London can be a wonderfully romantic city to spend Valentine's Day. Here are some ways to help you have a perfect day.
1. London Eye
© Laura Porter
There are lots of romantic options at The London Eye for this year.
The newest offering is the Valentine's Champagne & Canapé Experience (£108.00 per couple) and there's still the ever popular Valentine's Champagne Experience (£70.08 per couple).
The Red Rose Experience is exclusively available on Valentine's Day. Enjoy the stunning views of the London landscape with a red rose and Charbonnel et Walker chocolates for each couple (6-10pm, £50.04 per couple) or go all out and choose Cupid's Capsule for a private capsule from £325.00.
Also brand new for 2012 is Valentine's Day on board the London Eye Barracuda available for one day only. This exclusive trip includes a romantic meal whilst taking in the finest views of London from the river (£40.00 per couple).
Find and more and book in advance at www.londoneye.com.
2. Orient Express Valentine's Day Lunch & Dinner
© Laura Porter
The Venice-Simplon Orient Express day trips are an absolute delight which I have tried and can recommend. For 14 February 2012 there is a Valentine's Day Lunch (which is steam-pulled) and a Valentine's Day Dinner too.
Spend the most romantic day of the year with a loved one aboard the British Pullman in a cosy armchair and admire the vintage marquetry lined carriages whilst enjoying a sumptuous five-course meal with champagne and wine. Wonderful.
3. Book a Hotel in Central London
leonardo.com
Superbreak.com (buy direct) are the experts in providing short breaks in London and often have deals which include theater tickets or visitor attractions. A recent search on their site found four star hotels for under £50 a night! You can also use Kayak to Compare London Hotel Rates.
4. Evening with the Stars: Valentines Day at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Enjoy a romantic evening at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich this Valentines Day. This special event for couples provides a unique after dark experience, including a themed planetarium show, a chance to gaze at the moon and the stars through the gigantic 28-inch telescope, and the opportunity to stand on the Prime Meridian and take in the breathtaking view over London from the Meridian Courtyard. Plus there's a glass of bubbly for all ticketholders and a red rose for each couple.
Dates: 14 February
Times: 17.25 | 17.30 | 18.45 | 18.50
Duration: 2 hours
Admission: £28 per person, Booking details.
5. London Theater Tickets
© Laura Porter
When you come to London you want to see a West End show but the cost of the tickets can be off-putting. Here are some tips on How To Get Cheap London Theatre Tickets.
6. Pleasure Garden Ball at Museum of London
On Tuesday 14 February (6.45-9.45pm) enjoy a night of dancing, drinking and decadence as the Museum of London recreate Georgian London's quintessential pastime – the pleasure garden. Learn to dance with an 18th century girl band, watch risqué poetry and theatrical performances, discover dandy fashion, then design and wear your own alluring masquerade mask. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Tickets are £6 (book online)7. London Perfume Shops
© Laura Porter
If you love fragrances, you may well enjoy these London perfume shops for their expertise and unique English style.
8. Masquerade Ball at Medieval Banquet
The menu is a fusion of dishes specially selected to complement a Valentine Venetian Ball and these are served at intervals throughout the evening as all the while the entertainment continues to unfurl around you.
Adults: £60
Ball starts 8.15pm - doors open from 6.30pm (optional beginners waltz class starts at 7pm)
9. Chocolates
Find out where to buy and try Chocolate in London. My favorite is Hotel Chocolat (Buy Direct) who produce luxury chocolates and have many gift ideas. Hotel Chocolat is a British-owned company who has been committed to producing real, authentic chocolate for over ten years. Their success has a lot to do with the quality ingredients they use – they even have their own cocoa plantation, Rabot Estate, in the West Indies.
10. Valentines Card
The best card shop in London has to be Paperchase on Tottenham Court Road. Paperchase is considered the brand leader in design led and innovative stationery in the UK. The range is constantly changing which makes return visits more fun. They also carry a great range of unusual papers and art materials as well as all the more widely available stationery, greeting cards, gifts, and gift packaging.
- Paperchase, 213 - 215 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7PS
Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road / Goodge Street
