7 date ideas for Valentine’s Day in London, from cat cafés to stargazing

It might be love, it might be smog — either way, something is in the air in London.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s about that time that doe-eyed couples in the capital start thinking of original date ideas to impress their beloved.

From romantic strolls along the river to world-class museums, there’s so much Cupid-approved fun to be had here.

In fact, a recent ranking named London as one of Europe’s best cities for the most loved-up day of the year.

The research by UBuy looked at data from TripAdvisor and found that London had 1361 fine dining restaurants, 138 five-star hotels, and 6 romantic tours – so those celebrating are spoilt for choice.

But if you still need some inspo for February 14, we’ve got you covered. Here are some cute date ideas, perfect for the big day.

Head to the Natural History Museum after hours

The Natural History Museum is bringing back its Valentine’s Day event, perfect for all you love bugs.

While the mating habits of the animal kingdom might not scream love and romance, it could be a hit for any science nerds out there. The numerous science stations will explore how animals mate, and you even head into the photography exhibition, to see pictures of it up close. Yes, really.

There’s also cocktails, a dance class, and a harpist serenading you.

Tickets cost only £35 per adult, while Natural History Museum members can enjoy a discounted price of £31,50.

Cosy up at the Backyard Cinema

The Backyard Cinema is back, and better than ever. After a decade of sell-out events, you can enjoy a screening of surely the most heart-wrenchingly romantic film around: Baz Luhrman’s classic Romeo Juliet.

The atmospheric Union Chapel in Islington is the perfect atmospheric venue. You’ll hear live versions of some of the iconic songs from the movie (prepare to cry at Kissing You by Des’ree), and watch some of the play’s most famous monologue’s acted our live.

There’s several screenings of the film around the special day, and tickets cost just £35.

Visit the Orchids Festival in Kew Gardens

Getting your beau a bouquet this year?

Well, instead of a sad bunch of roses, why not visit a world-famous garden instead. We know that Kew is a go-to date idea, but the annual Orchids Festival, which runs between 3 February and 3 March, is the perfect time to tick Kew Gardens off your bucket list.

This year, the festival is based around Madagascar, and if you want that extra helping of romance, we recommend going to the Orchids After Hours event — tickets cost £15-20, and you can enjoy fascinating talks, music, and a range of cocktails.

Take a stroll by Little Venice

If you fancy a trip to Venice on a budget, take a romantic walk across the beautiful Little Venice, in North London, with your loved one. No plane tickets necessary.

The idyllic walkway, nestled between the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal, can provide sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of London.

It won’t cost you a thing to walk there, but that just means you have more to spend at one of the (many) riverside bars. Start by Camden Market, and stroll along to Primrose Hill. If you want to get more steps in, walk up the hill, and take in the panoramic views of London. You could even bring a bottle of bubbly up there with you.

Visit the Columbia Road Flower Market

When Miley Cyrus said she could buy her own flowers, she was definitely talking about the roses at the Columbia Road Flower Market.

The Tower Hamlets-based marketplace is open everyday between 8am and 3pm, and if you have the time, be sure to devote an hour or two to checking out some of the independent businesses on Columbia Road.

It’s busy, but buying your Valentine’s a bunch from the famous market is quite the romantic gesture.

Stargaze at the Royal Observatory

If you’re after your very own La La Land moment, gaze up to the stars in a visit to Greenwich’s Royal Observatory. Tickets for the planetarium cost just £12 for adults, with further concessions sometimes on offer if you’re under the age of 25.

And it doesn’t have to be nighttime to do some romantic stargazing. The daily planetarium shows cost just £12 for adults.

There’s also countless of fascinating talks by astronomers, and the rest of the Royal Greenwich museums to enjoy.

Have the purrfect date at a cat cafe

The capital has four different cat cafes: Lady Dinah’s Cat Empoirum, Whiskers & Cream, and two(!) branches of Java Whiskers.

If you and your partner are animal-lovers, it’s the ideal daytime date with a twist,with tickets costing between £16.50 and £30.

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