By Expedia Team, on August 19, 2019

Loved-Up London: Things to Do in London for Couples

“From romantic rooftop drinks with a view to fine dining experiences that you’ll remember for a long time to come, London is a top destination to escape to with your other half, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a welcome break from the norm. Whatever your interests and wherever you find yourself in the capital, it’ll feel like it was almost designed with you – and couples – in mind. That’s the beauty of The Big Smoke. Here’s our pick of things to do.

Watch the sun set from one of London’s rooftop bars
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Though the city’s weather doesn’t always cooperate, London has a huge selection of lofty drinking dens perched high in the sky. Unsurprisingly, these bars often come coupled with unparalleled views of the city’s biggest attractions or its distinct skyline.

Grab a glass and toast to a romantic evening at Madison’s, which feels so close to the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral that you could almost touch it. Elsewhere in town, hang with the hipsters at Frank’s Cafe in Peckham as you watch the city skyscrapers’ lights flick on hand in hand (rooftop is summer only). If you like your piƱa coladas a little less elemental, the chic indoor Sky Pod Bar at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street is a solid option.

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Press for champagne at Bob Bob Ricard
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For an extra special date night – and why not, you’re in London after all! – book a table at the art deco-inspired Bob Bob Ricard, one of capital’s most glamorous restaurants (its interior is as spellbindingly decorative as they come).

If you’re the type that is keen on trying out new dishes, then Bob Bob Richard will please. The restaurant serves Russian-inspired modern British dishes, including starters like Egg St. Petersburg and Truffled Potato and Mushroom Vareniki, and mains like State Tartare Imperial and Beef Wellington for Two.

A nice and quirky touch that sets the restaurant even further apart from other establishments in the city is its ‘Press for Champagne’ button, which every table comes ‘equipped’ with. Need we say more?

Picnic in one of London’s scenic parks
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For a sprawling metropolis of nearly 10 million people, London has a wonderful amount of green space, so it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle and find your perfect patch for a quiet picnic for two.

Stock up on supplies and then climb the hill of Greenwich Park for unbeatable views over the high rises of London’s financial district. On the other side of town, deer-filled Richmond Park is the largest in the city, so it’s simple to find a secluded spot.

If you don’t want to shop for the goods yourself, pop into Fortnum & Mason’s. The beloved grocery store that serves the royal family has premade picnic hampers to take away.

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Catch a romantic play at Shakespeare’s Globe
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Located on the bank of the River Thames, Shakespeare’s Globe is a London institution and one of the best places to catch a performance of one the playwright’s plays. It’s actually home to two dedicated performance spaces: the Globe Theatre, which is perhaps the most famous of the two, and the Sam Wanamaker Theatre, named after its founder, the actor.

The Globe, which is effectively a reconstruction of the original building, is itself part of the draw. Complete with thatched roof and timber beams, you’ll feel like you’ve been being transported back in time when you visit. Take your pick – snuggle in the seated stalls or get close in the open-air groundlings yard right up near the stage.

Book it: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour and Exhibition Tickets

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Take to the water on London’s canals and lakes
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London might not be known for its waterways, but it is crisscrossed by a series of canals that make for a perfect romantic stroll or peaceful boat ride.

Boats calmly cruise along the canals, guided along by the dangling branches of weeping willows and connect up the adorable neighbourhood of Little Venice to the markets of Camden.

If you’d rather be under your own steam, you can hire a private pedalo for two and sail around the famous Serpentine lake in Hyde Park – and then pay a visit to the Serpentine Galleries (Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery).

Take your love to new heights at the View from the Shard
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One of the tallest buildings in Europe, the Shard has a 72-storey-high viewing platform and is home to the city’s loftiest champagne bar. From the top, take in totally unobstructed views of London from every angle, best enjoyed with a classy glass of bubbly in hand.

And that’s not all. You can also enjoy dinner with a view at the Shard, with numerous restaurants calling the iconic skyscraper home in the capital. Some of your options include Aqua Shard, on the 31st floor, and Oblix on the 32nd floor.

Book it: South Bank Walking Tour & The Shard Viewing Gallery Tickets