London might not have the same reputation for romance as some European capitals, but there’s plenty of great spots which help prove it can be just as romance-fuelled as any of its competitors. With a mixture of greenery, scenery and history, there’s lots to see and do.
If you’re staying near Hyde Park for your anniversary, then you’re close to some fantastic options to help you celebrate in style…
Go rowing on the Serpentine
One of the most popular parts of Hyde Park is the Serpentine Lake. From here, you can not only admire the stunning views, but hire a boat and row along the still waters to see more of the beautiful scenery. Currently, boating is permitted in this area between April – October each year, but if you miss this window then you can still enjoy a walk beside the water for a suitably romantic afternoon while staying at 4 star hotels in London.
Visit Kensington Palace and gardens
London includes many great historic spots, each of which carry their own stories. However, Kensington Palace is undoubtedly one of the most romantic. It was the childhood home of Queen Victoria, one half of a great royal love story – and Kensington Palace was also the place where she was first told she was now the monarch.
The gardens were first organised by Queen Caroline in 1728, and include a beautiful flower walk and numerous fountains. This makes for a delightful walking space all year round, and the ideal way to treat your history buff partner during a stay at the Grand Royale London Hyde Park.
If you really want to show off your local knowledge, then you can tell them all about the Albert Memorial, which was created as a tribute to Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s spouse). It stands at 190ft high, and particularly marks his connection to the Great Exhibition in 1851.
Stroll through Little Venice
Located in northwest London, a trip to Little Venice will require that you stretch your legs with a walk, but it’s certainly worth the trip. Named after the famed Italian city, Little Venice has plentiful cafes lining its banks, as well as regular boat trips for couples who are feeling particularly adventurous.
Grab a bouquet at Columbia Road Flower Market
This popular flower market is a real sight to behold, with colourful flowers and floral arrangements on offer here every Sunday. It’s the perfect place to pick up something special for a loved one, and when you’ve finished shopping for flowers, you can wander into the surrounding streets to browse local art galleries and clothing boutiques.
We recommend arriving here early to avoid the crowds, and a glimpse at the market in the morning is particularly special!
Enjoy afternoon tea
This popular British tradition has gained a wider audience during the last few years, with more and more people eager to try afternoon tea for themselves. A delightfully indulgent way to try delicious cakes and sample high quality tea, it’s also a relaxing treat best served by two people. This makes afternoon tea one of the very best experiences for your anniversary!
The Grand Royale London afternoon tea is a great way to try the tradition without having to travel far from your base in the city, and the options on offer are sure to please even the fussiest of diners.
Catch a London sunset
If you’re in the mood for more fantastic views, then another great way to see the city is to watch the sunset. There are lots of places which offer particularly delightful ways to achieve this goal, including the Sky Garden, with its enormous slanted windows ideal for taking photos! If you’d prefer to stay closer to ground level, then Tower Bridge is another option for iconic scenery and romance. For the curious, you can even take a look around the bridge at the Tower Bridge exhibition and tour.
Have a picnic at a Royal Park
London’s Royal Parks offer an abundance of great scenery, and thankfully for visitors staying near Hyde Park, it’s one of the very best! Until the weather gets too cold, a picnic is a great way to celebrate your anniversary, and there are lots of places where you can pick up a few supplies to help make it extra special.
We recommend heading for Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges or Harrods to find the best luxury food in London, or to buy a ready-made picnic hamper. Remember to bring a picnic blanket with you, and see out the best views at your chosen park. A picnic is also a fantastic light way to dine before enjoying an evening meal at some of the best London restaurants.
Take a spin on the London Eye
If you are eager to see the city from above, then the London Eye provides a perfect vantage point. A spin on this enormous Ferris Wheel can be booked online at the official website, and there are also lots of ways to upgrade the experience for your anniversary. These options include renting a private pod, or enjoying a glass of champagne and dessert during your own journey. Whatever option you choose, this is a great way to achieve a real bird’s eye view of one of the world’s most popular cities.
See a West End show
London’s theatre scene is world-famous, and nowhere is this typified better than in the West End. There’s always new shows to discover, or you can book one of the bestselling additions on offer – many of which have been playing for decades to delighted crowds.
We always recommend booking in advance, particularly for more popular shows. However, if you’re feeling a little more spontaneous, you can always simply stroll along to a few venues and see if there’s anything you want to see during your stay.
