Valentine’s Day is always the perfect time to show someone special how much they mean to you, but if you’ve left it to the last minute to plan something fun, it can always leave you feeling a little in the lurch. Luckily, London has plenty to offer for lovers on this special occasion, so you’re never short of exciting and romantic things to enjoy together across the city.
Read on for some lovely ideas to help you plan the perfect Valentine’s Day in the capital, no matter how late you’ve left it.
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea together
Afternoon tea is always a popular classic when you’re in London, and with the perfect mixture of delicious cakes and tasty beverages to enjoy together, it’s certainly hard to resist. For Valentine’s Day though, take it up an extra notch with something a little more special.
Try an Ice Cream Afternoon Tea to give the traditional ritual a charming twist, with delicious ice cream and pink champagne to tantalise your taste buds, along with lots of indulgent cream scones and cake. It’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy as a couple, especially for those who have an extra sweet tooth.
Have an extra special cinema experience
Going to the movies is always an intimate and laid back activity to enjoy on a date, but for this special occasion, it’s worth making the effort to make it a little more unique and memorable. If you’re staying in London at a Park Grand London Hotel, then you’re perfectly placed to enjoy some of the city’s unique and innovative cinemas, where you can have a more luxurious experience, with gourmet snacks, and classics from film history on the silver screen.
For those who appreciate independent cinema, a visit to one of London’s Curzon screens is a must, and will make the perfect Valentine’s gift. Immerse yourself in a breath-taking cinematic experience, with the work of some of the finest directors and actors, while enjoying spacious and cosy seating. Or if you’re in the mood for something a little more fun and quirky, head towards Leicester Square, where the iconic Prince Charles Cinema features a regular series of special events, including dress up parties, classic favourites and much more. Being close to the Park Grand Paddington Court, it’s a great choice when you’re on the look out for something nearby, before heading out to more Valentine’s fun for the rest of the night.
Sample some special cocktails together
If a night of delicious cocktails sounds more like the perfect evening out, then there’s plenty to sample across the capital. From stylish clubs where you can sip on everything from classic drinks to exciting new concoctions, to discovering how to make your own in a special master class, London has a great variety of cocktail magic to enjoy wherever you are in the city.
Close to the Park Grand Paddington Court, you can head down towards Notting Hill and Portabello Road, where the iconic Ginstitute offers special gin experiences and courses. You’ll get to try delicious cocktails crafted from a variety of flavours, and then try your hand at making your own. As well as getting a fascinating insight into the history of gin, you’ll take away a bottle of your unique creation, providing the perfect memento of your shared experience.
If you’d rather just enjoy some tantalising drinks without getting stuck in to the practical side, then make your way to the London Cocktail Club. With a number of locations around the city, you can look forward to a fantastically lively night out with your Valentine’s date.
Take a romantic walk in London’s historic spaces
A stay at the Park Grand Hotel Heathrow means that you’re in the ideal location to get to some of London’s grandest and most romantic parks, castles and gardens around the city. With captivating architecture dating back hundreds of years, evocative gardens and magnificent spaces that reflect the city’s many royal connections, you’re never far from the perfect setting for a fairy tale romance when you’re in London.
Take a wander around the grounds of Kensington Gardens and the charming palace, where so many royals have lived over the centuries. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the manicured gardens, followed by a serene drink in the nearby park café. Or if you prefer something a little more wild and free, head down towards south London, where you can take a ramble across the scenic Richmond Park. Look out for the park’s resident wild deer, who’ll no doubt provide you with the perfect opportunity for a exceptionally romantic picture.
Head to the skies for a unique perspective
A romantic dinner is always a Valentine’s fail safe, but when you’re in London, you have to go the extra mile and take in some of the city’s most incredible views while you’re dining instead. The capital boasts some fantastic rooftop bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy beautiful views overlooking the capital while you’re enjoying an exquisite meal. Most renowned of all is the Aqua Shard, located in the capital’s tallest building. With breath-taking views over the city and surrounding area, it’s the ideal location if you want to make this Valentine’s particularly memorable, especially if you have a special question in mind.
If you’ve left it a little too last minute to make a reservation for dinner but still want to experience some lovely views, don’t worry. There are some wonderful locations across the city where you can take in the sights – including the iconic London Eye and the glass walkway at Tower Bridge. If you’re lucky to enjoy a dry and mild February evening, then it’s worth getting a special picnic hamper and a bottle of champagne, and surprising your date with a sunset view from Primrose Hill. The stunning views from up here, as well as the charming and intimate location in the open air, will be sure to make it an extraordinary Valentine’s experience.
