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!
Live Jazz River Cruise
Enjoy a 2-hour evening cruise with the most romantic views of London at night. This cruise includes a glass of champagne per person, canapes and live Jazz, Pop and Soul music. There will also be a bar available on board for those extra drinks.
This cruise departs at 6.30 pm from Westminster Pier from Thursday to Sunday and lasts 2 hours.
⇒ Find out more: Champagne Cruise
Afternoon Tea Cruise
Enjoy a traditional British Afternoon Tea whilst cruising the Thames. This option includes champagne, sandwiches, scones, tea, coffee and cakes.
This cruise departs from the Tower of London Pier every day of the week. Take a circular cruise that reaches Westminster. Pass by Tower Bridge, London City Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye and Big Ben, amongst many other London tourist attractions.
⇒ Find out more: Afternoon Tea Cruise
Dinner and Lunch Cruises
Dine whilst enjoying the fabulous views on a Thames Cruise; this option includes a welcome drink, a 4-course dinner, half a bottle of wine per person, and coffee or tea. There is live music as well as a bar on board.
Departing from Westminster Pier every day of the week, this cruise takes you on a circular cruise to the Thames Barrier, passing by Tower Bridge, London City Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, London Cathedral, Saint Paul, the London Eye and Big Ben amongst many other tourist attractions in London.
⇒ Find out more: Dinner Cruise
⇒ Find out more: Lunch Cruise
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 in Greenwich offers us the possibility of spending a Night with the Stars; what could possibly be more romantic? This can either be enjoyed as a couple or even as a family for those that would still like to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family. Tickets sell out fast for this event, so booking in advance is essential.
⇒ Find out more: Royal Observatory Greenwich
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.
Also, if you want it to be a super special occasion and you don’t mind spending a little more, it is possible to book a private capsule with champagne and chocolates on the official London Eye’s website: Valentine’s Day at the London Eye
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.
One of our favourite options is doing a Tour on a London Vintage Bus Tour and Afternoon Tea at Harrods if you are visiting London to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
⇒ More Afternoon Tea Deals in London
Special Events for Valentine’s Day in London
Special Valentine’s events
London attractions, museums and viewpoints often run special Valentine’s events, menus or evening openings. These offers change from year to year, so check the organiser’s current programme for the year you are visiting before making plans.
⇒ Find Out More: Valentine’s Day at the Natural History Museum and Valentine´s Silent Disco at the NHM.
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.