Where to celebrate Valentine's Day in London

Hit up the Natural History Museum and discover all the weird and wonderful ways different species find a mate. On Valentine's Day, the museum is hosting an after-hours session featuring all sorts of activities to get involved, with from dance classes to science experiments. Attendees can also enjoy the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition before sipping on cocktails, making a lasting souvenir in the photo booth, and showing off their moves at the silent disco.

For a more competitive take on romance, pay a visit to Platform in Shoreditch. The gaming bar offers an exclusive “It Takes Two” package between 12–17 February, with 90 minutes of PS5 & Switch gaming in a semi-private booth, plus drinks and snacks to share. Limited-edition Valentine's Day cocktails are served too.

If you're looking for an affordable yet thoughtful alternative to a full-on Valentine's Day meal and whatnot, how about a bagel? This Valentine's Day, B Bagel is serving up red, heart-shaped bagels filled with Nutella and strawberries. Available for pre-order from 3–7 February for pick-up on the big day, they make a sweet gift for loved ones or friends.

Celebrate love with a romantic getaway at Sea Containers London, featuring a collaboration with D.S. & Durga, where guests receive a luxurious fragrance gift, champagne, and personalised touches for an unforgettable stay. You can also relax at the Agua Spa with a couples' massage, followed by champagne and strawberries in a tranquil setting. And for a truly special evening, enjoy a five-course dining experience at Sea Containers Restaurant or a rooftop date at the 12th Knot bar, where breath-taking views and a decadent Lovers' Package set the stage for an unforgettable Valentine's celebration.

Get some rest and relaxation at Aire Ancient Baths in the heart of Covent Garden, where the spa experience is dedicated to totally rejuvenating both the body and mind. Their special Valentine's Day experience features a relaxing massage with argan oil in an exclusive room for two, a face massage with jade rollers, aromatherapy inhalations of sandalwood or rose oil, and a visit to the thermal baths with sparkling wine or juice and chocolate treats.

A turn on London's famous observation wheel, the London Eye, is a fab way to impress your date on Valentine's Day. Make it even more special by seeing the sights together with the Cupid's Pod package. You'll get your own private pod for two plus champagne, chocolate truffles, and your own host, so you'll really feel like VIPs.

Raucous cabaret club Phoenix Arts Club is a favourite with entertainers and promises a lively night out whatever the occasion. Step into this intimate Art Deco venue for live entertainment, cocktails, and food until late. Their Valentine's Day celebration includes a themed cabaret show with a lavish dinner and a welcome drink.

Rivoli Ballroom is London's legendary 1950s ballroom, where “Strictly Come Dancing” takes place, and many blockbuster movies have been filmed. They're bringing back their iconic pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day, where they'll show romantic films like “Romeo + Juliet” and “Roman Holiday”, with bars serving cocktails and snacks too. The venue is renowned for its regal decor, including sparkling chandeliers and Chinese lanterns.

This female-owned Mexican bar specialises in cocktails crafted with artisanal mezcal hailing from Mexico. They host a regularly changing timetable of events, from drag shows to comedy nights. On Valentine's Day, they're hosting a special night of soul, funk, disco, and reggaeton tunes, with a tarot reader in attendance as well. The Love Club social enterprise will also be there with a roaming creative workshop.

Enjoy an absinthe-filled Valentine's Day this year at The Last Tuesday Society cocktail bar in The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History, which is well worth a visit in its own right – the unusual bar is decorated with taxidermy and gothic touches. They're hosting different love-themed workshops throughout the week, including an absinthe and aphrodisiac tasting, mixology tutorials, and more.

The Prince is a popular West London pub centred around a gorgeous garden with neon signs and heaps of greenery. This buzzy venue has a lively atmosphere, three different kitchens, and plenty of drinks choices. On Valentine's Day, they're keeping the lights down low and letting love take over with smooth R&B jams.

Have some fun and maybe even win some prizes at Fairgame, an adults-only funfair in Canary Wharf. Enjoy street food and boozy slushies whilst trying your hand at classic games like whack-a-mole and shooting ducks. Even if you don't win big, you can still treat your date to old-school sweets like toffee apples and prosecco-infused candy floss.

The Chocolate Cocktail Club is a unique bar celebrating all things chocolate. You'll find the ingredient in pretty much every drink here, including red wine blended with it. Head to this quirky and cosy venue on Valentine's Day for a unique experience that includes a choice of boozy treats and a “Would You Rather?” game that'll break the ice.

Hone your cooking skills at The Avenue Cookery School, with classes offered for all abilities and ages. There are practical sessions as well as some that are more fun. The school runs a number of classes that are ideal for date nights, and there's even a special themed class for couples on Valentine's Day. It includes three courses and bottomless wine.

If you're looking to add a veneer of sophistication and expertise to your Valentine's Day wine drinking, sign up for a tasting at The French Market in Whetstone. A French bakery particularly well-known for its croissants, this Authentique spin-off also hosts regular wine tasting events. On Valentine's Day, you'll be able to try different wines, accompanied by cheeses and charcutier, with a wine expert guiding you throughout.

Cupid's Date Night at Bam Karaoke Box in Victoria begins with dinner in a cosy, romantic setting, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails or fine wine and the smooth sounds of live jazz. Afterwards, take centre stage in a private karaoke room, singing heartfelt love songs or duetting with your special someone for a fun and memorable experience.

This Valentine's Day, celebrate love and history at the Brunel Museum with a special tour exploring the romance between Marc and Sophia Brunel, whose unwavering bond played a key role in the creation of the Thames Tunnel. Guests can enjoy an atmospheric experience in the iconic Tunnel Shaft, starting with a complimentary glass of prosecco before stepping into the footsteps of this historic couple. For an extra special touch, visitors can upgrade to a bottle of prosecco and toast to love in a truly unique setting.

Feeling lucky? You can win a VIP Valentine's experience with a behind-the-scenes tour of London Museum's new home, set in historic Smithfield market buildings opening in 2026. Five lucky pairs will explore hidden vaults, admire Victorian ironwork, and witness history in the making, with each pair receiving a £150 St. John dining voucher as well. One extra-lucky duo will also enjoy a one-night hotel stay with breakfast at Hart Shoreditch.

Mama Shelter is offering Londoners a unique way to celebrate Valentine's Day with private karaoke sessions on 12 February. Guests can dedicate romantic ballads to a loved one or send a cheeky message to an ex, choosing from a selection of love songs and breakup anthems. The free sessions must be booked in advance via email, and participants can bring a friend to record or let Mama Shelter's camera capture the moment, with DJ Well Well Miguel adding to the fun and helping things run smoothly.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at The Brush with a movie, cocktails, and a meal across the entire Valentine's weekend. Enjoy classic and modern love stories like “When Harry Met Sally” or “Romeo+Juliet” in the beautiful screening room, with a film ticket, cocktail, and popcorn for just £25 per person. For those wanting a full dining experience, Executive Chef Ryan Matheson has crafted an indulgent menu featuring hand-picked crab tartlet, pan-roasted Charolais beef fillet, and a decadent chocolate fondant with passionfruit sorbet and rose leaves.

Multi-sensory bingo experience Hijingo is hosting Bingo Date Night this Valentine's Day, with prizes including a romantic getaway. While you play, you can sip on special Valentine's-inspired cocktails or refreshing mocktails, with Asian snacks rounding off the expereince at this futuristic bingo hall.

The 1 Bar next to Liverpool Street Station is collaborating with Four Roses bourbon this Valentine's Day to serve a limited-edition cocktail, crafted just for the occasion. What's more, when you order it, you'll also be offered a free fine-line rose tattoo (first come, first served), right on-site. 

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is celebrating the Season of Love this February with a special Regency Afternoon Tea, inspired by the romantic themes of Shakespeare's “Much Ado About Nothing” and paired with Taittinger Prestige Rosé. Guests can enjoy personalised love poems from the Taittinger Sonneteers on select dates, as well as a special late-night dining experience on Valentine's Day with a curated three-course menu in the Grand Saloon.

The iconic Soho bakery, Cutter & Squidge, has unveiled a stunning Valentine's collection featuring romantic sweet treats, layered cakes, and luxury yet affordable hampers. Highlights include The Perfect Match Matchstick Box with buttery shortbread dipped in white chocolate, the Love Heart Cookie Pie Trio filled with ganache and salted caramel, and the Cheesy Romance Hamper with vintage cheddar and savoury delights. Fans can also enjoy limited-edition Cookie Pie Hearts served warm in their Soho bakery or indulge in a special Valentine's Afternoon Tea experience.

Islington Square is a great spot for Valentine's or Galentine's celebrations, offering ample shopping and date night options. Visitors can take part in the "From Islington Square with Love" post box event from 10 to 16 February by leaving a poem or love affirmation for a chance to win exclusive prizes. These include theatre and cinema tickets, a meal for two with prosecco, a bouquet of flowers, and a mini heart necklace, with the winner announced on 17 February.