Written by Leah Sinclair
Try something different this Valentine’s Day with these activities.
When you think of Valentine’s Day, there are a few really obvious things that come to mind.
From red roses and fluffy teddy bears to chocolates and candlelight dinners, some view the big day as a walking cliche – but it doesn’t have to be.
Gone are the days of merely visiting lavish (and at times cheesy restaurants) or booking a night in a hotel. People are now getting more creative than ever and are taking their Valentine’s Day plans to the next level, with fresh ideas on what to do, where to stay and where to dine.
If you’re looking to celebrate the day with an unconventional flair, we’ve shared some recommendations that are sure to get you excited and counting down the days.
Valentine’s Gastrotour at Borough market
If you and your partner are major foodies then you’ll love this gastrotour at the iconic Borough market.
Discover the delights of London’s oldest and most celebrated food market, while tasting a huge range of British and international produce and learning all the fascinating facts about the market’s history.
From exceptional charcuterie to fresh oysters and scallops accompanied by boozy beverages, this tour is the ultimate Borough Market experience.
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Rivoli Ballroom Valentine’s Day pop-up cinema
Valentine’s Day 2022: Rivoli Ballroom This legendary location will be transformed into a pop-up cinema for cinephiles everywhere this Valentine’s Day. The ballroom will be showing classic films over four dates in the run-up to 14 February, including Breakfast At Tiffany’s, A Star Is Born, Pretty Woman and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo And Juliet.
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Valentine’s at the Natural History Museum
Valentine’s Day 2022:Valentine’s at the Natural History Museum Following the successful launch in 2020, Valentine’s at the Museum is back for two evenings, allowing lovebirds to sip beer, wine or soft drinks while walking around the museum after hours.
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Covent Garden Comedy Club
Who wouldn’t love to spend their Valentine’s Day in tears of laughter with their significant other? Well, you can do just that at the Covent Garden Comedy Club this year.
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Up at the O2 climb
Valentine’s Day 2022: Up at the O2 climb Take in the beautiful views of London while climbing the roof of the O2 arena. Suspended above the iconic tent canvas, you and your partner will make the 365m journey to the summit, 52m above ground level.
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Harrods Tea Room
Valentine’s Day 2022: Afternoon tea Head to Harrods tea room and enjoy an afternoon tea filled with luxury. From delicate finger sandwiches to perfect patisserie, this is a lovely way to spend a relaxing yet chic afternoon with your valentine.
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Italian and pasta masterclass at Ann Smart School
Valentine’s Day 2022: Italian and pasta masterclass Turn into a cooking connoisseur with this Italian and pasta masterclass. At this cookery class, you’ll learn everything about making fresh pasta, and cooking spinach, ricotta and pine nut cannelloni and gnocchi with sage butter and Parmigiano, lemon and garlic. What a delicious way to spend Valentine’s Day.
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Stein’s at Home – The Valentine’s Day Menu
Valentine’s Day 2022: Stein’s at Home – The Valentine’s Day Menu If you’d rather spend your Valentine’s Day at home, order yourself a luxury restaurant meal kit, like this one from Rick Stein. You’ll be able to indulge in monkfish, prawns, lobster and chocolate – the ultimate quartet for a three-course meal with your very favourite person.
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Diogenes the Dog
Valentine’s Day 2022: Diogenes the Dog A beautiful boutique wine bar, shop and café in Elephant and Castle, Diogenes the Dog focuses on showcasing undiscovered wines of the world with unparalleled service and hospitality at its core. Guests can sample the bar’s ever-changing wine list alongside a changing charcuterie and cheese menu, perfect for sharing and perfectly matched to the wines on offer.
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Electric Gamebox
Valentine’s Day 2022: Electric Gamebox Fancy a Valentine’s date night with a difference this year? Head to Electric Gamebox and enjoy an evening playing hyper-immersive games within a private gamebox.
Offering guests the perfect opportunity to do something fun together this Valentine’s, Electric Gamebox is an immersive experience like no other focusing on the idea of shared play to solve puzzles and complete tasks as a team. Players can choose from a selection of 10 unique games which come alive through projection mapping, motion tracking and surround sound, instantly transporting you to another dimension.
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Ridgeway axe throwing
Valentine’s Day 2022: Axe throwing Ready. Set. Throw.
With axe throwing, you can learn together then join a team for a bit of competitive fun, whether that’s in the great outdoors or in a city venue. This axe throwing activity in Oxford allows participants to throw axes into recycled wooden logs, three metres away, in its indoor barn axe range. With an hour of practice time under your belt, you’ll be ready to compete head-to-head to see who’ll be crowned the true Viking king.
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Pottery taster session
Valentine’s Day 2022: Pottery session This pottery taster session will give you and your partner the chance to get your Ghost on, as you hand-build a beautiful pot with coils in a spacious, warm and cosy studio.
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Blonde vs Orange: An Orchestral Rendition of Frank Ocean
Valentine’s Day 2022: Blonde vs Orange: An Orchestral Rendition of Frank Ocean For Frank Ocean fans, this orchestral rendition of his two classic albums at XOYO is a must-attend.
Enjoy a 16-piece orchestra, including a full string section with brass, percussion and vocalists’ session for an intimate, unforgettable experience.
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A Valentine’s natural wine tasting with The Modest Merchant
Valentine’s Day 2022: Wine tasting Get you and your partner into the mood with an exclusive tasting session led by Jack Overbury of The Modest Merchant, a small, London-based importer specialising in low intervention and sustainable wines.
On the night, Overbury will open six wines from his portfolio of natural wines for you to taste and will guide you through provenance, tasting notes and anecdotes.
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Images: Getty; Rick Stein; Daniel Ogulewicz; Electric Gamebox
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