Best Ideas for Valentine’s Day in London – 2025
London is a city full of charm and excitement, especially on Valentine’s Day. Whether you prefer a leisurely morning, an adventurous outdoor experience, a cultural immersion, or a romantic dinner, this city has it all. Here are some top ideas to make your Valentine’s Day in London special. This year Valentines Day is on a Friday, so, you can choose to make a day of it or even a whole weekend!

Morning Activities
Whether you are both early risers or just want to get out ahead of the crowds, remember that mornings can be romantic too! Here are some ideas of how to make Valentine’s Day 2025 in London unforgettable from the start of the day! Sunrise is at 7:15, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and make the most of it!
- Breakfast at Duck & Waffle: Start your day with a romantic breakfast at Duck & Waffle, located on the 40th floor of a skyscraper. Enjoy stunning views of the city whilst savoring a delicious breakfast menu. They are open 24 hours a day and also have a great Valentine’s Day menu later in the day.
- Start your day in a cozy café: In 2025, London really offers a wide variety of coffee shops and patisseries to choose from. So, start your Valentine’s Day in London in one of many great coffee shops of cafes. These include chains like Starbucks and Caffe Nero, as well as relative newcomers like Black Sheep and WatchHouse. However, there are also smaller independent spots as well! Our favorite here would be;
- Caffe Nero at the Golden Hind (Google Map Directions)
- WhatchHouse near Tower Bridge in Shad Thames (Google Map Directions)
- Stroll Through Borough Market: Take a leisurely stroll through Borough Market, one of London’s oldest food markets. Sample artisanal foods, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Outdoor Activities
Romance can come in many forms. Some of us like a cozy fireplace, others a nice movie, but some of us prefer sharing the outdoors with that someone special. Especially on Valentine’s Day in London! Here are a few ideas for outdoor activities in London on Valentine’s Day!
- Kew Gardens Spend a romantic day at Kew Gardens on Valentine’s Day. Explore the beautiful landscapes and the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Kew Gardens have a Orchid Festival during February, showcasing stunning floral displays.
- Thames River Cruise Take a scenic river cruise along the Thames. At any time of day or year, taking a cruise on the Thames can be Romantic, but on Valentine’s Day it’s even more so! Opt for a special Valentine’s Day package that includes gourmet dining and live music, and enjoy the iconic landmarks of London from the water. Here are some to choose from:
- City Cruises, both for day time sightseeing as well as For Valentine’s Day, they offer three cruises Afternoon Tea, Dinner and Evening cruise. They also have a January Sale which gives quite good discounts on their cruises, subject to their T&C’s.
- Thames River Sightseeing. Take a Thames River Sightseeing Cruise and take in stunning views of London’s landmarks, guided by an expert crew. Relax in comfort on boats featuring open-air upper decks, closed lower decks, and fully licensed bars, promising an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city. Make the most of their cruise offers!
- Sofar Sounds are offering a unique 3 hour experience on a Thames Clipper
- Hyde Park Enjoy a romantic walk or a bike ride through Hyde Park. Stop by the Serpentine Lake and take in the serene views. Pack a picnic if the weather is mild! Walking along the water’s edge can also make for a great sunset, weather permitting.
- A sunset stroll along the South Bank of the Thames – If it is not cloudy, we would recommend the area near the London Eye to see the sun go down behind Big Ben and the houses of Parliament . Useful info: Sunset is officially at 17:14, meaning it will likely disappear from view about 5-10 minutes prior if it is not cloudy!
- A ride in the London Eye. Take the previous suggestion to the next level, literally! But, be very careful, because there may be delays and queues. We have more detail on the available option in our Valentine’s Day in London Guide.
Culture and Art
If you share a love of art and culture, then here are a few great suggestions for making great Valentine’s Day moments a reality in London!
- Visit a Museum or Gallery
- Tate Modern: Explore contemporary art exhibitions and enjoy the panoramic views from the café.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: Dive into art and design collections, and perhaps join a special Valentine’s Day tour.
- West End Theatre Show Spend the evening at one of London’s famous West End theatres. Whether you prefer a classic love story, or a modern musical, the options are endless.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Experience the magic of Harry Potter with a special Valentine’s Day tour. Wander through the iconic sets and enjoy the behind-the-scenes secrets of the films.
Romantic Dinners
- Clos Maggiore Located in Covent Garden, this charming restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with flower-lined ceilings. Enjoy a modern French and European menu paired with a fantastic wine list.
- Aqua Shard Dine at Aqua Shard, located on the 31st floor of The Shard. The breathtaking views and exquisite dining experience will make your Valentine’s Day truly memorable.
- Berners Tavern This stunning restaurant in Fitzrovia features beautiful art-covered walls and an innovative menu by Jason Atherton. It’s perfect for a romantic and sophisticated dinner.
- Gauthier Soho For a luxurious vegan experience, head to this stylish Soho townhouse. Impress that someone special with the intimate setting and creative plant-based dishes.
- Dinner on the Thames Both Cruises and restaurants that have a great view of the Thames are a great idea!
Unique Experiences
- Rivoli Ballroom Valentine’s Day Pop-up Cinema Watch the screening of the 90’s version of Romeo & Juliet directed by Baz Luhrmann. The nostalgic atmosphere of the Rivoli Ballroom adds a special touch to your evening.
- Chocolate Making Class Learn to make delicious chocolates and truffles at an interactive class. It’s a fun and sweet way to spend time together.
- Tequila Tasting, Chocolate Pairing, and Cocktails Pairing Night – what is not to love? A delicious combination of chocolate tasting, tequila tasting, and Melt’s original cocktails.
- Design a Bespoke Perfume Create personalized perfumes together at a special workshop. It’s a unique and intimate experience that you’ll both cherish.
Exploring Hidden Gems
- Notting Hill Walking Tour Follow the locations from iconic romantic films like “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually” on a guided walking tour. Explore the picturesque streets and discover hidden gems.
- Secret Gardens and Hidden Parks Discover London’s hidden parks and gardens for a tranquil escape. From the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park to the charming garden squares of Bloomsbury, there’s plenty to explore.
Propose on Valentine’s Day in London!
London is indeed a romantic city and where better to propose than in this iconic and historic city! A few places come to mind!
- Sky Gardens or The Shard. You already have the world at your feet! Now it is time to sweep your partner off their feet!
- Tower Bridge. More iconic than Tower bridge you you will be hard pressed to find.
- London Eye. This is our top pick for popping the question! They provide the ideal environment and have deals specifically designed for the occasion
London offers countless ways to celebrate love and create lasting memories, and whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, culture, or relaxation, this city has something for everyone. In conclusion, we hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day in London! Alternatively, for the rest of February, see our guide to things to do in London during February