Culture & Lifestyle
30 Top London Date Ideas
From the cute and quirky to the romantic classics, we’ve rounded up 30 top London date ideas guaranteed to impress on your next night out!
9 Min Read
London is made for lovers. It may not have the obvious romance of cities like Paris or Rome but when it comes to finding the best date ideas, London always comes out on top. From the old classics – dinner and a show, cocktail bars and cosy pubs – to cute and quirky date activities, London has something for everyone.
But with so many options out there, choosing the perfect setting can sometimes feel a little overwhelming – we know, we’ve been there! That’s why we’ve put together this list of our top 30 date ideas in London, so you’re never stuck for inspiration again. And don't forget - you can add experiences to your Wedding Shop wishlist & line up some fun date nights to look forward to after your wedding.
So, what can you do on a date night in London? Read on and find out!
Romantic Date Ideas London
Dinner and Show
Where: West End
We’ll start with the obvious… dinner and a show has got to be one of the best date ideas for couples London has to offer. The West End is simply overflowing with amazing shows and restaurants, so you can take your pick. It’s a classic for a reason!
Luxury Cinema
Where: Soho
Another classic… How about cosying up at the back of the cinema to watch the latest movie? But not just any old cinema, we’re talking comfy leather armchairs, complimentary popcorn and a fully stocked bar. The Firmdale Hotel’s Weekend Film Club offers the ultimate luxury cinema experience complete with dinner for two before or after at the hotel’s restaurant.
Russian Spa Experience
Where: Hoxton
On the other end of the spectrum, this is one of the more unusual date ideas on our list. Relax and unwind in an authentic Russian spa.
The experience comes complete with a steam room, icy plunge pools and a traditional parenie treatment - during which, your bodies will be gently thrashed with bunches of fragrant foliage. Hey, whatever floats your boat!
Chauffeur Driven Tour
For any fans of vintage vibes and bubbles on tap… this one could be for you. Cuddle up in the back seat of a classic Mini Cooper for your own chauffeur-driven tour of the city! Your guide will show you all the best sights and regale you with some of the city’s most romantic love stories. It’s a date night with a difference that you won’t forget in a hurry!
Cute Date Ideas London
Date Night at Home
Who says you have to go out to have a great time? Certainly not us! Slip a cocktail subscription and a set of fancy new cocktail glasses onto your Wedding Shop gift list. Then enjoy your own private mixology session in the comfort of your own home.
And of course, the best part about date night at home… no queueing at the bar, no yelling to make yourself heard & your bed is just in the next room!
London Zoo
Where: Regent’s Park
If you or your date are animal lovers, London Zoo is one of the best date activities London has to offer. Explore the park hand in hand and have fun spotting all your favourite animals. As an added extra, organise a close encounter – at London Zoo you can meet the penguins or even hand feed the meerkats… where do we sign up!
London Aquarium
Where: South Bank
Or how about finding Nemo together at the SeaLife London Aquarium? Dimmed lights, hushed tones and stunning sea creatures make for the perfect hand-holding opportunity – ideal for a romantic stroll through the attractions. And the convenient South Bank location offers plenty of options for dinner and drinks afterwards.
Boozy Date Ideas London
Wine Tasting
Where: Battersea
We think wine tasting is one of the best date night ideas out there – you learn something new and impressive while getting gently sozzled in the process! What’s not to love?
Champagne Masterclass
Where: Mayfair
Up the ante with a glamorous champagne masterclass with the London Wine Academy. It’s the perfect way for fizz lovers to learn all about the different styles of sparkling wine, how they’re made and which food and occasions to pair them with. Cheers!
Gin Tasting and Tour
Where: Chiswick
One for the gin lovers… Book a tour of the famous Sipsmith distillery to learn all about your favourite London dry gin – from how it’s made to its fascinating history (which goes hand in hand with some of the seedier aspects of London’s chequered past). Chin chin!
Whiskey Tasting
Where: Soho
For any whiskey connoisseurs out there, this is a must! The Soho Whiskey Club is a members-only club in the heart of Soho. You can gain exclusive access to it for an evening of tasting the finest 18-year-old Scotch whiskies.
Fun Date Ideas London
Cabaret Night
Where: Bloomsbury
Put a glitzy spin on the old classic dinner and a show at the London Cabaret Club! Cosy up together at your own private table as the lights dim, then enjoy a gourmet meal along with speciality cocktails and first-class entertainment. What’s not to love?!
Crazy Golf
Where: West End
If you’re after something a little more active, how about a round of crazy golf with added cocktails at Swingers or Junkyard Golf? Let your date get up close and personal while “helping you perfect your swing” … then turn around and blow their mind with your epic mini-golf skills! For our money, it’s one of the best first-date ideas around!
Escape Room
If it’s more of a mental challenge you’re looking for, we think an escape room is perfect! Working together against the clock is a brilliant bonding exercise and there’s nothing like celebrating your joint victory over a well-earned drink afterwards.
Pop Up Painting
Show off your creative flair at a pop-up painting night. Don’t worry – it’s not as scary as it sounds! You follow along step by step, a glass of wine in hand, as an artist guide helps you to recreate your favourite masterpiece… just remember to dip your brush in your water and not your wine!
Cultural Date Ideas London
Private Tour of Westminster Abbey
Where: Westminster
For any culture vultures out there, London has a wealth of history, art and architecture to explore. Westminster Abbey combines all of the above and more. Make sure you don’t miss a thing with a guided tour with an expert art historian.
PRIVATE TOUR OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY
Private Tour of St Paul’s Cathedral
Where: St Paul’s
One of London’s most iconic landmarks, St Paul’s Cathedral is another stunning spot for an intellectually stimulating date. Take a guided tour with an expert art historian, discover the whispering gallery and climb to the top to enjoy sweeping views across London.
PRIVATE TOUR OF ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
Art Gallery Tour
As far as places to go on a date go, you really can’t go wrong with an art gallery. You can wander the rooms hand in hand, pick your favourite pieces and steal kisses in empty installation rooms… And London has hundreds of them to explore! For a taste of the royal treatment, why not tour the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, then finish off with a Michelin star meal at Quilon?
Cheap Date Ideas London
Picnic in the Park
A classic picnic is always a good idea, and London has so many parks - you’ll be spoilt for choice! Of course, we’re not just talking about soggy sarnies and gin in a tin… a picnic can be as glamorous as you make it. Have a browse of our specialist picnicware online and take your alfresco dining experience to a whole new level!
Stroll Through Little Venice
Where: Maida Vale
Forget fancy restaurants and flashy entertainment… sometimes the simplest dates are the most romantic. Take a stroll along the canals of London’s iconic Little Venice and you’ll discover stunning Victorian architecture, cute little cafes and unique floating markets.
Bring your own bottle of wine in a clever bottle carrier for the ultimate budget-friendly date.
Shakespeare at the Globe
Where: Southwark
Whoever said high art and culture had to be expensive? At Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank, you can get standing tickets to see some of the bard’s greatest works for just £5! And the best part – the Globe is an open-air theatre, so some snuggling may be required to stay warm!
Wild Swimming
Where: Hampstead Heath
Ok, so hear us out on this one… It may not be your classic dinner date scenario. But if you’re looking for fun, active date ideas, London’s Hampstead Heath offers several great places for an alfresco dip – especially in summer. If nothing else, it’s a great opportunity to check out your date in a swimsuit! Don’t forget to bring a towel and a thermos flask with something hot to warm up afterwards.
Day Date Ideas London
Visit the Wedding Shop Town House!
Where: Chelsea
Wedding planning can be hard work, but one bit that’s guaranteed to be good fun is selecting things for your wedding registry! So why not make a date out of it? Book your free appointment and pop in to visit us at The Wedding Shop Townhouse, where you can browse a huge selection of our most popular pieces up close and in person. Then head out for dinner in Chelsea afterwards to toast your excellent taste.
Climb the O2
Where: Peninsula Square, London
In the market for adrenaline-fueled things to do on a date? How about climbing the iconic roof of the O2! You can book daytime, sunset or twilight climbs depending on the kind of views you’d love to see and you can even book a climb and dine package so you can toast your achievements over dinner afterwards.
Couple’s Spa Day with Lunch and Champagne
Where: Notting Hill
Relax, recharge and unwind with a couple’s spa retreat. Cloud twelve is a unique wellness club in the heart of Notting Hill where you can enjoy a sauna, steam room, specialist spa treatments, massage and more, all followed up with a delicious lunch and champagne… simply divine!
Foodie Date Ideas London
Cocktail and Chocolate-Making Masterclass
Where: Islington
Chocolate AND cocktails… YES PLEASE! Enjoy the ultimate indulgent date night at a specialist cocktail and chocolate-making masterclass. You’re guaranteed to get messy – in all the best ways!
COCKTAIL AND CHOCOLATE MAKING MASTERCLASS
Afternoon Tea
Where: The Shard
Afternoon tea is always a good date idea - London has so many to choose from! Our current favourite is at Oblix East on the 32nd floor of the Shard. Not only do you get a gourmet afternoon tea with bottomless champagne, but you can also enjoy it all while admiring stunning panoramic views across the city!
Tasting Menu For 2 At A Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Where: Mayfair
If you’re planning a date to celebrate something special… a first anniversary perhaps… sweep them off their feet with a Michelin-starred meal out! The 7-course tasting menu at Benares is a true triumph – we can’t recommend it enough!
MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE
Cheese And Wine Pairing
Where: Farringdon
Wine and cheese, cheese and wine… could there be a more perfect combination? Not in our book! Share an exclusive flight of exquisitely paired cheeses and wines at Le Bar.
CHEESE AND WINE PAIRING EXPERIENCE
Secret Indian East End Food Tour
Where: Brick Lane
Love curry? Love street food? Love food in general? Whatever your stage of courtship, this experience is a perfect first or second-date idea.
Discover the secrets of Brick Lane on this 3-hour East End Indian food tour – one of the most unique experiences for a couple to try in London!
So, now that you’ve checked out our top date ideas London is your oyster! Get out there and explore the city together! P.S. If it’s a dinner date location you’re looking for, you might like our list of the top romantic restaurants in London.