Date spot in Notting Hill and Kensington
Kensington Gardens
Walk along the Long Water to the Italian Gardens' fountains, look in at the free Serpentine galleries, and hire a boat on the Serpentine next door in Hyde Park.
Kensington Gardens, between Kensington and Bayswater
Address: Kensington Gardens, The Broad Walk, London W8 4PX- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Why it's a good date: A long, easy walk with plenty to stop for, and it joins up the museums with Notting Hill. The boats are a warmer-months treat, so check the boathouse is open before you set your heart on one.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized)
More from our Notting Hill and Kensington guide
Permit Room Portobello
Portobello Road, Notting Hill
Address: 186 Portobello Road, London W11 1LA- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Dog friendly
- Foodie
- Cosy
Share curries, bar snacks and small plates at the Dishoom team's all-day Bombay-style café and bar, in a restored corner building.
Why it's a good date: Relaxed and lively, and it works for breakfast after the market as well as dinner and cocktails. Some nights there's a DJ playing vinyl if you fancy staying on.
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road, South Kensington
Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Explore the dinosaurs, gems and the blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall, inside Alfred Waterhouse's great terracotta building.
Why it's a good date: The building alone is worth the trip, and it's free to get in. Go on a weekday or later in the afternoon to miss the busiest family crowds.
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Viajante87
Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill
Address: Basement, 87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
- Cosy
Order agave cocktails with Latin American flavours in a basement bar underneath the Gate cinema.
Why it's a good date: Low lights and inventive drinks make it a good second stop after dinner or a film. On some nights a DJ spins vinyl as well.
