10 Things to do in London for Valentine’s Day

The most romantic night of the year is right around the corner, and if you’re celebrating the occasion in London with your loved one you will find plenty of things to do.

In addition to securing enticing special offers on London hotels for your stay, you might want to plan ahead and book tickets to a special event. But you can always find romantic things to do in London if you prefer spontaneity! Here are 10 things to do in London for Valentine’s Day to feel loved up.

1) Watch a romantic film on the big screen

That age-old date night classic never fails to impress! One of the most romantic cinemas in London is only a stone’s throw from the Park Grand Hotel Paddington. The Edwardian-era Electric Cinema is a former theatre house which is now kitted out with a big screen, luxury seating and cashmere blankets to cuddle up with. Alternatively you can find out what’s on at the nearby independent picture houses. These show the latest releases in an intimate setting, and you grab some artisanal popcorn from the bar.

2) Splurge on a West End show in London

The London West End theatre scene is a year-round attraction, but it sometimes takes a special occasion to snap up some tickets – and what is more special than Valentine’s Day? Watch one of the long-running, classic productions such as The Phantom of the Opera, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap or Pretty Woman: The Musical. Or, be dazzled by Cirque du Soleil’s current spectacular offering, Luzia, at the Royal Albert Hall. Alternatively, catch an engrossing theatrical drama, such as the adaptation of Joe Simpson’s compelling mountaineering memoir, Touching the Void.

3) Luxuriate over a leisurely afternoon tea

Experiencing a long afternoon of dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, topped off with a plate of the sweetest cakes the city has to offer is a dreamy way to spend Valentine’s Day. Especially if it’s cold outside! The Sweeter Stay package is one of our most popular London hotel special offers that runs over Valentine’s Day. In addition to your accommodation and a full English breakfast, a delicious afternoon tea for two is included.

4) Fall in love with the natural world at the Natural History Museum

The beloved West London museum is putting on a special, one night only event for Friday 14th; Valentines at the Museum. Over the course of the adults only evening you can try a beginners salsa class, have a go at screen printing and join a number of special talks from experts. Sip a themed cocktail, enjoy the live music and experience the perks of exploring a museum after hours. Your entry ticket (£30 per person) also admits entry to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

5) Whisk your loved one away to a boutique hotel

Treating yourselves to a night in a hotel is one of the most decadent yet simple ways to celebrate the most romantic day of the year. Lounge in crisp, clean linens, take a leisurely soak in the bathtub, share some cocktails at the bar, and order room service if you don’t feel like going out. Over the Valentine’s Day weekend, you can choose between attractive deals and special offers at London hotels and put the money saved towards one of the other suggestions on our list!

6) Share cocktails with a view

London has no shortage of sky-high bars and eateries that offer jaw-dropping views of the metropolis. Sharing a bottle of wine or clinking a couple of glasses of bubbles whilst you take in birds-eye panoramas is a romantic way to spend the sunset or evening in London. Some of the most extravagant places for a mile-high tipple include one of the six bars at The Shard, where you get some of the best views. Skylon, Madison and the OXO Tower Bar are worthy contenders.

7) Feel poetic with Sick of Love at Keats House

The former home of revered Romantic poet John Keats is staying open late on 13 February to present an evening of love, passion and a touch of jealousy. Actors will perform the roles of Keats and his fiancé Fanny Brawne, who tragically never tied the knot due to the untimely death of young Keats. Readings and performances will take place throughout the rooms of the beautiful Regency house, which is not far from your accommodation in Paddington.

8) Join the grand opening of With Love at the National Archives

The new exhibition at the National Archives presents over 500 years of love letters, spanning passion as well as heartbreak. Letters on display include those from royals, prime ministers and naval heroes. The free exhibition opens on 14 February and there will be a ticketed preview evening on 13 February. The special event includes ‘loved up’ talks, tours from curators and you can even get a temporary to tattoo to commemorate your love, for the night at least.

9) Check out some ‘lovely’ art

February is a great time to explore art galleries and current exhibitions in London, and from your accommodation in Paddington you can take your pick of the best institutions. Check out surreal and abstract masterpieces at Tate Modern, antiquity’s finest at the Wallace Collection and some of the most famous paintings in the history of art at the National Gallery. You’ll find plenty of pieces to inspire long conversations late into the night.

10) Blend your own gin

If there is one thing Londoners really love, that is a good gin. Which is why the city is bursting with distilleries and specialist bars. If you and your loved one fancy doing something a bit different this Valentine’s Day, take a workshop together at The Ginstitute. The £120 fee includes four cocktails that you’ll make yourself and two bottles of gin to take home – one of which you will blend yourself! Discover who makes the winning batch…