If you haven’t already guessed from the heart-shaped chocolate boxes lining supermarket shelves, the 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…
Make hearts pop this Valentine’s at Bubble Planet
Show the love this Valentine’s Day with a trip to Manchester’s newest immersive experience, Bubble Planet. The installation is filled with – you guessed it – bubbles, created using a plethora of techniques. In this dedicated bubble museum, not only will you encounter regular bubbles, but the experience employs VR technology, interactive elements, and mirrored effects to create something incredibly innovative.
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.
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.
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 13 and 14, 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.
Lose yourself in the music at a 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, why not gift the glow of countless flickering candles at a mesmerising Candlelight concert in Manchester. Let your love soar as talented musicians perform takes from some of your favourite artists. There’s a Candlelight concert for all.
Rustle up a delicious meal together at Zouk’s cookery class
If you want to be a little more hands-on this Valentine’s Day then you can whip up a feast with your loved one at Zouk. Specially designed for couples who love Indian food or who love to cook together, this is a memorable day and something a little spicy to do with your loved one this February 14.
You and your partner (or sous chef, if you prefer) will whip up the likes of pani puri, spicy prawn pakoras, chicken tikka, butter chicken, lamb neelgiri, pilau rice and naan bread, then tuck in as part of a banquet. After the class, you will leave with a certificate, an apron and your easy-to-follow recipe pack so you can recreate all the dishes at home.
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.
Enjoy a divine afternoon tea box from Half Dozen Other and Moët & Chandon
This Valentine’s Day, treat your lover to an afternoon like no other, by Half Dozen Other and Moët & Chandon. The team at the bakery are famous for their eccentric bakes and have pulled out all the stops with a twelve-piece afternoon tea featuring both savoury and sweet items.
The Valentines Afternoon Tea box includes four Mini Croissant Sandwiches with options including Chicken Caesar, two Strawberry Moet & Chandon Rose Impérial Champagne Croissants, two Cherry “Scone” Choux Buns, two Lemon Fondant Fancies and two Salted Caramel Macarons. Priced at £45, the afternoon tea boxes can be pre-ordered by emailing party@halfdozenother.co.uk, with collection on February 13, 14 or 15.
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.
Sip on iconic cocktails paired with snacks at this intimate tasting experience
This Valentine’s weekend, Side Street, Manchester’s low-lit, mid-century cocktail bar, is serving up an intimate tasting experience perfect for couples and friends celebrating. Priced at £40 per person, guests can enjoy five of their favourite house cocktails paired with an array of perfectly matched snacks.
The lineup of cocktails and paired snacks include:
- Manhattan (1870) – whiskey and chocolate notes with Gildas: Gordal Olive, Anchovy, Spiced Pickled Pepper & Butterbean
- Margarita (1961) – citrus tequila with Pan Con Tomate: Baguette Crostini, Cherry Tomato & Stracciatella
- Zombie (1934) – rum and pineapple with Bombay Granola: Sichuan, Crispy Chickpeas, and curry-spiced savoury granola
- Cosmopolitan (1975) – bright and sparkling, paired with a CuratedCharcuterie of Cured Deli Meats
- Pornstar Martini (2002) – sweet and classic served with Chocolate Truffle
Listen to 90s and 00s love jams and throwback tunes at this bottomless brunch
This Valentine’s Day, The Blues Kitchen are flipping the script with The Slow Jams Brunch from 12pm-4pm. Taking place on Saturday 14th February, DJs will be playing your favourite 90s and 00s love jams and throwback tunes throughout the afternoon, think Usher, Ashanti, Aaliyah, Destiny’s Child and Nelly. On the menu, The Blues Kitchen will be dishing up a delicious selection of American grill classics, and bottomless drinks flowing all afternoon. No awkward dates. No overpriced roses.
Enjoy special cocktails, romance-ready dishes and a Kissing Booth experience at Chotto Matte
This Valentine’s Day, Chotto Matte is setting the mood with two exclusive Valentine’s Day cocktails – a Spicy Beso and a Highland Blush. Guests can indulge in a selection of romance-ready dishes such as Beef Carpaccio, a Half Dozen Fresh Oysters, Tomahawk Steak, Wagyu Udon Carbonara, and a special Valentine’s dessert – a gorgeous Baked Peach Melba Brioche.
Chotto Matte will also have an interactive ‘Kissing Booth’ experience featuring glowing neon signs, lush red roses, and a striking red backdrop, making it the perfect photo spot for couples and friends. The Kissing Booth will be available from February 11-14, with a special photobooth element added for February 13 and 14.