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?)
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.