Enjoy Valentine's Day with some of the best events in London. Whether you're single or coupled up, there's a tonne of things to do this Valentine's Day.
Somehow every year Valentine's Day manages to divide the nation. Whether you're 'single', 'in a relationship', 'it's complicated' etc, it's inevitable that you'll find yourself cast into at least one of these categories. However, this year Valentine's in London seems to be taking a rebellious approach by catering mainly for the opposing ends of the 'loved-up' spectrum.
For those of you who want to revel in the joys of being a couple, there are plenty of extravagant ways to impress your other half. In no particular order, here's our Top Ten:
Cupid's Conundrums @ Vinoteca
A romantic walking adventure courtesy of HiddenCity is the perfect way to spend the afternoon this Valentine's Day. Stroll arm-in-arm through London's parks, discover hidden courtyards, and relax with a glass or two of wine and some wee sweet delicacies. Innovative and quirky, this sounds delightful. Just make sure you bring an A-Z.
An Explosion of Colour @ Kew Gardens
What could be more romantic than a day-time trip to Kew Gardens? Especially as this February and March, the Princess of Wales Conservatory has been transformed for the month-long Tropical Extravaganza festival, which sees the place filled to bursting with incredible orchids from all over the world.
The Twilight Sad @ Cargo
It may not sound like the cheeriest band to go see on Valentine's Day, but The Twilight Sad have been making big waves recently with their half hour-long combinations of guitars, bass, drums, theremin, tape loops from films and old folk/country songs, effects pedals, toy keyboards, thumb pianos, saws, computer games, and a lot of noise.
Bloody Poetry @ Jermyn Street Theatre
Romantic with a capital R at the Jermyn Street Theatre. It's 1816, and legendary lothario Lord Byron meets the stoic Mary Shelley. Faced with politics and emotion, they try to figure out where they stand in society and what they mean to each other. Delicate and touching performances explore the humour, the drama and the heartache.
Utopia @ Hoxton Art Gallery
Imagine what your futures might be like with Hoxton Art Gallery's exploration of Utopia in contemporary art. Featuring work across a range of media by four contemporary artists, the exhibition explores ideas around the dream of the future. Look out in particular for the delicate, playful sci-fi landscapes of Wieland Payer.
The Music of Burt Bacharach @ Cadogan Hall
One for the smoothies: a Valentine's Day special featuring music by one of the world's most famous songwriters – the legendary Burt Bacharach. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are joined by a host of stars for what promises to be a magical evening. Brownie points guaranteed.
The Paper Cinema's Odyssey @ Battersea Arts Centre
Homer's Odyssey is told through live animation (for adults) in The Paper Cinema's tale of adventure and danger as one man struggles to reach home. Paper puppets, cinematic projection and a live score combine to create an immersive, exhilarating adventure story. Maybe not romantic in the classical sense, but definitely awesome.
Penguin Feeding Time @ London Zoo
Fish, fish, fish, swim, fish, swim, swim, fish, ice, global warming, fish, swim, fish, fish, fish, LEOPARD SEAL, arrrgggghhhh!!! So go the thought processes of your average penguin. Well not in London Zoo on Valentine's Day. They just pose and swim, and at 2.00 they eat their lunch. And you can watch them, you lucky things.
At Swim Two Boys @ Riverside Studios
Two boys living through the Easter Uprising of 1916 find that they can only be together when they go swimming, away from the conflict and the close eye of their community. The production is staged in a slowly filling lake in front of a waterfall as the boys' search for personal freedom runs alongside their countries fight for political liberation.
Valentine's Day @ London Eye
It's funny how everybody in London is always a little bit dubious about the London Eye until they actually go on it and realise that it's just really amazing. And what better way to experience it than with a Valentine's Day special, complete with glass of Champagne and a selection of special canapés, including parmesan hearts, chocolate-dipped strawberries and Champagne jelly? Yum.
More hopeless than hopeless romantic? Check out Valentine's Day Ideas: Cheap, Creative and Curbing Expectations.
Really not a fan? Check out Valentine's Day Sucks.
Click here for more London Valentine's Events.
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