Do Valentine’s differently: 8 of London’s most unique date ideas for Valentine’s Day

London is packed to the brim with unique events and unmissable experiences to treat your loved one this Valentine’s Day. From candle making classes to personalised poems, here are our top suggestions for spending the special day out in London.

1. Skate Dates at Selfridges

Looking for something more active to try your hand at? After treating your loved one to some Valentine’s shopping, head down to the one-of-a-kind skate bowl inside Selfridges London. Whether beginners or keen skaters, lovers or friends, enjoy an hour-long private session in the fully enclosed skate bowl with an expert teacher.

Price: £38 for two, including a special treat each!

Dates: 10th – 15th February

Location: 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB

2. Soak in the sights with a romantic river cruise

 [p]Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a luxury river cruise through the heart of the capital. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is offering an exclusive sailing, including a glass of champagne and live music on board for an hour round trip. See the capital’s iconic sights including Tower Bridge, Somerset House, and the London Eye.

After arriving back at Canary Wharf Pier, continue the good vibes in Canary Wharf with a game of shuffleboard at Electric Shuffle, or catch a movie at Everyman Cinema.

Price: £25 per person

Date: 14^th February

Location: departing from Canary Wharf Pier, Docklands E14 8RR

3. One-of-a-kind personalised poetry at The Coral Room

For a truly priceless gift this Valentine’s Day, make your way to The Coral Room, where acclaimed poet Luke Davis will write you a poem tailored specially for your loved one.

Renowned for his magical typewriting sessions outside the Globe Theatre on the South Bank, Luke will craft bespoke poems tailored to your thoughts and emotions. There are no bounds to the subjects or feelings, simply share a few thoughts with Luke and watch as he transforms it into a one-of-a-kind poem, a treasured keepsake for you to take home.

Date: 12:30pm to 8:30pm on 14th February

Location: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN

4. Admire the romantic views at London’s highest garden

 [p]For one of the best views of London at night, look no further than Sky Garden: the capital’s highest public garden. Those looking to pull out all the stops can book a special package at one of the garden’s restaurants or bars, such as the six-course tasting menu at Fenchurch Restaurant. Combining British ingredients with Caribbean flavours, courses include native oyster with blood orange and cucumber; pumpkin cappuccino and beef tartare taco.

Price: from £165 per person

For a more relaxed atmosphere, head up to Sky Pod and City Garden to enjoy a bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut with a sharing artisan antipasti board against a soundtrack of chilled date night sounds courtesy of the resident DJ.

Price: from £140 per person

Date: 14^th February

Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

5. Book a candlelit concert or private pool experience at the Four Seasons

 [p]Those looking to really wow their significant other need look no further than Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square.

A mesmerizing candlelight concert, featuring talented piano-vocalist Michael Amadi and a skilled violinist, will serenade guests with classic love songs at the Rotunda Bar and Lounge. The intimate setting will be illuminated by more than 2000 LED candles, casting a warm and intimate glow throughout the space, while guests enjoy a delicious three-course menu of handmade ravioli, luxurious lobster wellington and delicate pavlova.

Price: £125 per person

Date: 14th January

For the ultimate intimate evening for two, couples can book the spa’s pool for private use. From 8:00 to 10:00 pm, guests will have exclusive use of the pool facilities including a private steam room and sauna, to enjoy with a bottle of champagne and canapes.

Price: £980 for two people

Dates: 9^th – 18^th February

Location: 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ

6. Ignite romance with a candle making workshop

 [p]Let the flickering flames of love take centre stage as you and your partner immerse yourselves in the art of candle making at Native Bankside in London. In this workshop you will make four tea lights and a fragrant candle.

With the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll prepare a 6oz glass vessel, infusing it with warmth and personality before expertly heating organic soy wax and adding your custom oil blend.

Price: £55 per person

Date: 10^th February, 11:00 – 12:00

Location: Native Bankside, 1 Bear Gardens, London SE1 9ED

7. For a quintessentially British experience, head to Fortnum’s

 [p]Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange will be serving a special Valentine’s Day menu accompanied by live music, to make one of London’s ‘most instagrammable’ restaurants even more spectacular than ever.

Dishes will include a Steak tartare topped with a golden Burford Brown egg yolk, Poached Brill with spinach and a silky Vermouth sauce laced with caviar, and a very retro Baked Alaska with Griottines cherries.

Price: £80 per person

Date: 14^th February

Location: The Courtyard, The, Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR

8. Feel cupid’s bow with a private pod at the London Eye

 [p]Looking for somewhere special to pop the question this Valentine’s Day? Book the London Eye Cupid’s Pod for a private 30-minute rotation, complete with a bottle of Pommery Rosé Champagne, a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles and your own personal host.

Price: £550 for the private pod; standard tickets from £30 per person

Dates: all year round

Location: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB