The most romantic things to do in London, from alternative ideas to mush-free activities

DO go to a roller disco

Ditch the boring drinks and strap on a pair of rollerskates for a proper fun date. And this isn’t a cheesy roller rink, this is a cool roller rink, where you can gawp at some of London's best skaters all soundtracked to RnB, jazz, afrobeats and hiphop. For those with superior balance, this is the chance to show off your tekkers. For the less coordinated, worry not, falling on your arse in front of your beloved will only bring you closer together. 

Flipper's London, Exhibition London, Ariel Way, W12 7SL. £17.50.

DO travel back in time at the Rivoli Ballroom

Settle down in the beautiful surroundings of the Rivoli Ballroom – one of the oldest remaining public ballrooms in the world – for a pop-up film fest. The grand old dame of a building will be hosting screenings of ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘Romeo + Juliet’ for Valentine’s Day – now that trumps a Netflix binge. 

350 Brockley Rd, SE4 2BY. From £10.

DO learn how to whip up a terrarium

Giving flowers can be dangerous; how can you know which flowers to send when it’s still early days? Red roses mean ‘love’ and yellow ones ‘friendship’, but we don’t think there’s an official flower for ‘you’ll do until I find someone better’ (orange ones, maybe?) Happily, lovely London florist Leafage sells terrarium-making kits so that you can create your own tiny plant-filled kingdoms. And there’s not a lot you can read into something that’s so transparent.

From £55. www.weareleafage.com

DO go for an absinthe tasting at The Last Tuesday Society

Located above the The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and Natural History on Hackney’s Mare Street, The Last Tuesday Society is a weird and wonderful prohibition-inspired cocktail bar filled with bones, books and other oddities. Specialising in absinthe-based cocktails, it runs regular tastings and workshops with the UK’s first and only absinthe distillery, The Devil’s Botany. Book a spot for you and your boo, and enjoy a memorable date sampling the Leyton-based distillery’s ‘devilishly indulgent’ tinctures.

11 Mare St, E8 4RP. From £18.50pp.

DO show them the views from Hampstead Heath Pergola

Created between 1910 and 1925 for soap magnate Lord Leverhulme and restored in the 1990s, Hill Garden and Pergola is a formal Arts and Crafts garden in a little-known part of Hampstead Heath. In summer months the raised, covered pergola is festooned with wisteria, but great views of London are to be had at any time of year. Visit during the early evening and you might even spot some roosting long-eared bats as you gaze at the sun setting over the London skyline. Romantic AF!

Inverforth Close, off North End Way, NW3 7EX. Free. 

DO eat nose to tail 

Sharing spag is old hat and, more to the point, incredibly messy; what are you, a cartoon dog? Instead, head to St John and feast on all kinds of offal: think livers, kidneys and intestines. What’s more romantic than a slap-up plate of lamb hearts?

26 St John St, EC1M 4AY. 

DO dine in darkness at Dans Le Noir

Staring longingly into the love of your life’s eyes is all fine and good until the other mates you’re hanging out with start to get irritated out of boredom or jealousy. One way to rectify this slightly awks predicament is to book a table at Dans Le Noir, a quirky dining experience sans mood lighting, or any lighting at all for that matter. Yep, you and your date dine in complete darkness so the sensory nature of the meal is prioritised over how aesthetically pleasing it (and/or your date) is. Just make sure you find your way back to the right table or that innocent leg rub could get weird.

69-73 St John St, EC1M 4AN. Set menu £52-£110.

DO treat them to a slushie at Rowans Tenpin Bowling

There aren’t many places in north London where you can bowl, dance, slurp slushies and sing your heart out in a karaoke booth until the wee hours, but Rowans is one of them. This old den of entertainment has been there since 1913, playing host to countless first dates over the years. And for damn good reason! It promises feelgood vibes, loads of two-player games that are ideal for couples, and pizza delivery straight to your lane or karaoke booth. Frankly, we don’t think there’s a better activity date venue this side of the Thames. 

10 Stroud Green Road, N4 2DF. £1 entry. Bowling from £7.70pp. 

DO sweat it out in a cool community sauna 

Nothing is more awkward than having to endure a couples massage in silence, instead keep things social with a visit to one of London’s Community Sauna Baths – there are locations in Hackney Wick, Stratford, Peckham and Bermondsey. The 90 minute sessions start at £10, or push the boat out and hire a private sauna for the exclusive use of you and your date. For the ultimate sensory experience, take the plunge into one of the ice baths in an old whiskey barrel.

The Baths, 80 Eastway, E9 5JH. From £10. 

DO spend the evening at a cosy listening bar 

Spice up the usual Valentine’s restaurant experience by booking a table at Peckham-based hi-fi bar Jumbi. Helmed by Rhythm Section boss Bradley Zero, the soundtrack is so good that dancing is not just encouraged, but irresistible. They also serve a menu of Afro-Caribbean bangers (think curried chicken, oxtail stew, plantain nachos, patties and doubles).