Thinking of celebrating Valentine’s Day in London? London can be your perfect Valentine’s getaway, as simply strolling along the riverbank after dark with the London Eye lit up, and Big Ben in the background can be extremely romantic.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14 February each year. Event dates, menus and special offers in London change annually, so check the organiser’s current website before booking.
London usually celebrates Valentine’s Day with numerous events and decorations to celebrate this wonderful day. But if you want to surprise your partner, this is your perfect guide to Valentine’s Day in London. Find out about the best Valentine’s Day events and ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in London.
Romantic River Thames Cruises in London
A cruise on the Thames is already one of the most romantic things to do in London, but if what you want is to surprise your partner with a dinner cruise or an afternoon tea cruise, added to these views, it is undoubtedly one of the best ideas that come to mind… And best of all, there are different options to celebrate Valentine’s Day in London aboard a cruise!
Jazz dinner cruise
City Cruises currently offers a Jazz Dinner Cruise with a meal and live music. Sailing dates, menus, duration and prices vary, so check the official listing for your chosen date rather than relying on an old Valentine timetable.
Afternoon tea cruise
The current City Cruises afternoon tea cruise departs from Tower Millennium Pier and passes landmarks including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Standard inclusions and optional upgrades can change, so confirm the menu, dietary arrangements and boarding time when booking.
Dinner and lunch cruises
Lunch and dinner cruises are also available, but departure piers, menus and entertainment depend on the product and date. Compare the current options on the operator’s London cruise page, and see our Thames cruise guide before choosing.
Romantic Restaurants in London
Many restaurants in London will offer a special Valentine’s menu for these dates, but we must point out that these restaurants get booked up very quickly, so we highly recommend that you book in advance. Some of our favourite romantic restaurants in London are Clos Maggiore, voted the most romantic restaurant in London several years in a row, and Hutong, located on the 33rd floor of The Shard, the tallest building in London.
⇒ Find out more: Romantic Restaurants in London
Another option is to have lunch or dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in London, either the one located next to Hyde Park or the one in Piccadilly Circus. It is not unusual to have to queue to get into the Hard Rock Cafe in London at peak times, so booking is essential.
⇒ Find out more: Hard Rock Cafe
See the stars at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park
The Royal Observatory runs astronomy evenings, talks and observing sessions during the year, which can make a memorable date. A Valentine-specific programme is not guaranteed every year, so check the current Royal Observatory astronomy programme for your dates before booking.
Go on the London Eye
Going on the London Eye is always going to be an option for Valentine’s Day, as the breathtaking views are very romantic, and is currently one of the most popular places to propose! We highly recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid the queues; find out more in our article: London Eye.
For a special occasion, compare the London Eye’s current Champagne Experience, Private Pods and Cupid’s Pod. These are different products: a Champagne Experience may be shared, while a Private Pod is exclusive to your group. Check exactly what is included before booking.
Take in the views of London from The Shard
Going up to the 72nd floor of the tallest building in London can also be a very romantic plan, especially if you go at sunset. From The View From The Shard, you will have impressive views of London, but you will especially see the famous Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
⇒ Buy tickets: Tickets The Shard
Get tickets to one of London’s best musicals
What better than surprising your partner with a ticket to see one of the most famous musicals in London? You can´t go wrong with tickets for the Lion King, but there are loads of other options if you fancy something different.
⇒ Find out more: Top Musicals in London
Afternoon Tea
One of the most romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in London is with traditional British Afternoon Tea. This traditional afternoon tea can undoubtedly be a very luxurious experience and something we recommend for a special occasion. Many hotels in central London offer unforgettable afternoon tea.
For a sightseeing experience, Brigit’s Bakery operates an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. It follows a fixed route rather than operating as a hop-on hop-off bus, and dietary options must be checked when booking.
⇒ More Afternoon Tea Deals in London
Special Events for Valentine’s Day in London
Special Valentine’s events
Museums, viewpoints and attractions sometimes announce Valentine evenings, menus or after-hours events close to February. As of September 2026, not every organiser has published a confirmed programme for Valentine’s Day 2027. Check the Natural History Museum’s current events, the Royal Museums Greenwich programme and the London Eye Valentine page nearer your visit rather than assuming an event will repeat.
Romantic London
If you simply want to take a walk through one of the most romantic places in London, we suggest you visit Hampstead Pergola or a walk through Kew Gardens. Visiting Richmond, Little Venice or Hampstead during the day and eating at one of the restaurants in the area would also be considered a very romantic plan!
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.