London, with its beautiful historic buildings, amazing theatre, world-class dining options, iconic streets and wonderful shopping is arguably one of Europe’s most romantic cities. From the real life movie sets of Notting Hill, The Houses of Parliament and the Thames, to countless pretty streets and wide open spaces, this is a city that has date night inspiration by the bucketful.
For guests staying in Finsbury Square, there are lots of great spaces to explore as a couple – so here's our round-up of the top destinations for planning your perfect date night during your visit, whether you’re with us for a cheeky mid-week break or going all out on an indulgent weekend just for the two of you…
Located conveniently close to our hotels near Finsbury Square, not only is the Barbican a stunning venue, but getting there is hassle free. The Barbican is one of London's foremost entertainment spaces, hosting a wide variety of events throughout the year so there’s always something new to discover.
If you and your date are interested in seeing the latest film or exhibition, love modern art and performance, then this is the place to be – and the space itself proves interesting just for those who'd prefer to take a leisurely look around. The Barbican has developed an enviable reputation with good reason – it supports both new and more established acts, ensuring there's always something fascinating to discover during your stay in London. It’s an easy 5- 10-minute stroll from our Montcalm hotels in Finsbury Square to the Barbican, just follow Ropemaker Street to Moor Lane and then turn right onto Silk Street.
Staying at Montcalm hotels keeps you close to the city's major landmarks, and in Finsbury Square you are only a few minutes away from the glitz and glamour of the West End. Synonymous with the thriving London theatre scene, the area is packed with incredible theatres, which provide a stunning array of performances written, directed and starring a world of theatrical talent.
Whether you're eager to see the latest shows or indulge in an established classic, there's lots here to enjoy. Some of the top West End shows have been playing for decades, and there's everything from musicals to dramatic performances taking place each evening. This is a great and authentically British way to spend your date night in London, offering an experience which can't be had anywhere else in the world.
For the perfect relaxed experience, take a stroll to the West End and simply pick a show which suits your mood. You can book tickets online if you want to plan a visit in advance – this is highly recommended if your beloved has their heart set on seeing a particular show as tickets do sell out. While you can pick up tickets last minute, booking ahead of time also gives you a choice of seating options so you can opt to splash out on the best seats in the house if you so choose.
DNA VR is London's first virtual reality arcade, providing a unique attraction for visitors to the city. As one of the most unusual ways to enjoy a date night in England's capital, visitors simply don a virtual reality headset and take part in selection of different games and experiences.
With traditional arcade style games and more advanced technological trips which include escape rooms and both multiplayer and single player games, you could soon find yourselves dancing to music, travelling to the moon or even using a bow and arrow – all in one location.
This is a great option for active visitors who want to try something a little different during their stay, and provides a rich variety of options sure to impress even the most discerning date.
DNA VR is located on York Street, around 30 mins via Tube from Finsbury Square. Just jump on the Northern Line at Moorgate Station and alight at Kentish Town.
For early evening dates during the summer months, pay a trip to a local green space at the Gillespie Park Ecology Centre. The area has won a number of conservation awards, and is currently the largest nature reserve in Islington. Gillespie Park includes a wide array of wildlife including woodlands, meadows and ponds, as well as butterflies, bird species and more than 200 types of plant. The area is open until dusk each day, and the on-site Ecology Centre is available for everything from educational trips to parties – perfect for those feeling a bit more ostentatious.
Fine dining is a fantastic traditional date idea, and while you're staying near Finsbury Square, you have access to plenty of tasty dishes in great surroundings. If you're on the lookout for restaurants near Finsbury Square, then look no further than the Montcalm Royal London House, where you can dine in comfort at a choice of two restaurants, each with a distinctive flair in both cuisine and décor. In addition, there are two bars on-site to choose from, providing the perfect space to begin a relaxed evening in the city.
Another great activity for thrill-seeking London visitors, The Castle Climbing Centre provides a range of different climbing experiences which can be tailored to your trip. This is certainly an offbeat way to enjoy a date in the city, but it'll also be memorable – and guests can enjoy a stroll around the garden or try their hand at some outdoor climbing thanks to a variety of special events hosted at the centre. All abilities are catered to, from beginner to expert – so if you feel like learning a new skill or showing off for your date, then the Castle Climbing Centre is the place to be.
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