Looking for the best Valentine’s experiences London has to offer? You don’t have to look very far… the capital goes a bit gooey for a love-fest.
Valentine’s Day truly is the marmite of annual celebrations. But whether you love it or hate it, we’ve compiled a guide to the best things to do this Palentines/Galentines/Valentine’s Day in London…
Things to do on Valentine’s Day in London
Watch ROH’s Romeo and Juliet in Cinema
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with the classic Shakespearean tale about star-crossed lovers?
After an extensive run at The Royal Opera House, Kenneth MacMillan’s dazzling production of Romeo and Juliet is being streamed in the majority of the capital’s coolest cinemas on the 14th.
Expect plenty of tears – bring the tissues along with you. Book your tickets here.
Valentine’s Date With Your Dog
Wondering how to spend a single Valentine’s Day in London? Don’t fret – if you don’t have a partner but do have a wonderful pooch then you’re cordially invited to a pawfect date with your four-legged friend.
Topping the list of cool things to do in London on Valentine’s Day, The Happenstance’s Devonshire Terrace will be hosting a drag doggy brunch to remember. For the humans, drag acts will be accompanied by a welcome drink and toothsome brunch dishes.
Dogs will be given the total VIP experience with a ball bit, bottomless Pawsecco, and snacks – and you can scoop up your pup and take then into the Furmily photobooth for an adorable, and totally ‘gram-worthy, photo.
Tickets are £45 (for one human and one dog) – book yours here.
Indulge in a Spa Break
When it comes to a relaxing Valentine’s Day Spa, London’s got it covered.
One of the most exciting spa packages near London this Valentine’s Day is at Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate in Essex.
Not only are you just 40 minutes away from London (perfect if you want to take a mini staycation) but the grounds are breathtakingly beautiful. There’s really nowhere more romantic.
The Valentine’s Weekend Treat package includes an overnight stay in a dreamy room followed by an impressive breakfast, as well as a luxurious private dinner in the Garden Room, with a five-course tasting menu using ingredients sourced from the hotel’s garden.
Did we mention that you’ll be serenaded by a live pianist as you dine? You can find out more information and book your tickets here.
If you would rather stay directly in London, read our guide to the capital’s stunning spa hotels.
Visit the Sky Garden
It’s not exactly a secret that we love to hype up the Sky Garden here at London x London, but it’s true that it’s one of the best Valentine’s experiences London has to offer – not to mention that it’s free to enter.
But what makes the Sky Garden so romantic? How about that you’re practically perched in a floating botanical garden… or, what about the dreamy sunset views over the city?
And if you’re still not convinced, the cocktails at Sky Pod Bar should be more than enough to convince you to take your date there.
Read More: Romantic Things to do in London
Order a Luxe Hamper and Stay In
Going out is so 2019.
Show your loved one that you care by gifting them an Ottolenghi Valentine’s Hamper – after all, the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, right?
Expect Ottolenghi’s classic Middle Eastern flavours in the form of Tahini Linzer hearts and Shortbread hearts, among other treats. You can order your hamper here.
Borough Market has also released a range of hampers for the romantic day – we’ve got our eyes on The Savoury Valentine’s Hamper, which is filled with cheese, charcuterie, pate, and plenty other delicious treats. Check out the range here.
Another excellent hamper offering comes from Colette. French cooking made easy at home is always going to be a winner – and we won’t tell if you want to impress your Valentine by passing off the succulent Chateaubriand of beef as your own. Promise.
Have a Boudoir Photoshoot
Fancy something a little bit more risqué? Spice things up a little bit with one of the best Valentine’s ideas London has to offer: a Boudoir Photoshoot.
The shoot includes a talented makeup artist that will work with you to make you feel incredible. You can make it as sultry or as conservative as you’d like – bring your favourite lingerie or even just an outfit that makes you feel good.
Single on Valentine’s Day? Gift yourself a sexy photoshoot – you deserve it!
Sip Aphrodisiac Cocktails at LSQ
Because nothing quite invokes romance like an aphrodisiac cocktail, does it? This is one of the best Valentine’s Day ideas for couples London has got going on in 2022.
Between the 12th and 14th February, LSQ Rooftop will be serving up a Valentine’s Day cocktail: LSQ With Love. This magical potion includes Seven Hill Italian Gin, Rose Liquor, Strawberry syrup, Pineapple juice.
And if you want to go the whole hog, there’s a special set menu for you to chow down on (of course, involving more aphrodisiacs). Expect the likes of pan-fried duck breast, scallops, and chocolate fondant to all be involved – it’s £45 for 2 Courses and £50 for 3 Courses.
Read More: The Best Rooftop Bars in London
Cuddle Up and Drink Gin at Home
Swap supermarket roses (they always die within days) for gin this year and gift your partner an Inverroche limited edition gift set featuring wildflower seed bombs.
The idea is that you can both enjoy the gin, and you can afterwards plant the seeds to grow your own flowers and help increase biodiversity in the UK – it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
You’ll also get a cocktail recipe developed by cocktail bar, Heads + Tails (we are huge fans). This comes printed on recycled paper, all rolled up in a cotton bottle bag, which is reusable, obvs.
You can purchase your gin gift here.
Galentine’s Diva Brunch at Skylight Peckham
We think you’ll agree that grabbing your best pals for a Diva-filled brunch definitely tops the list of best things to do on Valentine’s Day in London.
Well, technically it’s on the 13th (which is the official Galentine’s Date, FYI), but we’re sure you’ll forgive us when you hear all about the incredible guest, Khadija. That’s right – the one who was on Wil.I.Am’s team on The Voice 2019.
She’ll be belting out diva hits for two hours whilst you sip bottomless drinks, inviting you to get involved and feel empowered.
Book your tickets for this brunch before they sell out here.
Get Married on Your Doorstep With Deliveroo
Bear with us on this one…
Deliveroo have announced that they will be “officiating” a number of weddings on customers’ doorsteps, since the pandemic has put the kibosh on many couples’ happy day.
Rest assured, there’ll be no expenses spared – the ‘Roo-gistrar Riders’ will arrive with rings and petals for the ultimate experience.
While you won’t be legally wed (sorry!), the lucky few who win the fake ceremony will also receive a £100 Deliveroo voucher, so there’s an indulgent romantic meal on the cards too.
If you fancy your chances, you can enter here.
The Book Club’s All-Female DJ Hip Hop Party
Single on Valentine’s Day? The Book Club has got you covered with their raucous celebration, Put a Ring On It, taking place on the 12th.
The stellar lineup includes Kennedy Taylor, DJ Yaz, and Lola So, who will be gracing the decks and smashing out Hip Hop/RnB, Afrobeat, and Dancehall hits.
Get the girls together and book your tickets here.
Take a Staycation
It’s true – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to romantic London hotels, and taking a staycation is one of the most exciting Valentine’s Day experiences in London.
Can’t decide where to stay? We suggest booking you and your partner a night away at Canopy by Hilton, London’s newest dream hotel.
Ultra-stylish rooms combine crisp white linen with oak accents, the perfect juxtaposition of modernity. Not only is the hotel stunning, but it’s been designed with sustainability in mind, from the use of locally-sourced fabrics to the use of solar energy.
Restaurants & Where to Eat on Valentine’s Day in London
Searcys at The Gherkin
One of the most impressive places to go on Valentine’s Day in London this year is Searcys Bar at the top of The Gherkin.
Visit for a glittering Champagne-filled afternoon tea, or head there in the evening and treat yourself and your partner to an exquisite three-course menu (£149 per person, including a welcome drink and canapes).
Dishes on offer include Aged longhorn beef and black truffle ravioli with bone marrow butter, Dover sole fillet with Portland crab, and an indulgent Valrhona chocolate dome with raspberry and rosewater mousse.
Did we mention the Gherkin has unparalleled views of the capital? Time it just right for sunset and you’ve bagged yourself the most unforgettable date.
Read More: The Best Bars in London
Cinnamon Kitchen
Wondering where to eat on Valentine’s Day in London? Look no further than Cinnamon Kitchen.
Both locations (City and Battersea) will be hosting a Valentine’s Day bash like no other.
Expect the Indian spices and flavours that Vivek Singh has become renowned for across the four-course affair – using locally-sourced ingredients to create a feast for the eyes and the belly.
The Cinnamon Collection’s best-loved plates are all on the menu: tandoori salmon tikka with green pea wasabi, grilled African wild prawn with tomato salsa, and crab and kokum crusted cod with seafood bisque. A chocolate tart and wild berry sorbet rounds off the meal very nicely.
You can book yourself a table here.
Four Season’s Hotel
For a Valentine’s Day in London featuring a decadent four-course dinner menu and a trio of speciality cocktails, head to Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane with a loved one.
The chefs at Amaranto Restaurant have got a treat sure to get your tastebuds tingling and your heart racing: a seafood platter with lobster timbale, prawns, and caviar, and lamb loin with parmesan risotto, mushrooms, artichokes, and lamb jus.
For vegetarians, there’s a dedicated menu featuring the likes of courgette filled with pepper ragou and a grilled aubergine, leek and mushroom remoulade. If you’re looking for a vegan Valentine’s Day, London’s got it covered.
Slink into the Amaranto Bar after dinner, a vision of art-deco romance, for a drink to round off the night. Choose from the Red Passion or Lychee Lover, or opt for a mocktail in the form of the Love Potion.
The four-course dinner costs £85 – or £65 for the vegetarian menu – and you can book a table here.
Apothecary in Shoreditch
If you would rather pass on the gushy, mushy stuff, but instead chow down on great food in a cool atmosphere, head to Shoreditch’s Apothecary for one of the best alternative Valentine’s Day ideas London has.
Inside the old Victorian warehouse, Spiritland DJ Miche has set himself the challenge of compiling three hours of tunes with ‘love’ in the title. Can it be done? You’ll have to find out for yourself.
At £45 per person, diners will be treated to an array of Japanese sharing plates – in true Izikaya style – and even a sharing cocktail. Though, we don’t blame you if you want to keep it all for yourself.
PocketSquare Skyline Bar
Indulge in the best Valentine’s Day East London boasts with cocktails and dessert at PocketSquare’s Skyline Bar.
Bar Manager Kristian Smith and the gang have come up with an incredible cocktail duo for you and your partner – or best friend (who’s checking?).
The Yin and Yang drinks complement each other perfectly: Yin being a softer, gin-based drink, whereas Yang is a punchy Bourbon concoction.
The dessert is of a similar theme and made up of chocolate and strawberry mousse, with flowerpot roses dusted in sparkling gold.
Practical Tips for The Perfect Valentine’s Day in London
- We cannot stress this enough: book tables and shows in advance. Nobody wants to be scrambling around London at night desperately trying to find somewhere romantic to dine.
- There are so many ways to spend Valentine’s Day in the capital. We’ve rounded up our favourites, but some other options are visiting the theatre or practically anything from this article.
