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 Cosy up on a sofa in a dinky independent cinema, splash around on a boating lake, wander hand in hand through a sprawling park or along a canal or get your kicks in a comedy museum, whatever you choose, London's full of romantic hot-spots...
 Albert Memorial Kensington Gardens (opposite Royal Albert Hall), W2 2UH This garish tribute to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was erected following his death and exists as one of London's most powerful tangible and artistic embodiments of the enduring power of love. In its size and sheer physical presence it accurately captures a royal love story that, like the statue, has stood the test of time. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1872 this tribute to the Prince Consort was unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1876. Each pillar took eight men about 20 weeks to finish and polish, and the Albert Memorial was noted at the time of its completion as being one of the most costly works in granite of the period. At the time, the Queen's grief, and that of her public, was directed at the monument which reflected the Prince's various public passions and Victorian achievements of the time. Now a beacon, shimmering in bronze gilt, the highly ostentatious, high-Victorian Gothic statue presides over Kensington Gardens, facing the Royal Albert Hall - another architectural tribute to the royal consort. Valentine's Day romance aside, the sheer size and symbolism of this mammoth effigy makes it worth a visit. Combine your visit with a wander around the ever-magical gardens before taking in a Cirque du Soleil performance of Varekai at the Royal Albert Hall. Address: Kensington Gardens (opposite Royal Albert Hall), W2 2UH Phone: 020 7495 0196 Pricing: FREE Nearest Station: South Kensington Tube Albert Memorial - Information   Battersea ParkBattersea, SW8 4ND Situated on the south side of the Thames, facing Chelsea, Battersea Park is well-equipped to cater for Valentine's Day lovers within its 200-acre space. Firstly, there's lots of water; head over to the ponds and admire the wildlife (and your own, passion-infused, reflections) in the water; then finally take in the pretty impressive view of the Thames, which flanks the park on one side. There's also art - guaranteed to stimulate the senses and get the blood flowing. The waterside Pump House Gallery has regular exhibitions and there are many sculptures dotted around the park itself. If you and your partner want to burn off some excess energy you can even hire a bike and race around the grounds on two wheels or alternatively get all gooey over the cute animals in the park's in-house zoo. End your visit at the majestic Peace Pagoda, which - with its air of calm and tranquillity - is the perfect place to propose. Time your departure to coincide with dusk and you can walk back to the bars and restaurants along the lively King's Road via the illuminated and ever-romantic Chelsea Bridge. Address: Battersea, SW8 4ND Phone: 020 8871 7530 Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube | Battersea Park Rail Battersea Park - Information  Borough MarketSouthwark Street, SE1 1TJ Tantalise the tastebuds and get your romantic juices flowing with a trip to one of the capital's most atmospheric and intimate food markets. This gourmand's delight is London's oldest of its type and boasts a mouth-watering range of fresh food stalls under its Dickensian wrought-iron roof. Italian cheeses, Morecambe Bay shrimps, Spanish foods and much more make their home here. You're encouraged to "try before you buy" so you and your partner can get hands-on indulging in a series of tasters before taking the plunge and picking up a range of 'high in quality, high in flavour' food-stuffs for a romantic meal back home. Atmospheric, lively and mouth-watering this foodie's paradise is a definite must for any cuisine-loving, canoodling couple. If you've got time, end your outing by walking back along the river towards Waterloo and the South Bank, passing Southwark Cathedral, the Golden Hinde, the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. Cuddle up as you walk through the dark, cobbled streets which wind behind the wharfs then have a good old smooch under the fairy lights which light up the trees all the way along the river. Address: Southwark Street, SE1 1TJ Phone: 020 7407 1002 Timing: Thur 11:00-17:00, Fri 12:00-18:00, Sat 9:00-16:00 Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube / Rail Borough Market - Information  The Cartoon Museum35 Little Russell Street, WC1A 2HH Don't take Valentine's Day too seriously - celebrate the day with your loved one chortling and chuckling at the cartoons in this gaffaw-inducing gallery. Combining art with humour, this addition to London's museum-come-gallery scene is refreshingly vibrant. From political cartoons of Bush and Blair to rare originals on loan from The Beano, The Dandy and Topper, this is a place for reminiscing over childhood favourites whilst contemplating cartooning controversies of recent years. Hogarth prints, classic works by Gillray, and 3D cartoons including Gerald Scarfe's Chairman Mao, help chart the progression of this popular art-form in Britain from the 18th century onwards. This place is positively brimming with cartoons, caricatures and comics, guaranteed to keep you sniggering and snogging throughout your romantic visit. Address: 35 Little Russell Street, WC1A 2HH Phone: 020 7580 8155 Timing: Tue to Sat 10:30-17:30, Sun 12:00-17:30 Pricing: £3 (Adults) FREE (Under 18s) Nearest Station: Tottenham Court Road Tube The Cartoon Museum - Information  Electric Cinema191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED Plush leather armchairs and sofas for loved-up couples, comfy footstools, wine coolers and tables storing snacks and drinks make this small, independent cinema one of the most appealing in London - especially for film-loving lovers. Nestled in the middle of Notting Hill's ultra-trendy Portobello Road, the Electric offers a unique cinematic experience and is hugely popular with people from the film industry and average film-fans alike. With a programme that mixes current blockbusters and quality mainstream movies with classics and art-house films, the cinema's offerings reflect this new concept. Check the cinema nearer the time for the Valentine's Day line-up - it's a safe bet you won't be disappointed. Opened in 1910, the finely restored Grade II listed building boasts a gorgeous gilt-domed box office with a pretty mosaic floor leading to an elegant panelled auditorium in Baroque style. Start the evening off with tapas-style snacks such as delicious olives and freshly prepared Mediterranean nibbles or order fish and chips and scoff wholeheartedly during the programme. Stock up with a bottle of wine, snuggle up together on a sofa and enjoy the combination of comfort and romance that this idyllic venue promotes. Address: 191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED Phone: 020 7908 9696 Nearest Station: Ladbroke Grove Tube Electric Cinema - Information  Kensington Roof Gardens99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA A great place to propose or simply to get away from the crowds on Valentine's Day, these extraordinary roof gardens are accessible to the general public during the day if there are no functions taking place (ring to check before your visit). Hidden on top of the old Derry and Toms (later Biba) department store, one hundred feet above Kensington High Street, visitors wishing to explore the gardens just need to go to the reception and sign in - entrance is through an ordinary looking door down a side road. Once you emerge out of the lifts a 1.5-acre expanse with spectacular views opens up to you. The gardens are divided up into three distinct areas; traditional English, formal Spanish and Tudor. The English garden, with its wild woodland theme, appears the most extraordinary, considering its position on top of an office block. Over 100 trees (all of which are under a preservation order), a stream and garden pond with flamingos and ducks combine to create a magical environment that defies its unique elevation. Fountains, vines and palm trees define the Moorish idyll, while the Tudor garden provides a delicate contrast with roses, wisteria, ivy and leafy arches. This really is one of London's secret treasures and worth the small effort required to arrange a visit - especially if you're after a truly unique venue for a romantic tryst. Kensington Church Street with its many antique shops and intimate restaurants is just a short walk away, as is the exquisitely ornate Leighton House. Alternatively stay for the evening when the gardens transform into an exclusive restaurant and clubbing venue. Address: 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA Phone: 020 7937 7994 Pricing: Free Nearest Station: High Street Kensington Tube Kensington Roof Gardens - Information  Leighton House Museum and Art Gallery12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ Golden mosaics, gilded walls, elaborate paintwork, domed ceilings, trickling fountains, cool marble and peacock blue tiles make Leighton House one of the most spectacular houses of the 19th century and an ideal venue for a romantic spot of sightseeing. Built between 1864 and 1879 on the edge of Holland Park, the home of classical artist Lord Leighton also became home to the owner's extensive collection of Victorian paintings. Over 1000 Islamic tiles adorn the Arab Hall which forms the centrepiece to the house, providing an opulent theme that is carried out throughout the house. This is a small but exquisite venue so it's perfect for Valentine's Day. You can see the whole of it in an hour or so and then go for a wander in the park, do some shopping on Kensington High Street or head out for a meal. Address: 12 Holland Park Road, W14 8LZ Phone: 020 7602 3316 Timing: Daily 11:00-17:30 (Closed Tue) Pricing: £3 (Adults), £1 (Concs) Nearest Station: Kensington (Olympia) Tube Leighton House Museum and Art Gallery - Information  Little VeniceMaida Vale, W2 1TH If you can't afford the real thing this Valentine's Day, don't fret. You may not be able to glide along on a gondola whilst being serenaded by a swarthy, pole-wielding Italian (no bad thing you might think), but London's Little Venice is appropriately interspersed with pretty waterways, canal boats, restaurants, bars and cafes, lending the whole area a cosmopolitan, laid-back, continental vibe. When Robert Browning coined the term Little Venice he was describing the point where the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent's Canal, however it now refers to the whole area to the south of Maida Vale. Have a wander around this dinky enclave and then pop into the Canal Cafe Theatre at the Bridge House pub. Enjoy a glass of wine before heading up into the theatre for their regular NewsRevue comedy slot. Sitting around a candlelit table in the company of some truly talented comedians can't be a bad way to end your Valentine's Day. Alternatively, for a scenic water-side walk, follow the canal route north-east for 2.5 miles and you'll end up in Camden where you can browse the markets, or stroll across to Regent's Park and London Zoo. Address: Maida Vale, W2 1TH Nearest Station: Warwick Avenue Tube Little Venice - Information  The London EyeJubilee Gardens, South Bank, SE1 7PB From an empty space on the South Bank to London's undisputed top attraction, the London Eye has come a long way in its comparatively short life. A slow turn across the London skyline as the sun is setting is as romantic as it is spectacular. It's become a rather obvious choice for Valentine's but that's probably because it's really quite a good idea. If you can ignore the other smooching couples and concentrate on the vista (and each other) it's really pretty romantic. This year they're lighting the wheel up in a fetching shade of pink for the occasion and you'll be treated to a choccie and a red rose in addition to the standard stunning views which stretch 25 miles. Precede your flight with a fishy forage in the London Aquarium. Directly adjacent to the wheel, this watery wonderland is the perfect, intimate retreat for couples and is usually fairly quiet. Address: Jubilee Gardens, South Bank, SE1 7PB Phone: 0870 500 0600 Timing: Daily from 9:30 Pricing: £40 per couple including a red rose and chocolates Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rail British Airways London Eye - Information  The Lovers Statue at St Pancras Railway StationEuston Road, NW1 2QP While some might want to be whisked away on Eurostar for a canoodle on the continent, others of us, after something a little more understated (i.e. cheap), can find Valentine's Day pleasure simply by wandering around the recently re-opened station at St Pancras. This triumph of 19th-century station architecture is one of the wonders of London, and has some claim to being the most attractive railway station in the world - its architect Sir George Gilbert Scott originally described it as being "too good for its purpose". With the arrival of the Eurostar high speed link in 2007, it has finally achieved a role that suits its Gothic magnificence - it also now houses a nine-metre high sculpture of lovers meeting beneath the station clock which is best appreciated on this romantic occasion. Finish off your visit with a glass or two at The Champagne Bar, which - at 90 metres in length - is the longest in Europe. Cheers. Address: Euston Road, NW1 2QP
Nearest Station: St Pancras Tube / Rail St Pancras Railway Station and Eurostar Terminal - Information  The Millennium BridgeRiver Thames, SE1 9EF Designed by Sir Norman Foster, this sleek, 330m steel footbridge spans the Thames between St Paul's Cathedral in the City and the Tate Modern at Bankside. When it opened in June 2000 it became London's first new Thames crossing in more than 100 years. Its early years were beset by problems - the most serious of which was the excessive swaying which became a characteristic feature of every crossing. Having identified the source of the problem as "people walking the wrong way" the bridge was finally re-opened to the public in February 2002. It now forms a stunning architectural feature, providing a great access route across the Thames and linking up many of London's riverside attractions. On a clear, dry day it really is quite breathtaking to stroll across the bridge taking in the views of the river - east to the City and Canary Wharf, and west to Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. As a romantic outing start off at St Paul's - the home of many a fairytale wedding - then amble across the bridge towards the Tate. When dusk begins to fall soak up the sights from a different vantage point from the 8th floor bar in the Oxo Tower. Address: River Thames, SE1 9EF Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube / Rail The Millennium Bridge - Information  Primrose HillPrimrose Hill Road, NW3 3NA Considered by many as one of the most romantic green spots in London, this small, grassy, hilly park, boasting fantastic views over London, has become increasingly popular with the young, the trendy and the famous - particularly from the media world, but don't let this put you off. It's a great place to stroll through and take in the scenery. Having climbed the steep slopes and admired the panorama you can regain your strength in one of the many cosy cafes, restaurants or pubs nearby. One of the most pleasant ways to approach the park is to get off at Camden Town and walk along the canal. If it's bright and breezy take a kite, some mittens and a hat, bottle of wine and two glasses and admire the sunset over the city. Address: Primrose Hill Road, NW3 3NA Phone: 020 7486 7905 Nearest Station: Chalk Farm Tube Primrose Hill - Information  Tate to TateBetween Millbank, SW1P 4RG and Bankside Power Station, SE1 9TG This slick river service transports art lovers from one of the city’s best galleries to another. Connecting Tate Britain with Tate Modern, the catamaran boat also stops at the London Eye. A cool way to spend Valentine's Day, you can take in some art while also indulging in a spot of cosy, riverside sightseeing. Designed by Damien Hirst, the vessel, which seats 220 passengers, is a modern work of art in itself. The Millbank Pier outside Tate Britain has similar artistic merit; a specially commissioned light installation illuminating the pier was designed by artist Angela Bulloch, who was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1997. Address: Between Millbank, SW1P 4RG and Bankside Power Station, SE1 9TG Phone: 020 7887 8888 Timing: Daily every 40 minutes. Check timetable for details. Pricing: Various Nearest Station: Pimlico Tube or Blackfriars Tube or Rail  Tibetan Peace GardensImperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ Located in the grounds of the Imperial War Museum, lies this fitting tribute to peace and the power of considered contemplation. Opened in 1999 by the Dalai Lama, the garden often gets overlooked by visitors to the museum but really is worth a visit - especially for couples wanting to enjoy 14th February away from the crowds in an inspiring and delicate atmosphere. A poignant homage to harmony and the power of nature to inspire and unite, the garden (otherwise known as Samten Kyil) also promotes a greater understanding of Buddhist culture. Eight meditation areas surround the main monument - the Kalachakra Mandala - traditionally associated with world peace. Four modern Western sculptures representing Air, Fire, Earth and Water have been carefully located to the north, south, east and west, while a Language Pillar, inscribed with a message from the Dalai Lama written in Tibetan, English, Chinese and Hindi promotes communication and understanding between cultures and individuals. If this all seems a bit too much and you just want a quiet, soothing walk, head for the inner gardens which are scented with herbs, jasmine, honeysuckle and roses. An outlying landscaped area is also great for ambling around. Address: Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ Nearest Station: Lambeth North Tube Tibetan Peace Gardens - Information |
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