If you’ve not booked a romantic and overpriced dinner for your loved one yet, don’t despair. The most romantic day of the year doesn’t need to cost a fortune or be filled with commercialised non-sense.
There are plenty of ways couples and single people can enjoy the day, without being shoved into candlelit darkness with tens of other couples. Whilst London has plenty of traditional options for lovebirds, you can also try some of these quirky, anti-romantic ideas.
Give Your Date Real Thrills
Let’s be honest. The idea of spending your Valentine’s Day in a crowded ice-skating ring or the London Eye is not going to get anyone’s heart racing with excitement. But haunted tales of torture will certainly make your loved one’s heart skip a beat.
The haunted Routemaster tours of ghostly London are a fun way to spend a Valentine’s Day. Besides, the stories of executions might make you two stand just a little closer to each other – romantic, eh?
Where: Northumberland Avenue
When: 14 February, 7.30pm and 9pm (other dates available)
Cost: £15
Go Under the Sea
‘After Dark’- events are a great London tradition. This Valentine’s Day you could dive under the sea after hours and experience the London Aquarium in a new light. The sharks and crocodiles are a far cry from the romantic, colourful fish of the Little Mermaid or Finding Nemo.
The displays of Atlantic Coves and the likes are truly stunning. You’ll also get to enjoy a glass of prosecco on this unique tour, making it the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day.
Where: SEA LIFE London Aquarium
When: 14 February, 6.45pm and 7.15pm
Cost: £26
Drink Away the Soppy Mood
Just because you aren’t excited about romance, doesn’t mean you can’t have a party this weekend. If you don’t mind mingling with other people and enjoying a bit of flirting, the Shoreditch “Stupid Cupid” pub-crawl is the place to be.
You can visit five different bars in Shoreditch, as well as enjoy some discounted drinks on this fun night out. You won’t have to worry about lovey-dovey music or cutesy heart signs at this pub-crawl either. Just dance and drink the night away!
Where: Shoreditch, multiple locations
When: 13 February, doors open at 8.30pm
Cost: £15
Skip the Romance And Get Straight to Sex
Perhaps we’d all be a bit happier if we skipped the romance bit and got down to the basics. Sex is a natural part of life and it’s about time we learn a bit more about it.
Luckily, you can add a bit of education and raunchiness to your Valentine’s Day by visiting the Institute of Sexology at the Wellcome Collection. The exhibition focuses on our changing sexual behaviours and morals through art, film and photography. Perfect way to spice up your day!
Where: Wellcome Collection
When: 14 February, 10am-6pm
Cost: free
Snack on Canapés Around Bloody Murder Scenes
Red is definitely the colour of Valentine’s Day, but it’s also the colour of blood. If you want to enjoy tasty canapés and cocktails, without candles and romantic serenades, then Bloody Valentine Cabin should be your pick.
You don’t need to worry about canoodling couples, but can focus on eating your heart out – quite literally. The event is a great place to take your partner to, especially if you don’t mind a bit of horror and murderous scenes while you enjoy the cocktails.
Where: York and Albany
When: 11 February and 14 February, 4.30pm-6.45pm and 7.45pm-10pm
Cost: £180
Showcase Your Inner Crazy Cat Lady
Whether you are single or partnered-up, furry friends are truly worth our love and attention. If you want to receive truly pure and love-filled cuddles, head down to the popular Feline Lonely event on Friday.
The Battersea Cats Home event was a huge success last year and it’s bound to be equally fun this time around as well. You can showcase your inner crazy cat lady, or gent, as much as you want, while also enjoying some bubbly and a slice of cake.
Where: Battersea Cats and Dogs Home
When: 12 February, 5.30pm-8.30pm
Cost: £5
So, if you are looking for alternatives to the usual romance-filled events, the above should have you covered. If none of these floats your boat, remember you can always order a ton of films and food for cheap from various stores with VoucherBin UK voucher codes and spend the day safely tugged inside your blankets.
