Ideas for Valentine's Day around the UK

Like it or not, Valentines Day is here and without all the cheer and wonder of a national holiday, it’s probably the only other date on the calendar that gets almost as much widespread hoo-haa as Christmas. So if you’re one of those fortunate souls whose other-half willingly flaunts their irreverent attitude to doing something public on this ever-fateful day, then you can quite happily ignore our guide or, better yet, do something out of joy, love, passion… not weird obligation…

Gift Ideas
	Valentines - Flowers for valentines - free delivery Get the most beautiful Valentine’s gifts and flowers......
	Ann Summers - lingerie As one of the best-known names on the High Street, take your pick from Ann Summers vast selection of lingerie, from black lacy Basques through to frilly suspender briefs.
	For couples - sex toys Add a bit of Valentines spice by stocking up from a wide range of sexual accessories, from the Rude Boy and Rampant Rabbit, right the way through to Cock Rings and Knicker Critters.
	Figleaves - lingerie With 10% discount this Valentines, splash out in style and shop for sexy lingerie at Figleaves. Take your pick from top designers, including DKNY, Freya and Charnos.
	Knickerbox - lingerie With camisoles, suspenders and bustiers, Valentines Day is all about dressing up whilst dressing down. Whatever your lingerie criteria, choose from silk, frills, sparkles and lace.
	ScreenSelect - movie rental Underwear – check. Good food – check. Champagne – check. Now all you need is a little something to get you in the mood. Take your pick from thousands of classic and contemporary titles.

For those who are promised some expectant foot-tapping come February 14th, here’s a quick background on one of the reasons why we put ourselves (or are put) through this every year.

Legend has it that way back around 270 AD, Emperor Claudius II of Rome decided that single men made generally better fighters and decreed that marriage be illegal for young men. So up steps Valentine, seeing the injustice of this, and begins conducting secret marriages of young lovers – the pious rogue! Needless to say, Valentine got found out and promptly put to a grisly death

So with that out of the way, here are a few ideas of what to do in London to get you both in the mood:


Take a walk...

Frolick in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham, and find the spot where Robin Hood and Maid Marion got hitched. One of England’s most beautiful woodlands and perfect for a romantic stroll

Get to Bristol and have a wander up to Clifton Observatory. This time-worn building holds an early Camera Obscura and, with its panoramic views of the area, makes for a truly atmospheric Valentine’s date…


Be serenaded…

Valentine’s Day Concert at Liverpool Philharmonic. Hear true classical greats including excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Ravel’s Bolero and more. Get into a cosy, cultured mood…

or

Nouvelle Vague’s Valentine’s Day Special at the Sage Gateshead in Newcastle. A disco-fuelled night with a marked difference - reinventing Post-punk classics from the likes of Joy Division and the Buzzcocks in a French 60s RnB or Bossanova style. No pressure, no sentimentalism…


Be entertained…

Check out Art At Five’s latest exhibition, Art of Seduction, in Brighton for a special Valentine’s Day opening. Perfect for getting close while surrounded by ‘tasteful erotica’ and ‘eclectic nudes’ (whatever they could be)…

Maybe not the most obvious choice for a Valentine’s date but Glasgow Film Festival kicks off on the 14th and opens with wartime romantic weepie Now Voyager starring Bette Davis. Unusual and beats bleating away at a blockbuster…


Do something slightly different…

Need something to set the mood but not quite as subtly as flowers and a fancy meal? How about the Hoochie Coochie Valentine Spectacular at Bristol’s Jesters comedy club – this is a first-rate burlesque mix of dancing girls and humour with a ballroom boogie after the acts to 50s RnB and rare soul. Should do the trick…

If you’re fed up of all this candles and romance get-up, check out Go Ape- it’s an action packed swinging through the trees adventure day with spots around the country. Perfect for imitating tarzan or rolling about in leaves. Certified icebreaker


Have a meal…

The Witchery, Edinburgh – true atmosphere, gothic-inspired noble decadence and a favourite for Valentine’s day.

Veggie Love @ The Lounge, Leicester – billed as the first ever UK Valentines Day  event for vegetarians, Booja Booja truffles and more with proceeds to Animal Aid

Deanes, Belfast – Michelin starred restaurant from Michael Deane. In the heart of town, this has a  sophisticated setting and impressive style

Malmaison, Leeds – lofty, stunning interior and you can even nip up to the main hotel should the mood take you. Superb Valentine’s Day menu


…And if it all goes wrong

Nothing says “Wow I really ballsed it up this time, but damn I’m sorry” like a beautiful bouquet. Check out Interflora’s special selections for Valentines Day or our listings of florists in your area


Fancy spending this Valentine’s Day in the big smoke? Check out our London guide
Want to spruce up your flirting tactics? Then check out our handy advice

Chris Lord, MyVillage, 23rd January

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