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Best Valentine's Day Ideas in London
Romance in London

By , About.com Guide

London can be a wonderfully romantic city to spend Valentine's Day. Here are some ways to help you have a perfect day.

1. Book a Hotel in Central London

© cohdra@morguefile.com
First of all, you will need a hotel in central London. Superbreak.com are the experts in providing short breaks in London and often have deals which include theater tickets or visitor attractions.

2. Valentines Card

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The best card shop in London has to be Paperchase on Tottenham Court Road. Paperchase is the brand leader in design led and innovative stationery in the UK. The range is constantly changing which makes return visits more fun. They also carry an unbeatable range of unusual papers and art materials as well as all the more widely available stationery, greeting cards, gifts, and gift packaging.
  • Paperchase, 213 - 215 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PS
    Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road / Goodge Street

3. Chocolates

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Find out where to buy and try Chocolate in London. My favorite is Hotel Chocolat who produce luxury chocolates and have many gift ideas. Hotel Chocolat is a British-owned company who has been committed to producing real, authentic chocolate for over ten years. Hotel Chocolat's success has a lot to do with the quality ingredients they use – they even have their own cocoa plantation, Rabot Estate, in the West Indies.

4. Romantic Meal

Romantic meal in a restaurant© Andersen Ross / Getty Images
London has some extremely romantic restaurants that can make that first date/Valentine's Day/anniversary really special. The Top 10 Romantic London Restaurants all have something that makes them stand out.

5. London Perfume Shops

Harrods London© Laura Porter
If you love fragrances, you may well enjoy these London perfume shops for their expertise and unique English style.

6. Flowers

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I recommend Wild Bunch in Covent Garden as the flowers are always fresh and colorful, and they offer lots of unusual varieties. They will always put together a bouquet for you so you can choose exactly what you want to be included. Wild Bunch is also unique as they are use a row of market stalls at Seven Dials in Covent Garden and not a shop to sell their goods. The people at Wild Bunch are known for being friendly and for having good knowledge about their flowers.
  • Wild Bunch, 17-22 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LL
    Nearest tube stations: Covent Garden and Leicester Square

7. Jewelry

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Hatton Garden is London's jewelry quarter. The streets are lined with exclusive stores, many who have jewelry production in-house so they can create bespoke pieces. All stores are open Monday to Friday but not all open on the weekend as Hatton Garden is on the edge of the City of London (the financial district) which is mostly closed at weekends. My favorite jewelers is Anthony Gray.

8. Teddy Bear

© Laura Porter
Some romantics are big softies and a teddy bear would be the perfect gift. Hamleys on Regent Street is the biggest toy shop in the world so is bound to have something for your loved one. Another option would be a Harrods teddy bear as they are collected around the world. Many are limited editions and all are quality teddies to keep forever. Or you could build a custom bear at a Build-a-Bear Workshop in Hamleys or Covent Garden piazza.

9. London Theater Tickets

Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre, London© Laura Porter
When you come to London you want to see a West End show but the cost of the tickets can be off-putting. Here are some tips on How To Get Cheap London Theatre Tickets.

10. Lingerie

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Valentines Day couldn't pass without a trip for the men to a lingerie store. Agent Provocateur is the designer lingerie store in London. The staff know about their products and never make you feel uncomfortable if you have questions. They have a few branches but I like the Soho branch as it's a great area to visit.
  • Agent Provocateur, 6 Broadwick Street, Soho, London W1
    Nearest tube stations: Oxford Circus OR Tottenham Court Road

11. London Eye

© Laura Porter
2009 info / awaiting 2010 info: This year the London Eye is celebrating by recapturing the glamor and romance of classic Hollywood. Look out for Hollywood icons such as Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, and even a group singing a Capella love songs to inspire some Valentine's Day romance.

At the center of the London Eye Hollywood transformation is a spectacular heart shaped mirror installation, surrounded by glamorous feathers, complete with 'dressing room' lighting and framed by heavy velvet cinema curtains, all adding to the Hollywood feel.

Red Rose Flights include chocolate & a red rose for each couple & the Cupid's Capsule includes romantics goodies & a private capsule.

The London Eye River Cruise is playing romantic 30s and 40s music.

12. South Bank Ideas

2009 info / awaiting 2010 info: South Bank is a wonderfully romantic area to stroll at the best of times but there's plenty to do with your loved one this Valentine's Day.
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