Posted on 21 Jan 2014

The 21 Loveliest Places To Go For A Date In London

Who needs Paris?

by Ailbhe Malone

BuzzFeed Staff, UK

Stroll along the Thames, thumb the used books on sale, watch the skateboarders and pretend you own the city. There are plenty of places to stop to have a bite to eat, as well as loads of bars including the BFI and the National Theatre.

Tube: Waterloo, London Bridge or Southwark

This dark and discreet, bar is perfect for whispering secrets over glasses of delicious wine. The food's good too, and the location is super easy.

Tube: Charing Cross or Embankment

Skip the row boats and relax with pedal power. The pedalos are hired by the hour, and during the summer there may be a queue. There are few more pleasant ways to spend a hot afternoon than by slowly splashing around a city centre lake.

Tube: Green Park or Hyde Park Corner

This city centre bar is notable for its view of St Paul's Cathedral. And what a view. Bring your date at sunset and prepare to swoon.

Tube: St Paul's, Mansion House or Bank

Hear me out. Sure it's not glamourous. But what could be more fun than a tenner's worth of tokens, a bag full of jelly sweets and the chance to win a massive teddy bear for your boo?

Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square

It's a little pricey, but the Shard has a massive wow factor. Top tip, to avoid over-crowding, book for the hour before sunset.

Tube: London Bridge

The best hidden museum in London, the Geffrye lets you wander through houses throughout history. It also has a beautiful walled garden and a great coffee shop. Bliss.

Tube: Hoxton Overground

Geese, sheep, goats, donkeys and more. An idyll in East London, with a brilliant coffee shop, and the option to buy fresh eggs to take home.

Tube: Hoxton or Cambridge Heath Overground

Snuggly and cosy - with blankets and couches, the Aubin is a cinema with a difference. You can also bring in wine and food from their bar, making it perfect for a low-key date night.

Tube: Shoreditch High Street Overground

Sager and Wilde is still quite new, but it knows exactly what it wants. Low-key and quietly sophisticated, they serve perfect grilled cheeses alongside even more perfect wine choices.

Tube: Hoxton or Cambridge Heath Overground

This lively Shoreditch bar serves decent beer, and has enough foozball tables to keep anyone happy. If you're further north, then Cafe Kick in Angel has a similar vibe.

Tube: Old Street

This below the radar bar has a touch of intrigue. You'll have to assume an identity, and tell nobody. It's worth it for the mouth-watering Old Fashioned though.

Tube: Earl's Court

So super classy, the Electric is a Notting Hill institution. Double-couches, mood lighting, and red velvet everywhere. Ideal.

Tube: Ladbroke Grove

Choose your museum - the V&A, the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum. Now stay out after-hours, peering the exhibits, doing crafts, and having a bite to eat and a glass of wine.

Tube: South Kensington

Grab your picnic basket and a rug, and take to the Primrose Hill. When you're not pointing out the skyline, keep an eye out for local celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Harry Styles.

Tube: Chalk Farm or St John's Wood

Ever wanted to see what the giraffes got up to after dark? During the summer, London Zoo stays open for adults, with food trucks, dancing and of course, the animals.

Tube: Camden Town

A train station? Not just any train station. Follow in Harry Potter's footsteps at Platform 9 3/4's, sip on champagne at the bar, and recreate the opening of "Wannabe" at the next door St Pancras Hotel (where the video was filmed). And if you're feeling flush, the Eurostar is right next to you.

Tube: King's Cross St Pancras