In this article we will explore a few original date ideas in London.
Whether you want to impress your new person or have a great time with the love of your life, I'm pretty sure you're looking for some unique ideas.
If that's the case, we’ve got you covered with some out-of-the-box ideas, from visiting peculiar museums to going on a sunset cruise along the Thames.
Best Date Ideas in London
The best dates are not necessarily the most expensive ones, in fact, they are the dates that make you want to go on a second date with that special person.
What follows are a few ideas to help you find an original and unique way to spend some time with your date in London.
1. Go laugh
As UK-based journalist and British travel expert Victoria Gooch suggests, a shared experience is a great way to bond, especially if it's one that makes you laugh.
The Comedy Store is one of the capital's most famous venues, playing host to famous faces and a legendary improv night on Wednesdays.
You can head there on a Monday, where critically-acclaimed stand-up comedian Tiff Stevenson runs a new material night featuring the cream of British comedy, as well as up-and-coming acts.
Or if your date's a real comedy buff, impress them by heading to the Museum of Comedy.
Awash with memorabilia, it also plays host to live interviews, performances and podcast recordings.
2. Enjoy an evening cruise along the Thames
As Victoria suggests, one of the most romantic date ideas in London is a cruise along the Thames.
Watch London transform into the city of lights as you languorously make your way from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
It's also the best way to take in a new artwork, Illuminated River, which lights up nine bridges along the river.
In the summer. you can also opt for the sunset cruise, which departs from the Tower Millennium Pier.
3. Hire a private chef
A romantic date night with your spouse might feel impossible if you have kids, no baby sitter, and no time.
But you can always hire a private chef.
With over 40 unique chef profiles, cuisine and menu options, Nomad Cooks allow you to easily hire a private chef on the platform, chat with the chef to plan something special, and enjoy an incredible evening at home.
Put the kids to bed while your chef cooks up a delicious meal in your own kitchen and have a unique date night in the comfort of your own home.
4. Go to the Sky Garden
As UK travel blogger Megan Jones mentions, one of the best date ideas in London is to go to the Sky Garden - which is in the Fenchurch Building, also locally known as ‘the walkie talkie’ due to its unique shape.
This garden is a pretty good date spot as it is actually London’s highest public garden. It is located on the 43rd floor so, of course, you’ll get amazing, panoramic views of London.
You can see London’s tallest building, The Shard, as well as many other famous London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the River Thames.
Megan says she was wowed when she first was there as the whole place looks like an urban jungle.
It’s filled with green plants & trees, floor to ceiling windows and a glass ceiling. There’s an open-air terrace too which is perfect for a romantic stroll.
You can head up there just to enjoy the views or you can go for dinner and drinks. She loves visiting the Sky Garden with her partner as it feels so romantic and there’s nothing else like it in London!
One of the best things about Sky Garden is that entry is free! It’s great for anyone on a budget.
Although it’s free, you do need to reserve a ticket online before going.
5. Londinium
Londinium at London Bridge Hotel is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional, romantic date night.
Based in the heart of London, the restaurant is stylish and sophisticated, while the menu features modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
The intimate setting is perfect for conversation. Whether you're planning a first date or a special anniversary (or even to pop the big question!), Londinium is sure to impress.
And if you're looking for something truly unique, the hotel also offers the opportunity to dine in a private suite overlooking the River Thames.
Recommended read: 60+ Unique Fun Date Ideas for a Guaranteed Great Time (2022)
6. Try the Skuna floating hot tub
As Jordie and Liam from The Flains Travel suggest, one super fun and quirky date idea in London is floating down London charming waterways in a Skuna floating hot tub.
Naturally heated by a wood burning stove, this fully functioning hot tub literally bobs slowly down London canals as you cozy up in the warm bubbles, taking in the quaint and quirky sights of London in the most unique of ways.
This special date experience is certainly one you will not forget.
7. Go to the late night openings at the V&A
As London-based travel blogger Julie Falconer, one of the best date ideas in London is going to the late night openings at the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum).
On the last Friday of the month (except January, February, May and December), the museum welcomes adults for evening entertainment, DJs, cocktails, live performances, installations, and more.
It's a fun way to get to know someone better and explore one of London's most famous cultural institutions at the same time.
8. Go play crazy golf
As Mathew Bowley, Marketing Manager at Solmar Villas, suggests, a great date idea is crazy golf.
Junkyard Golf is a great place to play a round or two of crazy golf, particularly if you're just getting to know your date.
This is a great way to avoid the uncomfortable silences that may occur on a first date or in the early stages of a relationship, and have a lot of fun with your special person.
9. Sushi Samba
As Adam and Kush from WeShootYou suggest, if you're a fan of roof-top views and Japanese-Brazilian cuisine, this one is for you.
Sushi Samba is located on the 38th in the beautiful Heron Tower, a 755ft building in London's financial district.
The restaurant is known for its colorful cuisine and delicious cocktails.
Whether it's your first date or you're already on your third date and you've gotten to know each other a bit better, this place is a perfect option.
It's slightly expensive but the food is outstanding.
It's a great place for romantic dates as the focus is on sharing delicious dishes while enjoying the city views.
The only problem with this restaurant is it's highly in demand so spots get booked up very quickly and usually requires advanced booking.
10. St. Katharine Docks
After a day exploring London - or simply after a long working day - nothing beats a drink with the best views.
And according to Lowri, founder of Many Other Roads, St. Katharine Docks is the ultimate location for this.
Not only does this spot have the most intimate view of Tower Bridge, it has something for everyone.
If you're looking for a great pub, make sure you visit The Dickens Inn.
This spot is simply stunning. With warm, welcoming pub vibes you will fall head over heels for this 18th century building.
And for the perfect photo, you will have great views of Tower Bridge, The Shard and the docks from here.
11. Enjoy the traditional afternoon tea
As blogger Leona Bowman recommends, if you are looking for the perfect date idea in London, then you should definitely consider the traditional London afternoon tea option.
There are many luxury afternoon tea venues in London, like the beautiful Palm Court and the Ritz.
But for those who want something a bit different and less expensive, there’s plenty of original afternoon tea experiences like The Science Tea at the Ampersand hotel or the Harry Potter themed one.
12. The museum of curiosities
According to Nina Nguyen, founder of Fraulila, one of the best date ideas in London is the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities.
Everyone loves a good date, whether it's to keep the spark alive in a long-term relationship or for a first date, you want to make it special and London is such a perfect place for that.
And the Museum of Curiosities is a great place to enjoy a date.
Sure, a museum date might seem a little cheesy but this one is genuinely a little different. This museum has items like dodo bones, human hair, and supernatural things.
13. Go watch an old movie
A great date idea is going to the movies.
But, as Jenny Ly, founder at Go Wanderly, suggests, you should go watch a vintage movie at the Prince Charles Cinema if you want to have a true London movie night experience.
This independent theatre in London's West End is well known for showing old classic movies. And you're
feeling brave, you can also go to a musical sing along or check out one of the movie marathons.
14. The mayor of scaredy cat town cocktail bar
As Emily, founder of Twogetlost suggests, if you’re looking for evening date ideas, London has some of the best cocktail bars out there.
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than sampling a few delicious cocktails to help you get to know someone, or to spark romance in a long-term relationship.
For something a little different head to The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town near Liverpool Street.
This is a cocktail bar with a difference. All you need is the secret password and the staff will take you through a secret door to a private speakeasy, where you can order nibbles and a range of interesting cocktails.
This is a quirky but fun place for a date in London, and will certainly be a unique experience.
15. Go to the Tate Modern
As Adam from WeShootYou suggests, one of the best date ideas in London for art lovers is the Tate Modern, a quirky art gallery situated in the metropolitan Southwark.
It's super accessible to everyone because of great bus connections as well as for being a place where you can enter for free.
The best part of it is has over 100 years of art, from modernism to the most contemporary forms of art. So you'll have plenty to speak about when you're going on a date.
And you can easily pop over to the café located on the third floor of the building. The café offers a range of quick snacks and a place to escape for a bit more of intimate setting.
Overall it's a great little spot for a first date.
16. The Sherlock Holmes museum
As travel blogger Raphael Socratous suggests, if you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes then you shouldn’t miss his very own place of residence.
It’s just about 5 minutes away from Baker Street’s underground station - where once you exit you will also see a statue dedicated to the great detective.
The place itself is the real-life representation of the detective’s home, featuring its iconic armchairs facing each other just in front of the fireplace and the letters “VR” shaped with bullet holes on the wall.
Each floor is decorated with clothing of the era as well as some items related to some of his most popular mysteries.
There is no time limit to your visit and after an initial introduction, you are free to wander around the place. It can get quite crowded so, avoiding the busiest time of the day would be ideal.
Article originally published in The Truly Charming.
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