Forgot to make a reservation? The best last minute Valentine’s Day dates in London
Some couples plan Valentine’s Day months in advance. For others, February 14th will suddenly hurtle into vision, alongside the sinking realisation that you’ve got nothing booked. But fear not! If you didn’t snag a table in some candlelit spot, there’s plenty of (arguably more fun) ways to spend the most romantic night of the year in London.
Catch a film then enjoy £7 negronis at the ICA
Institute of Contemporary Arts
Cinema trips are a classic winter date, but there’s little romance to be found sitting in Vue with a Fanta Frozen and a bag of Maltesers. Instead, go to one of London’s many excellent independent cinemas. The French Insitute’s Ciné Lumière in South Kensington showcases an eclectic mix of French and international films, from timeless classics to contemporary indie hits. They also have a cosy brasserie where you can debrief afterwards. The Institute of Contemporary Arts in central London often does special screenings of cult films and Q&As, plus their bar serves £7 negronis. Hard to beat.
Go mudlarking on the Thames
Treasures to be found: a mudlarker’s haul on the Thames foreshore
For history buffs and treasure hunters alike, mudlarking along the Thames foreshore is an unusual and surprisingly romantic activity. Armed with sturdy boots and an eagle eye, you can scour the riverbed for historical artefacts – think Tudor pottery shards, clay pipes, and maybe even a Roman coin if you’re lucky. Just be sure to check the tide times. The kind of date that guarantees a good story.
Brave a sauna and ice bath
Sauna & Plunge
The Scandi ritual of plunging into ice cold water and then thawing in the sauna has become the favourite activity of London cool kids. Some saunas can be serious and silent, which is not great for a date. Try somewhere affordable and laidback like Hackney Wick’s Community Saunas. They have wood burning saunas as well as cold plunges, and the atmosphere is fun and chatty.
For something a little fancier, Rebase in Marylebone and Sauna & Plunge in Shoreditch both offer infra-red saunas and multi temperature ice baths in a zen atmosphere. This endorphin boosting activity will make you happier than ever to bask in each other’s company.
Get competitive at a ping pong bar
Ping pong bars like Bounce in Farringdon are a fun alternative to a classic drinks spot
Bounce
If you’re after something high-energy, then ping pong bars are a fun option. Bounce is the best one, with locations in Farringdon, Old Street and Battersea Power Station. Order a cocktail (or a mocktail – they have a great booze free menu for Dry January), grab a paddle, and see who emerges victorious. A little playful rivalry can break the ice quicker than any half-hearted chat about the weather.
Catch a show at an off-West End theatre
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Daisy Edgar Jones in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at The Almeida
Marc Brenner
With West End ticket prices through the roof, London’s smaller theatres offer an intimacy and charm that’s hard to beat. Venues like the Donmar Warehouse or the Almeida Theatre regularly stage critically acclaimed productions in close quarters. Plus, smaller theatres mean fewer crowds, shorter queues, and better odds of impressing your date with your cultural savoir faire.
Go for a late-night gallery visit
Late night life drawing at the National Gallery
National Gallery
Some of London’s best galleries open late on select evenings. The National Gallery puts on nighttime life drawing classes on Fridays, while Tate Modern and Britain often host after-hours events complete with live music, pop-up bars, and guided tours.
Take a boat trip down the Regent’s Canal
Hire a boat and mosey down the picturesque canals in Little Venice
PA
If weather permits, hire a GoBoat and take to the water along Regent’s Canal. Pack blankets, snacks, and a bottle of wine, and captain your own little vessel past picturesque spots like Little Venice and Camden Lock. It’s peaceful, romantic, and a great way to enjoy the city from a new perspective.
