Romantic date ideas in Knightsbridge

Does it get any more romantic than a gentle amble around one of the UK’s most picturesque parks? From soaking up the spectacular rose garden in the southeast corner to boating on the Serpentine or even a spot of horse-riding (there are not one, but two stables located in the 350-acre grounds), you’ll find plenty in the impressive Royal Park to keep you busy for the day. Speaking of horse riding, a whimsical date idea is a horse-drawn carriage ride from a hotel or central London location, stopping at all the iconic sights, and ending at Harrods for a shopping spree. The service is arranged through London-based Westways Carriage Horses, who specialise in traditional and luxurious horse-drawn carriages for tours and special events.

©The Royal Parks

And on the subject of Harrods, the world-famous department store is the one-stop shop for seriously covetable luxury jewellery from timeless heritage brands like Cartier, Chopard and Fabergé to contemporary fashion pieces from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Gucci and Saint Laurent. Why not plan a trip for a very special treasure followed by an unforgettable breakfast at Tiffany’s, à la Audrey? Yes, seriously – the Tiffany Blue Box Cafe is open daily and takes both bookings and walk-ins. Run, don’t walk!

With the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum practically on your doorstep in Knightsbridge, a date with a difference has never been easier. With a whole host of exciting free and ticketed events available, a bit of prior planning will go a long way. Our pick is the current Diva exhibition at the V&A, which explores the power and creativity of iconic performers past and present (on until 10 April). 

©Diva Constellations for Act Three of DIVA at the V&A London, by Tal Rosner

Spa junkie? Then the prestigious Bulgari Hotel and Residences will already be on your radar. Home to the award-winning Bulgari Spa – all 2,000m² of it – this exquisite oasis is designed over two levels and is a spa like no other. Expect a shimmering 25m pool, complete with elegantly placed loungers and cabanas, 11 treatment rooms and a selection of magnificently luxe areas to steam, work out and be pampered from top-to-toe. Pick from science-backed treatments like cryotherapy and radio frequency facials to nurturing deep tissue massages and CBD “stress-melting” rituals (we’ll take two, thanks) and emerge feeling like a completely new person.

If you’ve only marvelled at his creative culinary concoctions on TV, now’s your chance to taste them IRL. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is stationed at the spectacular Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London hotel and while bookings are recommended, they’re not essential, so it’s always worth taking a punt. The brilliantly inventive menu ‘takes inspiration from facts, events and recipes dating as far back as the 13th century’ (think: cod in cider with trout roe or spiced squab pigeon) and even includes a vegetarian version. When you’ve finished, head down to The Aubrey, an award-winning Japanese restaurant and late-night izakaya hidden within Mandarin Oriental, for a nightcap or two. A very special -– and romantic – date night indeed.

Because surely Valentine’s Day is the time to enjoy a little extravagance, no? Just a stone’s throw from Hyde Park and a two-minute saunter from Knightsbridge station, five-star hotel The Park Tower Knightsbridge is a lavish affair from the moment you step through the doors of the famous Brutalist building. Enjoy exceptional service, breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline and even a Park Tower butler on hand, if needed. It makes the perfect spot to flop following a long day out in the capital… after an obligatory cocktail in the hotel’s charming Hyde Bar, of course.

Sophie Goddard is a freelance journalist who writes for The Guardian, Cosmopolitan and The Telegraph