On our radar: Central London activities for couples (2025)
Looking to shake up your next date or weekend together? Central London has no shortage of couple-friendly things to do – whether you’re up for romance, fun, adventure, or a bit of everything.
We’ve rounded up the best Central London activities for couples that’ll bring you guys closer, keep things interesting, and make memories worth sharing. Whether it’s your first date or your fiftieth, here’s how to enjoy the city as a pair.
For couples who’s in the mood for playful dates and light-hearted fun
Sometimes the best dates are the ones that don’t try too hard. If you’re both up for a laugh, a game, or something hands-on, these Central London activities for couples are perfect for low-pressure fun.
1. Visit bowling alleys in Central London
Bowling is the perfect mix of competitive fun and chill conversations – plus, there’s always a drink in hand. Whether you’re striking out or scoring strikes, it’s one of those romantic things to do in Central London that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
- The Croc Bowling Alley: A stylish retro bowling spot tucked under the Ham Yard Hotel.
- Las Vegas Arcade Soho: Lanes with that fun arcade vibes.
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2. Enjoy live music together
There’s something about seeing a gig together that sticks—shared soundtracks, small venues, and low-lit vibes make live music one of the best things to do in Central London with your other half.
- 229 London: A smaller venue that packs a punch, with a mix of indie bands, soul nights, and dance beats
- The Water Rats: A pub-meets-music venue that’s full of charm—think intimate gigs with strong drinks.
- 100 Club: This legendary Oxford Street basement has hosted everyone from the Sex Pistols to rising stars.
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3. Improv comedy night at The Comedy Store or Top Secret Comedy Club
If you like your dates unpredictable and full of laughs, improv comedy is a guaranteed win.
- The Comedy Store: A Soho institution—sharp, fast, and often ridiculous.
The Top Secret Comedy Club: Hidden in a Covent Garden basement, this spot serves up rapid-fire stand-up with a no-frills, all-fun vibe.
4. Join a workshop together
Workshops are a fun way to learn something new and make something together – plus, if it all goes wrong, you’ll still walk out laughing. It’s one of the most genuinely fun things to do in Central London for couples who love a hands-on vibe.
- Pizza-making class at Franco Manca: With £45 per adult, you can make your own sourdough pizza, along with free 2 drinks, pizza, dessert & gift bag.
- Cooking class by The Cookery School: From £165 depending on class type, this place offers a relaxed, sustainable cooking space.
- Sip and paint class at Brush & Bubbles: From £34 (includes all materials and your first bubbly), you and your dear one can paint your own masterpiece together.
For couples who are adventurers
For couples who prefer thrill over chill, Central London delivers. These bold, experience-driven dates are great for bonding – and even better for stories later:
1. Try out escape room
Crack codes, beat the clock, and argue over clues—because teamwork makes the dream (escape) work.
- Escape Hunt Oxford Street: Race through themed rooms like “Alice in Puzzleland” or “Aladdin and The Magic Vault” in this high-pressure, high-fun experience.
- The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience: Play your way through the iconic 90s game show – zone by zone, puzzle by puzzle.
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2. Ghost tour to lesser-known London spooky spots
Forget tourist traps – these eerie corners of London tell the real haunted stories.
- Crossbones Graveyard: A hidden memorial site for the forgotten dead – equal parts haunting and beautiful.
- Charterhouse Square: Beneath this quiet square lies a mass grave from the Black Death, discovered during Crossrail construction. Nearby Charterhouse Monastery adds to the atmosphere with its ghost sighting tours.
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3. Night kayaking on the Thames
Paddle past Tower Bridge and Big Ben under city lights – romantic, quiet, and surprisingly peaceful.
- – Tours depart from Cremorne Riverside or Battersea
- – Evenings, times vary by tide and season
- – From £45 per person | Run by London Kayak Company and others.
4. Play futuristic mini golf at Boom Battle Bar
Glow-in-the-dark crazy golf meets cocktails and neon chaos—just competitive enough for a flirty date.
Address: Ground Floor 70, Basement and, 88 Oxford St, London W1D 1BP, United Kingdom
For couples who want a taste a luxury
If your idea of romance includes fine china, plush bedding, and a skyline view with your cocktail- this one’s for you:
1. Afternoon tea at Fitzrovia at Mad Hatters Afternoon Tea
Address: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Daily 12 PM – 7 PM
A famous afternoon tea spot in Fitzrovia, this place gives a theatrical spin on the classic British tea, with “Drink Me” potions, Queen of Hearts desserts, and ticking pocket-watch menus.
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2. Stay overnight in a designer suite at The Ned or The Savoy
- The Ned: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ.
- The Savoy: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
- Price range: From £800+ per night
Book a suite with art-deco glam at The Ned or wake up riverside at The Savoy with views across the Thames.
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3. Take fancy cocktails at elegant bars
Sip cocktails with panoramic views of London in a cosy speakeasy atmosphere in our local-approved bars in Central London below:
- The Nest – rooftop bar
- The Cocktail Club – basement bar
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4. Hire a classic mini cooper with a chauffeur
Snuggle up in the back of a restored vintage Mini and take a private tour of London’s best landmarks – chauffeured by a local guide in full Union Jack style.
- Pick-up varies; run by Small Car Big City
- Custom time slots available
- From £99 per person for 90 mins
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For couples who explore London for the first time
New to the city? These simple yet iconic picks are a great way to get your bearings and enjoy some of the best things to do in Central London—especially together.
1. Stroll along the South Bank
From the London Eye to Shakespeare’s Globe, this riverside walk gives you city views, street performers, and plenty of snack stops.
- Start at Westminster Bridge, end at Tower Bridge
- Best enjoyed daytime into early evening
2. Go on a self-guided Harry Potter or Sherlock Holmes walk
Follow real filming locations from Diagon Alley to Baker Street using your phone—it’s geeky, low-budget, and seriously fun.
- Start at Leadenhall Market (HP) or 221B Baker Street (Holmes)
- Use free routes via Google Maps or themed audio guides online
3. Pop into Liberty or Hamleys for a fun stop
Liberty is a Tudor-style design haven; Hamleys is seven floors of toy-fuelled chaos (which also features a build-a-bear workshop for you to check out). Both are worth wandering if you want a little surprise in your day.
- Liberty: Regent Street, W1B 5AH | Hamleys: 188-196 Regent Street, W1B 5BT
- Both open daily, typically 10am–8pm
For couples who love relaxing moments
Looking for romantic things to do in Central London that don’t require rushing or reservations? These calming activities are all about slowing down, soaking it in, and recharging – together.
1. Visit immersive gallery together
Lose yourselves in colour, light, and surreal storytelling at one of these next-gen digital exhibitions.
- Van Gogh Expo
- Frameless
- Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition
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2. Get a couple’s massage in Central London
A great way to unwind after a long week – or long walk. Here are two trusted spots for couples massage spas in Central London.
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3. Do a mysterious picnic date and rowing in Hyde Park
Each of you secretly preps a few picnic treats the other won’t expect, then swap surprises after rowing across the Serpentine!
- Address: Hyde Park Boathouse, W2 2UH
- Boating open daily, Mar–Oct.
- Pricing:
- – £9.05 – £13.25 per 30-minute hire
- – £6.90 -£10.50 per 60-minute hire
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4. Go on secret speakeasy bar tour
Make it a game to find your bar—whether it’s hidden behind a fridge, a detective agency, or a fake bathroom door. Note that most speakeasies open from 5pm–late, so save it as an after-dinner treat after a day spending together.
- The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – Hidden behind a fridge inside a diner.
- Evans & Peel Detective Agency – Enter by presenting a “case” at the door.
Where to visit for a calmer side of London?
If you’re craving a break from the crowds but still want to stay central, head to Fitzrovia Quarter – a culturally rich pocket of West End London. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where art galleries meet indie cafés, Georgian streets lead to leafy squares, and everything feels just a little more local.
Visit Fitzrovia Quarter and uncover one of Central London’s most creative, walkable neighbourhoods.