10 Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas In London

We’ve all been there. You’ve nailed the Christmas gift, smashed the New Year’s party and then gone into cruise mode after the busy holiday period. You’ve got months before the next big event, so just relax!

And then BAM. January is over and you have no Valentine’s plans.

But don’t panic, if this is you in 2023 then consider booking a special trip to London with your significant other. There is plenty to do in this incredible city, and you have no reason to worry about things booking up if you think outside the box!

Make your trip extra special and book a room at The Montcalm London City At The Brewery Hotel, not only is it one of the best family hotels London has to offer, but it’s also one of the most luxurious- prefect for a couples weekend.

Despite the fact that there are amazing deals on the Montcalm Club double room, you’ll probably be wanting a luxurious suite after the Valentine’s suggestions below!

Let’s take a look at the top 10 things you can do this Valentine’s day at the last minute!

Romantic Afternoon Tea

Getting afternoon tea is one of the key ‘must do’ things in London on its own- but doing it on Valentine’s can be extra special.

There are hundreds of places across the city offering incredible afternoon teas, with stunning variations and twists on the classic- form Indian to completely savoury versions, you can find it all.

Most places will offer a champagne version, or a romance themed afternoon tea for couples looking to celebrate.

Pizza & Crazy Golf at Swingers

If you’re not really ‘feeling it’ this year, or maybe you just want to try something a little different, then head to Swingers for one of the best nights you’ll have all year.

It’s a bar with an indoor mini-golf course. And they serve incredible pizzas. What more could you want? That’s my idea of a perfect night!

Visit the Van Gogh Experience

You’ve probably heard of Vincent Van Gogh, he’s one of the most influential painters of all time.

Well, now there is a new exhibition in London dedicated to the genius that quite literally puts you into his most famous works. Explore the stunning colour and brilliance that the dutch painter exhibited in a whole new way.

Art galleries will never be the same after this.

Candle Lit Music in the Great Outdoors

If you make your way to Glaziers Hall, near Spitalfields Market, on Valentine’s evening you’ll find a string quartet playing some of the most iconic and romantic songs of all time.

Sit in the dim glow of golden candle light and experience a moment of true beauty with your partner as the musicians play songs from well known romantic movies.

Food Walking Tours

If you and your partner have built your whole relationship around food (believe me, you’re not alone) then try jumping on a food based walking tour.

It’s a great way to explore the city and find places you’d have otherwise missed. The Borough Market walking tour is a personal favourite as it takes you through some of the best hotspots in the city for food- but there are plenty on offer, so find one that suits you and your partner best.

Cupid’s Pod

Cupid’s Pod is the latest offering from the London Eye. Pretty much everytime you end up on the wheel with family, friends or on school trips, you find yourself in a gigantic queue then an overcrowded pod.

Well Cupid’s Pod solves that.

Book your own private pod that comes with a bottle of bubbly, some delightful truffles and your very own host. You’ll also get a queue jump, so there will be no waiting in line!

It’s the ultimate start to a romantic evening in the city, and is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

This would work perfectly if you intended to return to your fantastic hotel for a gorgeous dinner at the Montcalm restaurant.

Bouquet Making

If a plain old flower shop bouquet seems a bit too cliched for you, then mix it up a bit.

Take your partner on a walking tour of the stunning Columbia Road Flower Market followed by a super romantic and personalised bouquet making lesson.

You get to experience one of the coolest markets in the country, and walk away with a beautiful, personalised bouquet- what’s more romantic than that!

Take a Valentine’s Cooking Class

This might not work for every couple, but if you or your partner is a foodie and loves to cook, then this will be the creme de la creme of gifts.

There are plenty on offer, but one of the best is the cooking class at Eataly. You’ll share a glass of prosecco followed by a charcuterie board, before donning some aprons and making some pasta and chocolate dessert.

It’s a great way to spend time together, and you get a delicious meal and some new skills out of it!

Pottery Classes

This may be one of the more cliched activities on the list, but that does not mean it’s a bad one.

If you’re keen to get crafty then pottery is a great way to go. There are many classes all around the city, and you can make many different things, so pick one that suits you and your partner best!

You get to learn some new skills together, and at the end of it you’ll leave with a new thing to go in your house- or maybe the bin…

Kew Orchid Festival  

Kew Gardens is worthy of a visit any day of the year, but in particular this Valentine’s day.

They are hosting the Orchid Festival where you’ll find an abundance of rare flowers, incredible displays and you get to explore the world renowned green houses that are filled with amazing flowers and plants.

You’ll also find horticultural displays crafted into the shapes of magnificent creatures and some truly stunning light displays!

Think Outside the Box this Valentine’s Day

So there you have it; some of the best things you can do in London. Some of these ideas are a bit off the beaten track, so to speak, but why not mix it up a bit this year?

There are many incredible things on offer in London. It’s up to you to get out there and find them!