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 2026 — and best of all, you don’t need a partner to get involved.
Take a date, a mate — or simply go by yourself.
LOVE LETTERS: Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with written love that spans more than half a millennium. Love Letters, a free exhibition at The National Archives in Kew, features historical correspondence depicting devotion, longing and passion. Pore over letters, poems and drawings by the famous and the unknown, including a missive from Catherine Howard to Thomas Culpeper which sealed her fate, and the wills of both Anne “Gentleman Jack” Lister and her partner Ann Walker, showing the depth of their love for each other. Feeling inspired? Writing materials are provided for you to pen your own romantic note to a loved one. FREE, 24 January-12 April (sponsor)
VALENTINE’S AT THE PCC: It’s Valentine’s, but not as you know it. The Prince Charles Cinema runs the full gauntlet of romance films during its V-Day season, from genre classics such as Pretty Woman and 10 Things I Hate About You, to David Lynch’s Wild At Heart and 1981 slasher film My Bloody Valentine. 6-18 February
LAST TUESDAY SOCIETY: In its own inimitable way, the Last Tuesday Society marks the season of love, with professional storyteller Giles Abbott presenting Love Knot – a twisted knot of tales for Valentine’s. Hear desperate — and desperately romantic — tales of love from Germany, Scandinavia, Greece and England. 8 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 theme. As always organisers of this storytelling open mic night state that all stories told must be true. Not a storyteller? Just kick back and watch others spin a yarn, at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green. 9 February
LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Ballads, bawdy banter, amorous antics, toe-tapping tunes and heart-fluttering hilarity are all promised at Love Is In The Air, a Victorian-inspired show on the theme of love. See it at the atmospheric Wilton’s Music Hall, with performers from the Players’ Theatre and a special guest. 12 February
LOVERS AND FRIENDS: Presenter and writer Ashley J brings interactive comedy show Lovers and Friends to Rich Mix. Enjoy live music and dancing. Plus, two lucky people will win a date. 13 February
SOFAR DOES VALENTINE’S: A Battersea barge, a Liverpool Street ballroom, an 18th century hospital wing and a candlelit Inn of Court are among the unique spaces being taken over by Sofar for a three-day Valentine’s celebration. They’re putting on one-of-a-kind experiences in each venue, from live dance and music, to an anti-Valentine’s comedy night, to a celebration of LGBTQ+ love. 13-15 February (sponsor)
ROOFTOP FILM SCREENINGS: Portuguese restaurant JOIA at Battersea Power Station hosts three evenings of romantic film screenings on its 15th floor rooftop. Begin with a meal in the restaurant, then head up to watch Bridget Jones’s Diary, Dirty Dancing or The Notebook beneath the stars. Swoon. 13-16 February
THAMES TUNNEL LOVE STORY: Rotherhithe’s 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
VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT: Begin your Valentine’s evening with a drinks reception in the Orangery overlooking Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory, before stepping inside the Great Hall at Queen’s House for an intimate classical concert featuring several musicians in a specially curated programme. 14 February
POP UP PAINTING: Holborn’s London Art Bar hosts Valentine’s themed versions of its regular Pop Up Painting sessions. Create your own version of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, or have a go at painting your partner instead. All art supplies and a glass of prosecco (or alcohol-free alternative) are included, and a professional artist is on the sidelines offering tips and advice. 14 February
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE: Kick back and watch Norah Ephron’s beloved romantic comedy Sleepless in Seattle, shown on a large screen at the Royal Festival Hall. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star, as a live band performs the soundtrack in sync with the movie. 14 February
TWILIGHT TOUR: Stay late at Sir John Soane’s Museum for an after-hours Valentine’s Day twilight tour. Allow a guide to lead you through atmospheric rooms, telling stories of the treasures within, and the Soane family, as you go. 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 reserve a drinks table. 1920s attire is encouraged, with a sketch artist on hand to capture you and your accomplice(s) in all your finery. 14 February
LOVE AT THE CHAPEL: Michelle De Swarte and Rob Delaney headline a Valentine’s special of monthly comedy night Live at the Chapel, at Islington’s Union Chapel. Celya AB, Harriet Dyer and Paddy Young also perform. 14 February
SHAGGERS: Not the most romantic name, granted, but you have to admit that Shaggers — which returns for another seasonal bout at Leicester Square Theatre — is very much on topic, with comedians of all sexes, genders and sexual orientations giving their (hopefully hilarious) two cents on the noble pursuit of, er, shagging. 14 February
LOVING DIFFERENTLY: If you need another dose of love a few days after Valentine’s Day, join Sam Mills, author of the bisexual history Uneven, and relationship writer Anita Cassidy to explore the past, present and future of human love. They’re at Conway Hall discussing what it means to love outside of the conventions of heterosexuality and monogamy. 18 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:
❤️London’s best chocolate shops
❤️ Is Valentine’s Park the most romantic place in London?
❤️ London’s most romantic restaurants
❤️ London’s most romantic sounding place
❤️ The most romantic days out in London
❤️ London’s love locks and where to find them
