London

Ditch the drinks, dinner, duvet itinerary and surprise your valentine with something unexpected. Wrap up and brave al fresco London. This provides a great excuse for some snuggling up to keep warm. If you've had enough of wintry weather try something bizarre together like eating insects or getting your kit off in a dungeon. If you'd prefer a lighthearted make up date poking fun at Valentine's Day formalities? Then take in some romance of historic London, eat at The Bleeding Heart restaurant and window shop (or not) for sparklers. Feature continues

Valentine's Day needn't be spent a deux. Why not celebrate with another couple , maybe a couple of couples, even try and drag your sad and lonely single friends out. Alternatively, you could exercise your brains together with some intellectual and cultural pursuits. If all this sounds like it involves too much planning, here are some last-minute solutions .

At this time of year cashflow may be stagnant but that's no excuse to give Valentine's Day a miss. Read our tips on dating in London on the cheap but don't use our money saving ideas on a first date. That's the time to impress with a swish restaurant and classy cocktails. More robust lovebirds can keep hearts racing all day long with an action-packed programme of city sports or turn up the heat by getting cosy in the capital's hot spots. All too energetic? Simply enjoy quality-time together without the Valentine's fuss.