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 now open 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 Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition at the V&A, which explores the rich culture and influence of South Korea (on until 25 June). If you’re heading back to Knightsbridge afterwards, don’t forget to stop to pick up a pretty gourmet box of Rococo Chocolates on Motcomb Street – or spoil yourself with a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet of blooms from renowned florist OnlyRoses on Hans Road.

©Victoria and Albert Museum, London

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. And if you’re planning a romantic dinner on the night, we suggest you stay with the Bulgari hotel, whose Sette London restaurant is currently running a special Valentine’s menu – complete with oysters and champagne – plus live music on the night. Reservations are limited so head over to Sette’s website to book your spot pronto.

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 would make for a very special -– and romantic – date night indeed. The hotel is also offering a special edition Afternoon Tea at The Rosebery, featuring an edible red rose and heart shaped scones. On the subject of sweet treats for your sweetheart, The Lanesborough hotel is also running a special Valentine’s themed Afternoon Tea featuring an exquisite hand-crafted sharing cake for two, The Valentine’s Rose, made from raspberry rose bavarois, ruby tea gel and matcha sponge.

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 nightcap in the hotel’s charming Hyde Bar, of course. And anyone staying at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London will have access to a very special experience from luxury jewellers Boodles. Guests will be gifted a beautiful Boodles book as well as a private invitation to their Sloane Street boutique. Perfect if you’re planning to put a ring on it this February.

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