t’s a well known fact that Valentine’s Day is an overrated Hallmark holiday and everywhere wants you to part with your cash, but don’t let that put you off doing something, no matter how small. Remember, you don’t have to spend lots of money or even celebrate Valentine’s day on the day itself. It’s just an excuse to do something together and inject a little romance into a relationship. It’s nice to have a bit of cheese.

Rather than compile a list of restaurants, because let’s face it, that’s been done – here’s some more leftfield and alternative Valentine’s day date ideas for spending some time with the one you love.

Just Stay In. But make a night of it, cook something delicious together and get a decent bottle of wine! We recommend whipping up some savoury and sweet pancakes as Pancake Day is on 13 February this year. It’s also fun to cook pancakes together, you could see who is the biggest best toser. Check out these savoury pancake recipes and topping ideas.

Not a fan of pancakes? You can always rely on Marks and Spencers for a £10 Dine in for Two meal deal.

Cookery Class. If you don’t fancy staying in and cooking, how about going out and cooking.
Borough Market Bread Ahead Bakery has two different Valentine’s baking courses.

Waitrose Cookery School has lots of classes each week, but they sell out fast so make sure to jump on any available slots you see.

Atelier des Chefs offers a perfect way to make a 5 star meal at a 2 star cost. Get dressed up in personalised aprons and cook together along with a certified head chef.

Exhibition. Wildlife photographer of the year is still on at the National History Museum and is always worth seeing – it’s our favourite exhibition! Go and stare in wonder (and sometimes horror) at the incredible pictures, without breaking the bank.

The Last Tuesday Society in Bethnal Green is home of The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities where The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic has set up shop. Go get spooked and maybe afterwards you’ll have your pants scared off!

Get to a Gig. Seeing live music is never a bad idea unless it’s this band. During the Valentine’s week you could go see: Kendrick Lamar with James Blake; Rag’N’Bone Man; British Sea Power; The Chainsmokers; Galantis; Liam Gallagher The Hackney Colliery Band (a personal favourite) and many other great acts. See more on StubHub.

If you’re after something a little more classically romantic, My Funny Valentine at the Barbican is a performance of Frank Sinatra songs by The London Concert Orchestra and will be joined by guest singers Matt Ford and Emma Kershaw. If it’s true what they say that Luck be a Lady maybe you’ll get a Moonlight Serenade later on.

Escape Room. This could work out well or end in tears and shouting, If you both have a love of puzzles, why not try an escape room for two! Test your skills and smarts in one of London’s many escape rooms, though if trying to solve all the clues with just two of you is a bit daunting, why not do it as a double date. Take a look at some of London’s best escape game companies: Enigma Escape, ClueQuest, HintHunt, Omniscape

Arcade. When was the last time you went to an arcade? Unleash your inner child at Namco Funscape, which as well as classic Arcade games has air hockey, bowling (for only £3 pp!), pool, ping pong and dodgems. Win tokens in the arcade then exchange them at the prize shop, win your love a keyring! For a more adult arcade experience check out The Four Thieves and The Four Quarters which are excellent pubs full of classic arcades games as well as VR expereinces and crazy golf.

Gifts. The shops hike the prices of flowers and chocolates before Valentine’s Day (bastards), but if you’re wanting to buy that special someone a gift, why not spend your hard earned cash on something more memorable, like an experience such as learning to fly , gin tasting, or even an intensive horse riding coure.

If you’re feeling crafty, a homemade card can score you A LOT of brownie points. Kick it old school and add a personal touch by penning a handwritten love letter and seal it with a kiss! Go old school and spray it with some cologne / perfume – but make sure you wait for the ink to dry! Showing your other half that you took the time to create them something will make their heart explode! Check out Hobbycraft for card making supplies

If you are going to buy flowers, make sure you use these discount codes to save yourself some money:
Appleyard Flowers – VDAY15 – £15 off bouquets over £40.
Bunches Flowers – BUNFEB18 – 10% off your purchase.
Interflora Flowers – AFFHIGHTEN – £10 off orders over £65.

If you’re after a restaurant for Valentine’s Day, take a look at some of the best restaurants for romance in London.

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