Looking for something different to do in London this Valentine's Day? Here's our pick of love-themed events in London on and around 14 February 2025 — and best of all, you don't need a partner to get involved. Take a date, a mate, or simply go by yourself.
LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY: In its own inimitable way, the Last Tuesday Society marks Valentine's with a programme of events themed around love. Professional storyteller Giles Abbott shares heartwrenching tales of fatal romance (9 February), or you can take part in an absinthe and aphrodisiac tasting, trying Devil’s Botany London Absintinis, Absinthe Regalis and Chocolate Absinthe Liqueur, each paired with a selection of aphrodisiac foods. Ooh lala. (10 Feb).
21ST CENTURY LOVE STORY: Claiming to be the first musical about polyamory, Polly: A 21st Century Love Story comes to the Phoenix Arts Club, telling the story of Polly, who is coming to terms with life with her boyfriend, her girlfriend and herself. 11 February
LOVE HURTS: February's show by the London Moth StorySLAM has a Love Hurts theme, with anyone welcome to get up on stage and tell a five-minute story, so long as it fits the brief. As always organisers of the storytelling open mic night state that all stories told must be true. Not a storyteller yourself? That's fine — just kick back and watch others spin a yarn at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green. 12 February
UNCANNY VALENTINE'S DAY: Prof. Marguerite Johnson explores the mysterious picnic at Hanging Rock and the legends surrounding it on Valentine’s Day in 1900. Delve into a tale that intertwines fears of the Australian landscape with a fascinating historical narrative in an online talk hosted by the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities. 12 February
UNLUCKY IN LOVE: Unlucky in Love at the Clapham Grand is a night of queer comedy featuring a lineup including Travis Alabanza, Grace Campbell, and Kemah Bob, hosted by Jayde Adams. The even supports LGBTQ+ charities, with all profits going to Pink Noise, benefiting Not a Phase and Rainbow Migration. DJs take over after the show. 13 February
POP UP PAINTING: Holborn's London Art Bar hosts Valentine's themed versions of its regular Pop Up Painting sessions. Head there on 14 or 15 February to create your own version of Gustav Klimt's The Kiss. All art supplies and a glass of prosecco (or alcohol-free alternative) are included, and a professional artist is on hand to offer tips and advice. Alternatively, the Galentine's event on 13 February focuses on Banksy's Balloon Girl with a Mackintosh twist.
GIRLFRIEND CLUB: The popular Girlfriend Club Comedy Night returns to the Castle in Aldgate for a Valentine's Special. Bring a date/mate — or just rock up solo — to show some love to comics including Rob Copland, Marty Gleeson, Shalaka Kurup and Sapphire McIntosh. 13 February
ROOFTOP FILM SCREENINGS: Portuguese restaurant JOIA at Battersea Power Station hosts four evenings of romantic film screenings on its 15th floor rooftop. Begin with a three-course meal in the restaurant, then head up to watch The Notebook, Romeo & Juliet, Pretty Woman or Dirty Dancing beneath the stars. 13-16 February
THAMES TUNNEL LOVE STORY: As part of its 200th anniversary celebrations, the Brunel Museum offers special Valentine's Day tours, telling the love story of Marc and Sophia Brunel, and how it shaped the engineering marvel that is the Thames Tunnel. Begin your evening with a glass of prosecco in the atmospheric Tunnel Shaft. 14 February
LOVERS AND FRIENDS: Presenter and writer Ashley J brings interactive comedy show Lovers and Friends to Rich Mix. Enjoy live music and dancing... and two lucky people might win a date. 14 February
LOVE AT THE CHAPEL: Comedian Ivo Graham headlines a Valentine's special of monthly comedy night Live at the Chapel, in Islington. Lou Sanders, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Sharon Wanjohi and John Robins also perform. 14 February
GOTHIC ROMANCE TOUR: Immerse yourself in a world of romantic beauty and gothic fantasy, on an atmospheric tour of Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham. Hear stories of passion and drama from across the building's history, as an expert guide leads you through the lavish rooms. 14 February
MUSIC OF THE MOVIES: Experience music from some of the greatest love stories in film, performed by violinist Esther Abrami, soprano Carly Paoli and a live orchestra. Love Actually, Romeo + Juliet, and Titanic feature. Takes place at Barbican. 14 February
ROMEO + JULIET: Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film version of Romeo + Juliet plays at the Prince Charles Cinema on Valentine's Day. It transplants the legendary love story to Verona Beach in California, where two rival families are embroiled in a feud. Part of the venue's Valentine's season. 14 February
CANDLELIGHT CLUB VALENTINE'S BALL: Legendary 1920s-themed speakeasy pop-up The Candlelight Club hosts a Valentine's Ball, with live jazz, cabaret and cocktails in a secret candlelit location. Book yourself in for a three-course meal or just reserve a drinks table. 1920s attire is encouraged, with a sketch artist on hand to capture you and your friends/date in your finery. 15 February
ANTI-VALENTINE'S EMO NIGHT: Regular emo-pop-punk night We Are Still Young marks the season in its own way, with an anti-Valentine's party at Clapham Grand, with tunes by bands including My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, The All American Rejects and Sum 41. Don't know about you, but that's taken us right back... 15 February
VALENTINE'S CONCERT: The London Performing Academy of Music is at Conway Hall for a special Valentine’s gala concert featuring student musicians, professors and guest artists performing a selection of love songs, and other classical and contemporary favourites. 15 February
FARM LATE: Vauxhall City Farm stays open late for a special Valentine's late, encompassing a VIP meet & greet experience with one of the animals (rabbit, chicken, guinea pig, goat, sheep or alpaca) followed by dinner and drinks in the farm bar. 15 February
MESSY MODERN LOVE: If you need another dose of love a couple of weeks after Valentine's Day, catch artist and storyteller Philippa Found talking about her book It's Complicated at Conway Hall. It's a curation of some of the 1,500 stories she collected as part of her Lockdown Love Stories project, in which people shared their stories via anonymous submissions. 26 February
Valentine's date ideas in London
If you are doing the big date thing this Valentine's Day, here's a handy starter kit to romance in London:
