Where to celebrate Valentine's Day in London

Spend Valentine's Day at the Natural History Museum exploring love in the natural world and discovering the weird and wonderful ways animals find a mate. The museum is hosting an after-hours session featuring talks by scientists, hands-on science stations, dance classes, and musical performances. Guests can also explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, take a trip into space by touching a piece of Mars and a fragment of the Moon, then unwind with cocktails, snap a souvenir in the photo booth and dance the night away at the silent disco.

Celebrate Valentine's by the Thames at Sea Containers London, where romance comes effortlessly by the river. Book an indulgent Suite Valentine stay and enjoy Champagne, red roses and a special gift on arrival, or plan the perfect evening with an intimate dinner at Sea Containers Restaurant overlooking the water. Couples can also unwind with a side-by-side massage at agua Spa, complete with Champagne and strawberries, before heading to Lyaness for Valentine's cocktails or cosying up at Curzon for a cinematic date night.

Unwind with a deeply relaxing Valentine's experience at AIRE Ancient Baths in the heart of Covent Garden, where time slows, and every detail is designed for reconnection. This limited-edition ritual for two includes a soothing 60-minute massage with floral oil and warm basalt stones, enhanced with hydrating eye patches and a nourishing hair mask. Couples can also drift through AIRE's atmospheric thermal baths before indulging in chocolate treats and a glass of sparkling rosé, making it a beautifully restorative way to celebrate Valentine's Day together.

Beloved by performers and party-goers alike, Phoenix Arts Club guarantees a big, bold night out. This Valentine's weekend, it's all about “Cupid's Cabaret” – a glittering, tongue-in-cheek celebration packed with burlesque, cirque, magic, drag and plenty of gasp-worthy moments. Grab your date, your best mate or your secret crush and settle into the club's intimate Art Deco setting for cocktails, live entertainment and an optional three-course dinner, complete with a glass of bubbly on arrival.

London's legendary Rivoli Ballroom is rolling out its much-loved Valentine's pop-up cinema once again. Step into this spectacular 1950s ballroom, famous for its starring roles in “Strictly Come Dancing” and countless blockbuster films, and settle in for romantic classics including Baz Luhrmann's “Romeo + Juliet” and “Pretty in Pink”. With its glittering chandeliers, Chinese lanterns and old-school glamour, it's hard to imagine a more romantic place to watch a film. Doors open at 7pm, with bars pouring beers, wines and cocktails, plus popcorn and hot dogs to keep you fuelled throughout the night.

Swap hearts and chocolates for something a little more sinister this Valentine's at The Last Tuesday Society, the absinthe-soaked cocktail bar hidden inside the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. This Friday 13th, they're hosting “Roses Are Dead”, an anti-Valentine's celebration for loners, lovers, exes and non-traditional romantics alike. Expect a one-night-only anti-Valentine's cocktail menu, a complimentary shot on arrival, discounted museum entry and a soundtrack of bitter love songs, all set among taxidermy, gothic décor and curious oddities. Roll the bone dice if you dare – luck (or doom) awaits.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club is a dream spot for chocoholics, with chocolate woven into almost every drink, even the wine. This Valentine's Day, they're hosting “Sip or Spill”, a playful, ice-breaking experience where each table gets a card of cheeky questions and you either answer… or take a sip. Expect plenty of laughs, table service and a line-up of limited-edition Valentine's chocolate cocktails alongside the usual menu.

Turn up the heat this Valentine's Day at The Avenue Cookery School with their “Cooking with Cupid” class – a fun, hands-on cooking experience complete with bottomless wine. Ideal for couples, friends or singles alike, the relaxed session begins with bubbles and a chef-led demo before you get stuck into making a three-course dinner from scratch. Expect pasta rolling, plenty of laughs and a sit-down feast at the end, all fuelled by free-flowing wine.

This Valentine's Day, celebrate love and history at the Brunel Museum with a special evening tour uncovering the remarkable romance of Marc and Sophia Brunel. While enjoying a complimentary glass of prosecco, guests will explore how their relationship, forged during the turbulence of the French Revolution, became central to the creation of the Thames Tunnel. Set within the atmospheric Tunnel Shaft, this intimate experience offers a moving story of romance and resilience at the heart of one of the world's greatest engineering feats.

Celebrate Valentine's at The Brush with “Film House: A Hoxton Love Affair”, a cosy film-and-dining experience running across the weekend. Start or finish the evening with a two-course dinner and a glass of bubbly, then settle into the intimate screening room for a romantic classic, complete with a special Valentine's cocktail and popcorn. Expect feel-good favourites like “When Harry Met Sally”, “Dirty Dancing”, “10 Things I Hate About You” and “The Notebook”, making it perfect for date nights or Galentine's plans alike. The event runs on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February.

This Valentine's, head to Selfridges for an evening of tarot, martinis and a little romantic intrigue with artist and astrologer Manuka Honey. Set inside “The Cloakroom”, the sleek new bar tucked behind The Cinema, it's an atmospheric night that works just as well solo as it does with friends or a date. Choose between single or couple readings, each paired with a martini of your choice, or simply soak up the vibes with a ticket for the night, no crystal ball required.