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Photograph: Pasco Photography
Photograph: Pasco Photography

The best things to do on Valentine’s Day in London 2026

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in London this year? Here’s our pick of the best romantic events and activities over the weekend.

Rosie HewitsonAlex Sims
Contributor: Rhian Daly
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Whether you’re a pure cynic, or have been well and truly coupled-up for yonks, Valentine’s Day in London should give you enough inspiration to inject some warm fuzziness into your heart this February 14 – whether you’re celebrating with a boo, best bud or doing Galentine’s this year.   

You’ve got loads of options in the city: go down the tried-and-trusted route and plan a romantic dinner or hotel stay for a belated celebration. Or opt for something a little unorthodox and alternative

Prefer to hunker down in the dark of the cinema and immerse yourself in a good film? Pop-up cinemas and special Valentine’s screenings rule London’s film scene this February. Whatever kind of Valentine’s date night you’re after, you should find the perfect match in our roundup of 45 great things to do on the big day.

And be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to Valentine’s Day in London for advice on everything from romantic wine bars to fancy spa trips to where to pick up flowers and chocolates. It’s got something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

Lovely Valentine's Day events in London

  • Musicals
  • Soho

This wildly maximalist staging of Baz Luhrmann’s smash 2001 film is endlessly romantic, from the red heart shaped set design to its sexy burlesque-inspired costumes to the love ballads that fill its yearning-fuelled story. It's a fantastic excuse to get all dressed up on Valentine's Day and shed a little tear and Christian and Satine's tragically doomed romance.

  • Dance
  • Ballet
  • Covent Garden
  • Recommended

Peter Wright’s evergreen production of 19th century Romantic ballet ‘Giselle’ is a gorgeous take on a classic, with its lavish scenic design and emotive rendition of this tale of plighted love between a lowly peasant girl and a Count. Pair it with a pre-show drink in the Royal Opera House’s gilded, candelabra-lit Crush Room for a date that’s full of 19th century grandeur. 

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  • Musicals
  • Shaftesbury Avenue
  • Recommended

Sure, you're into your date. Hopefully. But would you go to literal hell and back for them? Consider that question at indie-folk musician Anaïs Mitchell’s musical retelling of the Orpheus myth. This determinedly leftfield and darkly romantic show is a moody, atmospheric, gig-style meditation on love and the things we do for the object of our obsession.

  • Holborn

Embrace the spirit of après-sk this Valentine’s Day in London. Think less uni ski trip and more luxury holiday in Courchevel, because the Chalet at Rosewood will be embracing the finer elements of slopes this V Day, serving up oysters, wine-braised short ribs, cheese fondue and tartiflette charlotte. Rosewood has also paired up with Singleton Single Malt Scotch Whisky for the event and will be slinging out the finest whisky cocktails and an exclusive Singleton 21-year-old serve ritual. 

Find romance in London all year round

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