Monday 27 January 2014

Valentine’s Day is upon us once more, so why not take a trip to the capital and plan something extra special for your loved one this year. London’s hotels, restaurants and attractions are offering a whole host of romantic activities and unique packages to help you create the perfect Valentine’s celebration for your special someone.

VisitLondon.com, the capital’s official visitor guide, highlights some of the best romantic offerings in town…

The ultimate date night

Follow in the footsteps of the great Lord Nelson and set up a secret rendezvous with your beloved at The Gun, Docklands – the meeting point for the famous officer and his mistress Lady Emma Hamilton. Just one couple will get the chance to arrive by boat from central London to The Gun’s stunning River Room and enjoy panoramic views across the Thames whilst sampling a delicious five course meal and champagne cocktails.

Music lovers can enjoy a late night jazz event at an iconic London building as the Royal Albert Hall plays host to a romantic evening of Parisian folk music performed by Oh La La! Guests can combine this evening of music with a sumptuous sharing platter, dessert and a bottle of champagne in the intimate Elgar Room.

Contemporary steakhouse, STK will collaborate with exclusive florist, By Appointment Only to create bespoke catwalk bouquets for diners. Inspired by leading international fashion designers from Valentino to Katrantzou, the bouquet is delivered to your table alongside dessert, making for the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Film fanatics will appreciate the exclusive Film Fizz experience at One Aldwych. Following a Valentine’s dinner, guests move on to the hotel’s luxury screening room to watch a romantic comedy with a glass of bubbles.

If a proposal is on the cards, head to London Hilton on Park Lane this Valentine’s Day. The hotel is inviting couples to ‘POP’ the question at POP Bar. Couples who successfully cement their relationship will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne.

Special hotel stays

One lucky couple will enjoy a luxurious overnight stay at Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel and a unique dining experience at Richard Corrigan’s adjoining restaurant – in Richard’s personal library. The couple will be treated to canapés, a tasting menu with sommelier matched wines, champagne, petit fours and flowers, before going straight to their Executive Suite for another champagne reception.

Another indulgent Valentine’s getaway can be found at The Landmark London in Marylebone. The package begins with a luxury chauffeur-driven journey to the hotel, before checking into presidential suite. Couples are also treated to a private three course candlelit dinner – served by a private headwaiter – and a 90 minute spa treatment.

For a taste of the Mediterranean, celebrate Valentine’s Day at the InterContinental London Park Lane and enjoy their Dine Stay experience. Sample a three course rustic Italian dinner in the award-winning Theo Randall at the InterContinental, and then slip upstairs for a luxurious overnight stay.  All guests also enjoy 30% off Spa InterContinental where they can pamper before the big night.

And for something a little different…

Break with tradition and brave the depths of SEALIFE London Aquarium with your loved one. Share their unique ‘Snorkeling with Sharks’ experience and get up close and personal with over 15 magnificent sharks.

Couples who revel in the great outdoors can enjoy their very own bespoke itinerary courtesy of London walks company, Fox Squirrel. ‘Routes for Romance’ are customised illustrated guides to a special day out in London, catering specifically to the tastes of the couple. The routes and the couple’s story are illustrated by a London-based artist before being packaged and posted in time for the big day.

For more adventure, relive the excitement of the 2012 Games by taking your other half on a walking tour of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with a Blue Badge tourist guide. This two-hour tour concludes with a refreshing glass of bubbly.

Those who prefer to stay in one spot can spend Valentine’s evening under the stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, including a planetarium show with sparkling wine and a chance to do some stargazing through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope.

For some literary romance, St James Theatre will be running a special playwriting workshop entitled, Love, Lovers Love Stories (Saturday 15 February), where classic and modern stories of love will spark inspiration amongst budding playwrights and couples.

For more inspiration on how to make the most of Valentine’s Day in the capital please go to www.visitlondon.com/valentines

Contact

Jill Duffell, PR Manager – Leisure Tourism

Tel: +44 (0)20 7234 5893 / 07815 111958

Jduffell@londonandpartners.com

 

Jodie Byford, Senior Press Officer – Leisure Tourism

Tel: +44 (0)20 7234 5737 / 07917 604025

Jbyford@londonandpartners.com