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Whether or not you choose to engage with the ‘holiday’ that is Valentine’s Day, it’s pretty hard to escape once February rolls around. And if you’re single, there’s no harm in using it as an excuse to do something nice with your other non-spoken-for pals. So we’ve partnered with Secret London to recommend some fun activities to enjoy with your single friends in London.
Sell your old stuff at a car boot sale
Shopping cheaply and sustainably is even more satisfying if you’re still getting the bank balance up while doing so. From gorgeous second hand clothes to antique homewares, the hidden gems you can uncover at a car boot sale never cease to amaze! And bringing your besties really is the best way to finesse it.
Taking it in turns to man the pitch and charm any passing trade, you can all have your turn at browsing the other stalls for bargains. Plus some of London’s car boot sales are pretty big. With all those new faces milling about, you might get more than you bargained for when you’re haggling for that new rug, like a phone number for example.
Whether or not you’re branding it an anti-Valentines occasion, any excuse for a celebratory meal out with your single pals should be seized with both hands. Whilst we know eating out in some of the city’s more ‘of the moment’ restaurants can be expensive, there are shortcuts.
Whether you decide to take a half day at work and have a long, leisurely lunch, or commit to an early dinner, set menus are the hack to decadent dining that people do not use enough. So many of London’s best restaurants offer them, and the money you can save is quite staggering. With spots such as Bistrotheque, Quality Wines and Noble Rot offering 2-3 courses for anywhere between £22 and £39, there’s plenty of incentive to adjust your meal times.
Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always ready to share their top London recommendations. Sandy loves the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they will never disagree on is that friend dates are just as important (if not more!) than the romantic kind. So why not get dressed up and gather your nearest and dearest for some drinks before the glowing London skyline at dusk. There are tons of stunning rooftop bars in London, but whilst the weather is a bit colder, Peckham Levels and Skylight Peckham are both great options with indoor seating that doesn't compromise your view.
Board a cruise for a Thames boat party
We all have our go-to spots for a night out with our friends, but sometimes it really doesn’t hurt to mix things up - and swapping solid ground for a boat along the Thames definitely qualifies. Plus, partying against the backdrop of iconic London landmarks whilst cruising down the river and dancing to the sounds of a top Thames DJ is certainly one of the better ways to celebrate being single. And with this SWR reward you can get 15% off your ticket, which also includes a light buffet meal and free guestlist entrance to a nightclub after-party once the anchor has dropped.
Break out of an escape room
Some people love escape rooms because they can’t resist a cognitive challenge, whilst others simply love the, well, escapism. Either way, these immersive games are such a fun way to fully switch off from the outside world and bond with your friends. And they come in all shapes and sizes, so whether you fantasise about breaking into a pharaoh's cursed tomb or helping Sherlock Holmes defeat Moriarty, the chances are there’s an escape room that fits the bill. Here’s a list of some of London’s best to get you started.
Save money by travelling with SWR
Now you’ve discovered these wellbeing activities to try, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to unlock rewards when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any of our rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.
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