37 Unusual Things To Do in London for Couples

Last updated: 24 February 2024

In need of ideas for a date night? Want to woo your significant other with your knowledge of London? From quirky activities, interactive themed bars to epic sightseeing opportunities we’ve summed up the very best, and the unusual things to do in London for couples in 2024.

The following list of 37 things has been split into 3 categories; Dining, Activities, and Culture. We’re pretty sure that there’s something for everyone on this list so enjoy finding some great ways to spend some time with your SO in London. So without further ado, let’s get starts on this list of fun and enjoyable things to do in London for couples.

37 Things to do in London for Couples

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DINING

1. Bottomless Brunch to the Beat

Let’s face it, as an Aussie, there are few greater things in life than brunch. And how can you make brunch better? Well, add booze and it becomes a bottomless brunch! Luckily for us, there are plenty of places in London to score a decent brunch and it’s a delightfully relaxed and fun couples activity.

Brunch at the Shard

If you want your brunch parties to be more ‘dancing on the tables’ by early afternoon style, you can belt out songs from your favourite musicals, Piano Works in Farringdon serves up song requests from two piano vocalists on stage from 1pm before being joined by fellow musicians to make up a full six piece band to continue to playing songs requested by diners. We can’t vouch for the substance of the experience but if you’re wanting to spice up your life, and are happy to down your Bloody Mary as waiters perform a strip then perhaps Boy Toy Brunch is for you and your significant other (SO).

Whether your brunch order is eggy, cakey or looking to sample some of the crazy inventive concoctions, London offers an array of choices for the best of in-between meals.


2. Sightseeing +Dinner On-board a Double-Decker Bus

Fine dining doesn’t get much better than this, as guests travel in style around London’s landmarks and major attractions aboard a purpose built bus equipped with a panoramic glass roof.

Interior of Bustronome tables in front of glass window

Bustronome has kitted out their luxury bus with air conditioning and all tables are situated upstairs under the glass roof canopy. Seating a maximum of just 38 passengers on board, means that every table has uninterrupted window facing so you never have to worry about not seeing the view!

Various dishes available on Bustronome

Each place setting is armed with an audio pen and a corresponding map with the route the bus will take, allowing diners to follow the route and listen to a guided tour of the landmarks as you pass by them in one of nine languages. As the audio pens are hand held, it can be a little tricky to juggle dining, wining and listening all at once so my insider tip is to pack some headphones and plug into the pen via the 3.5mm standard jack to keep you hands-free.

Interactive map of London landmarks

The subtle additions of magnetic place mats and Perspex glassware holders are a nice touch. These are keep cutlery and glassware firmly in place on your table as you cruise through London’s streets.

Downstairs along with the all important driver, is a well-appointed loo armed with plush white hand towels, and situated at the rear of the bus is the galley kitchen with a chef preparing all meals on board. Options available include lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with numerous options for wine pairing. The seasonal menu has a French twist on British cuisine, incorporating fresh and seasonal produce and vegetarian and vegan meals available.


3. Dine at Borough Market

Borough Market has existed in one form or another for around 1,000 years. Stroll the open spaces and passageways lined with shops and stalls.

As the city’s oldest food market, the vibrant sights and smells of Borough Market is one thing, but also about the people who make it happen. Many of the Market’s stallholders are themselves producers: farmers rearing animals, bakers kneading dough in the wee hours of the morning to bake artisan breads and small scale producers and bringing their wares for sale.

Bread displayed at Borough Market
Bread Ahead at Borough Market

Enjoy the Market’s stalls, shops and eclectic restaurants which reflect London’s status as a truly global city.


4. Dinner or Brunch with a View

Many of London’s modern skyscrapers have restaurants fitted out with floor to ceiling windows to provide diners with jaw dropping bird’s eye views over the city.

Brunch at the Shard

Big hitting skyscrapers like The Shard and The Gherkin are one thing, but don’t overlook the smaller, but just as swanky, venues such as the Tate Modern Restaurant and Skylon in the Royal Festival Hall with ooo-ahhhh views of the Thames and the South Bank.

The best tables at Nipa are beside the windows
The best tables at Nipa are beside the windows

Don’t forget the hotels which have fantastic restaurants with big name chefs at the helm:

  • Led by Head Chef Sanguan Parr, Nipa Thai at Lancaster London serves up authentic Thai cuisine with views overlooking Hyde Park.
  • Marc Hardiman is the head chef at Galvin at Windows in London Hilton on Park Lane with panorama views over Hyde Park from the 28th floor. If the Michelin Star costs is hindering you, there is a very affordable pre-theatre 3 course set menu of haute French cuisine.

You could also choose one of a number of river-side restaurants in Shad Thames, a historic riverside street near Tower Bridge.

While it’s not the cheapest place, there’s no question that the Darwin Brasserie in the Walkie Talkie has one of the best views in town. If you’re looking for a meal at 3am, the only restaurant-with-a-view that I can think of that offers 24/7 dining is Duck & Waffle in the Gherkin. Book an east facing table for sunrise over the city.


5. Immersive Theatre

Immersive theatre and dinner experiences have been around for years and many of the storylines are adapted from fairy-tales, nursery rhymes or legend. Tales of King Arthur and the Knight’s of the Round Table has always been popular with this live-action production with accounts of valour and treachery. Spending some time immersed in completely different world is a really fun way to enjoy an afternoon or evening together and is why it’s a great example of things to do in London for couples.

Yellow jumpsuit for the Breaking Bad themed cocktail experience
Breaking Bad themed cocktail experience

However more locally here in London it’s been the rise of shows around themes and cult hit TV series’ like Breaking Bad, Faulty Towers and cocktail bars with themes of sorcery and magic reminiscent of Harry Potter. If I’ve peaked your interest, here’s a few others you and your SO might like: 

  • Dining with Le Petit Chef takes diners on a culinary journey of multi-sensory experiences. The experience were attended took us on a journey following in the footsteps of Marco Polo and his adventures across the Silk Road.
  • The Murder Express is ideal for detective novels lovers and murder mystery enthusiasts, this slapstick dining experience takes diners back to the early 20th Century, of flapper girls, a busy body ticket inspector on board a ‘train’.

These experiences are often for a limited time only so check with companies like Funicular Productions and Gingerline to see their latest productions. 

Be warned, these experiences are rarely the opportunity for a quiet meal and some chit-chat with your SO. If done well, you can expect to be interrupted by the characters and involved in some predictable but enjoyable plot all night long.


6. Dine in the Dark

How do you feel about dining in the dark? I’m not referring to dim lighting or by candlelight, I’m talking about blacked out windows, and the level of darkness where you can wave your hand in front of your face and still not see it. 

At Dans le Noir, communal style tables lead to community and discussion with other diners, while guests navigate the challenges of smelling and feeling their food to establish what it is. The choices are just three: carnivore, pescatarian and a vegan menu.

With blunt utensils, and tumblers rather than wine glasses, it’s a couples activity with a twist.  Perhaps this isn’t the place to wear your Sunday best. 


ACTIVITIES

7. Cruise the Thames at Sunset

The London skyline is scattered with new skyscrapers cropping up quicker than you’ve had hot dinners.  To fully appreciate it, jump on board a cruise boat and head to the open deck on the roof for panoramic views as you depart Westminster Pier and cruise to Greenwich.

Cruise Westminster to Greenwich and along the way you will pass a number of London’s historical sights and landmarks from the River Thames such as The Shard, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the Tate Modern, making it an ideal date night. 

For a slightly more touristy approach, this tour allows unlimited travel in a 24 hour period plus there’s a bar to purchase drinks and snacks on board. Cheers! 

Champagne with London Eye in background whilst City Cruising

If that’s still not enough, how about a London dinner cruise? 4 course meal over 3 hours while cruising along the River Thames.  With live cabaret performance, you can wine and dine your partner as you cruise past London’s monuments illuminated by night. 

If you have more time or want to make a day of it, you can ride the river all the way to Kew Gardens or Hampton Court Palace.  

Facade of Hampton Court Palace

8. Captain Your Own Boat

Captain your own self-drive electric boat as you and your SO cruise around London’s canals. To enhance the experience, pack a picnic and pop some fizz to share on the table strategically placed in the middle of the boat.

Bloggers aboard a Go Boat

Boats are charged per boat not per person meaning the cost is fixed. You can navigate your way up Regent’s Canal, past London Zoo, all the way up to Camden Lock if time permits. 


9. Climb The O2

Got a fear of heights? 

Nothing says true love like conquering it with your partner by your side. The O2 is London’s Millennium Dome, a 365m diameter multipurpose arena with a bouncy dome-shaped canopy that keen adventure travelers and tourists alike can climb for views over Greenwich, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the ArcelorMittal Orbit, and London’s financial district. 

The ascending climbing path to the top of the O2. Just one of many things to do in London for couples

Time your ticket for the end of the day as the sun dips behind the high rise buildings and the sky turns electric. 


10. Pilot a Floating Hot Tub 

Doubling down on being outdoors and warm in the winter months is a Hot Tub Boat from Skuna Boats where you can captain your own hybrid hot-tub come tug-boat.

Fuelled by an on-board wood burner at the front keeps the water at an enjoyable 38°C, these contraptions make a great couples activity in London. You can explore the historic Docklands in Canary Wharf or recuperate after some intense shopping at Lakeside Shopping Centre. 

Hot Tub Group Photo

Each hot tub boat is equipped with a small shelf which can be easily filled with ice and stoked with your favourite beverage which is available for purchase at the Skuna Boat Bar before you set off on your nautical adventure. One thing to remember, if you’re the captain then you need to remain sober. 

While this is as fun as it sounds, you might want to check with your SO if they’d be up for a swimwear activity on the first date.


11. Book a Private Pod in the London Eye

Aside from Buck Pal and Parliament, London Eye has got to be one of the iconic landmarks of London. As the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel it has dominated the southern side of the Thames since its inception for the millennium in 2000.

The pods of The London Eye

Standard ticket holders can expect to share one of the 32 pods with up to 28 people but it is possible to exclusively book your own private pod. Add champagne and you’ve got your very own unique couples experience. 

However, if you’re interested in a more affordable ticket for one of London’s most popular attractions, and one of our favourite things to do in London for couples activities, then book your ticket to the London Eye here


12. Horse Riding in Hyde Park

The fourth largest of London’s eight Royal Parks, Hyde Park was once used as a hunting ground for the Tudor Court in the reign of King Henry VIII. With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising that horses and riding has been synonymous with the park for centuries.  

It’s also home to the long-established Ross Nye Stables, offer riding in Central London for more than half a century.  There are two designated bridleways in the park and the nearby Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace exercises the Carriage horses in the park daily so it is possible you may see liveried coachmen in action!


13. Geek Out Over Board Games Night

What’s old is new again, a saying my grandmother used to tell me, describing the resurfacing of fashion. Bell bottoms were a hit in the 60s and 70s and made a reappearance in my teenage years, and more recently I’ve seen the return of scrunchies so it’s hardly surprising that board games are back with a vengeance as is the uprising of the board game cafe. 

No longer are board games for the geeky bifocal chess club members, board games are cool again and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

Close up view of Catan Board Game

If your SO is remotely competitive, book a spot at one of London’s hipster board game cafes which are predominantly located in East London. There’s Loading Bar in Dalston, and Draughts with locations in Dalston, Hackney and one in Central London at Waterloo. All with a huge range of games, stocking everything from Hungry Hungry Hippos to the likes of Risk, Settlers of Catan, and one of my personal favourites, Ticket to Ride. 

And yes, there’s chess too. 


14. See Animals in the City

Isn’t it mind boggling to think that in zone one, in the heart of one of the busiest cities on earth lies a huge zoo? 

Being socially aware and actively supporting animal welfare and global conservation in this modern world it’s worth knowing London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo.

It was opened in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), for two decades only fellows of the Society were allowed to access the Zoo for scientific study. It wasn’t until 1847 when the doors were opened to the public to help funding.

Black and white image of giraffe looking out of enclosure

Random facts about London Zoo:

  • It was home to a Gorilla named Guy, named after Guy Fawkes, who called the zoo home for more than 30 years until 1978.
  • Author Alan Alexander Milne drew inspiration for Winnie the Pooh from a female black bear called Winnie that lived at London Zoo.
  • Charles Darwin made several trips to visit Jenny the orangutan after being fascinated by her character and ability to understand instructions from her handler. 

Much of the zoo has changed since those early days, but one thing that is possible is that you can make a night of it! You and your SO can snuggle up in one of London Zoo lodges which are situated inside the Land of the Lions exhibit, home to four Asiatic lions!


15. Stargazing at the Royal Observatory 

If I had a star for every time you brightened my day,
I’d have a galaxy in my hand.

Situated on a hill in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames, the Royal Observatory has played a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation since its foundation stone was laid in 1675. 

Exterior view of Royal Observatory building

I’m not just going to show you the world,
I’ll show you the universe.

Nowadays it’s home to the historic Prime Meridian, giving the world Greenwich Mean Time. Light up the life of your partner and take a journey through space together with an evening of astronomy. Visit the Observatory after hours, meet astronomers, see a planetarium show before taking the opportunity to look through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope.


16. Kayak the Thames

Should your date be slightly adventurous, open to getting perhaps a little bit wet then an active date of kayaking on the Thames is for you. 

Join a tour with professional guides who will lead you on this night-time adventure as you paddle down the Thames. Depending on the operator, some routes start in Limehouse Basin and passes under the iconic Tower Bridge with a well deserved pub dinner by the riverside.  

Night view of Albert Bridge all covered in lights in London

Other possibilities are a one way sightseeing tour from Battersea, passing under the illuminated Albert Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, before calling it a night at the Old Naval College in Greenwich. 

Most operators have a choice of single, or a double kayak if you’re prepared to do all the paddling, head torches and all the equipment you’ll need. Just dress warm! 


17. Brewery & Distillery Tours

Breweries

Beer in England has been brewed for hundreds of years. As a beer brewing nation, England is known for its real ale, however for the most part the terms beer and ale are used interchangeably despite the differences in the product. It’s possible to explore some of the history of beer from mead to Porter to the modern India Pale Ale we know today at one of many breweries in London.

Fuller’s has been brewing beer at its Chiswick site since 1845. The brewery offers tastings and tours to beer-lovers along with the opportunity to see just how their delicious beer is brewed. 

South of the river, in central London is Bermondsey. Home to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, it’s a stretch of microbreweries and tap rooms for London’s craft and artisanal boozers. To experience them all, it is possible to make a day of it, meandering from one tap room to another, sampling craft ales along the way. The suggested 1.5 mile route starts in South Bermondsey at FourPure and heads west through back alleys and along the many railway arches under the train line which stretches to Bermondsey tube and London Bridge. When the munchies set in you can swing by the Maltby Street Market for snacks on the go.

A crowded entrance to the start of Maltby St market

Distilleries

The last few years London has seen a bit of a gin renaissance after it fell out of favour decades ago, as the drink of aunts and nans at their Bridge Club. Let’s face it, classic names like Beefeater and Gordon’s are all British. So if anyone is going to bring gin back, it’s going to be the Brits.

Back in 2008, thanks to a lengthy appeal from some enthusiastic wannabe distillers, a ridiculous law dating back to 1751 was repealed.  A year later the first distillery since 1820 was opened in London and the brand Sipsmith was born.

Bottles of gin on table at East London Liquor Company
East London Liquor Company

To get into the spirit of the gin craze, there are a number of distilleries you can visit: 

  • Beefeater is London’s oldest gin distillery 
  • Sipsmith – the first of the new wave of London gin distilleries in the capital. 
  • Hayman’s Distillery – home to True English London Dry Gin, distilled using a 150 year old family recipe and a traditional two-day process.
  • City of London Distillery –  distilling award-winning gins in the heart of the city. 
  • East London Liquor Company – an old glue factory situated on Bow Wharf transformed into a gin distillery with a rustic feel.
  • Bombay Sapphire Distillery – Explore with 1½ to 2-hour self-guided tour. The experience showcases the best of Bombay Sapphire gin and the beautiful, historic distillery.


18. Outdoor Cinema

A night at the movies is a total cliché for a date however the outdoor cinema is a date with a twist. 

Of course classic films deserve classic locations, with outdoor cinemas popping up across the city, providing panoramic views and stunning sunsets, in locations from the forecourt of 18th century large Neoclassical building, on the grounds of Royal Palaces and Parks and even on the Thames, which is what makes the Outdoor Cinema one a great addition to this list of things to do in London for couples. 

Luna Cinema ticket held up against background of the large screen at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace
  • Luna Cinema dominates the market with Pixar hits like Toy Story, themed showings such as V for Vendetta in honour of Bonfire Night, and classics both old and new. 
  • Rooftop Film Club has numerous locations across the city, some using individual wireless headphones to avoid disturbances by the outside world and to the nearby residential neighbours. 
Rows of light blue deck chairs in Outdoor Cinema, Roof East

To make a date of it, many cinemas will allow you to BYO picnic (we advise checking with specific venues first). Either pack your own or pick up a ready made one from recognisable purveyors of provisions like Fortnum and Mason and their hand woven willow hampers.


19. Lawn Bowls 

Once the pastime for retirees and OAPs, it was in Australia that lawn bowls found a younger audience with its laid-back vibes and, of course, the introduction of boozy barefoot bowls. It’s hardly surprising that the activity made its way to the Motherland. 

Purple bowling ball at roof east

Wow your SO with your bowling prowess Roof East – a rooftop playground for adults with bar, street food, and other games like Jumbo Topple Blocks (think Jenga but bigger), Beat the Bar (Hold on because the floor is lava!), and the always popular Ping Pong. In the warmer months, bowls returns to Hyde Park, or prepared to be bowled over in Finsbury Square at a bowling green in Central London, lawn bowls but not as you know it! 


20. Junkyard Golf

An alternative to putt putt or crazy golf, junkyard golf takes putters through dystopian fairgrounds and scrapyards of preloved junk, think avocado-coloured bathtubs and towers of tyres, Helter Skelter routes, neon and UV lights, and party tunes blaring from speakers, this is certainly not a ‘quiet date night’ activity. 

Get your putt on in the West End or the East London. 


21. Discover Disused Tube Stations

Several times throughout the year, the disused tube stations that lie dormant under the streets of London are opened to the public on guided tours. 

Run by Hidden London, an arm of the London Transport Museum, the tours of disused stations and some secret sites in the oldest subterranean railway in the world are enormously popular.

Disused tube tunnel at Aldwych Tube Station

Many of these unknown or forgotten spaces have incredible stories, such as playing a significant role in Britain’s wartime past, or have a new lease on life as a movie set.

Aldwych Station near London’s West End, housed a large collection of the National Gallery’s priceless artworks during the war. Down Street, between Hyde Park Corner and Green Park stations, became critical to the Allied victory of WWII when covertly transformed into the Railway Executive Committee’s bomb-proof headquarters and used by Churchill himself. 

High visibility vest worn by visitors to the tunnels

While Hidden London is certainly something you can do as a single, I love the opportunity to share stories and experiences when doing things in London as a couple.


22. Walking Photo Tour

Couples activities don’t have to be expensive. If you time it well for London’s questionable weather, this activity is best on a dry day. 

Lace up your walking shoes, grab your SO and a camera and stroll the streets of London.

Exterior view of Houses of Parliament/Palace of Westminster

Choose a location that suits your mood, meandering past the pastel-coloured houses of Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove to the canals of Paddington and Little Venice, throughout the city or discover new and emerging street art scenes of Camden or Shoreditch there’s plenty to keep entertained.

For visitors and newbies to London there’s a simple walking tour past numerous London landmarks which should keep you busy for the best part of a day.


23. Wake Up To Views over London

Perfect for a special occasion, book a room at one of London’s premier hotels and wake up to the most amazing views over London. 

Tower Bridge at early morning light

Shangri-La Hotel situated at the Shard, the tallest building in the EU, gives guests views across the Thames, plus numerous London’s landmarks from your window. Don’t skip the spectacular infinity on the 52nd floor!

London Marriott Hotel County Hall is located on the Southbank of the River Thames, a stone’s throw from the London Eye with unforgettable views of Westminster landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames.


24. Speedboat Ride Along The Thames

Find yourself dating an adrenaline junkie? Jump into a rib boat for a high speed city tour as you whiz across the Thames.  

Tours typically run between 60-90 minutes, taking you past all the London landmarks, before hurtling you out under Tower Bridge all the way to the Thames Barrier in east London. 


25. Ice Skating around the City

From late October until Februarynumerous ice rinks crop up across the city of London.  

The forecourt of Somerset House, the Queen’s House in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Hampton Court Palace, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland are some of the best ice rinks in London! Plenty to choose from and a guaranteed fun time out! This incredibly popular activity fills up fast, so book early to avoid disappointment. 

Ice skating at Winter Wonderland


26. Rowing boat on the Serpentine Lake

Between late Spring to late Autumn, Hyde Park has a fleet of rowing and pedal boats which operate on the famous Serpentine. 

If you’d prefer someone else to do all the hard work, the Solarshuttle glides silently across the lake powered only by the sun which can hold up to 40 passengers.


27. Visit One of London’s City Farms 

A little known activity of London are City Farms. 

Dotted around the capital from Surrey Docks to Spitalfields, the farms provide a great opportunity for Londoners to get a taste of the rural life, and to see some very cute animals.  

Goat standing in an open field in Mudchute City Farm in London

Walking distance from the DLR station,  Mudchute Park and Farm stretches across 32 acres of greenery in the heart of East London and is home to a petting zoo, duck pond, stables and over 100 farmyard residents. Tours are available. Entry is free, although they ask you don’t feed animals fruit and vegetables bought from supermarkets, just part with some coins for the grass pellets on sale. 

City farms are registered charities and are always on the lookout for helpers. If you’re so inclined, it’s possible to volunteer to muck in and get your hands dirty. Perhaps leave the Chanel handbag at home for that one 😉

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the City Farms in London, but just a few to get you started:


28. Cycle Through the Streets & Parks

Docking stations and bicycles which you can hire by the hour, have become a part of the street scene since they were introduced to the city almost a decade ago. 

Originally known as Barclay or Boris bikes after the Mayor at the time, one Boris Johnson, the bikes have changed colour, from blue to red, and a change in name to Santander Cycles after the change of sponsor. 

Whatever the colour or the name, they’re fantastic way to navigate streets and London’s parks. The cost to hire bikes is £2 for 24 hours, and providing you keep your journeys <30 mins before docking the bike, it’s possible to have a rather cheap date! 

How does a Secret London Tour by Bike sound? Join a quirky bike tour where you will explore some of the unique backstreets of the East End, hear tales of polar bears in The Thames, explore the dark days of Jack the Ripper, and also providing an opportunity to see some of London’s best sights including Tower Bridge and the Tower of London! A guaranteed unusual way to explore a different side of London.


29. Discover London’s Street Art 

London’s street art scene is dominated by the corner of north and east London, with emerging hot spots in south and southeast as gentrification spreads.

DSLR camera being pointed at some East London street art

Areas dominated by independent cafes, boutique barber shops, street art is a dynamic canvas of ever changing pieces.  Some work will last a long time and others will be painted over in a matter of days. Explore at your leisure.


30. Dive into a Ball Pit (…and drink cocktails!)

Remember how much fun ball pits were when you were a kid?! 

Well now there’s the same thing but for adults!  An oversized ball pit, stocked with a million glow-in-the-dark UV balls, with mirrored ceiling, millennial pink lights and of course a well stocked bar serving sweet-shop inspired cocktails. Welcome to Ballie Ballerson

People in a ball pit at Ballie Ballerson Shoreditch throwing plastic balls at each other


31. Stand-Up Comedy Nights

Rest assured a date is going well when there’s laughter involved, laughing together is what’s important.  

I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.

― Maya Angelou

With so many comedy clubs it’s possible to see someone new onto the stage every night, catching everything from amateur evenings to star-studded improv some side-aching comedy shows. 

Cheap nights are those experimenting with new content, the £15 tickets at the Soho Theatre, or keep an eye out on the call list for some of the world’s most influential names in comedy.


32. Escape Room

If your relationship is on a firm footing, combine your strengths to conquer an escape room. 

The live action game is hardly a relatively new concept, but still for some couples being locked in a room needing to solve a series of riddles and physical puzzles in order to escape within the time limit may take its toll. 

Room Escape at clueQuest

Challenging, requiring teamwork, an escape room can really tests ones resilience and ability to, or not to, control the situation. 

Not an activity for the faint hearted.


CULTURE

33. World-class Theatre

Two places in the world where thespians dream to work. Broadway in New York and on London’s West End, the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. 

Seeing a West End show is a common activity for locals, couples, and tourists alike. With the number of theatres surpassing 40 in just Theatreland alone, an evening of cultural entertainment is a great example of things to do in London for couples as there’s always something playing and surely a show you haven’t seen before. 

Funny Girl at The Savoy Theatre. Photo credit: Johan Persson
Funny Girl at The Savoy Theatre. Photo credit: Johan Persson

Long running productions such as Phantom of the Opera, The Mousetrap and the Woman in Black have been drawing crowds for decades. A light hearted comedy like Book of Mormon or The Play That Goes Wrong may serve your date well or relive a childhood memory with the likes of the Lion King, Aladdin or the immensely popular Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.


34. Discover UK’s Very Own Sistine Chapel

Described as the UK’s very own Sistine Chapel, the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, recently reopened following a major conservation project and is one of the most spectacular and important baroque interiors in Europe.

It is one of our favourite places in all of London because it’s completely stunning and totally unexpected! A true Must Visit! Book a tour here

Roma in a red coat walking up the stairs in the Painted Hall in Greenwich
Painted Hall, Greenwich

Allow a few hours to fully explore the Painted Hall, the composition, features a cast of around 200 figures telling a story of political change, scientific and cultural achievements. The work, which covers 40,000 square feet, drew on naval endeavours, and commercial enterprise against a series of magnificent backdrops. The characters he included are allegorical, mythological, historical and contemporary and best described in the audio guide so be sure to pick one up and regale your SO with your knowledge.

This is one of our favourite places in London because it’s incredible fascinating and should definitely be added to your list of things to do in London for couples! You won’t be disappointed!


35Classical Concerts by Candlelight

It doesn’t get more romantic than concerts by candlelight! 

The stunning St Martin-in-the-Fields on the north east corner of Trafalgar Square hosts free lunchtime performances, paid candlelight concerts to inspire and illuminate by a range of resident choral ensembles. Vivaldi Four Seasons with the London Musical Arts Ensemble is coming up in 2019. 

Southwark Cathedral regularly hosts classical music performances. The event list lists a variety of world class soloists, London’s leading concert pianists, and UK based chamber orchestra to entertain and inspire.


36. Visit World Class Museums

Postal Museum & Mail Rail

Who knew the concept of mail could be so interesting! One of London’s newest museums, the Postal Museum covers the journey of stamps, the famous Black Penny, with colourful and tactile exhibits.

Customers onboard the Mail Rail train at the Postal Museum
All aboard! The Mail Rail train at the Postal Museum.

The supplementary exhibit of the Mail Rail offers visitors a unique experience.  To ride in a tube-like-train through 1km of the 22 miles of track that stretches from Paddington to Whitechapel.  

The Postal Museum is a great daytime activity and definitely one for the list of things to do in London for couples, especially those couples who like learning and experiencing hands-on activities.  

Lates at the Science Museum

One of our favourite couples activities in London is Lates at the Science Museum.

From 6pm on the last Wednesday of every month (except December), the Science Museum opens for an adults-only entry with a science-related theme ranging from from sex to space, big data to Halloween.

The event is free to enter, with loads of hands-on activities for the child within. We’ve made our own social system bracelets, screen-printed a lethal virus, participated in the monthly silent disco. 

Roma attending Lates at the Science Museum, London
Lates at the Science Museum

With bars popping up across the floors of the museum, Londoners, visitors and couples can drink their way to science. 


37. Smooth Jazz at the Legendary Ronnie Scott’s

An icon of London’s Soho entertainment scene is Ronnie Scott’s jazz club. Opened in 1959 it was a venue where local musicians could jam. Since then, the great British institution has entertained guests for over fifty years with some of the greatest names in jazz.

For the night owls and those wanting to make a night of it, the Late Late Show tickets prove great value, where some of the UK’s finest jazz talents take to the stage after 11pm for a late night blowing session. 

Most recently, it’s opened its doors on Sunday host a Jazz lunch, combining the love of a Sunday roast with superb jazz in an informal setting with well behaved children also welcome. 

Pinterest-couples in London


Looking for some other ideas for things to do in London?

 

Roma was raised on the white sandy beaches of Australia's East Coast, and she has called London home since 2012. With an adventurous spirit, a love of regional travel and anything food related, Roma looks to encourage working professionals to follow their dreams to travel the world one adventure and short break at a time. Don't let a full-time career stop you from seeing the world. Come roam with us!

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Comments (10)

    1. Thanks so much for leaving a comment, Bea. We’re thrilled that you found the list helpful and we hope you found something interesting to do in London 🙂

  1. Wow.. that post must have taken forever to research and write! I thought I knew London well, but still discovered plenty of new things to do. That hot tub tug thingy looks like a lot of fun… well.. when that Covid crisis is finally in our back view mirror.

    1. thanks Stefan it did take a while to compile but then again, a lot of it is second nature when you spend so much time in the city. The hot tug boats are great fun, they’ve opened a new outlet in Canary Wharf which is supremely convenient for east Londoners 🙂

  2. Loved this list!! I’m fairly familiar with London as my partner is from there but I had never heard of half of these! Definitely gonna give some a go especially interested in the film themed dinners and escape rooms.

    1. Thanks Beth! I’m really pleased to hear that even though you know London, there’s a number of new things for you to do on your next visit to the capital. 🙂

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