With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, London has long been a top destination for couples retreats. Not only do the hotel packages of London offer ideal locations for time-pressed visitors but top notch amenities and luxurious rooms too. The city itself bubbles with romance, offering something for every taste and more than 1500 square kilometres of history, adventures and all-round charm, meaning that whatever your plans for the weekend, you’ll certainly remember your first time in the city.
This is especially so for couples; part of the excitement of a romantic retreat is exploring and discovering a city together, taking that left turn down a side street and stumbling upon your new favourite restaurant, before returning to your luxurious London spa package hotel. With thousands of years of history, attractions and landmarks situated in spots you’d never expect, there’s much to see with your other half, far more than you could fit into a weekend.
With that in mind, this blog will outline some tips and attractions that can help you plan the perfect romantic city break. From gourmet foodie activities to the best venues for a romantic date night, guests of the Montcalm Royal London House will be well situated to enjoy many of London’s best couples activities.
Love With A View
London is a city that boasts a magnificent skyline alongside some of the most diverse architecture in the UK. This is in part thanks to the almost 2000 years of development it’s seen, layers upon layers of urban planning meaning that there are many different styles of building. The wonders of the city’s skyline are easily viewable from a variety of observation decks, landmarks and parks, a perfect way to drink in the city with your partner.
Emirates Air Line
The Emirates Air Line runs from Greenwich Peninsula to Royal Victoria Dock in the Docklands area of East London, and whilst designed for workers and commuters in the area, is well worth the trip thanks to its incredible views over the eastern bends of the River Thames. Whilst you’re there, why not visit the Docklands Museum and the O2 Arena shopping complex, rounding off a great day out in the often overlooked Docklands region of London.
London Eye
The quintessential South Bank viewpoint, the London Eye provides 32 pods rising to 135 metres on the central banks of the Thames. With views over London stretching for more than 40 kilometres in every direction, the half hour trip is another easy way to orient yourself in the city. On top of this, the London Eye offers solo pods and special tickets, often coming with champagne and snacks for a truly romantic revolution.
Primrose Hill
Regent’s Park is home to an array of London landmarks and venues, including the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, promoting new writing and reworkings of classics through a leafy antidote to cramped West End theatres. There’s also the London Zoo, one of the oldest in the world housed to its east. If you’re strapped for cash though, take a wander through the landscaped gardens and fields of Regent’s Park to its Hampstead side, where you will find popular picnic spot Primrose Hill, offering an incredible view over London’s skyline.
Sky Garden
20 Fenchurch Street is a prominent City of London skyscraper that, whilst being the home to a range of international insurance companies, has a far more romantic side to it as well. Book a slot and take the lift up to the 43rd floor for a free-to-visit London secret, the stunning Sky Garden. Kitted out with an expansive observation deck, bars, restaurants, rockeries and exotic gardens, this three floor public space has a greenhouse esque quality, but also hosts live music and DJs on selected days of the week, perfect for a date then.
Greenwich Observatory
Another park based romantic viewpoint, Greenwich Observatory is part of Greenwich Park, a beautiful swathe of green space along the banks of the Thames. Bordered by the Royal Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Observatory rests atop a hill close to the centre of the park, and includes a viewpoint and plaque commemorating the Greenwich Meridian, a navigation line that runs through this beautiful spot. One thing’s for sure, with this time cementing line beside the Canary Wharf overlook, there’ll be no excuses for being late for your date.
Events And Nightlife
The city of London is not only the perfect backdrop for a first - or hundredth - kiss, but has some of the most diverse events, venues and nights out you could think of. With something for all tastes, the expansive list of date night options that guests at hotels near Old Street Station can easily travel to promise entertainment, intimacy and memories you’ll cherish forever. Here are just a few.
Unique Movie Nights
From outdoor events with cinema pop up Luna to intimate q&a’s with international filmmakers, there’s a premiere, revival screening and informal viewing for all genres. If you’re a cinephile visiting London with a loved one, then check out the programmes at the BFI, Prince Charles Cinema and Deeper Into Movies events for a look at some of the most stylish, surprising and romantic nights out in front of the silver screen.
Theatre With A Twist
From romantic Shakespeare adaptations at the open air Globe Theatre, to immersive and raucous pop up experiences like You Me Bum Bum Train, the theatre and live performance scene of London is second to none. From drag and cabaret shows at intimate event spaces to expansive theatre festivals, there’s always something to spark the imagination for arts lovers in London.
Ronnie Scott’s
Ronnie Scott’s is one of the best known jazz clubs in London. Nestled in the heart of Soho, this classic jazz club reflects decades of music history, and since the 50s’ has seen a programme of original and improvised material explode onto the stage alongside killer drinks and cocktails. Expect renditions of classic musicians, a house band and singers, all at the top of their game.
