London, England – February 2001

Although romance traditionally conjures up images of Paris or Rome, London can also offer idyllic settings for romance this Valentine’s Day. Here are my top ten recommendations for finding romance this February.

South Bank – a walk along

Good starting points include Westminster, Waterloo, Embankment, Blackfriars, Tower Hill and London Bridge tube stations.

A walkway runs most of the way along the south bank of the Thames. With a slight detour at London Bridge, it is possible to walk from Tower Bridge all the way to Parliament and beyond. The route paces an enormous number of landmarks, including the reconstructed Globe Theatre, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, Cleopatras Needle, Tate Modern and London Eye. There are also places to stop and sit or eat along the way.

Wallace Collection Galleria – for coffee

Manchester Square

Bond Street tube

If you tire of the hustle and bustle Oxford Street and wish to relax together (which is the reason you went away together in the first place), seek out the Wallace Collection for a coffee break. The Wallace Collection has recently finished major renovations, and the now glassed-in courtyard features a café. The upstairs of the house itself is also rather atmospheric.

Any park

A walk through any of London’s Parks can be romantic. St James’, Hyde Park and Regents Park all feature lakes with a variety of waterfowl and lovely flower gardens. Consult the park map (located at entrances) to find the flower gardens and water features. Avoid the boring open fields. Bring animal feed (bread) for added excitement.

Parliament Hill

Hampstead tube

Located in Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill offers one of the best views of the city London has to offer. It’s a bit of a hike to get to, but it’s all worthwhile once the two of you park yourself on a bench and watch the time pass over London.

Sommerset House riverside patio

Temple or Charing Cross tubes

The riverside of Sommerset House is remarkably tranquil, given is busy location on the Strand. There are even trees! The casual patio eatery is a great place to quietly enjoy central London and the Thames.

Get lost together

Randomly pick an area or tube station and go. Wander around sans map.

Dinner at Julie’s

133-137 Portland Rd

Holland Park tube

Julie’s is reputedly the most romantic restaurant in London. The Zagat Survey describes it this way: the "golden oldie in Notting Hill never fails to please fans who laud its simple, tasty British fare and quaint, cosy interior that’s perfect for romance or a relaxing Sunday lunch; others concede that the ambience is unique (so 70s) but find prices a bit steep for unimaginative fare; still, the amazing alcoves provide a nice place to escape."

St Christopher’s Place – dinner at outdoor café

Bond Street tube

The closest London comes to the European café scene, St Christopher’s Place and the adjoining James Street are filled with a wide variety of restaurants, all of which have outdoor seating areas. The area is very popular, and street performers often entertain outdoor diners.

Box seats at a West End play

The theatre is always a romantic night out, and what better way to make it more special than with your own box? Many West End theatres have them, and even though the sightlines are crap, the benefits of privacy outweigh the drawbacks.

Trafalgar Square at night

Charing Cross tube

The fountains and statues are illuminated after dark, and after the pigeons and tourists go the bed Trafalgar Square is shockingly empty. It is a beautiful time to sit or wander around the square, and it is the height of romance in London. Many of the buildings around the square are also illuminated, including Big Ben and St Martin’s in the Field.

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