Spend Valentine’s Day in London
If you are looking for somewhere romantic to get away this year for Valentine’s Day then London is the perfect choice. From fine dining in some of the world’s best restaurants to special events taking place all across the city, there is so much choice here that the only difficulty you will have is in deciding what you want to spend your precious time with your loved one actually doing!
Whether you want to go stargazing, visit a spa, see a West End show or just take a walk along the Thames and watch the world go by, your options are limitless in this great and wonderful city and here are just some ideas to get you started on planning your romantic weekend break:-
A Romantic Meal
This might seem like its par for the course on Valentine’s Day but if you are a fan of traditional dates then you won’t go wrong booking a table at one of London’s many wonderful restaurants. For an added touch of quirkiness you could try somewhere with a difference such as Archipelago which features crocodile, garlic crickets and scorpion on its menu, Circus which serves pan-Asian food accompanied by swinging acrobats above your head or Sarastro which showcases operatic themed dramas during your meal. Alternatively why not pack up a picnic and head out to one of London’s best parks? You have the choice of many but we would recommend Parliament Hill for the spectacular view over the city which will be offered. Bring a few cosy blankets and a bottle of wine and you can snuggle under the stars and look out over the illuminated London skyline before returning to your room at the London Premier Kensington.
A Romantic Stay
Although you might not plan on spending too much time in your hotel whilst in London, there is still plenty to be said for choosing a hotel with an added ‘wow’ factor. Whether it’s arranging for an upgrade so you actually stay in the Shaftesbury suites or organising champagne and chocolates to be laid out in your room ready for your arrival, you can’t underestimate the impact putting some extra thought into where you stay will have on your romantic weekend break. This is particularly relevant if you have planned the weekend as a surprise.
A Romantic Show
London’s West End is one of the best theatre districts in the world and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to splash out on some tickets to the production which your other half has been dying to see. From Mamma Mia to Phantom of the Opera; romance to tragedy, you can’t go wrong with an evening spent enjoying the delights of an internationally renowned theatre production.
A Romantic Outdoor Experience
If you and your loved one are a bit more active then worry not, there is still plenty to keep you occupied in the city. You could brave the cold and take a dip in one of London’s open air lidos, many of which are open all year round or book a tennis court at Hyde Park for a competitive game or two. If you are feeling exceptionally confident then why not book a hot air balloon tour over the city? There are a number of companies which offer this service and other extras can be added in such as champagne or afternoon tea for two in the skies.
For a calmer outdoor experience why not go deer spotting in Richmond Park? You could pack up a picnic and simply spend a few hours enjoying your surroundings in this beautiful Royal Park. Or grab a kite and take it up to the hill at Greenwich Park. You could even hire a canal and spend the afternoon relaxing as you lazily make your way around London’s wonderful network of canals passing the likes of Little Venice along the way.
A Romantic High-flier
If the idea of seeing London from above tickles your fancy but you aren’t brave enough to book a hot air balloon then worry not, you can still take to the skies from a much safer position. There are a number of restaurants in London which offer breathtaking panoramic views across the city itself although these tend to book up quickly and come with a price-tag. Alternatively you could book tickets for The Shard or the Sky Garden (which incidentally is free) or if you are feeling exceptionally confident then why not book ‘Up at the O2’, a 90 minute experience which takes you across the roof of the O2 arena via a fabric walkway. You will be rewarded for your efforts with a 360 view across London from the observation platform situated at the top.
A Romantic Treat
For something truly special you could book a spa treatment at one of London’s best and more renowned spas. This is ideal for those who want to use their trip to London to escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life and simply step into a tranquil and peaceful oasis. London boasts some of the best spas in the country and a signature treatment at any one of them should leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Ask in advance whether the spa offers couple treatments so you don’t need to worry about being separated from your loved one on the day itself.
A Romantic Gift
One of the great things about London is undoubtedly its shopping districts and if your loved one is a shopaholic then there could be no better place to bring them. You could take to London’s high end shopping districts and allow them to choose a gift or for a more simple and romantic gesture perhaps take them along to the Columbia Road Flower Market and choose them a bouquet or, in fact, any one of London’s wonderful markets to pick up a trinket or two to remind them of your wonderful trip together.
