Valentine’s Day in London
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:12AM 
Celebrate another Valentine's Day together in the prestigious capitalA comprehensive guide to the places couples can visit in London on Valentine’s Day 2012.
Thinking of taking a city break for Valentines Day? You’re probably contemplating Paris or Prague. However, London has secured its position once more as one of the most well-liked Valentine's Day destinations in the world (plus, it’s also a little closer to home). In the city you can impress your loved one with panoramic views or a West End show. Before or after your meal, why not take a romantic stroll or snuggle up in a cosy pub? When in London, you could also take the time out to soak up some history and culture as the city boasts magnificent museums, art galleries and historical architecture.
For years London has been overshadowed by the likes of Paris as the most romantic city, but this year we believe London will be able to knock the French off the top spot. Lovers can enjoy an abundance of cuisines in some of London’s most intimate restaurants, see a stunning show, watch an acclaimed musical or take to a river Thames cruise. There are various alternatives for celebrating this special occasion, whether you prefer a quiet and romantic stroll or love to make it a momentous occasion, by celebrating in style.
Restaurants with a view
We have heard of a room with a view, but how about eating at a restaurant with a panoramic view? There are many London restaurants that take advantage of their location, especially along the South Bank where restaurants not only offer fine dining, but also jaw dropping views. Why not take to the skies to enjoy your meal? The Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie located eight floors up on the South Bank offer diners a stylish and creative menu that boasts an array of flavours and aromas. So too, does the Skylon, located at the Royal Festive Hall.
OXO Tower Wharf,
Barge House Street,
South Bank,
SE1 9PH
Telephone number: 020 7803 3888
Nearest tube to Oxo: Southwark (Jubilee Line)
Other routes: London Waterloo East Rail Station
Royal Festival Hall,
SE1 8XX
Telephone number: 020 7654 7800
Nearest tube to Skylon: Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Lines)
Other routes: London Waterloo Rail Station
For those who would like a cheap and cheerful dinner, why not enjoy a gentle stroll along the Thames to More London? There is a great range of restaurants to choose from including Dim T, a traditional Asian eatery that combines healthy eating with a theatrical show, with chefs preparing your meal in front of you.
However, if you’re water lovers, why take to the Thames on the Bataeux London cruise, which includes champagne, a four-course meal and live entertainment?
2 More London,
Tooley Street,
SE1 2DB
Telephone number: 020 7403 7000
Nearest tube to Dim T: London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern Lines)
Other routes: London Bridge Rail Station
Victoria Embankment,
WC2N 6NU
Telephone number: 020 7695 1800
Nearest tube to Bataeux: Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern Lines)
Other routes: London Charing Cross Rail Station
Accommodation
Why not make it a weekend break this year and enjoy the surroundings of one of Refresh Accommodation’s apartments? There are some fantastic places for you to stay that are situated across the glorious city of London and they are sure to cater to all your requirements. Below you will find some of our most beautiful apartments where you can make your very own love nest.
Dolphin House, Victoria, (nearest underground: Pimlico)
- 10min walk to Victoria – bars, restaurants
- London eye, Tate Britain and river Thames near by
- Complimentary access into the gym, pool, sauna, steam room
- Chelsea embankment near-by for walks
Plaza on the River, South Bank (nearest underground: Westminster, Vauxhall, Pimlico)
- Stunning river views and balcony’s
- Brasserie, Bar & Lounge
- Fitness suite
- Butler service for dining in your suite
Citadines Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square (nearest underground: Charing Cross)
- Fantastic location – short walk to most of London’s tourist attractions, restaurants and bars
- Breakfast room
130 Queensgate, South Kensington (nearest underground: South Kensington)
- Luxury apartments
- Short walk from Hyde Park
- Kings road just a short stroll away
Take a romantic stroll
For those who love to get out and about, London can offer couples wonderful walks that will take you to a place that is filled with romance. Walk hand in hand along the Thames and take in all the sights London has to offer, or wrap up warm and enjoy the fresh air at a Royal Park. Kew Gardens is one of our recommended places to take a romantic stroll, providing onlookers with magnificent floral displays.
18 Station Parade,
Kew Gardens,
TW9 3PZ
Telephone number: 020 8948 1422
Nearest tube to Kew Gardens: Kew Gardens (District Line)
Other routes: Kew Bridge Rail Station
Romantic places to visit
With so many places to visit you’re spoilt for choice. However, we have a few rendezvous locations that we think you and your significant other will adore. It’s hard to imagine you’re in Central London when taking a romantic break from the bustling streets to enjoy the scenic views of Hyde Park. With 4,000 trees, a rose garden, a lake and 350 acres to explore you’re sure to lose yourself in the beauty of Hyde Park. Kensington Gardens is another place where couples can enjoy the riches of elegant avenues and architecture including the Peter Pan statue and the Serpentine Gallery. Covering 275 acres and located next to Hyde Park, you’ll be able to wander arm in arm for hours on end.
25 Leinster Square,
W2 4NE
Telephone number: 020 7298 2100
Nearest tube to Hyde Park: Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line) or Marble Arch (Central Line)
Other routes: London Paddington Rail Station
Exhibition Rd,
City of Westminster,
W2 2UH
Nearest tube to Kensington Gardens: High Street Kensington (Circle and District Lines) or Queensway (Central Line)
Other routes: London Paddington Rail Station
If you need a helping hand with setting a romantic scene, the Royal Opera House provide wonderful stage performances that will have the both of you wishing the evening never has to end. However, if a bit a history is what you’re after why not visit Hampton Court Palace? It is the historical place where King Henry VIII wooed his many brides.
Covent Garden,
WC2E 9DD
Telephone number: 020 7240 1200
Nearest tube to the Royal Opera House: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Other routes: London Charing Cross
Surrey,
KT8 9AU
Telephone number: 0844 482 7777
Nearest station to Hampton Court Palace: Hampton Court Rail Station
Cosy Pubs
To end the evening why not enjoy sitting in a cosy London pub that is filled with a romantic ambience? Once you've enjoyed a romantic walk or had your fill at some of London’s opulent restaurants you can snuggle up together and enjoy peace a quiet in one of these many pubs.
Spaniards Road,
Greater London,
NW3 7JJ
Telephone number: 020 8731 8406 ()
Nearest tube to Spaniard’s Inn: Hampstead (Northern Line)
Other routes: Hampstead Heath Rail Station
Quirky fact: Dick Turpin used to drink in this pub in the 18th Century
53 Whitehall,
City of London,
SW1A 2HP
Telephone number: 020 7930 4808
Nearest tube to The Clarence: Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
Other routes: London Charing Cross Rail Station
Quirky fact: Has a special Pol Roger Champagne room upstairs
47 Chandos Pl,
City of London,
WC2N 4HS
Telephone number: 020 7836 0291
Nearest tube to The Harp: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
Other routes: London Charing Cross Rail Station
Quirky fact: Perfect choice for those who love real ales
33 Rose Street,
City of London,
WC2E 9
Telephone number: 020 7497 9504
Nearest tube to The Lamb and Flag: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Other routes: London Charing Cross Rail Station
Quirky fact: One of London's oldest pubs
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