Planning a brilliant night out for someone special can be a lot of pressure. Luckily, there are enough top-tier date ideas in London that you can always plan a fun date night; whether it's classic (think a table for two at one of the most romantic restaurants in London or romantic bars in London), unusual (wildlife drawing, anyone?) or hitting that sweet spot in between.
Here, we've done the hard part for you – coming up with 25 date night ideas in London that are sure to woo a first date or reignite the passion with a long-standing significant other. And when you've exhausted this list? Why not think a little further afield and plan a romantic getaway in the UK at http://www.hotels-of-london.com/en/type/hotels-12/? And if you've happened upon this list in the run-up to Valentine's Day, we promise we won't judge if you choose to keep it simple with one of the best Valentine's Day meal deliveries in London.
Another terrific idea to level up your date night experience is planning a stay in top-rated London hotels right in the city. This not only makes things exciting but ensures you are close to all city action. Browse through London Hotels at tophotels.com to find the perfect fit for your romantic stay.
Unique London Date Ideas
1. Experience Wildlife Sketching
Unearth the artistic potential of your companion whilst discerning their affinity for fauna at this distinct course. You'll get to illustrate bona fide animals at authentic life drawing sessions hosted at locations such as the Town Hall Hotel or the Garden Museum. Engage with an array of animals such as micro pigs, owls, wolves, and guinea pigs, gaining a deeper understanding of their conservation as you accurately represent their repose on paper.
Location: Multiple venues.
Website: wildlifedrawing.co.uk
Fee: £35
2. Go on an East London Wine Walk
Instead of heading to East London to wander around in the hope of stumbling upon a nice bar, guarantee a phenomenal night by booking onto this curated tour of Hackney’s finest drinking establishments. You’ll be given the route to four unexpected wine bars within a short walk of each other and greeted at each one by the owner with a glass of excellent wine and some snacks along the way. So much classier than your average pub crawl. For more romantic glasses of wine, see our guide to the best wine bars in London
Website: indytute.com
Price: £136 for two
3. Take a trip to a lighthouse
Did you know there’s a lighthouse in East London that's home to a piece of music which is playing for 1,000 years? A short DLR ride will take you to arts hub Trinity Buoy Wharf where you’ll find Longplayer – an artwork made of singing bowls by musician Jem Finer. For an unusual date, walk up to the atmospheric bell tower to look out over the Thames and listen to the meditative echoing sounds. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the incongruously placed Fatboy’s American diner next door for fries and a shake.
Address: Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, Poplar, London E14 0JW
Website: longplayer.org
Price: Free entry
4. Be a zookeeper for a day
If your date is an animal lover, activities don’t get wilder than spending a day as a keeper at London Zoo. Get up close with some of the zoo’s residents, find out what goes on behind the scenes and get stuck in by mucking out the enclosures. The unique experience doesn’t come cheap though: at £295 per person, you’ll want to save this one for a special occasion/person.
Address: ZSL London Zoo, London NW1 4RY
Website: zsl.org/experiences/keeper-for-a-day
Price: £295 per person
5. Discover a surprise gig at a secret venue
With so many concerts taking place in London each night, it can be tough to choose which to go to. So why not leave it totally up to the beauty of serendipity by booking a Sofar Sounds gig? The intimate secret shows have three surprise acts and take place in living rooms, shops, cafés and other mystery locations across London which are only announced on the day of the gig. Go with an open mind and you’re guaranteed to have a memorable night.
Website: sofarsounds.com
Price: £12–17 (each gig ticket is allocated on a lottery system)
6. Go collaging
The couple that sticks together stays together. Or so say the folks running this fun evening collage club where you can rip, stick and draw to your heart’s content. The classes pop up in venues all around London, all levels are welcome and materials (as well as drinks and popcorn) are provided – all you need to do is let your imagination run wild and get glueing. It’s like being back at school, but way more fun.
Address: Various locations
Website: collageclubldn.com
Price: varies
7. Make your own rings
Founded by jewellery designers Katie Woodward and Kirstie MacLaren, The Workbench runs creative ring-making workshops all over London, from Peckham to Islington. Each tutorial is made as fun as possible, and the result is more of a craft club than a class. Katie and Kirstie take a patient, hands-on approach, so it’s almost impossible to get your design wrong, and if you’re in the business of hint-dropping, it’s the perfect moment to mention your interest in diamonds. There’s nothing like a cocktail or two to get the creative juices flowing, so the workshops are held in bars or hotels such as Kingsland Locke – why not finish the evening in a room upstairs?
Address: Various locations in London
Website: theworkbenchlondon.com
8. Dine in the dark
Richard Curtis might have ruined romance for all of us, his scripts giving us sky-high expectations, but sometimes the writer and director’s love of London comes in handy. Dans Le Noir is the same restaurant that's used in the 2013 rom-com About Time, and you can book in for a unique dining experience year-round. Though we can’t guarantee the same chemistry that sparks between the film’s characters Tim and Mary, we can promise a culinary adventure enhanced by the fact that you really can’t see a thing – including each other. So you can relax and be your best (and least self-conscious) self.
Address: Dans Le Noir, 30-31 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DU
Website: london.danslenoir.com
9. Embark on a pottery class adventure
For an unconventional and memorable rendezvous in London, consider diving hands-first into a beginner's pottery workshop at the trendy Skandihus ceramics studio. Fully immerse yourself in a delightful afternoon, exploring the rudiments of hand-building pottery, and create unique ceramic pieces together. Not only can these be glazed and fired to keep, but they also make for tangible keepsakes from an extraordinary date. And who knows, you might end up recreating a scene straight out of Ghost by the end of the session.
Address: SkandiHus located at 90 De Beauvoir Road, N1 4EN and 4 Tilia Road, Clapton E5 8JB in London
Website: skandihus.co.uk
Price: Each person is charged £45 for a comprehensive two-and-a-half-hour pottery introductory class.
10. Dive into Secret Cinema
Going to the cinema is a classic date-night idea – but seeing a film at a top-secret location with immersive performances, sets, costumes and food is way more original. Secret Cinema is just that: each of the screenings is a totally transformative experience where you’ll feel as if you’re in the film. Whatever the film, dress up, get involved and be ready for an adventure. See our round-up of London's best independent cinemas for more inspiration.
Website: secretcinema.org
Price: £49–£79
11. Make your perfect cocktail
BYOC is not your average cocktail bar: rather than just turning up and ordering a cocktail, patrons are advised to bring an unopened bottle of their favourite spirit, which will be mixed into delicious drinks by the talented bartenders. So all you need to do is find out your date’s favourite tipple, splash out on a nice bottle and enjoy a night of bespoke cocktail fun.
Address: 11-13 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE
Website: byoc.co.uk/camden
When: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm–late.
Price: Bring a bottle; entry £35 per person
11. Indulge in the Art of Cocktail Creation
BYOC distinguishes itself in the cocktail bar scene with a twist: instead of simply ordering a drink, customers are encouraged to bring an untouched bottle of their preferred alcohol which the highly skilled bartenders then concoct into a unique cocktail. Discover your date's alcohol of choice, invest in a superb bottle, and embrace an evening of tailor-made cocktail joy.
Fun Fact: Craft your own cocktails under the expert guidance, a novel activity that isn't run-of-the-mill. The unique approach of BYOC also adds an element of mystery as you'll never quite know what cocktails might come your way.
Did you know? The tradition of mixing drinks dates back many centuries to when the Romans and Greeks would often mix their wine with spices and other ingredients, creating an early version of the cocktails we know today.
Location: 11-13 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE
Website: byoc.co.uk/camden
Operating Hours: Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm till late.
Cost: Admission - £35 per individual, bring your own bottle
Traditional Dating in the Heart of London
Seeking meaningful, yet simple first date ideas? Or perhaps you just desire to recapture the fundamental essence of dating? Then London, with its timeless dating scenarios accompanied by the hustle and bustle of the city, is your optimal setting to ignite deep conversations and create unforgettable moments.
12. Explore the Maltby Street Market
Favour Maltby Street Market over the usually busy Borough Market for a relaxed Saturday experience. Leisurely stroll through what is known as London's finest street food hub, consuming delicacies from gyoza to waffles, acclaimed gourmet fish finger sandwiches, and delightful grilled cheese. Once satisfied, opt for the handcrafted brews from the local taprooms or perhaps settle for the 'Mother's Ruin' cocktail at the quirky Little Bird Gin, truly experiencing the charm of this market.
Location: Maltby Street Market, 41 Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA
Online Source: maltby.st
13. Get steamy in Kew Garden's hot houses
For a leafy promenade with a difference, you won’t find a more romantic spot than Kew Gardens. Cruise through the Palm House for toasty tropical vibes (be sure to go up the spiral staircase to the picturesque balcony), explore the newly reopened Temperate House – the biggest Victorian glasshouse in the world – to marvel at some incredible endangered plants, cuddle up in The Hive listening to the pleasing buzz of bees and end up with a well-deserved slice of cake at The Orangery. For more romantic strolls, see our guide to the best walks in London and the prettiest parks in London.
Address: Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AB
Website: kew.org/kew-gardens
Price: £17
14. Feast day and night at Duck & Waffle
Whether you want to impress your date with dinner accompanied by an epic view or you’re looking for a unique way to start or end the night, a trip to Duck and Waffle never fails to disappoint. The 24-hour restaurant on the 40th floor of Heron Tower serves up unexpected combos such as spiced-duck doughnuts, foie-gras crème brûlée and the signature duck and waffle. If the date goes really well and you’re out all night, you can always pop in for breakfast. See more of London's best restaurants with views for more inspiration.
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Website: duckandwaffle.com
15. Experience the wonder of the cosmos at Greenwich Observatory
Envision an evening out in the open, the night skies above filled with shimmering stars as the backdrop of your date. Such a star-filled spectacle might seem improbable in the light-saturated skies of London, and yet it's entirely achievable. The answer to your stargazing dream is the Planetarium at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. It hosts an immersive program, ‘The Sky Tonight Live,’ which offers an unparalleled look at the celestial miracles unfolding above us.
Here’s an additional fact; the Royal Observatory is home to the Prime Meridian Line, the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). So, not only can you experience the celestial wonder, but also stand at the center of world time!
Location: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8XJ
Website: rmg.co.uk
Ticket Price: £10
16. Indulge in afternoon tea at Sketch
London is full of excellent places for afternoon tea but there’s only one where you’ll dine in a powder-pink parlour lined with witty artwork by David Shrigley (that you can buy for around £4,500 per piece). The finger sandwiches, scones and cakes are also a visual treat and – if the conversation dries up – the lavish venue, especially the egg-shaped toilets, should provide plenty of talking points. For more ideas, read our guide to the best afternoon tea in London.
Address: Sketch, 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
Website: sketch.london
Price: from £75 per person
16. Experience High Tea at Sketch
In a city brimming with top-notch spots for sipping tea in the afternoon, Sketch stands alone. This unique location tempts with a blush-toned room adorned with David Shrigley's cleverly humorous artwork, with each piece available for acquisition, starting at about £4,500. The beautiful presentations of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries are a feast for the eyes as well as an opportunity for conversation starters. If dialogue lags, the distinctive design features, such as oviform restrooms, can steer the discourse. For additional recommendations, peruse our catalogue of notable London spots for afternoon tea.
Location: Sketch resides at 9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
Web page: sketch.london
Cost: Begins at £75 per individual
17. Immerse yourself in a game of crazy golf
If you want to put your date's competitive spirit to the test, look no further than a challenging round of eccentric miniature golf at Swingers. As both of you navigate through the complex twists and turns of the helter-skelter or experience the excitement of the big-wheel course, it provides a unique opportunity to see how your date performs under pressure or if they take losing too seriously. Both of you can then treat yourself to a satisfying meal from a variety of food joints like Patty & Bun, Breddos Tacos or Made of Dough pizza. Remember to make the experience even more enjoyable with a generous serving of cocktails.
Location: Swingers West End, 15 John Prince’s Street, London W1G 0AB
Website: swingersldn.com
Cost: Reasonably priced at £13.50 per person
18. Dine onboard the London Shell Co
Seafood, Champagne and a scenic sunset tour along the Regent’s Canal – what could be more romantic? For the ultimate dinner date, book a table on the London Shell Co for five courses of seasonal British seafood as you gently cruise from Paddington to Camden and back onboard the beautiful Prince Regent boat. In between courses, you can snuggle under blankets on the deck as you float past London Zoo and Regent’s Park.
Address: The Prince Regent, Sheldon Square, London W2 6PY
Website: londonshellco.com
Price: Five-course set menu £75 per person for lunch or dinner
19. Book into one of the most romantic hotels in London
Okay, it's not going to win any awards for originality. But a night away from all the responsibilities of home is always going to go down well – and even better if it's at one of London's sultriest stays. We like Hazlitt's in Soho for a sense of utter seclusion, or NoMad in Covent Garden which has a vibey restaurant and in-room clawfoot bath tubs. Peruse our edit of the most romantic hotels in London for ideas.
20. Experience a Memorable Railway Extravaganza
Imagine the romantic allure of traveling on a train, not your usual packed commute, but a picturesque cross-country escapade. Elevate this experience to a uniquely outstanding level by enjoying a meal on an expertly restored 1920s steam locomotive. The Belmond British Pullman commences its journey from London Victoria, presenting lavish brunch, lunch, high tea, and supper trips. It also takes you beyond London with day expedition to the historic Canterbury, the stunning city of Bath or to the beachy Folkestone. Early booking is recommended as seats fill up quickly.
Website: belmond.com
Cost: Starting from £235 per head
21. Discover London's Most Enchanting Spots
For your next date night, consider exploring outside the comfort zone of comfy pubs and dining establishments. London's stunning outdoor locations offer overwhelming beauty sure to tug at your heartstrings. Be it the panoramic views offered by Primrose Hill or the historically rich and verdant Nunhead Cemetery, check out our list of London's most enchanting spots to set the perfect ambiance for your date.
22. Discover a green oasis in the middle of London
There are few things more romantic than a blustery stroll through one of London’s most beautiful parks. It’s no secret that London has some astounding green spaces, from secret gardens with pristinely preened bushes and decadent water features to vast overgrown plains with towering trees and sprawling lakes. Take your loved one to Regent’s Park for a day spent rowing around mini islands and flocks of swans Ryan Gosling-style, or head to Primrose Hill with a bottle of something fizzy to watch the sunset from one of London’s best vantage points.
Website: royalparks.org.uk
23. Get high at a rooftop bar
Physically high, that is – heading above the buzz of London's streets to a roof terrace where you can really relax. And the city is blessed with plenty of open-air drinking spaces, lots of which stay open year-round such as the terrace at Peckham's much-loved Forza Wine, the rooftop at The Boundary in Shoreditch and the top floor of The Trafalgar St. James.
24. Get back to nature at a city farm
There are not many havens for animal lovers in the capital, but Hackney City Farm provides a hit of nature in East London. Visit ponies, donkeys, sheep, pigs, geese, goats and chickens, or head to the garden to wander around the apple, pear and plum trees in the orchard and learn the art of growing vegetables and herbs among the flower beds. Or get even more involved with one of the farm’s workshops – they offer pottery classes, woodworking, art classes and herb growing sessions.
Address: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
Website: hackneycityfarm.co.uk
25. Explore Hampstead Pergola and Hill Garden
This curiously peaceful corner of Hampstead Heath might just be the most romantic garden in London. Dreamt up by architect William H Lever in the early 20th century, this ivy-covered Georgian arbour has widescreen views of the heath, blanketed in twisting flowers. It's gloriously crumbly, and despite being easily one of the prettiest parts of North London, is often relatively quiet – although you will have to duck just-married couples who have descended on the space for wedding photos – it's just that beautiful.
Address: The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, London NW3 7EX