With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s no need to panic if you haven’t yet decided how to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a last-minute trip to London or would simply prefer to avoid some of the more conventional activities while you’re here this Valentine’s Day: here’s our round-up of seven unusual date ideas for couples…
Valentine’s Day Ideas for Girlfriend
Maybe your girlfriend is a bit tricky to buy for, or you’d rather opt for a date idea which takes you both away from the usual tourist traps? Whatever your reason, these options for having fun together in London this Valentine’s Day should set you on the right track. Here is our 7 Unusual Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Couples Visiting London this February.
Have Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a wonderful way to treat your girlfriend this Valentine’s Day, while still being quirky enough to qualify as an unusual option. There are lots of great venues in London to try this traditional treat, including the Chilworth Hotel afternoon tea. This is a particularly good idea if you’d like to try a new twist on the trend, with both a chocolate-centric and Indian afternoon tea available alongside the traditional option. All are served with a glass of bubbly for both of you.
Visit a Local Cat Café
Got a cat-mad girlfriend? Then a trip to Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, one of the only cat cafes in Britain, is a must-see. You have to book in advance as it’s a very popular venue, but well worth it. There’s a delicious menu to sample while you both get to know the feline friends who roam the café greeting guests. While you stay at your hotel for Valentine’s Day, this is a unique and surprising date idea for celebrations.
Watch Romeo and Juliet with Pop-Up Cinema
The Rivoli Ballroom is hosting this screening of Baz Luhrman’s adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Complete with Shakespearian dialogue and contemporary sets, fashion and sounds, the film helped set the tone for a new approach to classic material, and makes for a wonderful, quirky evening out without veering too far from romance. While you’re unlikely to want your own relationship to go the same way as the ill-fated, star-crossed lovers depicted in the film, you can be sure of a great atmosphere and it’s certainly an original way of showing you care.
Head to Kew Gardens
This stunning home for nature is running late night events on Valentine’s Day, and right through to March. They give you the opportunity to explore Kew while escaping the crowds, and a chance to see these incredible gardens after dark. A trip here is a lovely way to leave the chaos of city life behind for a few hours, and instead indulge in fine dining and beautiful surroundings. It’s certainly a romantic way to spend the evening, but it’s also sure to surprise. The evenings focus particularly on the orchids in the Kew Gardens collection, and includes lots of great entertainment including a live band from Columbia (home of the orchid), authentic Columbian coffee, and spaces where you can try your hand at creating carnival masks and headdresses, learn some new dance moves or simply browse the orchids themselves.
Valentine’s Day Ideas for Boyfriend
Finding the right event to keep your boyfriend entertained on Valentine’s Day might feel like an uphill struggle – particularly if you’re dedicated to trying something a little different this year. London is filled with creative venues and activities, so you’ve come to the right place! From trying some local tipples to spooky tourist attractions and a trip down memory lane, these ideas should help your date planning.
Take a Gin Distillery Tour
A distillery tour is a great way of enjoying Valentine’s Day together without falling into some of the clichés for this romantic day. London has a booming trade in gin production, with indie distilleries offering tastings and tours for small groups and couples throughout the year. There are many great ones to choose from while you stay at your Paddington hotel.
A few of our favourites include:
Beefeater Distillery Tour
The Beefeater Distillery is a London legend, first founded in 1829. As both the oldest and most renowned gin brand in the city, there are 30-minute tasting sessions and tours available to gift to the gin enthusiast in your life.
City of London Distillery Tour
A taster session here takes around an hour to complete, and after you’ve sampled plenty of the in-house varieties, you’ll be able to purchase your favourites in the on-site shop for an unconventional Valentine’s Day memento.
East London Distillery Tour
This distillery is a particularly modern place to spend Valentine’s Day. It’s located in the car park of an old glue factory; and whilst that might not sound particularly romantic, the gin you’ll sample here more than makes up for it.
Visit London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is a grizzly tourist attraction which uncovers some of London’s creepier, more brutal history. This Valentine’s Day they’ll be holding a late night-event, where you can tour the dungeon while enjoying a cocktail or two. Looking around a dungeon might not have been on your itinerary for Valentine’s Day 2019, but if you’re in the mood for something a little different, then it’s a great option – and with London hotels special offers to take advantage of, you can find accommodation for your visit with ease.
Join Shrek’s Adventure
Another fab late-night event, and one where you can be sure of enjoying this fun attraction after dark. It’s perfect for indulging your boyfriend’s inner child, with drinks flowing and lots of interactive activities including a 4D bus ride with Donkey at the helm, and shots available via 10 different shows inspired by this classic animated film. If you’re both in the mood for a little nostalgia, then this makes the perfect date night idea.