The best Valentine’s Experiences in London, Manchester and Edinburgh

London

Sip champagne and see the sights

Mark Valentine’s Day in style with spectacular views, delicious chocolates and mouth-watering champagne aboard the London Eye. A range of romantic experiences are available for the big day, including a Hotel Chocolate Tasting Experience that includes a chocolate and truffle tasting session with an ambassador from the chocolatier. Or opt for the Cupids Capsule option to take in the capital’s views from the comfort and privacy of your own capsule, all while sampling champagne and luxury truffles. There’s also a proposal option for those wishing to give their partner the ultimate surprise on Valentine’s Day!

Bookings for the London Eye experiences can made throughout February.

Embark on a different type of speed dating

For something different to mark Valentine’s Day, take to the River Thames and soar past Tower Bridge on a 50-minute ThamesJet Loverush experience, mixing the excitement of sightseeing with the thrills of speed and aquabatics. Conclude the experience with champagne and a 3-course dinner at Locale County Hall, just off the South Bank – home to traditional Italian dishes and a beautifully designed restaurant that envelopes a central open kitchen.

Valentine’s Loverush vouchers are redeemable between 9 February and 31 May 2019.

Escape the city for a relaxing getaway

Leave city life in the background and relax in the Georgian splendour of Sopwell House on Valentine’s Day, a period property in Hertfordshire with a delightful mix of beautiful gardens and delectable food. Guests can unwind with a Pink Fizz Afternoon Tea or seek out Valentine’s Day Dinner in The Restaurant, home to a lavish 5-course menu. Alternatively, for a Vibrant Valentines, discover the contemporary open-plan Brasserie for a 3-course dinner before retiring to the indoor pool, sauna and spa facilities to round of the experience.

Available 14-16 February.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pals

Spend some quality time with friends at K West Hotel & Spa on Valentine’s Day with a luxurious Pal-entines package, including a pair of delightful Valentine’s cocktails as well as manicures, pedicures and other pampering options. Sit back and relax in the spa, home to a hydrotherapy pool, aromatic herbal steam room, Sanarium and sauna.

Available 14-17 February, 17 February check-out only.

Tuck into delicious steak

Sample carefully curated Valentine’s Day sharing and a la carte menus at Smith & Wollensky in Covent Garden, packed full of the restaurant’s renowned USDA Prime Dry-Aged steaks and finest seafood. Sip a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé Champagne with the sharing menu before indulging with a seafood platter, Cote de Boeuf and finishing with a delectable pistachio and cherry baked Alaska.

Available 14 February.

Put aphrodisiacs on the menu

Pan Asian tapas restaurant Gamma Gamma has created a 9-course dining experience to mark Valentine’s Day in a unique way. From their base in the heart of Soho, head chef Jon Villar has created a menu packed with aphrodisiacs that is ideal for sharing, featuring oysters, chilli, chocolate and more.

Available 14 February.

Manchester

Snuggle up with pop-up cinema

Victoria Baths are being transformed into a romantic candle-lit cinema, with showings of Romeo and Juliet, Disney’s animated classic The Little Mermaid and the hilarious romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. The Edwardian grandeur of the water palace will be brought alive by the Village Screen pop up cinema with street food vendors and a host of charming entertainment, with the audience getting the chance to sir back on candy-stripped deckchairs inside the Gala Pool. Take in the tale of two star crossed lovers with prosecco, hot chocolate, cocktails or local beers in hand.

Romeo and Juliet showing on 15 February, The Little Mermaid and 10 Things I Hate About You showing on 16 February.

Savour an authentic taste of Spain

Tucked away in the heart of Deansgate, La Vina is a lavish multi-level bar that delivers a true taste of Spain in cosy, intimidate surroundings. An array of authentic dishes and delightful drinks concoctions features flavours and tastes from 17 Spanish regions alongside a splendid selection of wines and classic Sangria, perfect for toasting in Valentine’s Day in style.

La Vina is open daily.

Edinburgh

Sample luxurious afternoon tea

Sit back in the romantic ambiance of The Balmoral to enjoy a decadent afternoon tea under the sparkling dome of the 5-star hotel’s Palm Court restaurant. With a soothing musical backdrop from the hotel’s resident harpist, get a taste for the Moet and Chandon Imperial Rose Champagne inspired selection, set among the splendour of the landmark historical building in the heart of Edinburgh.

Available 11-28 February, between 12pm and 5pm.

Go on a sensorial journey

Couples can enjoy a relaxing Sensorial Journey Massage together in the Couples Suite at the Guerlain Spa and Health Club at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian as part of the luxury hotel’s From Paris With Love package. After taking full advantage of the spa facilities, couples can unwind in the iconic Peacock Alley with a delicious afternoon tea for two.

From Paris with Love is available from Monday to Thursday, while a supplement charge per person is applied Friday to Sunday.

Take a seat overlooking Edinburgh’s skyline

Holyrood Park is just a short walk from Edinburgh city centre and the 640-acre Royal Park, adjacent to Holyrood Palace, is home to Arthur’s Seat. Climb to the top of the ancient volcano to take in spectacular views of the city and to explore the site’s large and well-preserved fort. Such is the flora and geology of the site that it’s designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Holyrood Park is open all-year round.