Valentine’s Day in London

Published: July 17, 2024

Valentine’s Day in London isn’t just for the loved up. It can be for those in couples, sure. But it’s increasingly a day that caters to those looking for love. And those giving love the cold shoulder this year, tired of dating and the hype and the ceremony of it all. Those who say things like, “Valentine’s Day was just invented by greetings card companies.” Those who don’t. If you take it seriously, red heart balloons and all. Or if you go round popping said balloons. There’s something for you this Valentine’s Day in London. So dig into our guide on what to do this Valentine’s Day in London, including...

Romantic Thames cruises for couples
An evening under the stars, straight out of the movies
A couple of unique twists on traditional speed dating, for those looking for love
A murder mystery evening for those who are looking for a suspect
And much, much more...

The View from The Shard

The View from The Shard are hosting a super special Valentine's Day event this year. Book as a couple and head up to London's highest viewing platform to catch the sunset, taking in incredible views across the city. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to the soothing sounds of a live harpist. You'll get a souvenir digital photograph and a single red rose too. Outside of special event times, a trip up to see the View from The Shard is included with The London Pass. Click the button below to discover how you can see The View from The Shard with The London Pass, along with many, many other top London attractions.

The View from The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG. For more details and to book, head HERE.

theviewfromtheshard.com[/caption]

Valentine’s Day Thames River Cruises with City Cruises

For plenty of people, a Thames River cruise on Valentine’s Day is as romantic as it gets. Getting out on the water, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks pass by, drifting off into the sunset. It’s hard to think of a more classically romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day in London. City Cruises are offering three different cruise options on 14th February. Take it slow with an afternoon tea cruise, enjoying sandwiches and cakes to a soundtrack of smooth, smooth jazz. Or treat one another to a three course dinner with a live band for company. Finally, the evening cruise is the best option for those looking to dance off into the sunset together. Interested in a sightseeing Thames River Boat Cruise without the Valentiney twist? 24 hour access to City Cruises’ main services is included with The London Pass. Find out more about Thames River Boat Cruises available with The London Pass below.

14th February. To find out more about the three special Valentine's Day cruises run by City Cruises and to book, head HERE.

citycruises.com[/caption]

London's Rooftop Bars

For many, there’s nothing more romantic than a rooftop bar. Cocktails and heights just do it for lots of people. You can survey all those beneath you, say, “Look, there’s my office,” and watch the sun go down. They’re usually pretty swanked up. For places lucky enough to have roof space, it’s good London real estate worth spending a penny or two on. Have a read of our article on the best rooftop bars in London to find your perfect date location for Valentine’s Day in London.

Valentine’s Evening with the Stars, Royal Observatory Greenwich

Ross and Rachel and the juice box. The two jazzed up lovers in La La Land. That scene in Manhattan. Planetariums are romantic, guys. Head up to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a romance themed planetarium show, the chance to see space through an 18-tonne Victorian telescope and some time holding hands across the Greenwich Meridian. These special lates take place on February 8th and 14th, with tickets costing £24 for adults. To visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich during normal opening hours, get yourself The London Pass. Entry to the attraction, and many more of London's finest, is included with the pass.

14th February. Royal Observatory Greenwich, Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ. To find out more and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6260" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

rmg.co.uk[/caption]

London Valentine’s Speed Duetting Night

Find someone you can truly harmonise with at this unique speed dating event. You’ll be split into groups, then paired up in a private karaoke booth to have a go singing a classic duet. It might go a little flat and fail to hit the high notes, or it might be the moment you find the Sonny to your Cher, the Simon to your Garfunkel. If you’re looking to take a chance doing something completely different this Valentine’s Day in London, this could be the show-stopping event you’re looking for. For daters aged 24 to 38. Lucky Voice Holborn, 84 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DL. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6261" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

luckyvoice.com[/caption]

Valentine's Vegan Speed Dating at Fortnum's

Find love under the guidance of an eggless Eros at this vegan speed dating night. Another twist on the speed dating format, this event seeks to pair up like-minded meat and dairy-free singles. If you get beyond chatting about how long you’ve been a vegan, and start coming up with your favourite London vegan restaurants for a possible second date, you’ll know you’ve met your meatless match. Fortnum and Mason provide the perfect finger food accompaniment to this evening of green romance. 11th February. Fortnum's Bar and Restaurant, The Royal Exchange, The Courtyard, London EC3V 3LR. For more details and to book, head HERE.

Love Letters Live

This special take on the Letters Live series sees a host of famous faces and voices read out love letters sent by some of history and popular culture’s most interesting and important thinkers, artists, revolutionaries and lovers. From professions of love to confessions of heartbreak, interrogations of love and odes to its power, the letters read here approach love from every direction, offering new perspectives on the lives and thoughts of those who penned them. Letters Live has previously seen the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie read letters written by David Bowie, Che Guevara and Maya Angelou. This special event is raising money for the charity Help Refugees. 14th February. Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, Hackney, London EC1V 9LT. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6262" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

letterslive.com[/caption]

'Cooking With Cupid' Valentine’s Cookery Class

What’s on the menu tonight? It’s love, of course. With a side of green beans. This couples cookery class is designed to add a bit of spice back into the kitchen. People flirt with food. A date at a fancy restaurant. Planning a romantic meal where you cook that one thing you know how to cook. But cooking with and for your partner can quickly collapse into a question of who’s going to boil the pasta this evening and who forgot to get the milk and why did you put the carton back in the fridge if it’s empty and fine, just forget it, let’s get a takeaway and for goodness sake can you just make up your mind where you want to order from and it not take an hour and a half. This Valentine’s cookery class is looking to change all that. And it includes bottomless booze. Which is sure to turn even the most reluctant cooks into accomplished, artistically minded, flamboyant chefs. For the night, at least. 14th February. The Avenue Cookery School, 3 Enterprise Way, Wandsworth, London SW18 1FZ. For more information and to book, head HERE. [caption id="attachment_6263" align="alignnone" width="1000"]

theavenuecookeryschool.com[/caption]

Valentine’s Heart in a Jar Class

Tired of the ephemerality of love? Jaded by the over-commercialisation of romance? Into taxidermy? Stuck for Valentine’s Day gift ideas again this year? Then this heart pickling class is for you. Spend the afternoon learning how to dissect and preserve an animal heart, then take your very own specimen home with you in a glass jar. Give it to your partner. If they love it, you were meant to be together. If they hate it, well, they can always regift it come Christmas. 16th February. The British Academy of Taxidermy, Islington Arts Factory, 2 Parkhurst Road, London N7OSF. For more information and to book, head HERE.

Anti-Valentine’s Day Murder Mystery in the Sky

Head up to the London Sky Bar for this inventive antidote to Valentine’s Day: a murder mystery evening set in a Prohibition era speakeasy. The bar’s proprietor has been found murdered. It’s your job to piece together all the evidence, interrogating suspects and working together to get to the truth. Find out who did him in, on Valentine’s Day of all days. When you’ve closed the case, take in the views from this wonderful vantage point, 29 floors up and overlooking the Thames. 14th February. London Sky Bar, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4QP. For more information and to book, head HERE. Right, that’s your lot. However you spend your Valentine’s Day in London this year, we hope you have a swell time. And let us know of any alternative ideas you’re cooking up in the comment box below.

Matthew Pearson

London Travel Expert

Discover {{destinationFullName}} itineraries

Continue reading

Blog

London Bridge vs Tower Bridge Comparison

London Bridge and Tower Bridge - both iconic bridges and sought after London attractions, but do you know which is which? There’s only a 13-minute walk between them, but the history and design are wildly different. We’ll look at their differences and similarities, as well as what there is to see and do at each location. The History of Tower Bridge Designed by Sir Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry, it opened to the public in 1894. Tower Bridge is one of the most instantly recognizable attractions in London, although it was never meant to stand out. It was specifically designed to blend in with the surroundings, like the Tower of London. While it does, it’s still an iconic landmark. The original concept was for Tower Bridge to function as a drawbridge, with pulleys lifting the bridge to allow boats to pass. This proved to be too much for the towers to handle, so they built Tower Bridge as a Bascule Bridge. Bascule translates to ‘Seesaw’, which is how the two sides of the road now open. The History of the London Bridge Contrary to the nursery rhyme, London Bridge has never actually fallen down. Ice, fire, and Vikings have damaged it, but it’s never technically fallen down. London Bridge, in one form or another, has stood for nearly 2000 years, with the first construction being erected by the Romans in 43AD. It started life as a pontoon bridge, with wooden planks over anchored boats, before evolving to a wooden construction and finally stone. The appearance has transformed significantly over the years, at one time looking like a mini city; full of wooden shops, houses, and industry. Sadly, these wooden structures, coupled with human negligence, led to several fires and the ultimate decision to clear the bridge of all but traffic. Where is the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge? Both bridges cross the river Thames and are within walking distance. They’re also both free for pedestrians to cross. If you’re visiting Tower Bridge, the nearest tube is Tower Hill station. The nearest underground station to London Bridge is London Bridge station; easy to remember. To walk between the two takes around 13 minutes, in a straight line down The Queen’s Walk. It’s a fun walk, passing Potter’s Fields Park and the HMS Belfast floating museum, plus many street performers and entertainers. Carry on further and you’ll have beautiful views of the London Eye, Millennium Bridge, and a view of Parliament across the water. What to do at London Bridge? While not as photogenic as Tower Bridge, London bridge is still worth snapping. There are no towers or elevation, so you’ll have to go to the banks of the Thames river for a great shot. What London Bridge lacks in visual appeal, it makes up for in history and intrigue. The London Bridge Experience is an interactive journey through London’s dark, grim history. With 2000 years of history to explore, you’ll discover how the Romans, the Great Fire of London, and Jack the Ripper all share a history with the bridge. If you’ve got the nerves, head deep down into the lower vaults of London Bridge and experience The Vaults; a scare maze using actors, special effects, and interactive sets to offer a bone-chilling scarefest. Fear not, for the feint hearted there’s a child-friendly version that is still informative yet leaves out the nightmares. Nearby to London Bridge you’ll find The Shard, Tate Modern, and Borough Market. What to do at London Tower Bridge? Obviously, you’ll want a selfie or three with Tower Bridge as your backdrop. If you want to know the best place to photograph Tower Bridge, head to either the Tower of London on the north bank, or Potters Fields Park on the south bank. Both offer excellent views of Tower Bridge for you to get an insta-classic shot. Did you know you can climb the bridge towers? The view from the top, 138ft above the river, is spectacular. A tour of Tower Bridge isn’t just a pretty view though. Head inside what thousands of people idly walk past each day for an unforgettable trip through London’s history. With multi-sensory exhibitions, displays, and a trip deep into the engine room, you’ll learn all about the resident stables, mortuary, and special events which have secured Tower Bridge as London’s defining landmark. Nearby you’ll find The Tower of London, another key historical site and a must-see attraction. Don't Mix Up London Bridge and Tower Bridge London Bridge and Tower Bridge look very different, yet both are famous bridges in their own right, and both are must-see attractions in the city. Both bridges are free to walk across, and they’re both in great locations surrounded by other amazing attractions. London Bridge might be famous in nursery rhymes, but it's much less impressive than Tower Bridge. Built in 1973, it's a functional bridge for cars and pedestrians. It's only about a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge, but they're worlds apart in terms of looks and cool stuff to do. So if you're wondering which one to visit, make it easy on yourself and pick Tower Bridge. It's got the looks and the wow factor! The high-level walkways at Tower Bridge, including the glass walkway, afford incredible panoramic views of the city. Alongside ground-level shots of the iconic towers, you’ll also walk away with unique photos of the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and so much more. London Bridge is another brilliant spot to get a pic of Tower Bridge, but it’s also photographic in its own way. The true magic of London Bridge, however, comes from its long, dark history. If you’re looking for more ideas for your London adventure, grab a London attraction pass! We cover one day in London, a weekend getaway, and a three-day itinerary, which should cover all bases.

Adam Fraiel

Blog

Royal Albert Hall Facts You Need to Know

From Nina Simone to One Direction, the Royal Albert Hall has withstood the test of time. It's persisted as one of London's most exciting performance venues, right up there with the best. This concert hall is an iconic building, a true gem in London's cultural crown.

Dom Bewley