A Romantic Valentine's Walk of London in a Day [360° Street View]

Paris may tout itself as the most romantic city in the world but London offers couples everything they could wish for from a romantic day out.

Whether you're there for a special Valentine's Day weekend or for a romantic city break, London offers couples and sweethearts a wealth of memorable sights and experiences to enjoy at any time of year.

To showcase just why the city can be considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, we suggest you try this wonderful romantic tour of London which takes in a stroll beside the River Thames, reveals the majesty of the cityscape and features a heart-lifting mix of famous landmarks and hidden gems.

Big Ben / Palace of Westminster / London Eye

Our romantic day in London begins with perhaps its most famous view; the magnificent Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament. Crossing the Gothic-styled Westminster Bridge, (opened in 1862), from west to east the panorama before you includes Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the mighty river itself and, on the South Bank, the giant Ferris wheel known as the London Eye.

Walk Along Southbank

Bearing left as you step from Westminster Bridge, a leisurely stroll beside the Thames reveals further views of the river and city beyond, whilst passing notable landmarks including the old County Hall, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Footbridge, the Southbank Centre (the world's largest arts complex), the Royal National Theatre and the OXO Tower.

Tate Modern Gallery

Within half an hour you'll reach the Tate Modern gallery. This is the perfect stop in which to admire some of the world's finest contemporary artworks. You could even buy one for that ‘someone special' from one of the gallery's shops, but if that seems an extravagance too far you could always share a romantic coffee or meal in the award-winning Tate café. Just beyond the Tate Modern don't miss the spectacular views of St Paul's Cathedral which lies across the river, spanned here by the Millennium Bridge.

The View from The Shard

A fifteen-minute walk from the gallery brings you to one of London's newest and most spectacular landmarks; the Shard. Be sure to impress your loved one by taking them to the Shard's public Viewing Gallery. Situated at the top of this remarkable modern skyscraper, and at twice the height of any other viewpoint in the city, the Viewing Gallery offers the very best aerial panoramas of London; on a clear day you'll enjoy a range of forty miles.

Design Museum

Continuing to follow the Thames, the Design Museum is a further minutes' stroll from the Shard. Celebrating every aspect of product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design, this is a fascinating and enjoyable place to spend a while exploring. Both the Design Museum's chic café and its restaurant offer the chance to sit back and enjoy gorgeous river views.

Tower Bridge

Here we suggest you backtrack slightly and cross the Thames via the magnificent Tower Bridge which offers yet more romantic views which combine London's most historic and modern buildings.

Wilton's Music Hall

Across the bridge and bearing right, a ten-minute walk to Grace's Alley reveals one of London's hidden gems. Hidden in the pedestrianized alleyway is Wilton's – the world's oldest surviving music hall. An unimpressive and peeling exterior leads into an entertainment venue of stunning Victorian splendour; the contrast is both breath-taking and magical, the atmosphere deeply romantic.

Tower of London

Retrace your steps to Tower Bridge and take the short walk to the Tower of London. This legendary royal palace, established by William the Conqueror in 1066, offers a thousand years of history and is the home of the fabulous Crown Jewels. Spooky and romantic in equal measure, it's possible to take a twilight tour of the Tower on a Sunday.

Leaderhall Market

Should you feel somewhat peckish by now or wish to indulge in a little shopping, Leadenhall Market – a fifteen minute stroll northwest of the Tower of the London – is unmissable. Located at the heart of the City of London on Gracechurch Street, this covered Victorian street market features beautiful architecture, cobbled walkways and an arched glass roof. The market is renowned for the quality of its food and drink and there are many options for sharing a romantic meal here.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Cheapside links Leadenhall Market to St Paul's Cathedral. Having viewed it earlier from across the river, you now have the opportunity to explore this exquisitely designed and decorated cathedral – the scene of some of the world's most romantic weddings including that of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer – for yourself. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in the seventeenth century on the site of an original church dating from the seventh century, St Paul's Cathedral is a true masterpiece in every respect.

Sicilian Avenue

As our romantic day tour of London draws towards its end we recommend you take the time to visit another often overlooked gem. Sicilian Avenue, off Kingsway, is a twenty-five-minute walk northwest of St Pauls. Built in 1910, this beautiful pedestrianized shopping street is reminiscent of a traditional, old-fashioned Italian plaza, hence the name ‘Sicilian Avenue'. On a warm summer's evening, there can be little more romantic than drinking wine al fresco or sharing a meal at a table outside one of the Italian eateries that line one of the prettiest walkways in London.

Seven Dials

You're now just a few minutes' walk from Covent Garden. At Seven Dials you'll find a collection of wonderful independent shops; the perfect place to buy the latest fashions (a gift for someone, perhaps)? Tucked away between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street is Neal's Yard; a seventeenth-century alleyway that is renowned for its health food cafes and businesses such as Neal's Yard Remedies – purveyors of wonderfully natural health and beauty products, and Neal's Yard Dairy. A delightful place to indulge in some exclusive shopping or pampering, take afternoon tea or enjoy an unforgettable dinner for two in one of the many excellent restaurants you'll find here, Covent Garden is the perfect place in which to end a romantic tour of London in a day.

Neil's Yard, Covent Garden

Also located in Covent Garden, tucked away between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street is Neal's Yard; a seventeenth-century alleyway that is renowned for its health food cafes and businesses such as Neal's Yard Remedies – purveyors of wonderfully natural health and beauty products, and Neal's Yard Dairy. A delightful place to indulge in some exclusive shopping or pampering, take afternoon tea or enjoy an unforgettable dinner for two in one of the many excellent restaurants you'll find here, Covent Garden is the perfect place in which to end a romantic tour of London in a day.

A delightful area to indulge in some fashionable shopping or pampering, take afternoon tea or enjoy an unforgettable dinner for two in one of the many excellent restaurants you'll find here, Covent Garden is the perfect place in which to end a romantic day out in London. For those who prefer to spend more time in this exciting city, why not stay in a short stay apartment in Central London to get the most out of your trip.

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