Valentine’s Day is coming! Here comes that time of the year, when people start rubbing it in your face about how great it is being in a relationship. But we know that not everything is so hunky dory about this special date. There is no romanticism in being stuck on the telephone for ages, trying to book the best restaurant in town or queuing to buy expensive presents at popular department stores.
So, being single is a kind of a great deal this time of the year too. Plus, London is the perfect company to boost some romance in anyone’s life. So, why not fall in love with the landmarks, landscapes, culture and history of this fascinating city?
The skyscraper and the city
The best viewing points of a city like London is from above. The Sky Garden is one of those unique places where you can get a great 360-degree view of London. Also known as “The Walkie Talkie”, this 34-storey building has one restaurant, a brasserie, a bar and amazing terrace with flowering plants on its top three floors. It’s perfect spot to get the most of London’s skyline and it’s for free!
Another great site is The Monument of Great Fire of London. Not just because of its historical importance, but also for its panoramic view of the capital.
There are so many other skyscrapers offering spectacular views of the city, that is best just to pick one (or two) to take in and enjoy the skyline, landmarks and also the beautiful meanderings of the Thames from above.
Let’s dance!
Dancing is one of the most complete exercises for body, mind and soul. Luckily, London is cosmopolitan enough to have dancing classes and rhythms from all over the world. From salsa to Brazilian Zouk, there is always something interesting to take you to the dancing floor. And bringing your friends adds to the fun, of course.
Discovering the secret and unusual London
London is a city that is known for its many tourist attractions. But it doesn’t mean you need to be where everybody else will be, especially on Valentine’s day. Believe me, there are much more unusual places to go in the city than you can even imagine.
What about a Jack the Ripper tour? Walk through the streets of Whitechapel in an area considered very notorious during the 19th century. Jack the Ripper is probably the world’s most famous serial killer in the world and this spooky walk is just essential to fans of (real) horror stories.
Another highly recommend attraction is finding a hidden gem like The Jewel Tower located near to the House of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. You probably passed by this medieval treasure many times, just never paid too much attention to it. It’s a beautiful spot to have an afternoon tea or learn a bit of history.
Chasing old London pubs
Beer glorious beer! A pub crawl is a great way of celebrating any special occasion. In London, and we are spoilt for choice. But what if we chose some public houses with a bit of twist to have the best Valentine’s Day drinking session? Get your crew and head to some of the most historic pubs in London.
Starting with Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a Grade II listed building in central London opened in 1538. This place is just a joy (and haunted, I guess). The atmosphere inside is like going back in time. Some of the rooms keep the original features. And it’s a very popular pub to eat in as well.
The Prospect of Whitby is the oldest riverside pub in London dating back to 1520. Besides its historic importance, this pub has a beer garden with amazing views of River Thames. You just can’t miss it.
And what about drinking at Shakespeare’s local? That sounds like a plan. The Anchor Bankside is also in the list of the most historic pubs in Britain. It’s placed next to Borough Market. No excuses to miss it!
More canals than Venice
Avoiding the packed and expensive boat trip on the Thames, there are 100km of canals and waterways across London ready to be explored. British canals are so popular that they’re often subject of TV programmers. You can have a picnic by the canal, read a book, and indulge yourself in the history of it by having a kayak tour, for example.
And if you want to go further, have a party on a boat with your friends to celebrate the date. Or simply go for a walk or a bike riding. London canals are there for us, not just on Valentine’s day, but every single day of the year.
