Date Night

Romantic Things to Do in London

Beyond dinner and a film: romantic things to do in London that actually feel like an occasion.

In short: our top picks are Sky Garden, Kyoto Garden, Holland Park and Daunt Books Marylebone. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

The most romantic evenings in London are rarely the obvious ones. They are the small, well-chosen things: a hidden bar, a late gallery, a walk that ends somewhere you would not have found alone. These are romantic things to do in London that feel like an occasion without trying too hard.

Place Area Price
Sky Garden The City £££
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park Holland Park
Daunt Books Marylebone Marylebone ££
Kew Gardens Kew ££
  1. Editor’s choice

    Sky Garden

    • The City
    • £££

    Why we pick itThree storeys of public garden above the City; book a free slot for the sunset view.

  2. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

    • Holland Park

    Why we pick itA hidden Kyoto garden with koi and a waterfall; the most serene corner of west London.

  3. Daunt Books Marylebone

    • Marylebone
    • ££

    Why we pick itAn Edwardian bookshop of oak galleries; browse, then walk Marylebone for lunch.

  4. Kew Gardens

    • Kew
    • ££

    Why we pick itGlasshouses, the treetop walk and a whole afternoon of green; go on a bright day.

Before you book

Pair one planned thing with one loose one; a booked table after an unhurried wander beats a packed itinerary. Check opening times for anything cultural, as the best late openings are midweek. And leave room to change the plan: the best romantic evenings tend to drift somewhere better than where they started.