London has both a romantic and a quirky side that makes it a great place to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone. From a special champagne dinner to an adventure for two, London has plenty to offer. Here are just some ideas:
Dine out in London
London can offer you cuisine from across the globe. Valentine’s Day is going to be busy, so book ahead for the best table in the establishment. Don’t forget that romantic gifts for men as well as for women are also required on Valentine’s Day, so whether you take an afternoon tea or a dinner cruise down the River Thames or be cosy together at the fireside of a local pub, present a gift to keep as well.
Catering for all diets from vegan to gluten-free and everything in-between, you will have no problem finding the perfect food, from St Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea for two at The Ritz to a fabulous burger as wander the streets.
Iconic London sights
Be cocooned in the iconic London landmark of the Coca-Cola London Eye with its champagne experience or hire a complete Cupid’s Capsule if your budget allows. You can also check out St Paul’s Cathedral dome, which has an idiosyncratic design and unusual acoustics allowing you to whisper sweet nothings into the ear of your beloved on the opposite side via the curving wall of the gallery.
Music is the food of love in London
At the London Coliseum, you can get tickets for Bizet’s popular opera “Carmen” that runs from 29 January to 27 February, perfect if you cannot celebrate Valentine’s Day on the date itself, or want to prolong the celebrations to another suitable date.
In London on 14 February, The Paris Grill hosts a Swing Valentine Special or head to the Royal Festival Hall or Cadogan Hall for more classical tunes on the theme of love. If you want to rock ‘n’ roll, head to Dingwalls in Camden for Valentine’s Day with The Godfathers’
All the world’s a stage
London is famous for its theatre shows, with a wealth of choices from musical to horror. Pretty Woman: The Musical opens at Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End on 13 February and is one of London’s most romantic shows.
There’s a pop-up cinema at the Rivoli Ballroom which is showing Romeo and Juliet on 14 February, as well as The Notebook on 12 February.
You can explore behind the scenes at theatres, or get tickets for the Warner Bros. studio tour, perfect for all Harry Potter fans.
Head to Love Letters Live to see Kylie Minogue, Benedict Cumberbatch and other famous faces at Shoreditch Town Hall on Valentine’s Day reading touching letters from the likes of Che Guevara and David Bowie.
Create unique memories
London can immerse you into new experiences and new skills. You can learn how to roll sushi or mix cocktails at masterclasses on Valentine’s weekend. There are knitting and crochet classes or take in a themed planetarium show on Valentine’s Day at the Peter Harrison Planetarium that includes a traipse around Greenwich.
Enjoy the illuminated trails of Lightopia Festival and the annual Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens, both open on Valentine’s Day.
After Valentine’s Day
For those who cynical about Valentine’s Day, you can still make a statement of your love after the actual day itself. You can learn how to preserve a heart at The British Academy of Taxidermy’s Heart in a Jar class on 16 February. Alternatively, sign up to the Valentine’s 10K run at Battersea Park on 22 February.
