Winter Date Ideas In London

From cocktail bars that focus on chocolate-flavoured drinks to romantic seasonal strolls across London and everything from curling to ice skating for your date night activity, couples are covered for wintery things to do. To plan your romantic day out? Consult this guide to the best date ideas in London this winter.

Things To Do For Couples In London This Winter

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 16th December 2024




Christmas in Chelsea

@ Royal Hospital Chelsea on Sunday 22nd December 2024 and 5 other dates

The Royal Hospital Chelsea's light trail offers a magical setting for every festive occasion. Meander through glowing arches, admire brilliantly lit trees and soak in the charm of stunning Christmas displays. As carols drift through the frosty air, warm yourself with mulled wine or rich hot chocolate.

The festive market invites you to browse artisan-crafted gifts and sample gourmet treats, while the cosy scents of roasted chestnuts and spiced drinks set the perfect holiday mood. Delight in a selection of winter eats, from bubbling raclette and hearty bratwurst to Moroccan-inspired plates and plant-based options too.

Alpine Inspired Gourmet Fondue

@ The Montague on The Gardens Hotel on Mon, 6th Jan 2025 - Mon, 31st Mar 2025

For the ultimate date night this winter, head to The Montague on The Gardens for a cosy alpine fondue experience.

From the 6th of January to the 31st of March 2025, share melted gruyère and vacherin cheese with your special someone, paired with hearty sides and a crackling fire. For just £25 per person, enjoy a romantic setting under twinkling lights and snug fur throws.

SKY GARDEN FESTIVE NIGHTS

@ Sky Garden Bars on Monday 23rd December 2024 and 3 other dates

For a winter date that combines breathtaking views with a touch of luxury, head to the Sky Garden's Winter Bar in London. Nestled 35 floors above the city, it's transformed into a festive wonderland, complete with frosted wreaths, fir trees, and twinkling lights, offering a cosy yet stunning atmosphere.

Here, you and your date can sip on a range of drinks, like Moët cocktails, while soaking in the panoramic skyline views of London. There's also the bonus of DJ nights, which keep the energy upbeat throughout the winter season.

Gorgeous Winter Rooftops In London

Some of the very best date ideas this winter in London come at the top of its tallest buildings. These stunning winter rooftops are a great way to see the city, sipping cocktails or hot drinks while admiring the sights.

We've picked out all our favourite spots to wow your partner this season, from the iconic Sky Garden and its festive pop-up to the magical Circes and Pergola Brixton.

Flight Club Victoria

A great choice for quirky date nights all year round, Flight Club only gets better at Christmas. Their Victoria venue boats the Magic Gardens terrace, which gets a festive transformation every year - think baubles, trees and lots of pretty lights.

Sip cocktails on the rooftop, before heading back inside for a game on their signature interactive dartboards. These come with all kinds of fun minigames, and they add up all the scores for you - so there'll be no arguing over who's won afterwards. Plus, they serve a whole load of tasty pizzas and other delicious bites.

Bottomless Fondue Brunch

@ Munich Cricket Club Victoria on Every Saturday

Whether you're in Victoria, Tower Hill or Canary Wharf, there's all sorts of cheesy goodness waiting for you at Munich Cricket Club. Their bottomless fondue brunch costs just £35 per person, promising 90 minutes of bottomless cheese fondue.

There'll be  cured meats, grilled seasonal vegetables, potatoes, bread and cornichons to dip in it, alongside unlimited mimosas and beers to wash it all down. Topping it all off? Apres-ski tunes and party vibes throughout.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club

Located in Farringdon, The Chocolate Cocktail Club is all about delicious drinks with a sweet twist. From their classic Chocotini to chocolate espresso martinis and the Shamazing Strawberry, there are plenty of sugary treats on the cards here.

They also offer a number of fun activities and events, from their cocktail making classes to an indulgent afternoon tea. Treat your beau to finger sandwiches and baked goods, washed down with unlimited hot chocolate or a boozy concoction.

Secret Concert - DEBUT at Brunel Museum

@ Brunel Museum on Thursday 6th February 2025 and 4 other Thursdays

The Secret Concert series at the Brunel Museum offers a unique and intimate way to enjoy classical music in one of London's most awe-inspiring venues. Hosted in the historic Thames Tunnel Shaft, this concert series features some of the UK's most exciting classical musicians, handpicked by DEBUT and led by soprano Lizzie Holmes.

With the venue's exceptional acoustics, you'll experience an immersive musical journey, from string quartets to opera singers, in a setting that feels both personal and grand.

Fire & Fromage at Jimmy's Pop-up

Located along the South Bank, Fire & Fromage at Jimmy's Pop-up is the cosy winter venue that promises amazing views and plenty of cheese. You and your partner can enjoy all-you-can-eat raclette for 90 minutes, paired with freshly baked bread, salad, potatoes and more - all for £35 each.

They also serve mini doughnuts, hot chocolate, mulled wine and so much more, with more casual street food options available too. Here until the end of December, make sure you don't miss out on this one.

SCHOOL OF ICING NOTTING HILL- NUTCRACKER 11:00-13:00

@ Biscuiteers Notting Hill on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th December 2024

Looking for a cosy and creative winter date idea? Head over to Biscuiteers' School of Icing in Notting Hill for a festive twist on a classic activity. In their Nutcracker-themed icing class, you and your partner will learn the art of decorating cookies, with step-by-step guidance from expert instructors.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, you'll enjoy the hands-on experience of icing beautiful Nutcracker-themed biscuits. The class includes all the materials you need, a complimentary drink, and a chance to take your creations home in a charming tin.

The Glasshouses

Sip & Slide.

Running a series of fantastic events until the 5th January, The Glasshouses in London Bridge are a quirky choice for dates this season. Their curling lanes are a great choice for some competitive fun, with prices starting from as little as £12 per person.

You can also try your hand at wreath making together, while enjoying Cloudy Bay wines. Also on the creative side, their sip and paint sessions are great for a hands-on date, all promising mazing views of the Thames and beyond.

Top Deck London Christmas Lights Tour

@ 8 Northumberland Avenue on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

For a magical winter experience together, hop aboard the Top Deck London Christmas Lights Tour and enjoy a festive journey through the city's most iconic Christmas displays. Set in a classic 1960s Routemaster bus, this 75-minute sightseeing tour takes you through London's renowned festive spots, including Oxford Street, Harrods, and Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.

As you take in the twinkling lights and dazzling decorations from the top deck, you'll be enveloped in the holiday spirit, making it the perfect seasonal activity. Departing from 8 Northumberland Avenue, tickets are available from £17 per person.

Club Curling

@ Coal Drops Yard on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

Found in the bustling Coal Drops Yard, Club Curling is the fun winter pop-up that features six sustainable curling lanes. Ideal for a little flirty competition, you can book this spot for as little as £9 per person.

Open all afternoon and early evening seven days a week, this is a great affordable pick. Plus, there's a bar serving hot chocolate, beer, wine and more on site.

JOIA Rooftop Christmas Movie Pop Up & Dinner at art'otel London Battersea Power Station

@ Joia on Sunday 22nd December 2024

For a snug festive winter date, head to the JOIA Rooftop Christmas Movie Pop-up at art'otel Battersea Power Station. Each weekend, from Thursday to Sunday, guests can enjoy a heartwarming Christmas movie on the rooftop while sipping seasonal drinks like hot toddies and snacking on nougat-flavored popcorn.

Before the movie, enjoy a delicious dinner or Sunday lunch at JOIA restaurant, known for its delectable Portuguese-inspired dishes. With a range of classic Christmas films, including Love Actually and The Holiday, this is a perfect way to relax, enjoy great food, and get into the holiday spirit​

The Perception at W London

Après Tea with with a glass of Black Run cocktail - £67.50 and 3 other offers

W London is the Leicester Square hotel bringing a slice of the Swiss Alps to London this winter, with a Veuve Clicquot Après Lodge that's perfect for your special, seasonal date night. Expect a cosy fire pit roaring away, fluffy blankets and a choice between a themed afternoon tea and melted Belgian chocolate fondue for two.

Max Allen, renowned London-based designer, has also launched an installation at the hotel for your festive snaps - including a 2-metre wreath, folk art rosettes, couture silk flowers, and metallic decorations on a Christmas tree.

Winter Restaurants In London

Want to add a seasonal twist to your dining experience? Then check out our list of the very best wintery restaurants in the city, from private dining in igloos to pop-up Christmas dining experiences.

Whether you fancy cosying up with a roast dinner by the fire with your other half, or admiring the city skyline at night from a heated rooftop terrace while sipping cocktails, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to do it.

The Winter Gin Garden: Sipping History

@ 4th Floor, Ham Yard Hotel on Tuesday 31st December 2024

Head to Soho to discover The Winter Gin Garden, sat on the rooftop terrace at Ham Yard Hotel. This seasonal pop-up is in collaboration with Sipsmith, promising themed cocktails like the hot buttered gin or a Ginger Blazer.

Tickets cost £24 per per person, including your first cocktail, or 20 if you'd prefer a mocktail. There's a tasty food menu up for grabs too, featuring the likes of black truffle flatbreads and toasted marshmallows - topped off with amazing views.

Crazy Boules

@ Sacred London: Shoreditch on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

The weather outside may be frosty, but the competition is heating up at Crazy Boules. This quirky destination in Shoreditch is decked out in colourful features and neon signs, promising six whacky courses full of jumps, ramps and obstacles.

You can nab tickets for as little as £11 each here, promising a night of flirty competition and delicious cocktails available from the bar.

Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments

@ Mr Fogg's Apothecary on Various dates from Saturday 28th December 2024

Mr Fogg's Cocktail Experiments is a unique, immersive mixology experience in London's Mayfair. Hosted at the Mr Fogg's Apothecary, this experience lets you step into the Elixir Room, where you'll become an apprentice pharmacist, crafting cocktails under the expert guidance of the Apothecary Pharmacists.

Over two hours, you'll experiment with unusual ingredients and create three distinct cocktails, including a colour-changing concoction. This interactive and fun activity is a great way to explore the art of cocktail-making in an unconventional setting, with tickets from £58.

The Great Christmas Feast

@ The Lost Estate on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate in London is a festive immersive experience that combines a Christmas dinner with live theatre, inspired by Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. Set in an intimate venue decorated to evoke the Victorian era, guests are treated to a unique performance brings the iconic story that to life with engaging storytelling and music from accompanying classical musicians.

Between acts, you'll enjoy a hearty Victorian-inspired meal served in three courses. This experience offers a delightful mix of theatre, dining, and holiday spirit, making it a memorable winter date idea.

The Big London Bake South

@ The Castle Tooting on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

For a fun, unique winter date in London, The Big London Bake offers a hands-on baking challenge perfect for a memorable day out with your partner.

This immersive event lets you and your partner or group dive into the art of baking, where you'll be given all the ingredients and tools needed to create a beautiful dessert. Your task? Compete for the title of best baker, guided by a professional head baker who will be by your side to help you with tips and techniques.

Cosy Pubs With Fireplaces In London

We all love a pub date night, but when the weather gets a little colder? It has to be a cosy boozer complete with a roaring fireplace, and we've rounded up the best of the best just for you.

Whether you're chilling by the fire with a pint, or tucking into a tasty Sunday roast, there's lots to enjoy here. From Hampstead to Catford, we've got picks for every single area too.

Alpine Apres Ski Terrace

@ Tequila Mockingbird Wimbledon on Various dates from Sunday 22nd December 2024

Tequila Mockingbird in Wimbledon is offering a cosy, Alpine-inspired winter escape with its Alpine Twinkle Terrace. This enchanting outdoor space is decked out with twinkling fairy lights, faux-fur throws, and alpine decor, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for a romantic winter date or a fun outing with friends.

Enjoy hearty Swiss cheese fondue, warm crusty bread, and a range of seasonal drinks, including spiced mulled wine, indulgent hot chocolate, and festive cocktails. With heated seating and a welcoming ambience, it's an ideal spot for unwinding and making memories this winter.

Miracle At Henrietta

This New York-born pop-up has returned to London for another year. Miracle At Henrietta can be found in Covent Garden, promising 70s-inspired festive decor from the Christmas trees to colourful baubles.

From the 11th November to 23rd December, you can nab delicious themed cocktails in this quirky spot - we're talking Hot Buttered Rum and other seasonal sips in suitably over-the-top glasses.

Winter Walks

looking for London winter date ideas that won't break the bank? We get it. That's why we've rounded up 10 of the very best wintery walks across the city, from Greenwich Park to Kew Gardens or along the Thames.

Soak up the sights of London in the winter, making sure to wrap up warm. Plus, we've recommended some great spots for a pint or a bite to eat afterwards.

Ice Skating

After first date ideas in London this winter? A great way to break the ice (literally) is by going ice skating - as who can take themselves too seriously on skates?

We've listed the very best spots all over the city to get your fill of this wintery activity, from Glide at Battersea Power Station to the iconic Somerset House. Plus, there are plenty of stops for a mulled wine afterwards.

Winter Wonderland

Possibly the very best winter date in the whole city, Winter Wonderland is the magical event that takes over Hyde Park each year. It's been around since 2007, and this year you'll find it from the 21st November to 5th January.

There are more than 100 vendors selling cute gifts, clothes and decorations - ideal for Christmas shopping. There are also fairground rides and fun attractions such as ice skating - we recommend the giant wheel for amazing views. After all those activities, settle down with a warming hot drink and Alpine-inspired eats in one of the many bars.