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.
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 the unique Concorde Conference Centre. Let your love soar beneath the wings of the world-famous Concorde as String Infusion, a talented quartet, performs takes on the likes of Elton John’s “Your Song” and “City of Stars” from La La Land. Don’t fancy lovey-dovey tunes? Perhaps a tribute to Coldplay on strings or Taylor Swift, whose lyrics provide all the feels, instead? There’s a Candlelight concert for all.
3. Celebrate female empowerment with this special Valentine’s cabaret performance
Fancy spicing up this year’s Valentine’s Day? Popular female-empowering variety night, ‘Ember & the Vixens’, returns for a Valentine’s cabaret special on February 10 at The King’s Arms on Bloom Street in Salford. As usual for these cabarets, Ember Travixen will be taking to the stage, and the much-loved MC Jas Nisic will be singing and hosting, introducing a variety of amazing performers from the burlesque, music, spoken word and and this time with themes of romance, anti-romance and broken hearts!
4. Head to a gig at Victoria Warehouse
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. Enter Shikari will be performing at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on February 15 and that’s sure to get you up and dancing.
5. Show your creative side by making your own masterpiece in MediaCity
What better way to bond with your loved one than immersing yourselves in a fun-filled workshop? Taking place at Studio Dawn in Salford’s Quayside on February 17, couples or pairs of mates can get involved in two workshops in one night. Chelsea from Feu Candles UK will guide guests through blending their own scent to create a unique candle before Chelsie from Studio Dawn shows everyone how to create a matching set of heart shaped trinket trays using eco-resin. Throughout the evening there will be a selection of cocktails available to you, as well as a bounty of veggie and vegan sweet and savoury snacks.
6. Watch the new production of The Full Monty at Manchester Opera House
Whether you’re in a relationship or currently in the midst of dating, one of the top date ideas to do in Manchester this Valentine’s Day has to be a trip to a theatre. And what better way to spice things up than watching The Full Monty, eh?The Full Monty play, based on the 1997 smash hit British comedy film, is heading to Manchester Opera House in February, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the film on a major national tour. The play follows down-on-his-luck Gaz and five other unemployed men that decide to form a male striptease act to make some money. Expect a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak, and plenty of men in the buff.
7. Go on a tasty, food-filled tour around Manchester
Calling all those whose love language is food, as this is by far one of the best food-based Valentine’s Day date ideas going in Manchester. Manchester’s gastronomic scene is booming and this tour will show you why as you and your significant other wander the streets feasting as you go. Your local guide will take you on a multi-stop food tour across the city revealing some culinary hidden gems and historical insights along the way.
8. Get your hands dirty with clay at this sexy sculpting class at Ducie Street Warehouse
This Valentine’s Day, Cork&Clay will be hosting an unforgettable ceramic experience, where partners are invited to sculpt each other’s privates. This body-positive evening will allow participants to sculpt their very own sexy piece of clay into a penis or vagina. Priced at £30, the workshop will include all materials, including air dry clay, rolling pins and clay tools, apron, clay slip, and a gift box to take your piece of art home. Also for the lovebirds, Half Dozen Other is dropping off their special Red Croissant with a passion fruit crème filling on Valentine’s Day, which will be available at Ducie Street Warehouse with a limited run.
9. 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.
10. 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).
11. Rev up your engines and race into Valentine’s Day at full speed
Calling all singletons looking for a way to spice up this Valentine’s Day! Look no further than Chaos Karts as it hosts a thrilling Singles event where players can rev up their engines, slide out of their DM’s and onto the racetrack in a state-of-the-art experience, combining real-life racing with the immersive realm of augmented reality. Race your heart out at this special event designed for singletons looking to get away from the holiday romance.
With a level playing field, players can finesse their way to victory by outsmarting opponents with unique in-kart power-ups and rewards to “battle” right up to the finishing line. Each race varies in design, complete with pumping music and a variety of virtual tracks. Ditch the third wheeling and rev up an electrifying night out with a gang of like-minded thrill-seekers who’ve opted for a Valentine’s night out that’s anything but ordinary.
12. Get into the spirit of gin-making with this mixing masterclass
This couples-friendly activity is an absolute must for loved-up gin lovers, as you head to the incredible Manchester Gin distillery. You and your partner will go on a gin-making journey which starts with a refreshing double G&T and four samples as you uncover the secrets of gin production. You can then handpick your favourite botanicals and distil your very own creation to take home. This experience allows you to not only make your own signature gin but potentially make memorable moments with your partner – what’s not to love?
13. 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. 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.
14. 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!
15. 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.
16. 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 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. Tickets are £75 per person.
17. 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, couples can enjoy canapés and a complementary 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.