Soon, the sun will be turning all things golden and the warm weather slowing down the city's pace. What better way to enjoy a summer’s evening in the capital than with a special someone? Yes, it’s time to put all notions of being too cringe-worthy to one side and fully embrace your romantic streak. To help you on your way, here’s some inspiration for what to do on a summery date in London.
If you’re both outdoorsy types and hot on sustainability, why not head out on a foraging trip? Berries such as sloes, blackberries, raspberries and mulberries are among the most common edibles you can pick at this time of year. We recommend booking a guided forage to learn about the safety surrounding picking foods in the wild. Many offer the chance to take your finds back to communal kitchen and cook them into something delicious with the help of a chef. You’ll walk away with jam jars or perhaps a pie to enjoy together on your next date.
From the sweet-smelling rose garden embodying romance itself to the twinkling lights of its Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park offers a variety of backdrops for summer dates – none of which feel overly contrived.
This summer, there's a revival of Thorton Wilder's classic drama Our Town showing at the Open Air Theatre (16 May - 8 June), followed by an operatic version of Hansel and Gretel (14 - 22 June). The season continues with the return of the theatre’s much-loved take on A Midsummer Night's Dream (28 June - 27 July), before closing with a new production of 1978 musical Evita (2 August - 21 September).
Meanwhile, from July until October, Frieze Sculpture returns to the park with its annual outdoor display of contemporary sculptures. If it’s a sunny day, we recommend bringing a picnic and making an afternoon or evening of it. The art should give you and your partner plenty to talk about as you weave your way between the works.
Or, why not have a mosey after dark around London Zoo – also in Regent’s Park – and ‘awww’ together at your favourite animals?
What could be more romantic than hunkering down on a deckchair and getting cosy under a blanket, while hearing your favourite lines from your best-loved movies projected out under a starry night sky? We are, of course, talking about al fresco film screenings – something London isn’t short of this summer. At Somerset House, the line-up juxtaposes teen rom-com Clueless with heartwarming indie flick God’s Own Country, while Rooftop Film Club is hoping to please tender-hearted crowds at its three different venues with the likes of Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, and A Star is Born. Luna Cinema – unrivalled for unique locations and stunning views – is also set to make your heart swell, showing Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Romeo + Juliet and A Star is Born this summer.
Restaurant dates are never more lovely than when you have good company, excellent cuisine and to top it all off, a view to rival that of your partner’s sunlit face. With this in mind, we’ve sussed out the city’s best spots for al fresco dining. Be warned: whether you opt for the floral courtyard at Petersham Nurseries or the fairy lit back garden of Notting Hill gem The Shed, to bag a spot you’ll want to book ahead.
Meanwhile, if it’s riverside dining you’re after, we’ve got that covered too – from unrivalled sophistication and cuisine at the River Café, to Daisy Green’s wholesome menu and chance to dine on a boat. Click here for our favourites.
What could be more romantic than watching the sun set with your tipple of choice in hand and favourite person by your side? Whether you're after a flashy roof garden serving masterfully-blended cocktails, or a hidden terrace offering unusual concoctions, our guide to London’s rooftop bars should help you decipher the right location for your next date. Meanwhile, if it’s something a little more upmarket you’re after, have a browse of the hotels across the city with outdoor bars and gardens that are, joyously, open to the public.
Pack a hamper, book a train and head out to the surrounding countryside to enjoy an afternoon at one of the many historic properties surrounding London that are open to visitors. Marvel at the Gothic turrets of Strawberry Hill or huddle together as you mooch around Ham House (pictured), supposedly one of the most haunted houses in England. Play croquet at Surrey stately home Polesden Lacey, or walk the glamorous hallways of Chatsworth House, once owned by Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire and the Mitford sisters. Then hop on the train and head back to reality.
If you’re dating someone with a sweet tooth, and have one yourself, why not keep it sweet by showing off your knowledge of London’s best ice cream parlours? We might only get good weather for several weeks of the year (if that), but the city boasts some of the most innovative ice cream shops shops in the world. From the funky Filipino flavours at Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream to Milk Train’s icy treats served on a bed of cotton candy, you and your date will be floating on cloud nine after a trip to one of these sugar havens.
If you want to treat your date to one of Britain’s truly classic experiences, then book yourselves tickets to a BBC Prom of your choosing when the season returns to the Royal Albert Hall in July (where it runs until September). The Proms offers an eclectic line-up up of symphonies, concertos, musicals, operas and talks. Highlights this year include the world premiere of a piece written to accompany Elgar's much-loved 'Enigma Variations', and a birthday concert for Queen Victoria performed on her own piano.
Pack a picnic, pop the champagne cork and enjoy listening to music that’s stood the test of time with your partner by your side.
They say couples who laugh together last together. With this in mind, why not take your date for comedy fix at the annual Underbelly Festival on Southbank? Returning for the 11th consecutive year, the Underbelly Festival has established itself as one of the city's most vibrant cultural celebrations, promoting the best new British performance art alongside seasoned world-class entertainers.
The comedy line-up this year features plenty of acts to make you belly laugh. Try Sh!t-Faced Showtime: Guys ‘n’ Dolls (6 – 13 July), the new show from the company who perform comedies with one genuinely drunk cast member.
The hustle and bustle of London can get too much for all of us from time to time. If you and your date want something far away from the city’s maddening crowds, why not embrace the natural world while simultaneously enjoying a spot of luxury on a glamping holiday? From the fresh air to the detox that comes with living minimally, it’s an opportunity to fully recharge the mental batteries and enjoy each other’s company without the usual distractions. Whether you opt for the quirky lodgings of Blackberry Wood in East Sussex, the breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons or pure extravagance at Chewton Glen in the New Forest, no two glamping sites are the same, so find the one that best panders to your tastes.
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