A Romantic London Itinerary for Couples
Looking to spend a romantic weekend in London? Check out my perfect London itinerary for couples (we did get engaged in London, after all!).
Kevin proposed to me in London, and since we are now happily married, it seems only fitting that I give you a romantic itinerary for when you visit.
This romantic London itinerary for couples is perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you’re planning to propose or not!
Romantic London Itinerary
1. Get Engaged at The Shard
Let’s get right to the good stuff — the best place to get engaged in London!
The Shard is a 95-story tall glass skyscraper and is the tallest building in the United Kingdom. Up on The View from The Shard (floors 68, 69, and 72) is a great place for a proposal. You get 360 degree views of London as a romantic backdrop!
We visited earlier in the morning, when it’s not likely to be crowded on the viewing platform.
We luckily didn’t draw a lot of attention because everyone was already looking out at the view.
There are also two bars on the viewing gallery levels so you can toast to your engagement afterwards.
Even if you aren’t planning on getting engaged in London, a visit to the Shard is still a very romantic thing to do! Enjoy the views high above the city with your significant other.
Get your entry ticket to The Shard here.
2. See Tower Bridge Open: It’s Lucky!
Seeing Tower Bridge open is supposed to bring good luck because it doesn’t happen often. The bridge lifts, on average, 800 times a year. But don’t expect it every day — sometimes there are months-long gaps!
You don’t have to depend on pure luck anymore, though, because you can check the Bridge Lift Times on the official Tower Bridge site.
I’ve seen the bridge lift up close and personal in 2012.
But on our romantic weekend in London, Kevin and I watched Tower Bridge open from the riverside in front of the Tower of London.
If you’re prepared and get there ahead of time, you can get a great view to watch the bridge lift.
3. Enjoy the Views from Tower Bridge
For more romantic views of London, head up to the top of Tower Bridge!
The Tower Bridge museum lets you see the story of the bridge unfold, from the engineering to the architecture.
You’ll get to walk across the two enclosed platforms at the top of the bridge and see views up and down the River Thames.
Both walkways have glass floor sections that allow you to look down below at the passing red double-decker buses and even at the bridge lifting if you’re lucky!
Get your Tower Bridge entry ticket here.
4. Visit the Gorgeous Hampton Court Palace
Okay, maybe the place where Henry VIII divorced and sentenced to death a bunch of wives isn’t the most romantic place in London. But I love palaces and castles, so just being a palace is romantic enough for me!
Hampton Court Palace is about 12 miles outside of central London. The palace was a favorite of King Henry VIII and over the years it grew to include much fine art and extravagant gardens.
Today, you can explore the Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens, the Processional Route, the state apartments of both Henry VIII and William III, the Council Chamber, the Royal Chapel, and the gardens and maze.
Get your entry ticket to Hampton Court Palace and Gardens here.
5. Go Ice Skating at Hampton Court Palace (Seasonal)
During the winter, an open-air ice skating rink sets up in front of the historic Hampton Court Palace. This is a beautiful setting for some ice skating!
The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink opens late November through early January.
Romantic London Itinerary for Couples Maps
Ready to plan out your romantic weekend in London? Use the map below!
I hope you found this romantic London itinerary for couples helpful!
Romantic Places to Stay in London
Looking for a romantic place to stay in London? Check out these top hotels in London for a romantic getaway.
We stayed at the Hilton London Euston. This four-star hotel is in a great location right by the Euston rail station and Underground station. It’s also just a short walk from Kings Cross and St Pancras stations, so you can easily get anywhere in and around London.
If you need an option close to the airport, the Hilton Garden Inn at London Heathrow is a great option. It’s just a short walk across from Terminals 2 and 3. The hotel also has breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
- Top Romantic Hotel: Shangri-la Hotel at The Shard
- Great Value: Hilton London Euston
- Unique Romantic Stay: Luxury apartment in an elegant 19th century townhouse
Top London Tours
With so much to see, London can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top London tours to help you make the most of your time in this iconic British city.
- Tour for Muggles
- Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London
- Jack the Ripper Tour with ‘Ripper-Vision’ in London
Save on London’s Top Attractions
Want to save big on London’s top attractions? With the Go City London attraction pass, you can save up to 55% on the cost of entrance tickets to museums, tours, and attractions all around the city!
Visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover hidden gems handpicked by local experts. With one price and one pass, you have everything you need right on your phone.
Get your Go City London pass here.
More London Travel Tips
See more of what London, England has to offer with these fantastic itineraries:
- Visiting the Tower of London in London, England
- Where to Eat in London, England
- 5 Pubs in London’s Pimlico Neighborhood
Ready to visit London, England? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in London using Booking.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
- Get a Guide Book: Check out the guide books from Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves for in depth info about traveling to London.
- Save on Attractions: Save up to 55% on admission to London’s top attractions using the Go City London pass.
Cheers!
Paige
Did you find this romantic London itinerary for couples helpful? Let me know in the comments!
This is a wonderful post! Congrats as well. If I ever get in another relationship, maybe I’ll get to go to London.
Thank you so much!
Great article! I’ve always wanted to visit London, it’s on my bucket list for sure!! Also, congratulations!!! What a romantic way to pop the question 🙂
Thank you! I absolutely love London, and I have all the more reason to now 🙂
Aah this was so lovely to read; congratulations! I live in London and still haven’t been up The Shard, however my boyfriend and I kindly got given tickets for Christmas so we can visit in the next couple of months! Looks like you had a lovely trip.
Becca x | http://www.beccaloisblogs.co.uk
Thank you, Becca! The Shard is a great way to see the city. I’ve also been recommended getting drinks at the Shard’s bar if you can score a seat. We weren’t able to for this trip, but that might be something for you to look into 🙂
I went to London a few years ago. It must be so romantic to get engaged there
It was! Such a memorable trip!
OMG, I got engaged in front of a hospital after my surgery because my Endometriosis, I was so sad and desperate, but my boyfriend was there for me. But your story is so romantic, beautiful and amazing.
Aww you have a sweet story too! 🙂
Sounds divine! Must put this on our bucket list. That bridge is SO beautiful. And the Shard ….WOW! Congrats on your engagement. London does seem totally romantic.
Thank you so much! It was a great trip! 🙂