UK Outdoor Treasure Hunt for Two
Get ready to experience a city in unique style, with an Outdoor Treasure Hunt for two people. This fun and challenging experience lets you test your detective skills in any one of over 50 areas across the UK of your choice. You’ll work as a team to undergo a challenge of mental and physical tests, including strategy, logistics and lateral thinking. See if you have what it takes to crack the puzzles and win the treasure!
Find out more
9. Take a trip to The Shard
There’s something inherently romantic about panoramic views, no less so than when atop Western Europe’s tallest building. An icon amidst the city’s skyline, The Shard is rightly one of the city’s best-loved attractions, despite its relatively recent incorporation into the landmark hall of fame. Book a table ahead of time at the likes of HuTong or Shangri-La, and enjoy top-notch views while you dine.
10. Visit the Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark is the world’s sole surviving tea-clipper, built back in 1869 for the China tea trade. A date here will give the two of you a taste of seafaring London at its best, with a colourful cast of actors on board who’ll bring the ship’s past to life.
11. Embark on a themed walking tour
Cast aside any preconceived notions of traditional walking tours - it’s no surprise that a city as forward-thinking as London is at the fore of a new age of tours. We’re talking immersive wizardry, superheroes, controversy and plenty of fascinating history to boot. For film and history buffs, you’ll find everything from Beatles tours to Paddington Bear, Killing Eve and Downton Abbey tours in your midst.
12. Experience Monopoly Lifesized
If the board game conjures up nostalgic memories of family arguments post-Christmas dinner, London’s latest immersive installment should pique your interest. Let Mr. Monopoly and his Playing Tokens be your guides as you spend 80 minutes building houses, charging rent and trying to escape jail, while earning money and completing escape room challenges across the life-sized board.
12. Conquer the world’s longest tunnel slide
London’s got a lot of weird and wonderful things to be proud of, and this epic art installment and tunnel slide, created by Belgian artist Carsten Holler, is arguably one of the finest. The two of you can fall in style, spiralling down the UK’s tallest public artwork and breathing in dramatic cityscape views as you go.
The Slide at The ArcelorMittal Orbit for Two
Fall in style and descend the world’s tallest and, at 178m, the world’s longest tunnel slide with admission to The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit for Two. Spiral down what is also the UK’s tallest public artwork, shoot through light and dark breathing in dramatic cityscape views as you go.
Find out more
13. Master the art of sushi-making
A sushi-making class gives you a fascinating insight into the history and techniques behind one of the world’s most impressive culinary arts. Head to Soho’s inamo or the renowned Buddha-Bar for extra sake on the side, or pop into Prince Akatoki’s for a thoroughly luxurious interpretation.
14. Take a helicopter tour
This probably isn’t one for first or second dates, but for an anniversary gift that marks the milestone in style, you can’t go far wrong with a helicopter tour (unless your other half is petrified of flying). There are helicopter tours in London that take off from the centre proper, meaning you’ll be at the heart of the action from the moment you glide upwards, taking in views of the Tate, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and more.
City of London Helicopter Sightseeing Tour for One
See London in all its glory with a helicopter sightseeing tour. You will take off from one of two locations in Surrey and two in Essex for a 25 to 35 minute flight over London. As you are propelled skywards you will begin to see mile upon mile of the great capital city as it appears on the skyline.<br /> <br /> Departing from regional airports, you will enjoy seeing the sights turn from the English countryside to the incredible landmarks and buildings of London, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye. Keep your eyes peeled for the many more fantastic sights to behold. This experience will be a gift that is remembered forever. Take to the air for an adventure in the skies.
Find out more
15. Spark romance at Petersham Nurseries
Reinvent the botanical wheel with a visit to Covent Garden’s Petersham Nurseries, where the two of you can take your seats amongst wild, wistful floral displays for one of the city’s most popular afternoon teas. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu changes regularly, but you’ll be served a quintessentially British treat with a charmingly Italian twist, no matter what time of year you visit.
Afternoon Tea for Two at The Petersham, Covent Garden
Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Petersham Nurseries Covent Garden with a delightful afternoon tea together. Revered for its wistfully wild floral displays and effortless blending of nature and elegance, The Petersham is a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Find out more
16. Discover Britain’s own Sistine Chapel
The Painted Hall is a masterpiece of Baroque art, set within 18 acres of idyllic riverside grounds and historic architecture, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Entry includes fascinating tours and exhibition entry, but give yourselves plenty of time just to wander and soak up the atmosphere, too.
17. De-code your own cocktails in a Bletchley-themed speakeasy
Hailed ‘The Bar of the Future’ at launch, the Bletchley's Secret WWII Bunker was one of London’s first immersive bars, and still stands as one of its best. Intrigue begins before you’ve even set foot inside, as you’ll have to find the speakeasy’s hidden location, before cracking codes, using WWII enigma machines and Sherlock’s deduction principles to reach your very own bespoke cocktails.
18. Take a roving, retro afternoon tea aboard a vintage Routemaster
Sightseeing and scones - a match made in Heaven, or at least that’s what B. Bakery wants us to believe, and judging by their roaring success, they’re not wrong. Step aboard a vintage Routemaster bus and tuck into sweet and savoury delights galore as you tour the sights of the capital.
Vintage Afternoon Tea Bus in London for Two with B Bakery
Combine two activities in one with this fantastic, indulgent sightseeing combo and take in the sights of London whilst enjoying your afternoon tea. This vintage double decker bus has been revamped to create a cool and comfortable place to dine. You'll make your way around London on a carefree tour, as you can tuck into an array of sweet and savoury treats that will be displayed on tiered stands. Oh so fabulously retro.
Find out more
19. Check in for some spa time
You can’t go wrong with some good old pampering, can you? Head to Mayfair’s Athenaeum, Montcalm Hotel, or Sofitel St. James for some 5* spa relaxation, or immerse yourselves in the tranquil oasis of The Bentley London for something a little alternative.
20. Explore the world’s largest collection of plants at Kew Gardens
You don't have to work hard to make this a romantic date - Kew does it for you. Across more than 300 sprawling acres, you’ll find the world’s largest collection of living plants, not to mention glasshouses, storied landscapes, and even the smallest Royal palace. Top it off with an afternoon tea at Kew’s The Botanical for good measure, or travel there in style with a river cruise for extra brownie points.
More date ideas in London
21. Make it a delightfully regal event, and tour your way through the history of the Royal family and the British monarchy at the likes of Kensington Palace, the Queen’s Gallery, and Hampton Court Palace.
22. Stop in for top-notch steak at the one and only Marco Pierre White’s London Steakhouse Co.
23. Climb to the very top of London’s iconic O2 together, and see the sights stretch out before you from the domed rooftop.
24. Discover an underwater world at SEALIFE London, and get up close to thousands of fascinating creatures at Europe’s biggest collection of global marine life.
25. Experience breathtaking views of the city’s best bits from your unique vantage point on the lastminute.com London Eye.
26. Visit one of the world’s most famous landmarks with a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall, where you’ll have exclusive access to the Queen’s Box, her private suite, and the Gallery.
27. Become zombies for the day at the London Tombs - not your typical date, but fantastic fun nonetheless.
28. Learn the art of the chocolatier in a chocolate making class, and head home to feast on your finished creations.
29. Stop in at the Hard Rock Cafe to feast on American classics at the greatest themed rock’n’roll restaurant around.
30. Go behind the scenes and enter the wizarding world of Harry Potter with a Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
31. Tackle an escape room together! London’s packed full of them, from boozy interpretations to the tried-and-tested classics.
32. Explore one of London’s finest - albeit lesser-known - art collections at The Wallace Collection. You can even tuck into afternoon tea afterwards to round it off nicely.
33. Embark on the ultimate challenge at Crystal Maze LIVE, testing your wits across four themed zones.
34. Marvel at the 300-year-old architectural masterpiece that is St. Paul’s, and if you’re feeling extra-fancy, stop in at Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange for tea afterwards.
35. Experience Soho at its finest with an immersive music tour from an expert guide, topped off with a three course meal, drinks, and a private visit to The Vault at the Hard Rock Cafe.
36. Level up your baking skills under the guidance of an expert, with a bakery masterclass at the likes of the Little Portland Street or The Jamie Oliver's Cookery School.
37. Craft some delicious pasta together with the masters in Petersham Nurseries’ stunning La Goccia kitchen.
38. Enjoy craft beer tasting at London Beer Lab - the perfect way to spend a Friday evening with a difference.
39. Step into the madcap, gin-laden world of Mr. Fogg’s for delicious cakes and cocktails in inimitable surroundings.
40. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre together, and get a sense of life behind the scenes of this incredible London landmark.
41. Splash out for a night enjoying all the glitz and glamour that the West End has to offer with premium tickets to a theatre show.
42. Wander through the iconic floors of Harrods department store, and top it off with one of the country’s most luxurious afternoon teas at the end - complete with Champagne, of course.
43. Put your Segway skills to the test with a guide-led tour, or head out on a purpose-built rally track.
44. Spin a few pins at All Star Lanes, London’s favourite boutique bowling alley - think American food, top-notch cocktails and all the charm of retro bowling.
45. Follow the story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece, with a guided tour of the National Gallery, where you can explore wall-to-wall artistic mastery spanning 700 years.
46. Go gourmet with a three-course lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s prestigious Savoy Grill.
47. Try foraging for your own food. We wouldn’t recommend going it alone, so head to Totally Wild’s London outpost for a masterclass in all things wild (and edible).
48. Scale the height of one of London’s newest landmarks together, with a trip up Tottenham Stadium’s The Dare Skywalk.
49. Go trampolining together. There are plenty of brilliant places in London that offer trampoline sessions for adults - it’s not just for kids.
50. Experience a hands-on approach to urban beekeepingbeekeeping in the heart of the city, and top it off with a unique honey and food tasting session.
51. Tuck into unlimited sushi at the award-winning inamo, where you’ll find interactive dining at its finest.
52. Head out for lunch with a difference, with four courses of gourmet fare on high-end double-decker Bustronome, taking in the views while you dine.
53. Sip and savour at Skylon, with five wine flights and delicious nibbles overlooking Southbank.
54. Kickstart the day in style with a delicious brunch, best paired with bottomless Prosecco or cocktails.
55. Head to London’s dazzling CIRCUS for pop-up circus performances, all while tucking into a three-course sharing menu and Prosecco.
56. Travel back in time to the post-war 1940s at Cahoots, the bar where the spirit of the Blitz is still alive and kicking, for cocktails and cake.
57. Take a roving, immersive bus tour of London’s best taverns, all hosted by a British comedy icon, and stop in for dinner at the famous Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.
58. Spend the day learning the ins and outs of the world’s most complex spirit with a full masterclass at The Whisky School together.
59. Enjoy a romantic evening spent in each other’s company at London’s smallest speakeasy, where your private bartender will craft bespoke cocktails and the two of you can bask in the ‘below deck’ atmosphere.
60. Head out on the water with a paddleboarding experience on the Thames. We like the one in Richmond - full of pretty views to enjoy as you float on by.
61. Make your own flower bouquets together at a professional floristry school.
62. Visit the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and nearly 1000 years of incredible British history.
63. Support charity, aid prisoner rehabilitation and tuck into a delicious three course meal with a cocktail at The Clink Restaurant.
64. Cook up a cocktail storm with a molecular experience at the renowned ABQ, and round things off with a pizza at the on-site restaurant.
65. Feast on the best Vietnamese street food that London has to offer, with four courses and a bottle of wine at Soho’s Pho & Bun.
66. Experience the splendour of the roaring 1920s with a delightful afternoon tea at the 5* Sheraton Hotel’s stunning Palm Court.
67. Reconnect with yourselves on a mindfulness day retreat from Synergy Experiences in Camden or Bermondsey, comprised of yoga, meditation, affirmation art and plenty of nutritious food to boot.
68. Stand at the centre of the world together on the historic Prime Meridian, and check out the fascinating Royal Observatory while you’re there.
69. Step into H.G. Wells’ Victorian England at one of London’s most incredible immersive experiences, with a trip to The War of The Worlds Live.
70. See the regiment in action, watch troopers work with horses, and enjoy interactive displays at The Household Cavalry Museum.
71. Share the love, tapas-style, at East London’s stylish MAP Maison - and cheers to time well spent with a quirky cocktail each.
72. Immerse yourselves in the heart of Soul, with live music, a Motown-inspired dinner and drinks at the Motown Supper Immersive Experience.
73. Feast on unlimited cuts of 20 varieties of premium grilled meat, carved tableside by trained Gaucho chefs, topped off with a Brazilian Caipirinha each at Touro.
74. Go for a green tour of the city, and enjoy four hours of sightseeing on a beach cruiser bike.
75. Head to Victoria Station and journey back to the golden age of rail travel on the Belmond British Pullman, enjoying a five-course lunch with Champagne and wine as you take in idyllic, ever-changing views.
76. Follow in the footsteps of London’s literary heroes, visiting some of the pubs and taverns that inspired their stories, with a London Literary Pub Tour.
77. Hire your own private karaoke booth for an hour at All Star Lanes, and tuck into loaded nachos and a flight of mini cocktails each.
78. Enjoy six courses of contemporary Indian food at its finest with a dining experience at the stunning Kahani in Belgravia.
79. Explore centuries of fascinating history and incredible architecture at Westminster Abbey.
80. Create your very own African banquet together, with a delicious and informative class from the Smart School of Cookery, headed up by past Masterchef contestant Ann Smart.
81. Spend the day surrounded by the pastel hues and stunning sights and smells of Notting Hill, exploring the famed Portobello Market and cooking up a Venetian feast at Enrica Rocca.
82. Head out for an evening of creativity with Posh Totty Designs, and learn how to make your very own personalised silver jewellery.
83. Go on a taste-fuelled journey to find London’s most delicious chocolate with the aptly named London Chocolate Street Challenge from My Chocolate, before learning the processes of chocolate-making and ‘training your palate’ (read: eating lots of chocolate, in a fancy way).
84. Tuck into a three-course dinner in CasaCosta Speakeasy, before taking a private tour of the restaurant’s private shop, where you can purchase ingredients from your meal.
85. Step into the awe-inspiring world of Van Gogh and dine on an afternoon tea inspired by the artist himself at Hotel Cafe Royal.
86. Unlock the secrets of magic and trickery with a masterclass from professional magician John Bulleid.
87. Book your own private dome for an elegant Champagne afternoon tea at The Hilton in Kensington.
88. Take your seats for an evening with some of the country’s finest stand-up comedians with a comedy night for two.
89. Discover the art of making spirits with a distillery tour at the East London Liquor Company - tastings included, of course.
90. Explore the world’s oldest scientific zoo, and get up close to all manner of majestic creatures at the ZSL London Zoo.
91. People-watch and picnic at Regent’s Park, where you’ll find more than 400 acres of green space to explore.
92. Let your inner child run free with a visit to Shrek’s! Adventure London, where you’ll meet the whole cast, plus more brilliant DreamWorks favourites, across 10 themed shows.
93. Embark on London’s only scooter tour! The two of you can cruise on scooters, sourced from London’s oldest skateboard shop, past the likes of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace.
94. See the city lit up in style with a night-time tour on an open-topped, double-decker bus, all with live commentary throughout.
95. Take an immersive tour of London’s gin craze, visiting some of the city’s finest Gin Palaces and finishing with a masterclass at The City of London Gin Distillery.
96. Explore historic monuments, hidden gems and quirky pit-stops as you eat and walk your way through the heart of the city with a London Bridge Secret Food Tour.
97. Take a deep dive into the fascinating history of London’s street art with a guided tour from Imagine Experiences, which includes entry to the Banksy Exhibition and Waterloo’s Grafitti Tunnel.
98. Enter new worlds together with a state-of-the-art, free-roam VR experience at one of London’s most up-and-coming VR hotspots.
99. Visit the iconic Madame Tussaud’s, and explore 14 different exhibits, housing more than 150 incredible wax figures.
100. Embark on a private cheese tour with an experienced local guide, and sample some of the best that the city has to offer at London’s most successful cheese eateries.
101. Feast on two hours of bottomless pizza at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza restaurant, where you can take your pick from four house toppings and a daily-changing menu.
102. Indulge your penchant for fine dining with eight courses of exquisite modern British cuisine at Ormer, Mayfair - served with a glass of Devaux Champagne each.
103. Pair a love of DC comics with a delicious spread of sweet and savoury delights at Park Row's brand new Amusement Mile Afternoon Tea. Think Joker-inspired desserts, nitro popcorn and even a code-breaking mission, all backdropped by some serious Park Row elegance.
104. Take an immersive step into Neverland together. Depending on the time of year you choose to visit, Neverland might be London’s hottest beach club, a cosy alpine lodge or a beautiful cherry blossom pop up - but no matter when you head there, you can be sure of top-notch food and drink to enjoy while you soak up the atmosphere.
105. Not drinking? You can still enjoy a mixology masterclass, and Bird and Blend Tea Co. is one of our favourites; elaborate tea-infused potions, tea-based mocktails and more are all on offer at this award-winning tea company.
106. Enjoy an expert-guided tasting in the heart of world-famous craft beer mecca: London’s Bermondsey Beer Mile, hosted by long-standing residents Hiver.
107. Treat your taste buds to a Sunday lunch with all the trimmings at the 5* Lanesborough Hotel.
108. Take your pick of two of the finest Belmond British Pullman have to offer on a Golden Age of Travel Excursion. Either choose the Golden Age of Travel, The Garden of England journey and look out over glorious, ever-changing Kentish vistas or The Golden Age of Travel – Brighton Belle to the Sussex coast. Both depart from London, Victoria.
109. Blend your own bottle of gin together whilst sipping on cocktails and G&Ts with a trip to the Ginstitute Experience at The Distillery, 186 Portobello Road.
110. Book tickets to London’s intimate and electrifying new production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club; its price tag is justified by the fact it's won a record-breaking seven Olivier awards, and you can tuck into two delicious courses at The Delaunay afterwards.
Nothing taking your fancy? Head over to our full collection of London experiences here for more inspiration.
