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.
London usually celebrates Valentine’s Day with numerous events and decorations to celebrate this wonderful day, and it is not uncommon to find things on the street like the photo above, taken in Covent Garden. But if what you want is to surprise your partner, then this is your perfect guide to Valentine´s Day in London. Find out about the best Valentine´s Day events and different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in London.
The most romantic plans to spend an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in London
1. Special Valentine’s Day Thames Cruises in London
A cruise on the Thames is already one of the most romantic things to do in the British capital, 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 with prices for all pockets!
Live Jazz and Champagne 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 6.30pm 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, a selection of 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, 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
2. 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, or Hutong, a restaurant located on the 33rd floor of The Shard, the tallest building in London.
⇒ Find out more: Romantic Restaurants in London
Celebrate at the Hard Rock Cafe in London
Another option is to have lunch or dinner at the legendary Hard Rock Cafe in London, located next to Hyde Park. There is usually quite a queue to get into the Hard Rock Café in London at peak times, but you can book in advance with priority entrance, which is what I would recommend.
⇒ Find out more: Hard Rock Cafe.
3. See the stars at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park
Greenwich Observatory normally hosts a Valentine´s Day event, although not announced on their website for 2022 yet. The idea of going to see the stars, and spend some time under the meridian to observe the starry sky as a couple is still very romantic and definitely an option that you may want to consider.
⇒ Find out more: Royal Observatory
4. Go on the London Eye
Going on the London Eye is always going to be an option for Valentine’s Day, as the breath-taking 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 website: London Eye Valentines Day
5. See London from above 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 Shard you will have impressive views of London, but you will especially see very well the famous Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
⇒ Buy tickets: Tickets The Shard
⇒ Find out more: The View From The Shard
6. 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. Personally I would recommend you go see the Lion King, but there are many different options.
⇒ Find out more: Top Musicals in London
7. Afternoon Tea
One of the most romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in London is with a traditional British Afternoon Tea. This traditional afternoon tea, known as the five o’clock tea, can undoubtedly be a very luxurious experience and something we recommend for a special evening. There are any hotels in central London that offer very special afternoon teas.
One of our favourite options is doing a Tour on a London Vintage Bust Tour and Afternoon Tea at Harrods if you are visiting London to celebrate Valentine´s Day.