Things to do in London for Couples: Cool Ideas

In a big, thriving city like London with lots of opportunity, there are plenty of things to do in London for couples.

I guess the question is, what sort of things are you looking to do?

Is it romantic things?

Though I wouldn’t describe London as particularly the most beautiful or romantic of cities when comparing to places like Paris or Rome, I hold the firm belief that wherever you are, you can create your own experience. London can be as romantic as you make it, and adding to its fine dining choices and great sightseeing spots there are many romantic things to do in London.

Is it fun activities?

London has a good variety of fun and stimulating experiences that will keep you entertained on your visit. There are interesting tours, quirky themed restaurants, fun game activities like ‘escape rooms’ and entertaining night shows. I’d make sure to pre-book for most of them first though, as places get very popular, particularly on weekends.

Something more relaxed?

If you both just fancy something chilled, then a simple walk in a park, afternoon tea, or a casual drink in a pub can be a nice way to relax.

To give you some ideas on things to do, here is my list of fun activities and dining choices for your next London experience.

Activities

Play some Crazy Golf

If you’d like some competitive fun and laughs with your partner, then crazy golf is always one of the great options. Swingers, is a vibrant mini-golf and cocktail bar, with branches in both the City and West End. The venue offers a choice of two nine-hole courses, plus food and a good choice of cocktails.

Pros: Friendly and helpful staff. Great cocktails. Good vibe.
Cons: Courses are rather short.

How to get there

Swingers Crazy Golf – City
6-8 mins walk – from London Liverpool Street tube station (Central/Circle/Hammersmith & City/Metropolitan line, Overground, TfL)
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Swingers Crazy Golf – West End
3 mins walk – from Oxford Circus tube station (Bakerloo/Central/Victoria line)
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Stop by a Table Tennis Bar

Challenge eachother to a few games of ping-pong, coupled with some cocktails and a few tasty bites. At Bounce Farringdon, you can let your hair down in an electric atmosphere with good music and competitive games. The place also has interactive pool tables for a cool video game-like experience while you play. Ideally book in advance.

Pros: Vibrant. Fun staff.
Cons: Very busy on weekends.

How to get there

3 mins walk – from Chancery Lane tube station (Central line)
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6 mins walk – from Farringdon tube station (Circle/Hammersmith & City/Metropolitan line).
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Watch a film on the rooftop

If you’d like a cool way to experience a film, then why not do it on the rooftop? The Rooftop Film Club has locations in Peckham, Stratford and Shoreditch, and offers customers a unique movie experience. Sit and watch the film in your deck chair, while enjoying popcorn and a drink from the bar. Blankets also available if you start to get chilly! One of the more romantic things to do in London.

Pros: Nice views over London. Good atmosphere.
Cons: Only open in Summer months.

How to get there

Peckham
2 mins walk – from Peckham Rye rail station (Overground)
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Shoreditch
9 mins walk – from London Liverpool Street tube station (Central/Circle/Hammersmith & City/Metropolitan line, Overground/TfL)
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Stratford
3 mins walk – from Stratford tube station (Central/Jubilee line)
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Visit a Detective Agency Bar

Take a journey back to 1920s America, as you experience a quirky detective agency themed bar set during the alcohol prohibition era. Once arriving at Evans and Peel Detective Agency, you’ll be questioned by a detective on your case, before gaining access to a secret bar where you can enjoy tasty cocktails, and 1920s music and decor. The dimly lit atmosphere and great vibe make it a good choice for couples.

Pros: Cool and quirky. Fun. Great in-character detective.
Cons: Not that easy to find (well it is speakeasy!).

How to get there

3 mins walk – from Earl’s Court tube station (District/Piccadilly line)
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Watch a West End theatre show

It would seem one of the more obvious choices, but London does host some brilliant West End shows, so it would be crazy to leave this out. Though not always easy on the wallet, the shows are a great source of evening entertainment, and make a nice way to wrap up an evening after a meal out. The Lion King, still remains a hugely popular musical, and one of the most booked in London. You can book shows via sites such as Ticketmaster.

Pros: Buzzing. Exhilarating.
Cons: Often pricey (dependent on show).

Also seen on: Fun Activities in London: A Complete Guide

Watch a show at Shakespeare’s Globe

Experience a live show in a beautiful reconstructed theatre made in dedication to William Shakespeare’s original Theatre Globe. The venue, based in Southwark on the south side of the river, has an authentic Elizabethan appearance, mirroring the playhouse for Shakespeare’s written pieces. The theatre hosts regular shows to the public, including famous Shakespeare plays such as Romeo & Juliet. There are also tours available.

Pros: Charming. Unusual. Nice gift shop.
Cons: Uncomfortable seating (cushion rental available). Cold in Winter months.

How to get there

10 mins walk – from London Bridge tube station (Northern/Jubilee line)
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Zombie SWAT Training

Think Walking Dead meets Paintballing meets Laser Tag, and you have the Zombie SWAT Training. Throw on your provided overalls and learn training for three different weapons, before embarking on your journey to save London from the zombie apocalypse ravaging through the city. Good for the thrill-seeking couple who loves The Walking Dead series.

Pros: Exhilarating. Scary. Good storyline.
Cons: Expensive.

How to get there

22 mins bus and walk – from North Greenwich tube station (Jubilee line)
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Ride the London Eye

Both of you can enjoy great panoramic views over the capital, by taking a ride on London’s famous sightseeing wheel. You’ll travel by pod up to 135 metres in the air, taking in all the sights of the city, doing a full circuit in around 30 mins. You can add a romantic touch to the experience by upgrading to the Champagne Experience.

Pros: Fantastic views. Spacious and comfortable pods, with seating.
Cons: Pricey at around £27 minimum. Long queues.

Tip: Skip the long queues by pre-booking a fast-track ticket.

How to get there

6 min walk – from Waterloo Tube station (Northern/Jubilee/Bakerloo/Waterloo & City line).
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London Old City Walking Tour

A fun way to learn more about London’s rich and colourful history. Starting from Covent Garden, you’ll walk from place to place learning the interesting facts of many of London’s iconic areas, while also discovering less spoken about spots, such as the city’s oldest district. You’ll finish at the infamous Tower of London, where you’ll learn the building’s extraordinary history – including its stories of scandal, torture, execution and murder.

Pros: Good pricing. Knowledgeable tour guide. Interesting.
Cons: Tour groups can be quite big.

How to get there

1 min walk – from Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly line)
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Bike Tour of the City

For a more interesting way of getting around and seeing all the attractions from up close, there is the option of going on a bicycle tour. You’ll arrive at the London Bicycle Tour Company HQ in Lambeth, where you’ll then hire a bike, before being led by your tour guide to iconic monuments such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and others, before finishing at the vibrant Leake Street Arches in Waterloo.

Pros: Informative tour guide. Refreshing. Good exercise.
Cons: Poor weather can mean cancellations.

How to get there

5 mins walk – from Lambeth North tube station (Bakerloo line)
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11 mins walk – from Waterloo tube station (Bakerloo/Jubilee/Northern/Waterloo & City line)
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London Rock Legends Tour

Discover all the iconic sites and hidden gems of many of London’s legendary rock stars, such as Queen, The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Your guide will take you by minivan around London to see recording studios, pubs, clubs and homes of past and present musical artists. You’ll also get a welcome photo opportunity at the famous zebra crossing in Abbey Road.

Pros: Knowledgeable tour guide. Interesting. Smaller groups.
Cons: Not a lot of walking involved. Expensive.

How to get there

The Original London Visitor Centre

2 mins walk – from Charing Cross tube station (Northern line)
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5 mins walk – from Piccadilly Circus tube station (Bakerloo/Piccadilly line)
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High-speed River Cruise

A fun and exhilarating way of sightseeing around London. After boarding your RIB (rigid-inflatable boat), you’ll jet off at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and see all of the iconic riverbank attractions, such as Big Ben and Shakespeare’s Globe. You’ll also take small breaks to learn interesting facts about the sites, adding to an enjoyable boat ride.

Pros: Thrilling. Safe. Entertaining guide. Music included.
Cons: Guide doesn’t use a microphone.

How to get there

6 mins walk – from Waterloo Tube station (Northern/Jubilee/Bakerloo/Waterloo & City line).
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West End Musicals Tour

If you’re both mad about musicals, then look no further than the West End Musicals Silent Disco Tour. You’ll be led by your fun guide to up to 23 of London’s West End theatres, including the Apollo and Theatre Royal. While walking, you’ll be listening to your provided headset and dancing to your favourite musical tunes.

Pros: Reasonably priced. Fun. Lots of laughs.
Cons: Will probably be worn out after!

How to get there

The Marquis of Granby

5 mins walk – from Goodge Street tube station (Northern line)
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11 mins walk – from Oxford Circus tube station (Bakerloo/Central/Victoria line)
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James Bond Walking Tour

Walk around and see many of the London filming locations of the Bond franchise. You’ll learn info and facts about the film-making from your expert guide, including stories about the leading actors who portrayed the character, such as Sean Connery. A good choice for Bond fans.

Pros: Good value. Informative.
Cons: Focuses mostly on the Skyfall film.

How to get there

1 min walk – from Charing Cross tube station (Northern line)
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3 mins walk – from Embankment tube station (Bakerloo/Circle/District/Northern line)
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Chocolate Tour of Mayfair

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a three-hour tour of London’s Mayfair and Soho chocolate shops. After meeting your tour guide and enjoying an introductory hot chocolate, you’ll be led to all the high end chocolate shops in the area, gaining knowledge on the chocolate-making industry and tasting lots of delicious samples. Makes a nice gift for the other half.

Pros: Insightful. Knowledgeable tour guide. Discounts on chocolates sold in shops. Bottled water included.
Cons: Too much chocolate!

How to get there

4 mins walk – from Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly line)
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5 mins walk – from Leicester Square tube station (Northern line)
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6 mins walk – from Tottenham Court Road tube station (Central line)
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Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour

A nice easy way of getting round to all those big attractions in a short period of time. You’ll get picked up at your nearest Big Bus stop, before travelling to all the iconic landmarks and learning facts from your knowledgeable on-board tour guide, with the freedom to get on and off whenever you choose. 24, 48 or 72 hour tickets available.

Pros: Convenient. Optional audio commentary and earphones included. Free walking tour and river cruise included.
Cons: Busy traffic will cause delays.

Tip – Start early to get the most from your ticket!

How to get there

Local pick-up points should be provided when ticket is purchased.

Gin Tasting Tour

If you both enjoy the odd tipple of gin, then the gin tasting tour is one that could be right up your street. You’ll learn interesting facts about London’s long and infamous history with the drink, while travelling to cool bars and sampling lots of different varieties of the spirit. A good way of exploring new areas, mixing with new people and enjoying lots of gin!

Pros: Fun. Informative guide. Social.
Cons: Slightly expensive.

How to get there

4 mins walk – from London Bridge tube station (Northern/Jubilee)
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Take a boat ride in Little Venice

One of London’s hidden gems. Little Venice is a scenic district located around the Paddington/Maida Vale area of London, and is known for its canal, pretty terraced housing and quirky riverside shops and cafes. It’s located on an intersection, connecting the Grand Union Canal to the Regent Canal. There are boat trips available, which allow you to enjoy a picturesque ride through the neighbourhood, finishing at the Camden Lock. If you don’t fancy the boat ride, a relaxing walk is just as pleasurable!

Pros: Romantic. Charming. Scenic.
Cons: Need to watch out for cyclists along the riverbank.

How to get there

1 min walk – from Warwick Avenue tube station (Bakerloo line)
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Walk around Hyde Park

A nice location for a relaxing stroll. It is the largest of four Royal parks, connecting with St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace Gardens and Green Park, giving you lots of space to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the surroundings. The park is great for bike riding, and also has horse riding and tennis courts available. Spending an afternoon in this scenic park can be one of the simplest things to do in London for couples.

Pros: Peaceful. Pretty. Cafes available. Walking distance to Buckingham Palace.
Cons: Cafes are London prices.

How to get there

1 min walk – from Marble Arch tube station (Central line).
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1 min walk – from Hyde Park Corner/Knightsbridge tube stations (Piccadilly line).
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11 mins walk – from Bond Street tube station (Jubilee line).
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Enjoy drinks at a rooftop bar

For those who enjoy an intimate drink with a view, London has had a growing number of stylish rooftop bars popping up in recent years. Jin Bo Law is a trendy pineapple-themed cocktail, bar based on the 14th floor of the Dorsett City Hotel in Aldgate. It offers a range of strong, tasty cocktails (rooftop prices, of course), and a fantastic skyline view over the city, with skyscrapers and historic buildings within eyeshot. Booking recommended for evening visits.

Pros: Classy. Exotic. Great views.
Cons: Cramped. Shortage of available seating in evenings.

How to get there

Dorsett City Hotel
1 min walk – from Aldgate tube station (Circle/Metropolitan line).
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4 mins walk – from Aldgate East tube station (District/Hammersmith & City line).
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Dining

Lunch on a River Cruise

Enjoy a two-course meal while taking in a view of all of London’s big riverside landmarks. You’ll travel via City Cruises from Tower Pier to Westminster and get a view of many of the iconic monuments such as the London Eye, Big Ben and The Shard. A more luxurious way to sightsee in London. Vegetarian food options available.

Pros: Friendly staff. Good food.
Cons: Drinks not included in price. No menu.

How to get there

City Cruises – Tower Pier
3 mins walk – from Tower Hill tube station (District/Circle line).
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Six-course Bus Cruise

A little more on the pricier side, but then what do you expect with a six course menu to get through! You’ll both enjoy a blend of British and French cuisine while taking in the views of many of London’s major landmarks such as the Tower of London and The Shard. You’ll get to experience this while travelling on the top-deck of a glass-roof sightseeing bus. Commentary available on-board.

Pros: Attentive staff. Good quality food and well-presented.
Cons: Expensive.

How to get there

Departure point
2 mins walk – from Embankment tube station (District/Circle/Northern/Bakerloo line).
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Afternoon Tea in Oxford Street

If you’d like an excuse for a break from the shops, then treat yourselves to some tea and cakes in a classy little establishment just off of Oxford Street. The Scoff and Banter Tea Rooms offer a high quality afternoon tea service, where both of you can choose eight items from the menu, including tasty hot starters and desserts. They also offer a complimentary glass of prosecco as a nice finishing touch.

Pros: Tasty treats. Good service. Close proximity to shops.
Cons: London prices.

How to get there

1 min walk – from Bond Street tube station (Jubilee line).
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6 mins walk – from Oxford Circus tube station (Bakerloo/Central/Victoria line).
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Afternoon Tea at a Cat Cafe

If you both love cats, then maybe you should try a cat cafe? Situated in London’s East End, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is the longest-running cat cafe in the UK, and is a popular venue for those who want to enjoy tea and cake, with the added bonus of cats to keep you company. Choose from the Standard or High Tea entries.

Pros: Quirky. Relaxed. Charming cafe.
Cons: Not allowed to pick up the cats. Cats can be unsociable.

How to get there

13 min walk – from Bethnal Green Tube station (Central line).
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Enjoy a taste of Rome

In the quieter back streets of busy Knightsbridge, you’ll find a cosy little Roman-Italian restaurant, named Osteria Romana. It has a beautiful design and authentic feel that really makes you feel like you’re in Rome. The exterior has a pretty rose-covered front, and the inside is nicely furnished with black and white photos on the wall. The food dishes are traditional Romana, and the wine is of high standard. Perfect for date nights, and makes a nice stop on a romantic night out.

Pros: Warm and relaxed. Intimate. Attentive staff.
Cons: City prices.

How to get there

3 mins walk – from Knightsbridge tube station (Piccadilly line).
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Street food at Camden Market

If you’d like somewhere a little more casual with plenty of food variety, then you need to visit Camden Market. You’ll find open air vendors selling anything from typical Western foods such burgers and hotdogs, to different Asian cuisines like Chinese and Indonesian. If you have a sweet tooth, there are also dessert stalls and even a quirky kiosk called Cereal Killer, where you can purchase a bowl of sweet cereal! The area has outdoor seating available.

Pros: Lots of food choices. Close to the shopping stalls. Good for people watching.
Cons: Gets quite busy.

How to get there

4 mins walk – from Camden Town tube station (Northern line).
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Tasty steak in the West End

A nice little steakhouse on London’s Leicester Square. At Steak & Co., you can order your choice of steak, which is then brought out to you on your own personal hot stone so you can cook it on the table just how you like it. You also get to choose your own choice of butter and seasonings to cook your steak in. Vegetarian options available.

Pros: Cool. Hands-on. Good service.
Cons: Hot and smokey. Loud.

How to get there

2 mins walk – from Leicester Square tube station (Northern line).
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3 mins walk – from Covent Garden tube station (Piccadilly line).
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A curry in Brick Lane

If you like a curry, then where better to have it than one of the best Indian restaurants in the heart of London’s Brick Lane. The Monsoon offers a great service, with a decent selection of tasty authentic Indian dishes, attentive staff and a complimentary drink thrown in at the end. A good choice for a meal in a trendy part of London’s East End.

Pros: Reasonably priced. Friendly and helpful staff. Good location.
Cons: Gets very busy on Fridays and Saturdays.

How to get there

5 mins walk – from Aldgate East tube station (District/Hammersmith & City line).
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11 mins walk – from Aldgate tube station (Circle/Metropolitan line).
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Sunday roast on the riverside

If you don’t mind venturing a little further out from central, you’ll find a cosy old public house on the south side of the river, called The Mayflower. It’s considered one of London’s most historic pubs, and has maintained its appeal with its welcoming atmosphere and traditional old wooden interior. The pub offers a selection of tasty meals, including a wholesome Sunday roast.

Pros: Warm. Friendly. Patio offers good view of the Thames.
Cons: Gets very busy in the evenings.

How to get there

9 mins walk – from Canada Water tube station (Jubilee line).
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Experience a meal in darkness

Fancy something different? Dans Le Noir is an unusual French gourmet restaurant in Farringdon, where customers experience an original and unique way to dine. You’ll both be sat enjoying a set meal and conversation in complete darkness, in order to lower your sight and enable you to make stronger use of your remaining senses. To make things more interesting, there is no menu – so you won’t know what you’re eating until it’s in front of you. Rated one of the top ten London restaurants on TripAdvisor.

Pros: Unique. Good reviews. Romantic. Mysterious.
Cons: Not to everyone’s budget.

How to get there

5 mins walk – from Farringdon tube station (Circle/Metropolitan/Hammersmith & City line).
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