Activities for couples in London

Enjoy the city's sights together with a turn on the London Eye, the city's famous observation wheel that attracts millions of visitors each year. The transparent pods mean you won't miss a thing on your 30 minute trip. Make it extra special with one of the romantic packages with extra perks like drinks and a private pod.

Have fun together in the kitchen with a cooking class with Greenwich Pantry. This place does group and one-to-one sessions plus classes for kids and teams, but couples can book a romantic couples' cooking class. You'll learn from professional chefs and various classes are on offer, from making bread to crafting the perfect sushi roll.

Explore the cutting edge of contemporary art with a visit to the Saatchi Gallery. This modern gallery in Chelsea showcases work by a wide range of artists, with a particular focus on up-and-coming art world stars. A variety of exhibitions are on throughout the year, including shows by recent graduates.

You'll really get an original date at immersive theatre experience The Murdér Express. Set on a train in 1937, this murder mystery is intimate and comes complete with a multi-course gourmet meal. There's no need to get involved – just sit back in your booth and enjoy the show together.

For a romantic drinking experience, take your partner to The Brig. This unique venue is the smallest bar in London, available for exclusive hire for two to four people. You'll have this cosy spot all to yourself, with all drinks included and your own personal bartender. Set the mood with your own music choices and even make your drinks yourself if you like.

You'll find beers from Camden Town Brewery just about everywhere in London and you and your partner can discover how they're made with a brewery tour. Find out about the history of the brewhouse and the methods used to make that delicious beer, as well as trying plenty of samples including fresh beer straight out of the tank. There's a beer hall on-site for a drink afterwards too.

Immerse yourself in the crimes of the mysterious Jack the Ripper with The Jack the Ripper Tour in Whitechapel. This unique walking tour takes place twice a day. You'll visit all of the murder scenes as well as the places Jack and his victims frequented, gaining insights into the crimes from your knowledgeable tour guide. 

Let your hair down and release your inner child at Ballie Ballerson. This is an on-trend bar equipped with its own adult ball pit for the ultimate in nostalgia. Dive in together for a unique couples' activity. You can also relax in the bar after your session with pizza and signature cocktails.

If you're both fans of dance, take in a showstopping performance at Sadler's Wells. This dance theatre is located near Angel Station and features a spacious theatre and a more intimate studio. A variety of different productions are put on here including ballet, musicals, contemporary dance performances, and Bollywood dance shows.

Unleash your competitive streak at Boom Battle Bar. These modern activity bars offer a range of fun activities, as well as serving snacks and drinks including beer and cocktails. The options here include karaoke, shuffleboard, mini-golf, darts, and pool. The interior is low-lit and moody with a lively atmosphere.

Take a unique self-driven boat trip with Skuna Boats. Floating barbecue boats are available but there are also hot tub boats for a romantic couples' activity. Your experience will start in Canary Wharf and then after a briefing you'll set sail for two hours and enjoy sights along the Thames as you go.

Sky Garden, the highest public garden in the capital, is on the 36th floor of the Walkie-Talkie building. Amongst lush botanicals you can enjoy great views of the city and soak up the atmosphere. Sometimes there's live music to enhance the experience. You'll also find various bars and eateries on-site.

Make a trip to the cinema something extra special with Screen on the Green. This Islington cinema has a striking old-school exterior lit up in neon. New and classic films are screened here. Kick back in a comfy seat or on a luxury sofa with footrests and take advantage of having food and drinks delivered right to your seat.

Proud Cabaret will give couples a memorable night out. These glitzy venues play host to spectacular cabaret shows in a grand and opulent setting. You'll see dancers, burlesque acts, and circus performers whilst indulging in high quality food and drinks. The cabarets run a varied range of events, including daytime brunches.

Head to Barbican Conservatory to immerse yourself in plants and trees from all around the world. Around 1,500 different species are housed here including orchids and cacti. The conservatory is also home to three pools with terrapins, carp, and koi. This is the place to go for a unique walk in London.

Bask in the atmosphere and pick up some beautiful blooms at Columbia Road Flower Market. At this Sunday market you can shop for plants and flowers sourced from all over the country. Buskers brighten up the atmosphere with live music and there are plenty of businesses along the street to explore too.

Rowans has been an icon in North London since the 1980s. It's a fun destination for all ages and it's open late for adults. 24 bowling lanes are available at this retro spot, plus pool, karaoke booths, and arcade games. DJs will get you onto the dance floor and there's a wide choice of drinks and food.

Experience artistic masterpieces in a new way at Frameless. This modern exhibition space includes several galleries that use sound, mirrors, and moving projections to bring the art to life. You'll be immersed in works by notable artists including Dali, Bosch, Mondrian, and Monet. There's also an on-site café serving an art-themed afternoon tea.

Originally built for the 2012 Olympics, the London Cable Car is now a unique way to go sightseeing and is an ideal activity for couples. The ride takes you over the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Docks, offering impressive panoramic views. It's a ten-minute journey but there are slower trips in the evening.

If you're a couple of thrill-seekers then take on a unique challenge with Up at the O2. During this award-winning experience you'll climb to the top of the iconic O2 Arena and you can choose a daytime, evening, or twilight climb. At the peak you'll get fabulous views of the city.

If you're fans of theatre, head out to Shakespeare's Globe. This Thameside theatre is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre and there's a regular programme of plays and performances to watch. You can also visit just for a tour of the space and to check out the gift shop.

Established in 1991, the London Bicycle Tour Company holds the distinction of being London's first bike tour service and continues to be one of the leading bike tour operators in the capital. They have the largest privately-owned collection of different bicycles in the city, including tandem bikes you can rent. Hop on and pedal your way to your very own romcom montage scene.

Award-winning AIM Escape puts you at the heart of the action with a variety of immersive games. You'll soon be transported far away from London. Each of these games is suitable for a maximum of six people, meaning they're the ideal activity for a couple to take on together.

For a unique day or night out visit Fairgame, the city's adults-only immersive funfair. You can play classic fairground games like whack-a-mole and shooting ducks, as well as indulge in delicious food and drinks. There's street food like pizza and tacos, cocktails, locally-brewed beer, and tempting sweets like prosecco-infused candy floss.

Forget about sitting in the pub and combine drinks with games instead at Bounce. At this modern neon-lit space you can try a range of activities like shuffleboard, beer pong, ping pong, or wonderball. Food and drinks are also available to enjoy before, during, or after your game, including cocktails, cider, and beer.

Take your boo somewhere that'll surprise them – The Viktor Wynd Museum. If you both love curiosities and the macabre, then this museum in Hackney will definitely keep you entertained. Packed with taxidermy, occult relics, and many more rare and unusual artefacts, there's also a cocktail bar and absinthe parlour on-site.

There's lots you can do together at Queens. This colourful centre is glittering with lights and the main attraction is the ice rink where you can skate for fun. If you don't think you can stay standing up on the ice, you can head to the arcade, go bowling, or settle down with food and drinks.

Take that special someone on your own private boat ride with GoBoat. Running from several locations in the capital, these are self-drive boats that let you explore the river or canal at a leisurely pace. No boating experience is necessary. Each vessel has a picnic table and you're welcome to bring food along.

Arguably London's best-known food market, Borough Market is a great activity for foodie couples. This famous market has been running for hundreds of years and constantly has new things to try. Check out the produce for sale and taste the samples, grab some street food, or visit one of the many restaurants around the market.

Inject some excitement into your date with the Thames RIB experience. You'll cruise along the Thames in a powerful RIB, the fastest speedboat available in London. A range of routes are available, taking you past some of the most famous sights, and a PA system ensures you don't miss a thing.

Primrose Hill offers some of the best views of central London so head to the park with a picnic for a relaxing activity with your partner. The summit of the hill is 63 metres above sea level and is a protected viewpoint. Even the trees in this scenic park are kept below a certain height so that your view isn't interrupted.

The immersive Bubble Planet offers guests a playful escape into 11 themed rooms, each filled with optical illusions, vibrant landscapes, and interactive elements like lasers, lights, and virtual reality. Visitors can immerse themselves in various experiences, from the futuristic Bubble Getaway and the colourful Giant Bubble Room to the underwater-themed LED Strips or the meditative Cloud Room.

A great date idea for the warmer months is a trip to Rooftop Film Club. This seasonal open-air cinema shows films ranging from classics to new releases with a backdrop of stunning city views. You'll get a comfy deckchair, your own personal wireless headphones, and loads of food and drinks options as well.

Pamper yourself and your partner with a relaxing spa day at The Skin Co Spa, an elegant venue in Spitalfields. You can book their Love and Lounge couples massage, a full body massage with The Skin Co Spa's signature foot ritual and hot compress included. The package also lets you enjoy exclusive access to the facility's spa.

Cruise along the canal with the London Waterbus Company. Cruises lasting 45 minutes run throughout the day in both directions between Camden Town and Little Venice. See the city from a new perspective with commentary throughout from an experienced guide who'll reveal to you some of London's unexpected gems and hidden history.

If you can't find anything to pique your interest in the Big Smoke, or just want a quick change of scenery, leaving the city streets behind might be just the thing. There are numerous options for a fun day trip from London, including countryside hikes, beach trips, cultural excursions, and more. Check out our guide to the best day trips from London for inspiration.