Romantic ideas
Sure, flowers and chocolate are nice - we’re not denying that. No one’s ever going to turn their nose up at the classics, but showing them you’ve taken the time to plan something special to enjoy together will always come up trumps. Here are a few ideas to kick-start your next big romantic gesture.
Plan a romantic getaway
Nothing says you’ve got the whole Valentine’s gifting bonanza down-pat like delivering on a full-blown romantic getaway. It doesn’t need to break the bank, either - there are plenty of ways to whisk them off their feet on a budget, whether it’s a hideaway surrounded by idyllic countryside or a cosy inn. If you want to take it up a notch, plan a weekend getaway in the city, or pair a night away with dinner and an activity to enjoy together.
Go for afternoon tea
There’s a reason people go for the classics, and afternoon tea is the perfect example: delicious food, glamorous surroundings and world-class service are all pretty much what you can expect when it comes to this great British tradition. Give dinner a miss and head out for tea instead. Best of all, there’s an afternoon tea for pretty much every palate and style, so you can get creative with it - gin-infused, flower-themed, vegan, chocolate… the list is endless.
Experience a new view together
Something about sky-high views just screams romance - don’t ask us why, it’s just one of those things. Take them to the top of The Shard for a birds’ eye panorama across London, and pair it with dinner if you feel like going the extra mile.
Have a spa day for two
Spas are a classic example of treating your partner and getting something to enjoy for yourself in the process - it’s a win, win. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy one, either - there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there that don’t skimp on quality.
Embark on a safari
If you thought safaris had to go hand in hand with a flight abroad and a luxury lodge somewhere, think again - the UK’s actually home to a number of them, from Kent through to Cumbria.
Spend a day sightseeing
There’s plenty more to our little island than meets the eye, and whilst it can be tempting to conjure up ideas of glamorous cities abroad when it comes to sightseeing, the UK’s full of fantastic sightseeing opportunities. Bus it across London vintage-style, or join a walking tour in the city of dreaming spires (when it comes to romantic backdrops, you can’t beat Oxford).
Go to the cinema
An age-old choice for a date night, but made extra-special - do a little extra research and you’ll find all manner of hidden gems when it comes to cinemas. You might pay a little more for the ‘boutique’ tag, but these ones set the bar high, and are well worth it, in our opinion.
Add Champagne
Want to give your Valentine’s date that sparkling finish? Easy. Just add Champagne, or go one step further and make it the focus of the evening - Champagne and caviar, anyone? You old romantic, you.
Take to the skies together
You can’t go wrong with a hot air balloon flight when it comes to piling on the romance - unless, of course, your other half is deathly afraid of heights, in which case we’d suggest giving it a pass. A sunrise hot air balloon ride will take the two of you on an unforgettable journey together, drifting across the skies and enjoying an unparalleled panorama.
Go stargazing
You can do this one on the cheap - blankets, some snacks, and a nearby spot away from light pollution will do the trick. It’s a classic for a reason. If you want to take it a step further, head to a designated Dark Sky site (here's a map showing the best of them), where you’ll be guaranteed some of the best celestial views around.
Stargazing Experience for Two with Dark Sky Wales
Discover the magic of the night skies with a Stargazing Experience for Two with Dark Sky Wales. In the surroundings of the Brecon Beacons Observatory, the two of you can explore worlds little-known, with the use of portable telescopes. Astronomers will be on hand to talk you through your experience and to help you to spot the numerous celestial objects. Perfect for anybody with a passion for the art of astronomy or just looking for something a little bit ‘out of this world,’ this is a night you’ll never forget.
Find out more
Date ideas
Scratching your head about how to make this Valentine’s one to remember? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite date ideas to inspire you on the path to gifting glory - from things you can do on the cheap, to all-out once-in-a-lifetime stuff.
Play a board game
Ah, the humble board game. Inciter of unforgettable family arguments across the world - but we love them anyway. Grab one on the shelf that’s been collecting dust, treat yourselves to a new one, or find a board game cafe or a pub that stocks them nearby.
Look through old photos together
Or, better still, level this one up into a craft activity you can enjoy together - find your favourites, get them printed and get stuck into scrapbooking or creating a photo album to share.
Visit a botanical garden
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to botanical gardens in the UK, but you can’t go wrong with a trip to Kew - thousands of incredible plants, the smallest Royal palace (yes, really), and glasshouses galore.
Go to the theatre
Decadent architecture, West End magic and the lights and sounds of London - you can’t go wrong, really. You can find theatre tickets on a budget pretty easily if you search around a bit, but if you want to impress, it’s worth going for circle or balcony seats - the price tag is worth it for the experience.
Take a trip on a steam train
It’s all about the journey on a steam locomotive, not the destination. Often they’ll serve up lunch or afternoon tea to be enjoyed against a backdrop of idyllic scenery, too. Go one step further and book a trip on the Northern Belle or the Belmond British Pullman - seriously impressive stuff.
Enjoy a dining cruise
Food, sightseeing and that all-important ambience wrapped up into one brilliant package - what’s not to love? Bonus points for a dinner cruise: there’s something extra-special about watching the sunset, followed by the lights reflecting off the water. As we said, it’s all about the ambience.
Learn a new skill together
From jewellery making to blacksmithery, there are hundreds of brilliant masterclasses and skill workshops that the two of you can have a go at. If the likes of glassblowing or magic wand making feel a tad left-field for you, a cooking masterclass is always a safe bet.
Go forest bathing
Like stargazing, you can do this for free - just head to your closest woodland or forest - but there are also dedicated forest bathing sessions, designed to give you a glimpse into shinrin-yoku, the ancient Japanese art of forest bathing. These often include guided meditations and meditative practices; some are even rounded off with a campfire and herbal teas, so if you’re thinking along the lines of a retreat without the hefty price tag, this one might be for you.
Book in for brunch
Few things can beat the sheer joy and indulgence of a good brunch. Plenty come with bottomless drinks (usually cocktails or fizz) throughout, and it’s not just your bog-standard full English these days, either - you’ll find culinary delights from all over the globe on offer, not to mention themed brunches aplenty - West End singers serenading you while you dine? Disco? Darts? There’s a brunch for that.
Fun ideas
Not one for a candlelit dinner? Try one of these instead - from trampolining to epic adventures in the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of fun ideas to get you started.
Go trampolining
It’s not just for kids. There are hundreds of trampolining sites across the UK for you to enjoy - and if you fancy taking it a step further, make your way sharpish to Bounce Below, which is a mecca for anyone who’s a fan of the classic. There are six levels of bouncing goodness filled with nets, huge slides and adventure for you to discover as you jump and slip around.
Smash stuff in a Rage Room
Ever heard of rage rooms? They’re basically a socially acceptable way to vent your rage and smash a load of stuff with no consequences - old TVs and monitors, glass bottles, crockery and more. Romantic? No. Fun? Absolutely.
Head out on an animal encounter
Whether it’s a trip to the zoo, a private falconry experience or shark diving, there’s never been so much choice when it comes to animal encounters in the UK. Our favourites? Alpaca trekking, a meet and greet with Stan the sloth, or a luxury lodge stay at the Big Cat Sanctuary if you’re looking to go all out.
Take on the Crystal Maze
If you were a fan of the TV show back in the day (or even if you weren’t), this immersive spectacular from Crystal Maze, available in both London and Manchester, is well worth a visit. Don some sensational satin bomber jackets and relive the best of the 90s as you take on this frenetic and brilliantly funny test of your mental and physical abilities.
Mix up some magic with a cocktail masterclass
There’s a cocktail masterclass out there for pretty much whatever you’re into these days - but we love this one from The Cauldron for its wholly enchanting qualities. At your interactive work station, you’ll use special molecular mixology skills to brew your delicious elixirs, each of which will have different traits and effects.
Take on the world’s longest tunnel slide
The UK’s tallest public artwork also holds the title of the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide. Cruise down at speeds of 15mph, weaving your way through the ArcelorMittal’s iconic loops and curves, before an epic 50m hurtle down to earth.
Go white water rafting
The purpose-built course at the Lee Valley White Water Centre has a conveyor to maximise your time spent on the water - and it’s time well spent. The two of you will navigate its many drops and eddies, experiencing first-hand the thrill and speed of this London 2012 legacy venue.
Go on a treasure hunt
Make your own for each other, or grab one that’s ready-built for you. This one’s available at more than 50 locations across the UK, each with 40 unique clues that’ll take you past iconic landmarks and hidden gems alike.
Ideas for days out
There’s a world of adventure on our doorstep in the UK. Make the best of it with a day out, just the two of you.
Hop aboard a steam train
Journey back to the golden age of rail travel, with a trip aboard a steam locomotive. There are plenty to choose from, each offering picturesque views as you chug your way through the English countryside. Pair it with on-board dining or a museum visit.
Try a masterclass
Book yourselves in for a full-day masterclass, and spend the day learning the ropes of something brand new or levelling up an existing skill - the list of possibilities is (almost) endless, from distilling your own gin, to patisserie skills, blacksmithery and photography.
Book in for a retreat
Everyone needs some time now and again to recharge, and a retreat’s the perfect way to do so. If you’re on a budget, you can do it on the cheap at home - candles and face masks will do the trick nicely - but you can also find plenty of different retreats dotted around the UK, all with different areas of focus.
Go hiking
Fresh air, great views, and quality time together - and best of all, you don’t need to spend a thing. Sites and apps like Komoot and AllTrails offer plenty of great easy-to-follow trails, making the days of arguing over a map a thing of the past.
Visit the aquarium
SEA LIFE London is, impressively, home to Europe’s biggest collection of marine life, and you’ll be able to see vast numbers of them as you journey through the awe-inspiring glass ocean tunnels, witnessing stingrays, sharks and everything in between. Make sure to check out Penguin Point, too.
Be a tourist in your own city
Or check out a new one. It’s easy to become complacent by the attractions right on our doorstep, but more often than not, you’ll find something you hadn’t spotted before.
Top Tip
Check out our Things to Do Hub for the low-down on cities and towns across the UK.
Check out a National Trust property
From fascinating historic properties, to some of the country’s best-loved gardens and walks, there’s a National Trust property for everyone, be it a family day out or a couple’s date in the great outdoors. You likely won’t have to head far to find one, either - take a look at their website for full details of what’s on your doorstep.
Get in touch with your regal side
Castles, palaces, cathedrals - you name it, when it comes to Royal splendour, the UK’s got it. Spend the day exploring Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Royal Yacht Britannia. Whether it’s lauded art you’re after or a deep dive into maritime history, there’s a Royal experience ready-made for an unforgettable day out.
At home ideas
Staying in this Valentine’s? There are still plenty of ways you can make it special - from virtual escape rooms to cooking a show-stopping meal together, here are a few of our favourites.
Have a movie night
Just add a couple of extra touches to make sure it doesn’t end up being your average weeknight in. Pick something you’ve always wanted to watch, order your favourite takeaway, and make sure you have popcorn to hand.
Get afternoon tea delivered to the door
Sure, you might miss the dressing up that typically comes with going out for afternoon tea - but on the plus side, you can enjoy all the perks of those sweet and savoury delights delivered straight to your door, and no one’s going to judge you when you sprawl out in a food coma afterwards. Win, win.
Make your own cocktails
Cheers to the love - make a date of it and create your own happy hour at home. Find a cocktail recipe online, get a cocktail kit delivered, or just go rogue - it’s a special occasion, after all!
Try an online masterclass
Provided you haven’t succumbed to the lockdown-induced Zoom fatigue by now (or, hopefully, you’ve had enough of a break from it), why not try a virtual masterclass? Unsurprisingly, they’ve ramped up over the past couple of years, which means there are literally thousands to choose from, be it cooking, baking, wine and cheese pairings, or even virtual stargazing with an astronomer.
Master a virtual escape room
Whether it’s detective-themed or altogether ghoulish, like masterclasses, virtual escape rooms have exploded over the lockdown - and they’re a great way to mix things up at home. You can play across households, too: perfect if you can’t be together on the day itself.
Need some help deciding? Check out our full range of Valentine's gifts, and share the love in style this year.
