20 Things to Do For Couples in London (You Actually Want to Do)

Whether you’re new to London or lived here your whole life, allow me to be the first to say there’s loads of stuff you’ve never explored before. 

Seriously, from bierkeller crypts and pubs with dungeons to the birthplace of fish and chips, there’s a zillion places worth hunting down with your soulmate in tow. How do you find them? Easy-peasy.

Treasure hunts like these guide you through a unique London borough, stopping off at all the worthwhile spots along the way. The catch? You have to solve riddles and puzzles to find them!

You don’t need anything but a phone, WhatsApp, and some comfy shoes for walking in–and all trails come with recommended pub, bar and cafe stops along the way.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in London for couples that don’t cost an arm and a leg, this is for you.

The last time I went to an arcade bar (NQ64 in Shoreditch, if that makes a difference), I went with my partner and another couple (friends of ours, we didn’t grab randos off the street). We had the best time: Guitar Hero, Dance Revolution, PacMan, and plenty of games-themed cocktails (shout out to Aku Aku fruit punch). 

The point is, games are a great way of bringing people together, it doesn’t cost much, and it’s super inclusive and a good laugh. What more do you need?

Love escape rooms but hate the “more than two to play” rule? Don’t worry, there’s no prohibiting rules with this one.

Outdoor escape room games like these help you to escape the mundane and test your puzzle-solving skills as a couple. 

Roam the streets of London, crack codes, and unlock mysteries while discovering the city's vibrant corners. Whether you're escaping an apocalyptic storyline or piecing together historical puzzles, outdoor escape rooms like these give you the chance to turn London into your playground. 

And, just so you know, there’s way more freedom to play than with traditional escape rooms. Play whenever you want (you can start the game pretty much whenever it’s convenient), pause when you need a rest (or a loo break), and enjoy the fresh air at the same time (no claustrophobia here).

Life is stressful sometimes, and when everything’s getting to be a bit too much, my partner and I book in for a spa retreat. 

Obviously, the kind of experience you’re looking for will dictate how much you’re going to spend, but take it from me: you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds to de-stress.

You can get some really good deals in all the usual places (Virgin Experience Days, GroupOn, Wowcher, etc) but you can also find smaller, cheaper places that are just as cosy and nice, like Community Sauna Baths in Hackney, for example.

If you’re looking for things to do in London for couples who love to eat together but you’re in a rut of visiting the same places or opting for TV takeaways too often, this is for you.

Think of Mystery Picnics like these as a fun extension of your typical dinner date–but there is a twist. 

The premise is simple: unwrap clues to discover where your next course awaits as you traverse London’s scenic spots picking up picnic ingredients. All food is included in the ticket price and there’s also lots of fun puzzles and riddles to unlock along the way. 

Perfect for finding your next favourite sweet or savoury tradition!

It might not strike you as romantic at first glance, but if you’re looking for things to do in London for couples that are a little different, this is one of my absolute favourites.

Firstly, it’s a really nice feeling to indulge your partner’s hobby (or when they indulge yours!). Together, my partner and I have explored all kinds of unusual places–from medical oddities at the Hunterian Museum to 19th century guitars at Sambourne House. 

If nothing else, it’s a low-cost way to spend time with your loved one and it's worth it for the “did we really just see that?” moments you laugh about later.

What’s better than being in stitches? Being in stitches with the person who makes you laugh the most. 

As you’re probably already well aware, London has plenty to offer with its top-notch comedy scene. From legendary clubs like The Comedy Store to the intimate vibes at Angel Comedy, you and your partner can spend the night in stitches. 

Grab a drink, settle in, and prepare for some belly laughs!

I’m guessing you’ve heard of Jack The Ripper, and I’m also guessing that conjures up a lot of cliches in your head. Well, put them to one side for now: this is easily one of the best things to do in London for couples who love all things true crime.

Return of Jack The Ripper is essentially a true crime murder mystery game.

You’ll be provided with snippets from the (real) case files as well as a bunch of other clues to help you get closer to solving the mystery: did this murder, that occurred over 200 years ago, be attributed to Jack the Ripper or not?

To figure that out, you’ll have to solve puzzles, follow clues, unravel riddles, and visit some of the pubs and places that were once frequented by victims and suspects alike: perfect for modern-day Sherlock and Watson duos!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in London for couples that bring out your competitive and cosy sides, you’ve got to visit a board games cafe.

Before you dismiss playing board games as nerdy or boring, I want to give you just a little insight to how much fun this really is.

Firstly, there’s way more board games out there than just Monopoly, y’know. And we all know how that goes when someone lands on Mayfair.

Nah my partner and I opt for strategy games like Cascadia, or if we’re playing with other couples (which we do quite a lot), games like Bohnanza, Saboteur, Poetry for Neanderthals, Monikers or What Do You Meme. 

Plus, most board game cafes offer more than just tea or coffee (The Ludoquist and Draughts both offer beers, wine and cocktails too).

Want to give something new a try or re-engage with an old hobby? A session on the courts is a great way to bond—and maybe even show off a little.

If you didn’t already know, London is dotted with tennis, squash, and even padel courts. Doesn’t matter what your sporting hobbies or interests are, you can do it—and you probably don’t even need to go far from home to try it.

Game, set, match: your date’s a winner.

Get creative with a brush in one hand and a glass of bubbly in the other at a sip ‘n paint class.

Honestly, you don’t need to be the next Van Gogh or Frida Kahlo to join an art class (it’s a class, you’ll learn some new skills while you’re there!) but I have to admit it’s made a bit sweeter with a nice drink on the side. 

It’s fun, laid back, and lets you and your partner tap into your artistic side while sharing laughs and drinks.

Quick question for you: did you and your partner meet in London, or are you here to spend some quality time together? 

Either way, London is a part of your relationship story. After all, you’re here (or planning to be), aren’t you?

As well as your love story, there are billions of stories underneath our feet, embedded in the streets, or lurking above us in plain sight. Why not…add the two together?

Self-guided walking tours like these aren’t as formal or rigid as your typical walking tour. Firstly, there’s no strangers following along with you. Secondly, it’s up to you guys to forge your way through the route. 

Whether it’s a quirky plaque, an unusual sculpture, or an alleyway that leads to history, there’s always something new to uncover.

When you’ve been together a very long time, it can feel like you’ve been everywhere and tried it all. But that’s just not true–not in a city like London, anyway.

One of my favourite things to do with my partner is visit random places we otherwise wouldn’t go, and really make a day of it: we’ll get lunch or dinner nearby, walk around, take photos, and just go all-out on a topic or theme. 

If you don’t know where to go, here’s some inspo:

• Neasden Temple
• Chelsea Physic Garden
• Mayflower Pub
• Pelican Stairs
• Mercato Mayfair
• St Etheldreda's Church

And if you’ve seen all of those, you can find more intriguing spots here.

Recommended by one of the team, this is for all you sporty types out there.

My balance is notoriously terrible, but I’ve genuinely added this to my list because how adorable are these canoes!? 

I’ve been to the bar where you pick up the canoes (Milk Float, Hackney Wick) and I’ve just been told you get 10% off food and drink if you hire a canoe, so I’ll be back to get my money’s worth.

Just to give you a little insight into my home life: when I don’t know what to have for dinner, I look these guys up on YouTube. Long story short: dinner’s always delicious.

If you fancy going a bit beyond your own kitchen and ingredients, join a class at the School of Wok and master everything from Thai curries to vegetarian Korean cuisine. 

It’s a fun, hands-on activity for food-loving couples—plus, you get to eat your delicious creations afterwards. And who knows, it might persuade your partner to cook for you (for once!).

Locals, if you’re guilty of sticking to your side of the Thames, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Visitors, it’s time you ventured away from your favourite stomping grounds. 

When you’re really stuck for ideas of what to do with your partner, I recommend hopping on the tube, bus, Thames uber, or using your own two feet (four, as there are two of you) and just exploring somewhere new.

Spend the day discovering hidden cafes, unusual shops, and secret corners, explore cemeteries, visit haunted buildings…the world is your oyster!

PSST: Need a guide to some of London’s most interesting boroughs? Fill your boots!

• Canary Wharf
• Mayfair
• Greenwich
• Shoreditch
• Soho
• Southwark

You all know the expression, but I guess it needs explaining in this context.

If you’re looking for things to do in London for couples who are fanatic about certain fandoms, this is for you.

From Harry Potter-inspired treats to Alice in Wonderland tea parties, these quirky afternoon teas bring a fun twist to the traditional British pastime.

Let’s get romantic for a sec. 

We’ve all heard the stereotype that London sits under a perpetual grey cloud, but I’ll go out on a limb here and say those people just aren’t looking in the right places.

In my view, London’s skyline is breathtaking from many angles, whether it’s from the heights of Primrose Hill or Richmond Park. 

If you want something cute but cheap to do with your partner, pack a picnic and soak in panoramic views of the city with your partner at any of these places.

Kew Gardens offers more than just beautiful flowers—there’s always something happening. 

If you are a plant person (hello, fellow green-fingered friend!), then you’ll absolutely want to check out the Temperate House and Mediterranean Garden. 

If you’re a history buff, trot along to King William’s Temple (which, interestingly, was commissioned by Queen Victoria to commemorate her uncle, William IV). 

There’s also indoor yoga classes, light shows, art exhibition, forest bathing classes, Tai Chi, sound bathing classes…you get the idea.

Last but not least on our list of things to do in London for couples, another personal favourite of mine.

I make no secret of the fact that I’m a cinnamon bun fiend. I love ‘em. And I’ve made it my mission to try as many of them in London as I possibly can–a passion that, luckily, my partner endorses. 

Obviously, cinnamon buns might not be your thing. But whatever your “thing” is, be it savoury or sweet, there’s bound to be an abundance of it in London. 

Hit up the cafes, street food markets, delis, restaurants, anywhere at all, and keep a note open in your phone with your review and maybe a pic or two to remind you where you got it. Job done. 

PSST: In case you’re wondering, my fave places to get cinnamon buns in London in no particular order are Scandikitchen, Fabrique and Blåbär.