With the sun turning all things golden and the warm weather slowing down the city's pace, what better way to enjoy a summer’s evening 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. And to help you on your way, here’s some inspiration for what to do on a summery date in London.
From the sweet-smelling rose garden embodying romance itself to the twinkling lights of its Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park has plenty of sparky things to do on a date – none of which are overly contrived. This month, Frieze Sculpture returns to the park with their annual outdoor display of contemporary sculptures, giving you and your partner plenty to talk about as you weave your way between the works. Meanwhile Britten’s operatic adaptation of The Turn of the Screw will make you want to snuggle up close together in the Open Air Theatre, while Max Webster’s As You Like It will be a much more relaxed affair. Or, why not have a mosey around London Zoo – also in Regent’s Park – after dark and ‘awww’ 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 watching a film in the great outdoors. And London isn’t short of places to do so in the summer. At Somerset House, the line-up this summer is getting steamy with the likes of Call Me by your Name, while Rooftop Film Club is turning things up a notch at their three different venues with Dirty Dancing, 10 Things I Hate About You, Pretty Woman and Notting Hill. Luna Cinema – unrivalled for unique locations and stunning views – is also set to make your heart swell, showing Moulin Rouge!, Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Greatest Showman 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 water-side dining spots. From unrivalled sophistication at Le Pont de la Tour, to Daisy Green’s wholesome menu and chance to dine on a boat, London’s outdoor dining scene is truly unique.
What could be more romantic than watching the sun set with your favourite cocktail in hand and favourite person by your side? Whether you're looking for fancy cocktails with exquisite views or secret gems, London’s rooftop bars each offer something a little bit different by way of sky-high drinking. While if you’re looking to take your date to somewhere slightly off the beaten track, and impress them with an upmarket watering hole they haven’t been to before, have a browse of the hotels across the city with top-notch rooftop bars that are, joyously, open to the public.
If drinking isn’t your scene, why not keep your date 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 is home to some of the most innovative ice cream shops around. From Soft Serve Society's trendy charcoal cones and unusual flavours, to Milk Train where the ices are served on a bed of cotton candy, you and your date will be floating on cloud nine. Or, if you want to truly impress your ice cream-loving date, book yourselves onto a tour of Bompas & Parr’s new exhibition: SCOOP: A Wonderful World of Ice Cream – a multi-sensory exhibition exploring the past, present and future of ice cream. This is arguably the closest thing to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory London has ever seen, and yes, there are plenty of tasters.
If you want to take your date to something truly classic, the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall returns this month and will run till September offering an eclectic line-up up of symphonies, concertos, musicals, operas and talks. 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. Highlights this season include Bernstein's West Side Story and Handel's Theodora.
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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