Romantic Things to Do in London - Valentine's Day & More

England’s most glamorous city is perfect for that ideals romantic vacation you’ve always been dreaming of. For those of you looking for ideas for Valentine’s Day 2017, look no further than London! If you’re searching for ideas about how to spend a romantic day in London – whether that’s Valentine’s Day 2017, or a special day any time of year – check out some of our suggestions. Regular admission to a number of these activities is included on the London Explorer Pass®. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 35% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, some of these special events may be separately ticketed and not included on the London Explorer Pass®.

See the City From Above at the Coca-Cola London Eye

One of London’s top romantic spots is actually also one of its most recognizable – the Coca-Cola London Eye. Built on the banks of the iconic River Thames, the London Eye is a magnificent observation wheel. From heights of nearly 450 feet in the air, you’ll get glimpses of many of the top London landmarks, from Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to Piccadilly Circus and the British Museum. Take an evening ride, timed just before sunset, to maximize the beauty of your aerial views. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you bring your camera, as the clear glass pods will make snapping that perfect photo a breeze. Getting In: General admission to the Coca-Cola London Eye is available with the London Explorer Pass®.

Hop Aboard a Sightseeing Cruise

While we tend to think of something like a sunset dinner cruise as the most romantic option, there’s something really charming and fun about a sightseeing cruise, too. Travelers who want to see more of London on a relaxing excursion will value this picturesque London Eye River Cruise. You’ll see sights like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and more. This fully-narrated tour is a great way to learn about the city’s architectural landmarks and to simply have a good time on the water. Getting In: London Eye River Cruise tickets are available with the London Explorer Pass®.

Tour Historical Sites

London is amazingly modern city with strong historical roots. As a result, you’ll find a significant number of lovely old buildings with a history that goes back centuries. For example, you’ll cherish a visit to the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most easily recognizable London landmarks. Explore the interior architecture with a tour of Cathedral Floor and Crypt, as well as a number of areas which are accessible only via a guided tour like the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George. Of course, London is chock full of historic sites, so you can easily make St. Paul’s part of a larger historical itinerary. History buffs will adore this city! Getting In: Admission to St. Paul’s Cathedral is available with the London Explorer Pass®.

For the Sports Lover

For fans of football (that’s soccer for you Americans out there), there are few places in England as significant as Wembley Stadium. It’s where the English National Team plays, and it’s also home to the famed FA Cup Final. Outside of football events, it also plays hosts to a number of concerts and big events during the summer season. A tour of this facility is a great chance to walk in the shoes of athletic greats – including David Beckham and Wayne Rooney – and to see areas of the stadium and the pitch that your typical visitor doesn’t get a chance to see. Getting In: Wembley Stadium Tour tickets is available with the London Explorer Pass®.

Meet Top British Celebrities

Visit the original Madame Tussauds for a chance to learn all about the history and heritage of this amazing wax artistry. Then, explore their many themed areas, featuring figurines from the sports world, celebrity culture, and even the political arena. Plus, where else will you get the opportunity to mingle with the likes of One Direction and David Beckham? And don’t forget about the Queen herself! A chance to snap a photo of the British monarch is a rare opportunity that few outside the paparazzi ever get. Getting In: Admission to Madame Tussauds London is available with the London Explorer Pass®.

Enjoy Some Local Cuisine

Enjoy a fun dinner at a local British pub for a taste of authentic English cuisine. That said, it could be intimidating for visitors to choose a restaurant among the hundreds of offerings dotting the city landscape. Short of digging through pages upon pages of TripAdvisor reviews, how do you know if someplace is any good? Fortunately, there are several dining options available with the London Explorer Pass that we’ve already vetted for tastiness and value. Your visit to the Royal Oak Pub or the Rising Sun Pub actually includes a complete meal, with appetizer, main dish, and a beverage – perhaps a nice pint? Choose from traditional favorites like delightful fish and chips, or opt for something more familiar like a burger. Plus, the buildings themselves as historic and beautiful, so you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing charm for taste. Getting In: A meal at the Royal Oak Pub or a meal at the Rising Sun Pub are both available on the London Explorer Pass®.

Take in a Show

London’s theatre scene is unparalleled. If you’re looking for a fun date night idea in this vibrant city, then a visit to the theatre is a no-brainer. There are plenty of companies and venues to choose form, offering everything from big name favorites to indie productions. You’ll even find some distinctive options, like the dark re-imagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream going on at the Young Vic a little after Valentine’s Day. Those of you planning for an actual Valentine’s Day date should be sure to secure tickets in advance, as it’s a very popular local idea, too. Getting In: Theatre tickets are not included with the London Explorer Pass®.

Explore Museums

There are few cities in the world with a higher concentration of museums than London. Ranging from the grand, expansive collections of the British Museum to the tiny exhibitions at historic author’s homes, the museum scene in London is full of something to appeal to every culture lover. You’ll find grand galleries of modern and contemporary art at the Tate Modern, or unparalleled collections of art and artifacts at the iconic British Museum (which was actually the first free public museum in the world!). There are a number of options for kids, too, if you couldn’t leave the family at home on your romantic vacation. Some fun options include the V&A Museum of Childhood, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. Getting In: Admission to certain museums, like the British Museum and the Tate Modern, are free. Other museums are separately ticketed and are not included with the London Explorer Pass®.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

Enjoy this list of romantic things to do in London for Valentine’s Day 2017. Remember, some of these great options are included on the London Explorer Pass®, where you can save up to 35% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the London Explorer Pass®.