Let's Go Outside: Top Al Fresco London Date Ideas

By Sponsor Last edited 102 months ago
Let's Go Outside: Top Al Fresco London Date Ideas

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Summer lovin' in London

London in the summer sparks all kinds of romantic feelings. Bare tanned legs, floaty dresses, looking hot in sunglasses: it's a sexy season! Here's our pick of some picture-perfect outdoor spots for summery dates in the city.

Float each other's boats from Little Venice to Camden

Set sail from leafy Little Venice to vibrant Camden Market along one of London's most picturesque canal routes. You can plot your happy future as you admire lesser-known London views along the way, discussing the merits of buying a bohemian houseboat or winning the lottery and purchasing one of the white Regency mansions on the banks of the canal.

Escape in Holland Park's Kyoto Garden

So your summer funds don't stretch to a romantic trip for two to Tokyo; indulge in this tranquil slice of Japan right by High Street Ken instead. Holland Park's Kyoto Garden features a burbling waterfall, wonderful planting and gorgeous koi carp. It's a deliciously intimate spot, full of dreamy possibilities.

Wander around Columbia Road Flower Market

Flowers have been given as symbols of love for thousands of years: today's Columbia Road Flower Market began to, er, flourish in the 1980s. Get there early to stroll hand-in-hand through the full cornucopia of beautiful blooms, then gaze into each other's eyes over brunch at Jones' Dairy.

Hit a dating sweet-spot at Ally Pally

Fall in love with your date's competitive streak with a bit of playful pitch and putt up at Alexandra Palace. The 10-hole, park-based par 3 course has gorgeous panoramic views of the London skyline. After showing off your swing, you can test the water at Ally Pally's boating lake or try some old fashioned wooing in the beautiful rose garden.

Mess about in boats on the Serpentine

Hire your very own love boat at London’s biggest boating lake, the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Choose between a romantic rowing boat or a passion-inducing pedalo. Who could fail to be flattered by the gorgeous views across the water, bumping knees or hands in the intimate confines of a boat? No splashing though: getting your best dating togs soaked is never sexy.

Lose (and find!) each other at Crystal Palace Park Maze

Explore the flirty potential of weaving around a maze in Crystal Palace Park, without losing sight of each other (unless you want to): the fences only stand around 3ft high. Then head up the hill to enjoy yet another gorgeous London vista, across leafy suburbia stretching for miles towards Beckenham.

Deer Spotting in Richmond Park

Head to Richmond for a real taste of 'getting away from it all' in London's largest royal park. You'll have some 600 gorgeously elegant red and fallow deer for company, who really make this park feel a long way from central London. Pack a picnic, pick a secluded spot and listen out for the famous parakeets who make the park their home.


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Last Updated 18 September 2015