Think of the truly great kisses in history – The Notebook, anyone? – and you’ll notice they all share an iconic setting. Luckily, London is chock full of such spots, so here it is – 20 of the best places to kiss in town!
1. Sunset at Primrose Hill
The pink and orange hues of the setting sun, the London skyline unfolding before you, the lamps twinkling in the gathering dusk – you’re really going to need to work hard not to feel the romance here! That view could stop a galloping horse in its tracks, so it’s certainly going to catch me out on a slow little stroll.
2. Amidst the thumping techno of fabric
You can go ahead and swap fabric with your club of choice here, but the scenario remains the same. Eyes meeting across the crowded dancefloor, an admiring smile at their winsome dance moves, and a little of that shouty flirting that only works in a deafening club. Original? Nope, but many a London love story has started this way, so don’t knock it.
3. In your own private pod atop the London Eye
Crucial words here are “private” – because you don’t want any awkward bystanders looking on whilst you’re sucking face – and “atop”, because it’s not quite so cinematic if you’re only ten feet off the ground. Wait until you’ve ascended to the heavens, and let the sweeping views of the capital work their magic. Also works nicely for proposals, just sayin’…
4. At a delicious street food market
“The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”, as the old saying goes – but let’s be honest, this applies to all of us. Thus, eating your way around London’s best food markets is a sure-fire route to a smooch!
5. Beneath The Meeting Place at St Pancras station
For those of you not au fait with your train station artworks, The Meeting Place is the 30-foot tall bronze statue of a couple locking lips, found on the upper levels of St Pancras. It’s excellent inspiration for your next kiss, which is best used during a tearful reunion as you meet them at the train and fling your arms around one another.
6. During the Pride in London parade
A joyous, triumphant tribute of love that draws one million attendees each year? Yup, there’s no better stage for an iconic kiss than amidst the colour and celebration of London’s Pride parade, an annual reminder of the simple fact that love is love.
7. On the Tube escalators
Sure, the Tube isn’t exactly romantic, but at the very least, it’s something to pass the time as you slowly ascend. Don’t be surprised if your smooching earns the ire of impatient commuters, though. Damn them all, your love is more important!
8. Kyoto Garden
Peacocks, waterfalls, autumn colours – that’ll do nicely for a memorable kiss, thank you very much! Look at the pretty colours.
9. Up at The O2
Places to kiss don’t come much more cinematic than this. If your beau is a daredevil who thinks nothing of the knee-knocking terror of heights, then a kiss atop London’s O2 Arena really won’t be beaten for drama.
10. Amongst the canals of Little Venice
No witty reason here; Little Venice is one of the most charming spots in town, and if canals can make Venice one of the most romantic getaways available, they can surely do the same for Little Venice.
11. Hampstead Pergola
If Bridgerton fever has consumed you over the last year, an arm-in-arm stroll around this gorgeous pergola (complete with stolen kisses behind the pillars) should be enough to land you in the society papers.
12. The South Bank
It’s got strong Made in Chelsea ‘break up, kiss and make up, repeat ad nauseum‘ energy, and it’s a bloody dramatic spot for a kiss.
13. The Whispering Galleries at St Paul’s Cathedral
Whispering sweet nothings in your boo’s ear is probably the starter for a lot of these kisses, but what if you could whisper them from across the room? The amazing acoustics of the Whispering Galleries make it possible, but just hope no one else up there thinks you’re talking to them…
14. Hampton Court Palace Maze
Crisis will either bring you together or drive you apart, so tackling this royal maze is perhaps a high-risk strategy. Hey ho, there’s a triumphant feeling of beating the maze, and competitive types can split up and go head-to-head to reach the centre first.
15. St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill
Ah, we’ve moved onto the ‘recreate famous kisses from cinema’ portion of the evening. First up, these extremely cute mews, which were used as a filming location in Love, Actually. I’d say it’s possibly wise to avoid kissing your best friend’s spouse (looking at you, Andrew Lincoln), but hey, the heart wants what the heart wants.
16. Heathrow Airport
Satisfies the second half of our Love Actually inspiration, and also falls into the ‘greeting a returning lover’ category. A proverbial double whammy!
17. Shad Thames
Not only is this the scene of Bridget and Daniel’s first kiss in Bridget Jones’ Diary, but it’s also an excellent spot to shop for waterside property, as the flats around Shad Thames offer industrial chic (for a high price point, obviously). Dream big, lovers!
18. Royal Exchange Buildings
Obviously, if we’ve got Bridget and Daniel’s first kiss, we need our heroine’s first smooch with Mark Darcy – you’ll find that spot at Royal Exchange Buildings near Bank. Grab yourself a dashing human rights lawyer and you’re off to the races! Just don’t try and change lines inside the station round here… that’ll put you right off your game.
19. Mayfield Lavender
Given it’s only open in summer, it’s sadly not a Valentine’s Day one, but why not file it away for when the sun’s out? If you can dodge the Instagram crowd, you’ll find the fragrant lavender fields of Mayfield to be a perfect spot for that iconic kiss. Also, there’ll be no shortage of people around to take your photo…
20. On an enchanting London ice rink
Another seasonal option (unless you pop over to Ally Pally) amongst our places to kiss, London’s outdoor ice rinks capture the great and good of Christmastime: twinkling lights, mulled cider, and an insistent cold that invites huddling. Dazzle them with your skating prowess, and that unforgettable kiss will be yours!