8 Lovely London Date Ideas To Try Out In 2023

If you’re hoping that 2023 is your year for romance, then you might just be in luck. Because we’ve partnered with Secret London to bring you recommendations for some of the best London date ideas. Whether you’re courting a foodie, a creative or an old-fashioned adventurer, we’ve got the perfect date for you…

1. Play hide and seek in the Hampton Court Maze

Photo Credit: Historic Royal Palaces

Let’s face it, dating is nothing without a little element of the chase. And in the Alice-in-Wonderland-esque Hampton Court Maze, there is a frisson of excitement waiting at every corner. So close your eyes, count to ten and get ready to seek out your fairytale ending.

How to get there: This one's a little further out of central London. You can catch an SWR train from London Waterloo to Kingston station, and then either catch a bus or walk 35 minutes to Hampton Court Palace Gardens. The address is The Wilderness, Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU.

2. Do a dumpling crawl in Chinatown

Put the word ‘crawl’ after any activity and it immediately sounds more exciting. But you’ll need to dream up something a little more imaginative than bar hopping if you want to impress. So why not wander through Chinatown and grab a dumpling from every dim sum restaurant that takes your fancy? And there’s plenty of amazing dessert parlours where you can find a sweet treat afterwards.

3. Make some bling at a jewellery workshop

POV: You’re on your second date and he/she/they presents you with a ring… But this is no proposal – you’ve both spent the afternoon crafting sterling silver in a workshop led by award-winning jewellers. So while marriage might not be on the cards (yet!), you can take home some lovely hand candy and a ton of knowledge on how to make your own jewellery in the future. Book your space here.

4. Dine on delicious Italian fare at TOZI Grand Cafe

When it comes to picking out the perfect dinner spot, the setting is equally as important as the food. And at the newly opened TOZI Grand Cafe, you can rest assured both elements will be 10/10. The cylindrical building is adorned with stunning modern art and tapestries, and the eclectic menu offers irresistible Venetian-inspired dishes that’ll make your taste buds sing. 

How to get there: Get on the Northern line from Waterloo station to Battersea Power Station. It's a 5 minute walk from there. The address is: 3A Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms SW11 8BJ.

5. Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week

South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always on hand to provide their top London recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is their love of hitting the dance floor. And there’s amazing dance classes across all genres right at your fingertips in London. Alternatively, rock up to one of the city’s fantastic Salsa bars, grab a drink and let your feet guide the way.

6. Enjoy a riverside tipple at one of West London’s cosy pubs

There is so much to be said for a frosty pint accompanied by a scenic river view. And West London is home to pubs that offer both such things in abundance. If you’re hoping for some good pub grub with your drink, The Dove in Hammersmith is a great place to start. But the Blue Anchor, The Old Ship or the White Hart are also excellent choices.

Their addresses are:

• The Dove, 19 Upper Mall W6 9TA
• The Blue Anchor, 13 Lower Mall W6 9DJ
• The Old Ship, 25 Upper Mall W6 9TD
• The White Hart, The Terrace SW13 0PX

7. Marvel at the stunning London skyline

Admiring the river at eye-level with a bev in hand is one thing. But taking in the Thames from up high is another experience entirely. And with this SWR reward you and your date can embark on an exhilarating guided tour, a-top none other than London’s iconic o2 arena. Its 380 metre long walkway is 170 ft above ground, making it an incredible vantage point to soak in the skyscrapers and the sunset. Provided you’re not staring into each others eyes the whole time! 

How to get there: Take the eastbound Jubilee tube service from London Waterloo to North Greenwich, then walk for around two minutes. The address is Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX

8. Plan a staycation in the city

When you’ve passed dinner-and-a-movie but you’re not quite booking weekends in Paris, why not test the waters with a staycay? Whether your style is cool and quirky or stylish and understated, London is full of wonderful hotels for your magical night away. Alternatively, check on SWR Rewards and enjoy the run of the house!

Save money by travelling with SWR 

Now you’ve discovered these wellbeing activities to try, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.

Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to unlock rewards when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any of our 150 rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.