Valentine's Day activities to make the day truly special
Valentine’s Day is that one special time of year when you can focus on celebrating your relationship with your partner.
Whether you’ve been together for decades or just a few months, it’s an opportunity to show your loved one just how much they mean to you – and enjoy each other's company while doing it.
And if you’re not in the mood for a fancy dinner out, don’t worry – you can still make this day unforgettable without breaking the bank. In fact, some of the best memories are created with simple, thoughtful gestures that feel personal and meaningful.
Annabelle Knight, sex & relationships expert at Lovehoney told Prima, “Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to step back from the chaos and distractions of everyday life and celebrate your relationship. A lot of the times, it’s not about grand gestures or spending loads of money – it’s about finding meaningful ways to show love and appreciation for your partner."
From intimate, at-home date ideas to a bit of pampering at a local spa or luxurious paid experiences you can enjoy together, there’s something for every couple to enjoy, no matter your budget.
So, whether you’re looking to organise a relaxing day at home or something a bit more adventurous, we've put together some ideas to help you plan the perfect Valentine’s Day with your partner.
Prepare a homemade candlelit dinner
Let’s face it – who doesn’t love a cosy dinner at home, especially on Valentine’s Day? You don’t have to be a Michelin-star chef to create something delicious.
Choose a meal that’s meaningful to you both – perhaps your first-ever dinner date, a dish that reminds you of a fun holiday together, or simply a comfort food you both love.
Annabelle said,"Sharing the kitchen can be a great bonding experience for a couple, cooking together encourages teamwork, creativity, and even a bit of playful fun when things don’t go perfectly. Plus, you get a delicious reward at the end!"
Not feeling very inspired? Many supermarkets including M&S, Waitrose and Aldi release Valentine's Day dine-in offers for two to make things easier.
As well as the classic three courses with a bottle of booze, some supermarkets give options on main meals only or adopt a more mix-and-match approach. Keep an eye out for offers as they're usually released at the end of January.
Take a stroll down memory lane
If you’ve been together for a while, there’s nothing like revisiting the spots that hold special memories. Why not recreate your first date or shared a significant moment in your relationship as a fun, nostalgic activity. Whether it’s revisiting the same café or restaurant, wearing similar outfits, or cooking the same meal, it’s a playful way to remember your journey together.
Get crafty together
We love getting creative at Prima and Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to get your partner involved too.
Revisit some your relationship greatest memories by making a scrapbook or photo box together. You can also create something to hang on the wall as a keepsake or make a little love-themed art project to remind you of the day.
If your partner is not into crafts, you can also create a sentimental handmade gift for them. Browse our Valentine's Day craft ideas and click through to our simple step-by-step guides to make your perfect present.
Annabelle added, "Whether it’s making personalised gifts or writing heartfelt letters, getting creative shows thought and effort. Handmade presents also have that extra personal touch, showing your partner that you’ve put time and care into making something just for them so it’s a great thing to do with them on Valentine’s Day."
Organise an outdoor adventure
If you both love being outdoors, why not celebrate Valentine’s Day with a scenic walk or a hike? Pack a picnic with your favourite snacks and head to a nearby nature reserve or park for a bit of fresh air and quiet time together. Here's our pick of the best walks in the UK for inspiration.
According to Annabelle, there's nothing like a digital detox to really enjoy each other's company, she said, "Unplug from your devices for the evening and focus on each other. Maybe go for a hike or just a long walk because without distractions, you can enjoy meaningful conversation and truly connect with your partner."
DIY couples’ photoshoot
You don’t need a professional studio to create beautiful pictures. Set up a DIY photoshoot at home or in a scenic location. Have fun and get creative with props and outfits – the photos you create will be lovely keepsakes to remember the day.
Take a dance class together
Why not shake things up by learning a new dance style? Many dance studios offer beginner classes for couples, whether it’s salsa, ballroom or even swing.
If you’re feeling a bit shy about heading out, there are plenty of online tutorials available that let you learn the moves in the comfort of your own living room.
Annabelle added, "Learning something new together is a fantastic way to connect. Whether you’re stepping on each other’s toes or nailing the routine, dancing releases feel-good endorphins and keeps things light-hearted and fun."
Book the trip of a lifetime
If now is not the right time to go away, why not organise a romantic trip together for later this year or next? Make a list of the places you want to visit and activities you want to do together and start planning!
Looking for inspiration? Europe is one of our favourite places to escape for a romantic city break and whatever you like doing once you get there, you'll find plenty of active adventures, lesser-known squares and cobbled streets to discover, as well as out of season experiences. Browse our pick of the most wonderful romantic city breaks to experience with the one you love in 2025...
A spa day to remember
Treat yourselves to a relaxing afternoon at a local spa. Many places offer Valentine’s Day specials, including couple’s massages, facials or a relaxing soak in a hot tub. If you’re not in the mood to leave the house, why not bring the spa to you? Get a couple of bathrobes, light some scented candles, and indulge in a DIY facial or foot soak at home. It’s all about unwinding and spending quality time together.
Watch a romantic movie at home
A romantic movie night is a Valentine's Day classic. Choose a film that you both enjoy or maybe a film that means something to you (do you remember your first movie date?). Grab your favourite snacks, get comfy on the couch and enjoy a cosy evening together.
Or at the cinema...
In our age of streaming, there’s something undeniably special about going to the cinema, especially for a romantic evening.
A lot of cinemas have special events and offers on. London's iconic Prince Charles cinema is offering a line-up of Valentine-friendly film from Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind starring Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey to Richard Linklater's The Before Trilogy as well as everyone's favourite When Harry Met Sally .
Fancy watching something new? Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the anticipated fourth movie for Renée Zellweger's iconic character is due out in cinemas on Valentine's Day.
Organise a day out
If you want to organise something truly special, here's some ideas for a wonderful day out and about.
Enjoy floral festivities at Kew Gardens
Enjoy a day out at London's Kew Gardens this February, where the annual Orchid Festival (taking place from 1 February to 2 March) celebrates the natural beauty and exotic landscape of Peru, one of the world's most ecologically rich countries.
Marvel at dazzling floral displays and living sculptures inspired by the country's deserts, rainforests, and the soaring Andes, and discover some of its stunning 3,000 orchid species.
The best part? You can go for "free" with Boundless, a membership club designed for public sector and civil service workers (both current and retired), offering deals across the UK. This includes teachers, NHS staff, police, and more with membership starting at £40/year.
Entry to the Orchid Festival is included in a Gardens admission but you will need to pre-book a timeslot, whether you're a Boundless member or buying a standard ticket.
Valentine's at the Natural History Museum
Nature lovers will love the Valentine's Day event hosted by the Natural History Museum.
Taking place after hours (between 6.45pm to 10.30pm), couple can enjoy a beer, wine or soft drink as part of their ticket, while enjoying the gallery.
There will be plenty of activities, too, from dance classes to science stations and even a a live harpist serenading you. The ticket price also includes admission to the world-famous Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Enjoy a memorable day blending art, nature, and romance at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Nestled in the idyllic countryside, couples can explore the park's expansive grounds, discover world-class art, and snap an Insta-worthy picture in front of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture.
There is also The Weston Restaurant and a Café at the main Visitor Centre, for couples to have a coffee or a light lunch.
BOOK TICKETS HERE
It's not all about Valentine's Day...
If you don't have time to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, remember that expressing love to your partner is not just about one special day.
Annabelle said, “My top tip is to celebrate each other every day. Valentine’s Day is wonderful, but don’t wait for just one day to show love. Little daily acts of appreciation – a compliment, a surprise coffee, or a quick cuddle – can strengthen your relationship year-round. Make this about what matters most: spending quality time and creating memories that remind you why you fell for each other in the first place.”
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