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Residential Land have a few suggestions for the best places to celebrate Valentines Day in London.

Love in London

With Valentine’s Day just round the corner, it’s a good time to think about visiting some of the capital’s most romantic spots, from beautiful views in Hampstead to biscuit icing classes in Chiswick. London’s romantic side is also a good thing to consider when deciding where to buy or rent in London: to add a touch of magic into your routine. Whether you’ve been married for years or are in the first flush of love, here are our top romantic picks.

View from Parliament Hill – Hampstead (NW3)

There’s nothing quite like wandering through deserted wooded paths, leaves crunching under feet with that special someone by your side. Hampstead Heath is that wild corner of North London, where deer can be seen running through the fields – a park with acres of countryside to get lost in. And Parliament Hill is the best part to share, one of London’s natural wonders with the whole city spread ahead. Go on a misty day and there’s no more romantic view of our busy city.

:: Nearest tube: Gospel Oak

Kensington Roof Gardens – High Street Kensington (W8)

Hidden away on the top of a Kensington department store are three magical gardens. There’s the Spanish garden, with fountains and vineyards, a Tudor garden filled with red roses, and a slice of lush English woodland.

Spanish Garden at Kensington Roof Gardens

Even in the colder months, for that more chic romantic atmosphere, you can enjoy a slick cocktail during the bar’s live music night or a fab meal at the garden’s own Babylon restaurant. This is a great Valentine’s date (just be sure to call beforehand to book in advance).

:: Kensington Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, W8. Visit www.roofgardens.virgin.com

I Made It Myself – Chiswick (W4)

Obviously the most heartfelt gifts are those that are handmade. But sometimes actually making something sounds easier on paper than it is in practice, unless you want to end up with a mess of paper, glue and disappointment. Enter I Made It Myself, a Chiswick-based crafts workshop that’s there to help out those couples who want to make things but lack the time to do it all themselves. Workshops include biscuit icing, for those with a sweet tooth, sushi making, for those who enjoy fancy raw fish, and gin masterclasses, for those who enjoy lime and hangovers.

:: I Made It Myself, 374 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, W4. Visit imadeitmyself.co.uk

La Poule Au Pot – Pimlico (SW1)

Poule au Pot - Pimlico

No one would deny that the French have this love business down to a ‘T’. And La Poule Au Pot, situated in quaint Pimlico, is a venerable bistro that’s been serving French romance on a plate for more than 50 years. Seclude you and your date away into one of its many nooks and crannies and fall into the heady atmosphere, helped along by fine wine and finer food. Regularly voted “best for romance”, it’s easy to see why. Almost unfair when they have that French connection.

:: La Poule Au Pot, 231 Ebury Street, SW1. Visit www.pouleaupot.co.uk

Keats House – Hampstead (NW3)

Now if we agree that the food of love is French, then poetry is definitely love’s language. And who spoke it better than Keats. If you’re thinking ‘who?’ then come visit Keats House for an education into what kind of atmosphere you need to write beautiful sonnets; if you’re thinking ‘ah well of course’, then see for yourself the gardens that inspired Ode to a Nightingale or join in the regular poetry readings. The house itself is a Regency style marvel, featuring a display on Keats’s own sweetheart, Fanny Brawne, who also lived next door. Plus, if you’re on the look-out for love, try out a different kind of speed dating this Valentine’s: 18th century style speed-dating, complete with a full-on masquerade ball. Sure to be full of surprises.

:: Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3