If you haven’t already guessed from the heart-shaped chocolate boxes lining supermarket shelves, influx of jewellery adverts clogging your Instagram feed and countless listicles about romantic gift ideas, February 14 is almost upon us. Soon, the florists will be having a field day with a carousel of loved-up customers and restaurants will be filled with besotted couples clinking champagne glasses – whether you’re looking to count yourself among them or after something a little bit different to treat your partner to (think entertaining performances and indulgent afternoon tea), you’re sure to find the perfect Valentine’s Day date ideas below…
1. Tuck into high tea at the Grand Pacific
Admit it: the Bridgerton binge-watches and scrolls through Insta foodie accounts have left you with a craving for some demure dining with perfectly cut sandwiches and jam-smothered scones. If you fancy a spot of delicious luncheon this Valentine’s Day, you could always throw some heavy hints at your partner or just cut some corners and book a date at the Grand Pacific for High Tea. The opulent restaurant sits in Spring Garden, with colonial-inspired interiors that pairs striking golden pineapple chandeliers with dark wood furnishings and tropical wallpaper, you could almost imagine spreading a map across a table and plotting your next adventure, explorer style. This February, you’ll be able to enjoy a selection of exotic savoury treats and sumptuously sweet tarts, mousses and brûlées with their special Valentine’s Day high tea.
Book an afternoon tea here.
2. Lose yourself in the music at this special Valentine’s Day Candlelight concert
If you’re after a unique form of relaxation that doesn’t require a glass of wine and a hot bath, then a Candlelight concert is your answer. This Valentine’s Day, whether it’s your very first or millionth chance to celebrate the day of love, do it in the glow of countless flickering candles at this mesmerising Candlelight concert coming to Manchester Cathedral. Let your love soar as String Infusion, a talented quartet, performs takes on the likes of Elton John’s Your Song and Can You Feel The Love Tonight. Don’t fancy lovey-dovey tunes? Perhaps a tribute to Coldplay on strings or Queen and ABBA, whose lyrics provide all the feels, instead? There’s a Candlelight concert for all.
Book your Candlelight concert here.
3. Escape to the spellbinding nature of Blackley Forest
Sometimes all you need is to get away from the hectic buzz of the city and hunt down some peace and quiet in the wilderness together. If you’re after outdoorsy date ideas this Valentine’s Day then Blackley Forest is just the place to do that. There you can wander along twisting trails dappled with sunlight that shines through the thick canopy, spot kingfishers on the River Irk and keep an eye out for the deer that are often seen roaming through the trees. It’s ideal if you’re after a bit of reconnection – with nature and with one another.
4. Head to a gig
Music is what brings many people together, so why not bond over your love of music at a gig to celebrate the day? See your favourite artist or band with one of the most important people in your life, as Valentine’s Day date ideas go it’s got to be a real winner and will definitely provide some memories.
5. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style by dining on-board a luxury steam train
If your looking for alternative yet sophisticated Valentine’s dinner date ideas in Greater Manchester then why not relax on board the East Lancashire Railway‘s opulent restored pullman-style carriages, with polished panelling, luxurious seating, and crisp linen? This is the ideal experience to enjoy a quiet evening with a loved one, to soak up the atmospheric journey, steam hauled, through the beautiful Irwell Valley. Taking place on February 14 and 15, you can expect a glass of Prosecco and live classical music upon boarding. You and your dining partner will enjoy a sumptuous four course, silver served meal followed by coffee and after dinner chocolate. If you’re looking to sit back in comfort then choo-choo-choose this for a date.
Book here.
6. Be immersed in a romantic or action-packed storyline at the cinema
Whether you prefer to dive into the plot of the latest blockbuster or fancy reminiscing some of the best romantic movies, watching a great film is possibly one of the best date ideas for Valentine’s Day. Yes, there’s no talking but you can’t go wrong with some popcorn (although we won’t be sharing), good company and riveting storyline to get sucked into.
Opt for a classic trip to Vue or Odeon and get yourself a cheeky discount on us.
Vue Cinema Tickets – valid for any 2D movie, on any day, at any time at participating Vue cinemas in Manchester.
Odeon Cinema Tickets – valid for standard 2D films at ODEON cinemas in Manchester (ODEON LUXE excluded).
Book your cinema date here.
7. Rustle up a delicious meal together at this cookery class
If you’re wanting to be a little more hands on this Valentine’s Day then you can whip up a feast with your loved one at Food Sorcery Cookery School. Offering Valentine’s Day cookery classes at both Deansgate Square and in Didsbury on February 14 and 15, couples can enjoy canapés and a complimentary beverage on arrival, the chef will guide you through creating your meal, sharing their knowledge and love of food with cooking and presentation tips, before sitting down to eat your meal. Food Sorcery’s Cooking Together Experiences are as much about chatting and relaxing as they are about learning and eating – the perfect blend of a meal out and cookery class, which they call “sociable foodie fun”. One ticket is for 2 people, and you will cook the same meal together.
Book a cookery class here.
8. Reveal your competitive side at Flight Club
If you’re looking to mark the occasion without all the sickly, over-the-top lovey-dovey stuff then an activity bar is the perfect alternative Valentine’s date option. If you and your other half want to mix competitive fun with good food and cocktails then Manchester darts bar Flight Club needs to be on your date-night list. Flight Club brings the fun of the fairground and offers fast-paced, high-energy fun with its interactive darts technology.
Book an oche at Flight Club here.
9. Enjoy a tipple or two with Manchester Wine Tours
Want to avoid the pink-hued horror of the day itself but still like to use Valentine’s as an excuse for a date night? How about an afternoon drinking wine together with Manchester Wine Tours? Ideal for couples who want to socialise with others as part of a group, this small group tour (max 12 people) starts at 3pm on February 14, 15 and 16. You’ll spend around four hours enjoying at least six different wines with elite snacks at four special venues while learning things about Manchester (and wine) that you probably never knew.
Book Manchester Wine Tours here.
10. Spend a night behind bars at immersive cocktail experience Alcotraz
Ok, so the idea of spending Valentine’s Day in prison isn’t exactly what many of us have planned but why be loved up when you can be locked up? For those who might like a little role play, a night at Alcotraz Manchester where you don an orange jumpsuit and try to sneak alcohol into your cell is one way to shake up your date ideas this Valentine’s Day. Expect to see your contraband liquor combined with liqueurs, bitters, and homemade syrups to make bespoke, contemporary, and classic cocktails perfect for your time behind bars – but be careful you don’t get caught!
Book Alcotraz Manchester here.
11. Indulge in an exquisite five-course Japanese meal at KAJI
KAJI invites couples to elevate their Valentine’s Day dining with an exceptional 5-course tasting menu that promises culinary passion and global flavours. Priced at £75 per person, Chef Steven Smith has designed an immersive gastronomic journey featuring innovative dishes that blend fire-inspired cooking and extraordinary flavours. From crispy chilli buns to Himalayan salt-aged beef fillet and decadent desserts like yuzu custard tart, the menu offers something for every palate, with optional wine pairings curated by KAJI’s sommelier to complement each course. Trust us, this isn’t just dinner – it’s an experience that’ll have you falling in love all over again (with the food, and maybe your date too)!
Book a table at KAJI here.
12. Escape to Europe’s best destination spa right here in the Cheshire countryside
Yep, you read that correctly. You can head to an enchanting romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day at Carden Park – Europe’s best destination spa! They are offering an extraordinary experience that blends luxury spa treatments, gourmet dining, and intimate accommodations. From February 7th to 16th, couples can indulge in the Twilight Spa Valentine’s Evening, featuring exclusive access to thermal experiences under the stars, complete with a complimentary glass of Carden Estate Reserve Sparkling Wine, a specially curated two-course sharing platter at Elements Restaurant, and an overnight stay with breakfast included.
Book a visit to Carden Park here.
13. Dine at Manchester’s highest restaurant in complete darkness illuminated by candles
20 Stories, Manchester’s highest restaurant, is set to host a unique Valentine’s Day Blackout Dinner on Sunday 16th February, inviting couples to an extraordinary dining experience 19 floors above the city. Executive Head Chef Daniel Scott has curated an immersive four-course menu priced at £80 per person (or £100 for VIP window tables), where guests will be seated in complete darkness illuminated only by thousands of candles and the shimmering city landscape. The sensory journey includes canapés, seared scallops with caramelised cauliflower, pan-roasted sea bass with lobster pomme puree, and a decadent dark chocolate marquise with cherry sorbet. It promises to transform Valentine’s dining into an unforgettable adventure that awakens all senses while offering panoramic views of Manchester from 92 metres above ground.
Book a table at 20 Stories here.
14. Taste a film at this immersive eat-along screening
Taste Film transforms movie nights into an extraordinary culinary adventure, inviting film lovers to experience cinema through a unique, immersive dining concept where audiences don’t just watch movies, but literally taste them. For their upcoming Clueless screening, guests will enjoy a meticulously crafted three-course meal perfectly synchronised with the film’s iconic moments, complete with a complimentary drink and dishes inspired directly by the 1995 classic. Each course is carefully timed to match the on-screen action, allowing diners to sink deeper into the story with every delectable bite, creating an interactive experience that elevates traditional film watching into a multi-sensory journey of storytelling and gastronomy.
Book a Taste Film screening here.
15. Get a rally going at Courts Club
For couples looking to get their pulses racing, head down to Courts Club for a Date, Set, Match where lovebirds can enjoy a fun – and competitive – game of tennis. With the 2-for-1 offer, it’s just £5 for two people for one hour on the courts, available Wednesday to Saturday from 5th-22nd February. Plus, a Sip ‘n’ Paint Party on February 14 invites those looking to get their creative juices flowing with their loved one, or for those that are single and ready to mingle. The event begins at 7:30pm and promises DJs, games, a free drink on arrival, and painting materials to get creative.
Book a court at Courts Club here.