If the stress of planning dates makes you break out in a sweat...

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...then the last thing you want during summer are more reasons to perspire.

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Luckily for you, I’ve spent the last few weeks trawling the internet for the most wonderful (and romantic) experiences and events happening in London over the summer. Now you won’t have to sweat through three t-shirts thinking about what you should do for date night... although you might sweat through them ticking off some of the more exerting activities on this list. PSA to all my hyperhidrosis baddies out there: maybe stick to the indoor ideas (or you might end up sticking to your date!). Ever thought of bringing your beau to a sustainable candle making workshop?

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That’s right, I’ve got ideas for all types of couples: my sweaty lovers, my outdoorsy gorpcore types, my romantic culture vultures, and just my happy-go-lucky Londoner’s in love. So, whatever genre of ‘in-love’ you are this summer, I’ve got the perfect activity for you and your sweetheart.

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1. Brunch on a boat in Little Venice

Little Venice might just be the most charming hidden gem in London. Just as it says on the tin, Little Venice is a tranquil canal area evocative of its moniker: Venice. The leafy riverbanks, colourful houseboats and laid-back vibe make this location a perfect place for a relaxed romantic summer date. With GoBoat, you can rent a motorised boat (no sweaty pedalo’s here pls!) to explore the canals. My top tip for the perfect Little Venice date is: stay on-theme with the Italian vibe, and pick out a delish brunch picnic from Raoul’s Deli - perhaps the bougie-est little Italian deli in all of London. Laden with cold-cuts, fresh focaccia and luxury chocolates, you’ll have everything you need for a lavish pseudo-venetian canal tour.

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2. Watch and al-fresco film

Repeat after me: watching another fucking horror movie at home, in your PJs (that haven’t seen the inside of a washing machine since christmas), eating the same takeout that you get every. single. week. (like, how good can your local chinese really be??), DOESN’T COUNT AS DATE NIGHT. I know that this is a harsh reality, and it’s not because watching a movie together doesn’t foster genuine connection - quite the opposite actually: it’s a wonderful bonding experience, provides fodder for interesting conversation, and is just pretty fucking fun... no, it’s because you’re too goddamn comfortable doing the same thing! A date needs to be exciting, not worn out! You need to leave the warm, cosy bubble of your life, stop being lazy and go make some memories. If you’re not yet ready to leap out of planes with your beau for the sake of having a more exciting date night (I don’t blame you), why don’t we meet in the middle?

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If this appeals, might I suggest catching one of the hundreds of al-fresco movies happening around London this summer? There’s a million cinema pop ups happening all over the city, some free, some more expensive. My fave is Stratford’s Rooftop Film Club: Roof East. Expect big-budget new releases such as The Menu, as well as old faves like High Fidelity and Breakfast at Tiffany’s - all served with a side of London sunset, and wood-fired pizza. Now, doesn’t that sound better than chomping down on Domino’s watching another shitty Netflix original?

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3. Sustainable candle making workshops

This one goes out to my creative and eco-conscious couples: imagine spending an evening together, getting your hands dirty, and creating beautiful (and sustainable!) candles from scratch. Not only does it allow you to unleash your creativity, but it also encourages teamwork and communication as you work together to design your perfect candles. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to choose fragrances, colors, and moulds that reflect your shared tastes, making each candle a personalised symbol of your connection. The soft glow and delightful scents of the candles will create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for a cozy and intimate evening. It's a wonderful chance to bond over a shared activity, learn something new, and even take home a special keepsake to remember the night by. So why not give a candle making workshop a try? I guarantee it'll be a date night to remember! I recommend checking out Class Bento or Earl of East for bespoke classes.

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4. Walthamstow Wetlands

Picture this: you and your summer bae, surrounded by nature's beauty, taking a leisurely stroll through the expansive wetlands. The vibrant greenery, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife create an enchanting atmosphere that's simply magical. It's the perfect backdrop for heartfelt conversations and intimate moments. You can immerse yourselves in birdwatching, lay out a cozy picnic by the water, or simply bask in the breathtaking views together. You only have 30 minutes on the tube to reach the Wetlands, making them a tranquil escape from the pressures of the city. Everyone needs to breathe air and touch grass sometimes, so why not do it with the person that you love the most, a picnic, and plenty of suncream?

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5. Columbia Flower Market

I know that you’ve been meaning to hit up Columbia road flower market...it’s been all over your feed... So, what’s stopping you? Is it the prospect of getting up early on the weekend? Cos, get over it. This is the best market in all of London (bold claim, I know, but trust me: I’m right). Drag your partner out of bed and hustle down to the Sunday market. The market is bursting with colours and the air is filled with the sweet scent of fresh flowers. It's literally like stepping into a floral wonderland. Very different from the brutalist reality of having a 9-5 in the city (you know what I mean). A cute date idea could be to pick out a bouquet for each other, before hitting up the independent cafes and food trucks dotted along the market. Even if you don’t buy any flowers, visiting the market is worth it for the unmatched summer vibes. But, trust me, when you see the rows of tulips and peonies, it’ll be impossible to leave without picking a few blooms up.

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6. Toast marshmallows at campfire club

Campfire Club in London is the ultimate warm summer evening date spot. You and your partner can cozy up by the crackling fire, feeling like you're in your very own rom-com. Listen along to live music while you attempt to roast your marshmallows to perfection (obvs aiming for that sexy golden-brown exterior). Just make sure you don't get too competitive and set your marshmallow on fire (it's not a good look, trust me!). So grab your loved one, pack some bug spray, and get ready for an evening under the (barely visible) stars at Campfire Club. It's s'more romantic than you can handle!

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