Valentine's Day date ideas are a minefield. So much pressure is put on the day to make it the ultimate date night without being too cringe that we often forget that it’s simply a day to celebrate your love for your partner.
So, if you’re done with the commercialised, sickly version of Valentine’s Day (think bouquets of roses, giant teddy bears and enough candles to set the fire alarm off), then you’re not alone.
Luckily, we’ve rounded up the top 17 Valentine's Day date ideas that you’ll actually want to do – whether it’s with your long-term partner, casual Hinge date or Galentine’s Day BFF. Tons of laughter, frame-worthy snaps and fun memories, guaranteed. No teddy bears in sight.
Try an unexpected Valentine’s Day menu
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Not every Valentine's Day set menu is sickly sweet or clichéd. At Eash Dulwich's Kokum, you'll find an inventive, colourful four-course Indian meal that couldn't be further from the usual Italian date night fare, while still offering the perfect cosy spot to settle in for a romantic evening.
Starters include Tandoori Malai Prawns with Saffron Marinade, followed by a delicious, aromatic chicken or paneer curry. For dessert, a cheesecake with cardamom-rose syrup. And, of course, you'll also find a menu full of tantalisingly good cocktails along with an extensive wine list.
Booking can be made here.
Celebrate an unusual patron saint of Valentine’s day
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This 14 February, the South East London restaurant Babur is doing Valentine's Day a little differently. Instead of celebrating Saint Valentine, the restaurant is marking the birthday of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire, who just so happens to be born on Valentine's Day, too.
This tasting menu is inspired by the imperial court. You'll find no hearts or pink or Cupids here. Instead, prepare for an intimate, thoughtful journey through classic Mughal flavours.
The menu is £69.95 per person and bookings can be made here.
Indulge your sweet tooth
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What about a dessert-filled experience that still doesn't feel too sickly sweet? At 108 Brasserie in Marylebone, you'll find the dessert room that dreams are made of. We are talking an unlimited selection of sweet treats, including chocolate-coated strawberries, Baileys truffles, tiramisu and profiteroles drizzled with warm chocolate sauce. Perfect as a standalone date night or as a final button at the end of your evening out.
The Valentine's Day experience is available on 13 and 14 February. Bookings can be made here.
Do the TikTok paper scissors rock challenge
You know the one we're talking about, where couples go to a supermarket and play paper scissors rock to decide who gets to pick what starter, main, dessert, side and drink you'll be having that evening. If you're feeling extra boujie, why not hit up M&S for their top-tier ready meals? Then take the food home, light some candles, and you've got a no-clean-up date night on your hands.
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Take a cooking class
Looking for something fun and interactive, but still want delicious food? Your answer is a cooking class, my friend, and on 14 February you’re totally spoilt for choice. Head to websites such as designmynight.co.uk to filter by your location.
Visit a theme park
Thrill-seekers rejoice, because the UK’s host of theme parks is the best place to get your kicks on a date. From Thorpe Park in Surrey, Alton Towers in Staffordshire and Paultons Park in Hampshire to M&Ds in Lanarkshire, there’s literally theme parks up and down the country.
Go to the zoo
What’s better than looking at adorable animal photos? Looking at adorable animals IRL. Take your best pal/ reluctant partner to the zoo and spend the day crying at how cute the penguins are.
Take a painting class
Strolling around a gallery is the perfect romantic date for art-lovers, but make sure to check out your local gallery’s website – many throw classes and workshops to mark the special day.
Go to a gig
If you and your other half bonded over a love of music, then what better way to celebrate your ❤ than with a gig? Head to ticketmaster.co.uk, where you can select “music” and browse all concerts across the country for specific dates.
Visit an arcade
Add some old-school charm to your date and head to one of the UK’s quirky, charming arcades. Have your coppers ready and tie it in with a visit to the seaside (the weather might hold out – maybe) at destinations such as Brighton Pier and Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea.
Go to a comedy show
Couples that laugh together stay together, so ditch the Valentine’s Day clichés and head to a side-splitting stand-up show. If you’re near the capital, the Top Secret Comedy Club often does shows for a bargain price.
Try a gin tasting session
You know what we said earlier about booze? Yeah, we really meant that. Which is why an evening of gin-tasting is just as perfect as a date spent sipping different wines (just pick your poison, as they say). From Gloucestershire to Cumbria, there’s a gin event for you and your gin-loving lover.
Go camping
Why not combine your love of your SO/ best pal with your love of the outdoors? Check out all the tent, yurt and glamping options at coolcamping.com and campsites.co.uk, or head to airbnb.co.uk where you can filter homes by ‘property type’, including ‘tipi’, ‘yurt’, ‘treehouse’, ‘tent’ ‘camper/ RV’ and even ‘cave’ (who doesn’t want to stay in cave on Valentine’s Day?)
Oops, made you fall in love.
Have an indoor picnic
The weather outside may be endlessly grey and cold, but that doesn't mean you can't bring some summery vibes inside. Set up a cute indoor picnic as a surprise for your partner or bestie. Lay dow a blanket, pack a hamper, pop open some Prosecco and enjoy.
Enjoy a spa day
Either treat your SO to a luxurious spa day for two in your area, or, re-create the experience in your own home — think hot bubble bath with lots of salts, a body scrub, a massage and so on. Light some candles, play a zen playlist and dim the lights. And voila, your very own makeshift spa.
Create a scavenger hunt around the house or in your neighbourhood
Get a little playful and a little cute with your date idea and create a personalised scavenger hunt for your other half. Create a trail of clues that lead them to all of your favourite spots, possibly ending with an extra special date in the final location. So cute, so fun.
Have a games night
Another wholesome, no-fuss idea? A games night. Grab your favourite board games, puzzles and quizzes and get ready to enjoy some laughs and some kind-spirited competition with your SO.
