According to a Scottish writer who died 250 years ago, “Nothing is certain in London but expense”. Not much has changed in the intervening years, but it’s possible with a bit of homework to have a honeymoon in London which is not only romantic, but doesn’t break the bank.
Here’s a few tips for great places to visit on your honeymoon.
Flower Market
You would expect the New Covent Garden Flower market to be in Covent Garden, but this being London, it is of course on the other side of the city in Vauxhall.
This is where London’s florists buy their flowers. It opens in the middle of the night and closes at 11am. There is a huge selection and the scent is incredible.
Flowers they are sold at wholesale prices, so guys, if you want to buy your new wife so many red roses she can’t count them, this is the place.
The Postman’s Park
If you’ve seen the film Closer, then you’ve seen the Postman’s Park.
Just north of St Paul’s Cathedral, this hidden gem of London is a tiny park which houses the Memorial to Heroic Self Sacrifice. This was established by George Watts, in 1900 as a tribute to ordinary people who had died whilst saving the lives of others. A long wall is covered in decorative ceramic tablets which tell the often fascinating tales of those who are commemorated there.
In the film, Jude Law takes Natalie Portman to the park and their characters fall in love. Maybe it just has that effect on people. Anyhow, it’s worth a look.
Karaoke
Yes, you read that correctly. It’s late at night, you’ve had a few drinks, a great dinner, and you’re heading back to the hotel. For the husband or wife who wants to surprise their other half with a romantic gesture, what could be better than stopping off for a nightcap at Lucky Voice Karaoke in Soho, a karaoke bar with “A list” clientele.
Book a private booth, order a Kimono cocktail (highly recommended) and call up your first dance song. Ahhh…
Primrose Hill
Of course, the one thing in London that’s guaranteed other than expense is the occasional bit of bad weather. But there’ll be a sunny day on any honeymoon, and there’s no better place to spend it that at the top of Primrose Hill.
This park is often overlooked in favour of Regent’s Park just to the south, but Regent’s Park can’t offer you a panoramic view of London that has inspired artists in the capital for centuries.
Vertigo
Not a symptom of visiting Primrose Hill, but a bar, located right at the top of one of London’s tallest buildings.
Tower 42 (so named because it has 42 stories) is not going to win height contests in Manhattan, but standing in the centre of London’s financial district it has 360 degree views of the city.
You’ll need to book in advance, but it’s a great place to watch the sun set over the city.