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 There's an infinite array of romantic activities to do in the capital a deux - and many of them are free. Take a romantic stroll - hand holding optional - to some of London's best attractions for breath-taking views, mouth-watering flavours and culture-packed streets.
 Chelsea Physic Garden Winter Open Day Chelsea Physic Garden, SW3 4HS 14th & 15th February 2009 This 'secret garden' on the banks of the Thames in Chelsea is usually closed in the winter, but an exception has been made for two weekends in February. Much to the pleasure of lovers looking for that perfect afternoon stroll through the snowdrops at these historic botanical gardens, the weekend of Feb 14-15 is one of them. Laid out in the 17th century, the gardens were initially intended as a place to grow medicinal plants, its riverside location giving rise to a mild microclimate which allows non-native species to flourish. You're welcome to wander on your own through the charming collection of flowers and plants from across the globe. But opt for a guided tour and you can tap into a rich vein of history and some green fingered anecdotes of this three and a half-acre site. Venue: Chelsea Physic Garden Address: 66 Royal Hospital Road (entrance on Swan Walk), SW3 4HS Phone: 020 7352 5646 Date: 14th & 15th February 2009 Time: 10am-4pm Pricing: £8 (Adults), £5 (Children 5-15, Students & Unemployed) Nearest Station: Sloane Square Tube Chelsea Physic Garden Winter Open Day - Information   Borough MarketSouthwark Street, SE1 1TJ Borough market has been attracting crowds of food fans every Friday and Saturday for years now, so it is just as well that Valentine's falls on a Saturday this year. So, 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 resplendent range of fresh food stalls under its Dickensian wrought-iron roof. Italian cheeses, Morecambe Bay shrimps, Spanish delights 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. While you're there, why not visit the Wright Bros stall for a few of those fabled aphrodisiacs, the oyster? 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: Thu 11am-5pm, Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube / Rail Borough Market - Information  Sir John Soane's Museum13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP An appealingly higgledy-piggledy treasure trove of artefacts, this extraordinary house elegantly located on Lincoln's Inn Fields is well worth an exploratory rummage à deux. Lurking in nooks and crannies within the sprawling rooms and halls of neo-classical architect Sir John Soane's former residence are over 30,000 architectural drawings and antiquities. Works by Turner, Canaletto and Piranesi feature in the painting collection, with William Hogarth's eight canvasses of 'The Rake's Progress' forming the centre-piece. One look at this symbol of masculine waywardness and depravity will remind most ladies what a decent catch they have on their arm. Museum tours take place every Saturday at 2.30pm and there are so many nooks and crannies, you'll be able to elope for the odd covert passionate embrace amidst the Romantic art adorning the walls... The first Tuesday night of the month candlelit visits are truly romantic and attract large queues. Address: 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP Phone: 020 7405 2107 Timing: Tue to Sat 10am-5pm | Candlelit tour first Tue of each month 6pm-9pm | Tour every Sat 11am Pricing: Free. (All groups of over 6 people must book in advance) | Sat tour £5 Nearest Station: Holborn Sir John Soane's Museum - Information  Petersham Nurseries Cafe and TeahouseOff Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond, TW10 7AG Weather pending, this has all the makings for an ideal Valentine's treat and a memorable day out. To get to these delightful, rustic meadows and gardens at the foot of Richmond Park you can take the train to Richmond and then walk up the river bank. Or - and this is our favourite - you can hop on the river boat at Westminster Pier and weave your way up the Thames, along the route of the Varsity Boat Race, past Barnes, Kew and Chiswick, through a lock, and eventually on to Petersham. Once you're there you'll be transported as far away from the hustle-bustle of central London to Petersham village, a designated conservation area. The nurseries are well worth a stroll, but their real selling point is the wonderful restaurant and cafe complex in the centre. Located in what can only be described as a glasshouse shed and run by top chef (and Independent on Sunday food editor) Skye Gyngell, this is without a doubt one of London's best and most original places to eat lunch, serving exceptionally seasoned, local, fresh produce in a divine location. The likelihood, unfortunately, is that it is already booked out - but do try your luck on 020 8605 3627. If you're unlucky, settle for a warm cup of tea (including some exotic flower varieties) and a nice slice of cake at the neighbouring Teahouse. Address: Off Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond, TW10 7AG Phone: 020 8605 3627 Timing: Restaurant - Tue to Sun 12pm-2.45pm | Teahouse - Tue to Sat 10am-4.30pm, Sun & Mon 11am-4.30ppm Nearest Station: Richmond Tube Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Teahouse - Information  Greenwich MarketGreenwich High Road, SE10 9HZ Often dismissed for being too far out of town or for its association with the architectural monstrosity that was/is the Millennium Dome/O2 Arena, Greenwich is actually the perfect day trip for couples wishing to escape the stresses of central London. The boat trip past the intricate wharfs of East London (hop on a Thames Clipper at Westminster Pier, Embankment or Tate Modern) means just getting there is a treat in itself. On arrival, stroll past the impressive Royal Naval College and the site of the now-burnt out Cutty Sark and make your way to the market, just off Greenwich High Street. Here, under an imposing glass roof, you can browse the many stalls selling antiquities, clothes, trinkets and delicious food. Weather permitting you can then stroll on to the beautiful Greenwich Park, climb its gradual slopes to the Old Royal Observatory and preside over one of the most impressive views in London as Greenwich, the Thames and Canary Wharf and the City stretch out before you into the distance. If you fancy a spot of light refreshment pop into the delightful Greenwich Union pub on Royal Hill, described by The Telegraph as "a real treasure... [where] old-style pub values are successfully married to a distinctly contemporary attitude to food and drink". Address: Greenwich, SE10 Nearest Station: New Cross Tube (25 mins); Greenwich Railway Station; Greenwich Pier Greenwich Market - 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  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  SouthbankLambeth, Waterloo and Borough, SE1 8XX One of London's most popular destinations for weekend walkers, the Southbank remains so appealing because of its central setting, its proximity to the Thames and its impressive roll call of activities and places to visit. For a full appreciation, you should approach from St Paul's Cathedral across the Millennium Bridge, or from London Bridge after an excursion to Borough Market. Amble down to the Tate Modern for a spot of culture (the permanent exhibitions are free, while the cafe offers excellent views back across the Thames towards the City) and then continue alongside the river towards Waterloo. On your way you will pass the famous Oxo Tower (why not head up to the top for a drink in the bar? The views are breathtaking) and the rather cute Gabriel's Wharf. When the tide is out, sand sculptors entertain the crowds by making impressive figures and objects in the one bank of the Thames that resembles a beach more than a muddy rockery. Continue up towards Waterloo Bridge, underneath which the famous book market is held. Have a drink or catch a film at the BFI (Breakfast With Tiffanies is on at 6pm) or see at a concert at the Southbank Centre. Further down the bank will take you to the London Eye and then Westminster, but if you cross Embankment Bridge you'll find yourself soon in the thick of the West End ready for your evening show or a glass of red wine in the cavernous Gordon's Wine Bar on Villiers Street. Address: Lambeth, Waterloo and Borough, inc Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX Nearest Stations: St Paul's, Waterloo & Embankment Tube Stations Southbank Centre - 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, a thermos of vin chaud 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 & 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. Altermodern: Tate Triennial - a selection of the best new contemporary British art curated by Nicolas Bourriaud - is on at Tate Britain, while Tate Modern has some Russian avant-garde work on display with Rodchenko & Popova: Defining Constructivism. Address: Between Millbank, SW1P 4RG & 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 / Rail  Happy Valentines Day at Tower BridgeTower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP 14th February 2009 For some reason, being high above ground level is often synonymous to being in love. Maybe it's something to do with having your head in the clouds, or being so smitten you're giddy. Or simply so scared of the drop that you cling closer to your other half. Anyway, whatever the reason, Tower Bridge is offering a floodlit, panoramic experience to take lovers to another level. Live jazz and a champagne reception will await couples on the high-level walkways over the Thames granting spectacular views of the city below. "Tower Bridge - floodlit - is romantic enough," gushes the PR bumf, "but the Valentine's view from inside seems to sweep people off their feet. Marriages are made and celebrated in these walkways: Valentine couples can even hold their wedding or their reception here at Tower Bridge." Presumably any couples can do that, but you get the drift. Pre-booking is essential. Hour slots cost £15 per person and are available to guests over the age of 18 on www.lastminute.com. Venue: Tower Bridge Road Address: Southwark, SE1 2UP Phone: 020 7403 3761 Date: 14th February 2009 Time: 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm Pricing: £15 each Nearest Station: London Bridge Tube Happy Valentines Day at Tower Bridge - Information |
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