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Valentine’s is the most romantic day of the year, so why not treat your loved one to a romantic day out or weekend in London?
In 2024, Valentine’s Day takes place on Wednesday, 14 February. If you’re organising 48 hours in London or wondering what to do for Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered. From romantic meals to West End shows, there’s something for every couple. Plan the perfect romantic getaway this Valentine’s.
Best restaurants in London for Valentine’s Day
From grape-feeding in Ancient Greece to the spaghetti kiss in Lady and the Tramp, sharing food is intimate; it epitomises romance. So why not take your loved one to one of our picks for the best London restaurants for Valentine’s Day? All offer three-course pre-theatre menus, which are great value for those heading for a meal before the main event.
Blanchette, SOHO
blanchettesoho.co.uk/
Candlelit dinner for two? Step this way! A relaxed, romantic atmosphere with a rustic décor sets the mood in this popular old-school French bistro.
Head to Blanchette for French classics, small plates, cheese and charcuterie boards. The menu is designed for sharing, perfect for dates. It’s reasonably priced, so you won’t break the bank to treat your sweetheart.
How to get there: Take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road from London Waterloo and walk 7 minutes from there.
Pivot Bar & Bistro, Covent Garden
pivotbarandbistro.com/
This popular spot offers unfussy fine dining and modern British classics. Grab drinks at the bar beforehand, enjoying views over Covent Garden’s bustling Piazza, then head to your table for a monthly-changing menu inspired by the seasons. The vibrant décor creates a cosy atmosphere, complementing hearty dishes like beef pie and sausage and mash. Best of all? Enjoy 10% off your food with SWR Rewards!
How to get there: Walk 20 minutes from London Waterloo. Or, take the Northern line to Charing Cross and walk 9 minutes from there.
Sophie’s SOHO
sophiessteakhouse.com/soho
This SOHO steakhouse is made for meat-eaters but also caters for vegetarians.
Sophie’s serves a classic steakhouse menu modernised, offering tuna tartare and beef carpaccio alongside the usual short ribs and steaks. Splash out on a 39oz ribeye, or try the three-course set menu – you’re guaranteed a special experience.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus, and walk 5 minutes from there.
Shows in London for Valentine’s Day
Once you’re done with dinner, why not head to a West End show? They’re thought-provoking and spark conversation, the ideal date-night combo – and there’s no place like the West End. With over 40 world-class venues and attracting more than 16 million visitors annually, you’re guaranteed a good time with these shows in London on Valentine’s Day.
Mouline Rouge! The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre
thepiccadillytheatre.com/shows/moulin-rouge
16 Denman St, London W1D 7DY
Mouline Rouge! The Musical is a musical reimagining of Baz Luhrmann’s film, soundtracked by pop bangers you’ll be foot-tapping to, whether you’ve seen the original or not. Flamboyant dancers in vibrant costumes, a carnivalesque set bathed in red, a gripping melodramatic plot. It all spells fun!
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus from London Waterloo and walk 4 minutes from there.
Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre
victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk/whats-on/hamilton
79 Victoria St, London SW1E 5EA
Hamilton is an award-winning biographical musical about Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers. That might not scream romance, but Hamilton is a historical musical like no other. Using rap, jazz and R&B to tell America’s founding history, it’s packed with witty wordplay and great storytelling. It’s also about love, so you can’t go wrong!
How to get there: From Vauxhall, take the Victoria line to Victoria and walk 2 minutes from there.
Phantom of the Opera, His Majesty’s Theatre
lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-phantom-of-the-opera/
Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4QL
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera is a love story with a twist, following a masked man and his romantic obsession. Webber’s musical is considered one of the greatest in history, seen by more than 160 million viewers globally – and it recently returned home to His Majesty’s Theatre!
How to get there: Take the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross, walking 7 minutes from there.
Fun activities for Valentine’s Day
Organising an activity shows you care. It’s one of the best things to do for Valentine’s Day in London and a great way to impress!
Go Bowling at BrewDog Duckpin Bowling
brewdog.com/uk/waterloo/bowling
Unit G, Waterloo Station, 01 The Sidings, London SE1 7BH
Bowl your other half over with your skills at BrewDog Duckpin Bowling. Duckpin bowling features smaller pins and balls, making for faster games – and lots of fun! Grab a drink from the bar and unleash your competitive side. It starts from £5 per adult, making it one of London's best budget date ideas.
How to get there: BrewDog is a 5-minute walk from London Waterloo.
Show off your moves at Bar Salsa
bar-salsa.com/temple
Victoria Embankment, Temple, London WC2R 2PH
Take the lead and dance the night away at Bar Salsa, which hosts daily salsa classes. Choose from tropical cocktails or share a carafe of sangria and hit the dancefloor. It’s fun, intimate and energetic, the perfect end to your night!
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road and walk 3 minutes from there.
Play a round of crazy golf at Plonk
plonkgolf.co.uk/venue/borough-market/
Arches B, C, D & E, Montague Cl, London SE1 9DA
Golf doesn’t get much crazier than at Plonk Borough Market. Play nine holes, surrounded by street art-covered walls, through absurd London-inspired obstacles like the Tower of London and iconic red phone boxes – all while enjoying signature cocktails and craft beers!
How to get there: Take the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to London Bridge and walk 5 minutes from there.
With frequent trains to London, why not travel with South Western Railway this Valentine’s Day? Discover cheap train tickets by going off-peak, and enjoy even greater savings when travelling with a Railcard. Travelling in a group? Use GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard. Semi-flex tickets allow you to take any return train and choose any train with a Sunday Out ticket.
