Valentine's Day Happy Valentine's Day(2008) From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Cities: 3.London - A City Of Parks: London is a city with varied interests for a romantic couple on their Valentine’s Day Holiday. A must Honey moon destination it is also a paradise for music, Cinema/ Theatre and art lovers. London is famous for its leafy parks scattered throughout the city. Strolling through Richmond Park's Isabella Plantation or the gardens alongside the Serpentine in Hyde Park are particularly pleasant for spending a lazy afternoon. Regents Park and Kensington Gardens are also delightful for couples – why not take a picnic? Kew Gardens, Kenwood House, Hampton Court the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden…The opportunities for lovers in London are endless! Here are a few must see / do Tips that you can try out on your romantic Holiday in London and enjoy: Things To Do / See: A.London Eye: Try the London Eye Cupid Capsule and have a private trip with your loved one along teamed with champagne and truffles. You can also take the London Eye Valentines Cruise which is a 40-minute trip along the Thames complete with champgne. B.London Chocolate Walking Tour: A must tour if you wish to indulge your loved one. Chocolate Ecstasy Tours offers you the most decadent Chocolate experience in London. Expect to have your taste buds tantalised as you taste, touch and smell the best Chocolate the world has to offer!For 4 hours you will be guided by a Chocolate Ecstasy Chocoholic Guide, through London side streets and alleys, on an indulgent walking tour of some of London’s best Chocolate stores and experiences in the heart of the city. Tours include an abundance of luxury Chocolate sampling, fascinating chocoholic chats, a lavish hot Chocolate break and special prices on the ultimate Chocolate luxuries! You can directly book with them for the tour at their website http://www.chocolateecstasytours.com/public_html/tours.htm. C.Candle-lit Concerts: The candlelit concerts at St. Martin-in-the-fields are absolutely wonderful and romantic. You can also try the cafe in the crypt for a coffee or small bite. D.Romantic Walks / Parks: There are so many romantic nooks and crannies in Hyde/Kensington Park around the Serpentine , and Regent Park is also beautiful. The Japanese gardens are well worth the visit. Visit one or more of the great Royal Parks, London's "green lungs" - in the centre, Hyde Park (the largest) and Kensington Gardens, Green Park, St James Park, Regents Park; further afield, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Greenwich Park and Brompton Cemetery. Some parks also aloow you a horse ride. Pack a picnic for a gorgeous day in the park... E.Romantic Hotspots: Get loved-up by visiting some of London's most romantic landmarks. Walk over Tower Bridge and visit the Tower of London, wander down the riverpast Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, or stroll up to the top of Primrose Hill for beautiful views across London. Love is definitely in the air at the Tower Bridge Exhibition this Valentine's Day. On the evening of 14 February, the spectacular high-level walkways of the Bridge will be transformed into a romantic panoramic platform. Take in the twinkling, night-time views of London as you sip champagne and listen to jazz favourites from a live band. F.Open Bus Tours: Have a London tour in a grand style in open buses. Open top bus tours offer a good, albeit somewhat expensive, introduction to the sights of London. Two principal operators tend to dominate the market for this kind of tour: (The Original Tour and The Big Bus Company). Both provide hop-on/hop-off services where you can get off at any attraction and catch the next bus; both provide live commentaries in English and recorded commentaries in other languages (not necessarily on the same buses). If you are in the mood for a view of London by sea, take advantage of the London Ducktours. Your tour 'bus' is actually a D-Day landing water/land vehicle that has been refurbished complete with tour guide. G.Thames Cruises: City Cruises operates sightseeing cruises and evening dinner & dance cruises on London's River Thames all year round. For a unique dining experience, check out Bateaux London which consists of elegant glass and traditional boats, which give you an unparalled view of the city. Cruise on down the Thames while dining. Once you are in London you are spoiled for choice as to possible routes for walks along the Thames, History, architecture, world famous buildings and stunning views greet you along the whole length of the river from Battersea to Greenwich. H.Go For a Movie / Theatre / Show: Go to London Theatre and see a musical, play or comedy in London's Theatreland. The weekly Time Out magazine http://www.timeout.com/london has listings for most plays, concerts, etc. London Theatre has a large variety of shows from fringe to Broadway-like musicals and productions. The West End district is where you'll find the last type, with famous imported Broadway shows and some very good local productions. You can find discounted tickets to these shows at the Half Price Ticket Booth (aka: TKTS) in the area, where reduced tickets are sold on a free seats basis. If you prefer to buy your tickets in advance you can still find discount. You can also see a romantic Show at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (RLPO) is celebrating Valentine's Day with an intimate evening of tuneful classics. See Shakespeare's immortal story of Romeo and Juliet come alive in extracts from Prokofiev's and Tchaikovsky. Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto, famously used in the 1945 film Brief Encounter and Ravel's Boléro will also make an appearance. I.Carnaby Kiss Exhibition in London: Fashion photographer Gregg Stone has compiled a display of photos of people kissing. Images range from the traditional image to more modern takes on the idea of "a kiss". You can even have your own kiss appear in the exhibition. Address: Carnaby Gallery, 1-2 Carnaby Street, London, W1. J.Attend Valentine’s Day Parties: Find out the itineraries of various clubs and attend a Valentine’s Day Party which suits you. K.Romantic Dinner: Have a romantic dinner on board a Thames Cruise Vessel or any cosy restaurant of your choice. You could end the evening with a romantic after dinner walk along the Thames and see a nightview of the Tower Bridge. The Bertinet Kitchen,Bath Learn how to create the perfect romantic meal at The Bertinet Kitchen, Bath's hot new cooking school. Chef Richard Bertinet will demonstrate a 3 course dinner menu while you enjoy eating it. The experience includes a glass of wine matched to each course and coffee. Afterwards, take a romantic walk around this beautiful Roman city and work off the calories. Kew Gardens, London The world-famous Kew Gardens will be hosting a special 4-course Valentines dinner in the majestic Orangery restaurant, followed by a romantic tour around the Henry Moore exhibit. When you arrive at Kew, you'll be directed to a Champagne reception, with Henry Moore speakers talking about the exhibition. How To Get To London: Travelling in London is made easier with a system of cards which provides discounts on London Underground, rail and bus services and some river services. Transport Details London Hotels: A.Royal Horseguards Thistle Hotel: The Royal Horseguards Thistle Hotel reflects French-chateau style from its stately Westminster location in London, England. This historic property is positioned three blocks from the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This prestigious riverside hotel provides a historic romantic ambience along with a lovely flower-bedecked terrace tucked behind the hotel which offers a wonderful vantage point for viewing the London Eye fireworks. B.Claridges: Claridges is a five-star deluxe hotel and has over a century enjoyed the patronage of the most illustrious families..leaders and dignitaries from around the world. Situated in mayfair..the shops of bond street and oxford street are within walking distance. Claridges is the epitome of grand english style for over a century it has enjoyed the patronage of the most illustrious families - leaders and dignitaries from around the world. With new and restored bedrooms - including two spectacular penthouse suites - state-of-the-art telecommunications equipment - luxurious health and fitness facilities private function rooms and the new art-deco claridges bar - the hotel is now also attracting a trendy - younger generation - who appreciate the impeccable service and surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. C.The Capital: The Capital is a luxury romantic hotel brought to you by Great Hotels of the World with the best information, pictures and rates for a romantic holiday. The Capital boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant, which is headed by renowned French chef Eric Chavot. The luxurious surroundings provide the perfect setting for a romantic evening. The Capital is within easy walking distance of Kensington Palace and Gardens, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Designer boutiques and shops can be found along Beauchamp Place, Brompton Arcade and Sloane Street, while Harrods is conveniently located just yards away. Hyde Park, one of London’s most beautiful parks, is a five-minute walk away and offers a variety of activities, including horse riding, boating and swimming at the Serpentine Lido (during the summer months only). For breathtaking views of the city head for the South Bank and stroll along the river. D.Hilton Hyde Park: Indulge in all the charm and elegance of a traditional London townhouse with a stay in one of this hotel's 129 rooms. With stunning views over one of London's largest and finest parks, Hyde Park, guests will enjoy the hotel's central location and proximity to both trendy Notting Hill and the buzz of the West End. After a day's exploring, relax in the Library Lounge. E.Four Season’s Hotel: In the heart of Mayfair, meticulous Four Seasons staff and service ensure an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration, perfect in all respects. Sleek to antique to lush private garden – distinctive banqueting spaces are complemented by fine cuisine and a sense of elegance. A romantic dinner or a champagne breakfast, served in the privacy of your own room, can be arranged.  Back To Travel Index Valentine's Day Romantic Cities - Auckland |