Love is once again in full bloom in the capital as visitors and Londoners alike begin to plan a special and romantic Valentine’s Day with loved-ones. Whether you fancy a romantic meal, a hand-in-hand stroll along The Thames, or dancing the night away with your special someone, make London your heart’s desire…
Retro Romance
Step back in time at the Valentine’s Tea Dance on 14 February at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf. Learn how to dance the Charleston, Waltz and the Foxtrot to vintage tunes, with romantic and upbeat golden oldies. For more retro merriment, The Museum of London’s annual Valentine Late is back with a 20’s twist. Transport yourself to 1920s London, complete with live music, cabaret, dancing and curator’s talks about 1920’s fashion and sexuality.
Take a walk on the wild side with the National History Museum’s special Valentine’s event, Love in the Natural World, where you can learn all about the weird and wonderful courtship rituals of the world’s creatures, and how love in the natural world can be often nasty and lethal. If you’re after more educational fun, then an Evening with the Stars: Valentine’s Day Special at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, is perfect for a romantic evening with your sweetheart. The themed Planetarium show will give couples a chance to gaze at the stars through a gigantic telescope plus a glass of bubbly for all ticketholders and a red rose for each couple.
Hot Hotels
As always, London’s hotels have prepared some wonderfully unique Valentine’s packages so that you can woo your partner in style. Mercer Street Hotel has teamed up with leading adult lingerie retailer Coco de Mer for another year to create the ultimate Valentine’s package including one night’s accommodation, breakfast and a personal gift box of Coco de Mer bestsellers. Meanwhile, at theInterContinental London Park Lane, couples can reignite their love for Italian rustic Italian cooking, with a one-on-one with Chef Theo Randall, before enjoying a special Valentine’s menu at the chef’s award-winning restaurant, Theo Randall at the InterContinental.
Andaz Liverpool Street in collaboration with London florist, Zayni Flowers are giving gents with green fingers the chance to create personalised bouquets for their loved ones, followed. by a lavish Valentine’s Day menu. For something completely different, the quirky boutique Hotel 40 Winks will be running a Valentine’s inspired theatrical Bedtime Stories session named Tales of Lust, Love and Longing to entertain and warm your heart.
For details of these romantic events and many more, head to www.visitlondon.com/valentines
