Where to celebrate Valentine's Day in London

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. They offer a couples experience which includes a soothing 60-minute massage for two, using relaxing sandalwood oil and warm amethyst crystals, as well as an ancient bathing experience and cava and truffles or fresh fruit for after.

Hit up the Natural History Museum and discover all the weird and wonderful ways different species find a mate. There's a host 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 and exploring the famous museum's galleries after hours. Included in your ticket is a digital photo from the museum's booth.

There's nothing quite as romantic as taking a stroll through one of London's lush green parks, and Victoria Park is one of our favs. It’s the oldest public park in the city and is the habitat of plenty of urban wildlife, like Canadian geese and grey squirrels. There’s a lake where you can hire rowing boats and pedalos to enjoy a leisurely float around the idyllic lake with your loved one. Pick up a pastry and a coffee post-row from the park's Pavilion Café. 

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 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. Valentine's Day means a themed cabaret show with a lavish dinner and a welcome drink included.

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 “Pretty in Pink”, with bars serving cocktails and snacks too. The venue is renowned for its regal decor, including sparkling chandeliers and Chinese lanterns.

Laugh your way through Valentine's Day with your loved one at Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green. The venue has hosted some of the best names in comedy and for V-Day it's laying on a special dating and relationships-themed show. You can grab a bite to eat and drink pre or post-show before taking a seat in front of the stage and gearing up for a few hours of top-notch comedy.

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 13th February the bar is hosting a Valentine's event of romantic poetry performances. You can even sign up to perform yourself if you like. Added to that, there will be chocolates and cocktails.

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 also well worth a visit. Celebrate with a tasting of absinthe and aphrodisiac pairings just guaranteed to get you and your loved one in the mood. This unusual bar is decorated with taxidermy and gothic touches.

The bar formerly known as P.Franco is the perfect romantic spot to enjoy a lovely glass of wine and small sharing plates in a trendy Hackney wine bar. They don't take reservations, so you'll have to chance rocking up, but once you're in, you'll feel like you're in an old familiar living room being served excellent food and copious amounts of wine.

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. Valentine's Day means a themed version of Famous First Words, a live singalong game show that guarantees loads of fun.

See the sights and enjoy a peaceful space together at Sky Garden. This place is London's highest public garden, offering great views of the capital in a lush and green setting. Visit simply to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the views or enjoy drinks or a meal at one of the on-site venues.

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 get some sweet treats, like toffee apples and prosecco-infused candy floss.

Mini-golf is a classic date activity so why should Valentine's Day be any different? Plonk operate a number of contemporary courses around the city where you can combine getting competitive with tasty drinks and food. Each venue has a bold and unique style and different facilities, ranging from bottle shops to board games and arcades.

If you or your other half prefer whisky to wine, then Cadenhead's has you covered. It's one of the oldest whisky shops in London, where you can sample a range of Scotland's favourite spirit whilst learning about the history and heritage of the iconic tipple. They offer whisky tasting experiences that make for an excellent booze-fuelled way to conjure feelings of love.

Turn into big kids at Ballie Ballerson. This Shoreditch venue is renowned for its giant adult ball pit. There's a special event on for Valentine's Day that's ideal whether you're with your partner, on a date, or celebrating with pals. Frolic in the ball pit for three hours and get some tasty drinks and treats included with your ticket.

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 night but on Valentine's Day there's a themed class for couples. 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 eight different wines, accompanied by cheeses and charcutier, with a wine expert guiding you throughout.

The day after Valentine's Day, 15 February, Langan's Brasserie is throwing a Moulin Rouge-themed party in its exclusive upstairs cocktail bar and members' club. Open to members and non-members alike, the party will embrace the playful Parisian spirit and invite guests into a world of sexy sophistication, complete with live music, burlesque dancers, special cocktails, and a “Cabaret Chic” dress code.

Old Spitalfields Market has put together a day of foodie exploration and independent shopping for those looking to take their Valentine's date to East London this year. The various market food vendors, including Humble Crumble and Wheelcake Island, have come up with tasty Valentine's special, retail outlets are offering special local gifts, and there will also be live Spanish guitar serenades, wine tastings, and giveaways.