Seven Romantic Things to Do in London on Valentine’s Day

1. Spend the Evening Bathed in Candlelight at a Concert

Candlelight concerts provide an intimate setting for couples, featuring classical music performances in some of London's most beautiful venues. These concerts are held by candlelight, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. It's an ideal setting for those who appreciate the arts and want a tranquil way to celebrate their love.

How to Find Candlelight Concerts for Valentine's Day:

1. Visit Fever's Website: Go to FeverUp.com and select London as your city.

2. Search for Candlelight Concerts: Use the search feature to look for "Candlelight concerts."

3. Filter by Date: Apply the date filter to February 14, 2024, to find concerts specifically for Valentine's Day.

4. Select and Book: Choose the concert that interests you to see more details, including the program, venue, and ticket prices. Follow the instructions to book your tickets directly through the website.

2. Check into a Hotel or Spa to Mark the Occasion

Booking a stay at a luxury hotel or spa in London can offer couples a much-needed escape from daily life. Many hotels offer special Valentine's Day packages, including spa treatments, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations. It's a perfect way to indulge in relaxation and spend quality time together. One such destination is the spa at Corinthia Hotel.

The Corinthia Hotel's spa, ESPA Life at Corinthia, is set in one of London's most prestigious areas and offers a holistic approach to well-being. This luxurious spa spans four floors and includes a thermal floor with an indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheater sauna, ice fountain, marble-heated loungers, and private sleep pods. The spa's extensive treatment menu includes everything from massages and facials to body treatments and wellness therapies.

• Facilities: Indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheater sauna, steam room, ice fountain, relaxation areas, and a state-of-the-art gym.

• Price: Treatments start at around £150, but prices vary depending on the treatment and duration. Access to the thermal floor and facilities may have different pricing and is often included with certain treatments.

• Location: Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom.

• Booking Information: For the most accurate pricing and availability and to book a treatment, visit the ESPA Life at Corinthia website or contact them directly at +44 (0)20 7321 3050.

3. Catch a Flick for a Valentine's Movie Date

London boasts a variety of cinemas, from high-end theaters offering a VIP experience to independent cinemas showcasing cult classics and new releases. A movie date is a timeless Valentine's activity, allowing couples to enjoy a shared experience in a cozy setting. Keep an eye on Time Out London's film section as Valentine's Day approaches. They're likely to publish articles or lists recommending romantic movies and special screenings happening around the city.

4. Explore a New World of Happiness at Dopamine Land

Dopamine Land is an immersive experience designed to engage all the senses and promote feelings of joy and wonder. With interactive installations and visually stunning environments, it's a unique way to explore new sensations together and create lasting memories.

5. Sign Your Names to a Padlock at Mint Leaf

Participating in the tradition of locking a padlock and throwing away the key can be a symbolic gesture of commitment for couples. Mint Leaf offers a modern twist on this tradition, with the opportunity to return and unlock a special offer the following year, adding an element of anticipation and continuity to your romantic gesture.

6. Take a Romantic Stroll

A simple yet profoundly romantic activity is leisurely walking through one of London's scenic locations. Whether along the South Bank, through the historic streets of Covent Garden, or in the serene settings of Hyde Park, walking hand in hand allows couples to connect and enjoy the city's beauty.

7. Go on a Valentine's Retreat to Cambridge

For those looking to venture outside of London, a romantic retreat to Cambridge can offer a blend of culture, history, and romance. Some hotels provide the perfect setting for you to relax with your loved one. It's a thoughtful way to relax and immerse yourself in a love story, making your Valentine's Day celebration even more special. One such destination is the Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa. 

Nestled in three acres of manicured gardens in Newmarket, this four AA red star hotel offers luxury accommodations, a two AA rosette restaurant, and a ‘5 bubble’ rated spa. It's an ideal base to explore nearby historic towns and enjoy a romantic retreat.

• Location: Newmarket, Suffolk, close to Cambridge

• Special Features: Rooftop hot tub, hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, experiential showers, and an extensive spa menu.

• Contact for Pricing and Bookings:

  • Phone: +44 (0)1638 663175

  • Email: info@bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk or reservations@bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk

• Website: Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa

Who was Saint Valentine? (And what does he have to do with chocolate hearts?)

Saint Valentine, a figure shrouded in mystery and legend, was a priest in 3rd-century Rome. He became famous for secretly marrying couples in defiance of Emperor Claudius II, who had outlawed marriage for young men, believing single men made better soldiers. Valentine's actions led to his imprisonment and execution. Before his death, he reportedly wrote a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it "from your Valentine," a phrase that has endured through the ages.

The tradition of exchanging love notes on Valentine's Day eventually expanded to include the giving of gifts, particularly chocolates, in the 19th century. The industrial revolution made chocolate more accessible, and it quickly became a favored gift for lovers. Heart-shaped chocolates and boxes emerged as symbols of love, a tradition popularized in the late 1800s by companies like Cadbury with their Fancy Boxes of chocolates designed as keepsakes.