Romantic London

Get the very best out of one of the most romantic cities in the world and impress your date with all of London's secret romantic locations, restaurant

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As the sun sets over London, millions of urbanites begin to slip into comfortable evening wear and set upon their individual journeys through the magic, wonder and romance of the capital.

It can be argued easily that London is one of the world’s most romantic cities with a cornucopia of getaways and hideaways all making for that perfect date.

Whether its holding hands in the Regent’s Park rose garden or a rowing your boat in the gaze of adoration on the Serpentine in Hyde Park any visitor or London resident will realise that a truly romantic experience can be achieved in an almost endless (and somewhat baffling) number of ways.

The KISS principle, Keep It Simple Sweetheart

London benefits from many stunning parks and though it may not seem like the most obvious choice for romancing, it is the simplest and can be the most unforgettable.

In the summer (and on those random days of good weather in the winter) droves of lovers young and old begin to don the hillsides with their picnic baskets and blankets so that they may bask in the warmth of short glimpses of the British sun, the added bonus being the incredible backdrop of the city skyline. The Perfect locations for this would ultimately be Primrose Hill (across the road from Regents Park), Hampstead Heath and Alexandra Palace. All of which offer stunning views, ample greenery and plenty of hidden patches of beauty where the more frisky couples tend to avoid the crowds.

When winter strikes the alternative options would be the hire of a row boat on the Serpentine River at Hyde Park, Coffee on the South Bank of the River Thames, a leisurely stroll through St James Park or as earlier stated a visit to the gardens and lakes of Regents Park.

With lakes, bridges and swans circumnavigating the park tends to be a favourite due to its picturesque structure. Sitting on the stone benches of the gardens with a close one will cause even the most business minded to forget for a moment that you are in actuality only a few minutes walk from both Great Portland Street & Baker Street Tube stations.\n\nEscaping the city

Continuing on the theme of escapism, why not hire a canal boat and take a trip down the canal, which flows through Regents Park and London Zoo.

Once the soul bloodline of the supply of goods to the city London’s many canals provide a perfect getaway without ever going too far. The highlight of any narrow boat journey would be a trip through little Venice where you will happen across some of the most remarkable homes in London set on the waterfront; the only thing missing would be a singing gondolier, which thanks to the on-board electrics can be easily replaced by a CD player!

Sweep your date off their feet!

Literally… why not get above the city and see as much of the capital as possible. The silence and stillness of the slowly rotating London Eye is a fantastic way to spend half an hour, can be very romantic (as long as your capsule isn’t full of screaming children) and fairly economical too.

Or, go the whole hog and really take to the skies over London by booking a helicopter tour over the capital. Cabair Helicopters for example, charge £149 for an unforgettable half hour tour over London – which will almost certainly take your date’s breath away.

Dinner for two

Dinner, the classic choice for any budding Casanova looking to woo their partner but there is more out there than the somewhat rundown Italian on the high street or worse yet Harvester.

Contrary to popular belief deep pockets are not a prerequisite to access some of the worlds most unique and colourful restaurants. For those seeking lashings decadence in your evenings a straightforward choice would be booking a table at Café de Paris. Established in 1924 this illustrious establishment undoubtedly has a firm grip on its position, being held in high regard by many thanks to its wow factor. From the sweeping staircase to the grandiose chandelier dominating the internal airspace every detail of Café De Paris is carefully orchestrated in a symphony of pure decadence intended to stun all who visit.

Though its lively atmosphere may seem impersonal to some, its authenticity continues to romance couples in a location perfect for anyone looking to continue their night at one of the many closely located Soho nightclubs.

Should it be the romance of a Parisian dining experience which you desire there is always Chez Gerard, a French restaurant so authentic it gives the impression that the venue has been scooped from its foundations in Paris and replanted in London. Feel free to test your memory of secondary school French as all the waiters speak French, and what makes the experience complete is the abundant selection of French wines.

See a list of Romantic London Restaurants\n\nGoing "All the Way"!

If the romantic atmosphere of London is becomes so overwhelming that you have to ask that “Big Question” then head to the jewellery district of London: Hatton Gardens and choose from the many jewellery shops to buy something sparkly for the special someone in your life!

Taking a knee and a Babylonian king?!

Nebuchadnezzar one of the most powerful kings of biblical Babylonia and also for the cinema addicts the name of the first hover-ship we are introduced to on the Matrix, however this name has a further meaning. Most people will only know or even seen a Magnum as the largest size champagne bottle, well a larger size exists. A Nebuchadnezzar holds 1500 cl (that’s 20 standard bottles) of champagne standing as the largest bottle and one of the most expensive (at £1400 for one bottle of Moet et Chandon, NV Brut Imperial) this is the perfect accompaniment to that decision to take a knee. The only problem is finding a venue to match the grandeur of the bottle to actually serve it.

Well the search is over because perched 590 feet above pavement level on the 42nd floor of Tower 42 the former Natwest Building is Vertigo. The capital's most opulent champagne and seafood bar, with has breathtaking panoramic views of the capital especially before sunset.

Vertigo needs no marketing or added bells and whistles in fact its simplicity compliments the stunning views of the capital. Its hard to find words to describe an experience at Vertigo, all that can be said is if you are looking to leave a footprint and make a mark on the heart of the one you love, deep pockets and a visit to Vertigo 42 is all that is needed.

Romance at the Theatre and Opera

The theatre can also be a very romantic activity and with so many shows on offer, you can tailor your choice of show to the mood of the night. And if it’s passion you are looking for, then how about a night at the opera! Choose from a choice of the capital’s most impressive opera productions to raise the roof on a date!

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