Hot Dates

Searching for that perfect Valentine's Day location? London has an endless list of romantic places for you to take that special someone to this year.

Valentine's Weekend at Keats House

Keats House, London, NW3 2RR
10th February 2012 - 12th February 2012

What better place to whisper sweet nothings in your loved one's ear this Valentine's than in the very house where great English Romantic poet John Keats met and fell for his beloved 'girl next door' Fanny Brawne. The good people at Keats abode are suckers for a bit of romance and have put together three days of loved up events to help you discover your inner poet. Ever Truly Yours kicks things off on Friday with a romantic candlelight tour of the house and creative writing tasks inspired by Keats's own love letters, aided and washed down with champers and chocolates. On Saturday Love is my Religion looks at Valentine's poetry and includes Keats readings and extracts from his private letters to Fanny Brawne. The Food of Love arrives just in time for Sunday lunch, with an insightful look at how cookery inspires romance. Learn about the nature of aphrodisiacs, with demonstrations and tasting sessions. And if any sweetheart proposes and gets a 'yes' at any point over the weekend they will be promptly presented with a complimentary bottle of fizz. Booking to these events is advised.

More info: Valentine's Weekend at Keats House Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks

40 Winks, London, E1 4UJ
8th February 2012 - 10th February 2012

If gazing across a table for two isn't really your thing, and you don't fancy a night in front of the telly with a tub of ice cream then get your jim-jams on and catch 40 winkswith a very distinct twist. 40 Winks is an elegant 1700's four story townhouse, now a hotel run by interior designer David Carter, this little palace oozes opulence and glamour in East London's Stepney Green. Carter teamed up with Curator of Tales Rachel Rose Reid to create the Bedtime Story nights back in 2009 and have been entertaining the public ever since. If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary this Valentine's then this could be right up your street. Spread over three lusty nights, the story-telling sessions cater for the loved up, the lovesick and those on the lookout for love. Pyjamas and nightgowns are the desired dress code and prizes will be given to the 'most bewitching girl.' Professional storytellers, musicians and mischievous performers Sally Pomme Clayton and Xanthe Gresham provide the entertainment, and refreshments come in the form of fruity gin cocktails. This unique night promises to have you squealing with delight, but don't just take our word for it. Bedtime stories has won numerous awards and has even been listed as one of the 14 most amazing things to do in the world by the Sunday Times Travel Magazine! Just don't let the bed bugs bite.

More info: Bedtime Stories at 40 Winks Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Valentine's at the BFI

BFI Southbank, London, SE1 8XT
25th January 2012 - 1st March 2012

Don't fancy getting all dolled up this Valentine's, then get comfy down at the BFI and immerse yourself in some classic silver screen romance. Whatever it is your heart may desire, the BFI have got something for everyone. Along with possibly the most romantic film of all time Casablanca, they will also be screening a few you're less familiar with. The perilous path of young love never runs smooth when a gay youth and his female best friend fall for the same boy in Heartbeats. Three schoolgirls mysteriously disappear whilst out on a Valentine's excursion to Hanging Rock in the heat of the Australian outback. And Jean Vigo's only full-length feature L'Atlante makes a rare outing in London, so book up quickly if you want to see this intensely erotic and sultry romantic masterpiece.

More info: Valentine's at the BFI Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Valentine's Day Classics

Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS
14th February 2012

The classy alternative to sitting in a crowded restaurant eating overpriced food is the Barbican's evening of Valentine's Day Classics. The programme includes performances of Johann Strauss' swooningly romantic waltz 'Blue Danube Waltz' and Tchaikovsky's waltz from Sleeping Beauty. There's also a rendition of jazz influenced Rhapsody in Blue composed by George Gershwin - and a free rose for every couple in the audience. The London Concert Orchestra performs with Viv McLean on piano, Stephen Bell conducting and Strictly Come Dancing's Anton Du Beke presenting.

Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Elgar Salut d'amour
Strauss The Blue Danube Waltz
Gershwin Rhapsody In Blue
Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld Overture
Bizet Carmen Suite
Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Ravel Bolero
Jarre Dr Zhivago

London Concert Orchestra
Stephen Bell Conductor
Viv McLean Piano
Anton Du Beke Presenter

More info: Valentine's Day Classics Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Valentine's Night with Barb Jungr

The Vortex Jazz Club, London, N16 8JH
14th February 2012

This annual event is a little Valentine's gift from Dalston jazz club The Vortex as unique vocalist Barb Jungr returns to London with her eclectic selection of beautiful love songs, you can expect to hear anything from Porter to Presley and Dylan to Cohen. Her interpretations of these much adored classics are a favourite on the live music scene and a fitting accompaniment to the romantic occasion. The Vortex sits just far away enough from the bustle of Kingsland Road and always offers music fans an unbeatable range of contemporary jazz, folk and world music. Spread over two small floors The Vortex provides all the intimacy and dimly lit atmosphere you would expect from a Jazz club, and it also serves a good selection of food and nibbles in their downstairs bar.

More info: Valentine's Night with Barb Jungr Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Valentine's Day Concert

Southbank Centre: Royal Festival Hall, London, SE1 8XX
14th February 2012

Settle in for a night of glorious classics to celebrate the most romantic evening of the year. Performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Valentine's Day Concert at Royal Festival Hall features Fritz Kreisler's Liebesleid, Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2 and also his Symphony No.2. The Piano Concerto No.2 is one of Rachmaninov's most enduringly popular pieces and has inspired musicians through the ages, from Frank Sinatra to Muse. Romance should almost certainly be in the air at the Southbank this Valentine's Day.

Sergey Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
Fritz Kreisler: Liebesleid (Old Viennese Dance No.2) arr. Rachmaninov, orch. Leytush (European premiere)
Interval
Sergey Rachmaninov: Symphony No.2

London Philharmonic Orchestra
Neeme Jarvi conductor
Boris Giltburg piano

More info: Valentine's Day Concert Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube | Hotels near Valentine's Day Concert

It's a Wonderful Vintage Love Boat Ball

The Battersea Barge, London, SW8 5BP
17th February 2012

Nothing says romance like a live jazz band and a barge... or maybe not. But for a seriously good time this Valentine's Day, you could do much worse than whisking your partner off to The Battersea Barge for the uniquely titled It's a Wonderful Vintage Love Boat Ball. An extravagant and glamorous party with swing DJs, a live jazz band, magicians and a love tarot, the ball will play host to around 300 extravagantly dressed guests who can enjoy the polished dance floors, '20s interiors and live entertainment. The dress code is 'strictly vintage' - think ball gowns, cocktail dresses and smoking jackets. As the event organisers say themselves: "come wear them with pride, allure and a dandy swagger". If you're seeking an alternative way to spend your Valentine's Day, this one is definitely for you.

More info: It's a Wonderful Vintage Love Boat Ball Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Craft your own Valentine

The Hideaway, London, N19 5LB
14th February 2012

Come worship the God of love with a pair of scissors and some sticky back plastic at the Craft Guerilla's Valentines celebration. DJ Frida Black Heart will be spinning the decks and entertaining busy crafters with some vintage smoochie tunes. Plus, the three pounds entry includes a card for the Broken Hearts Bingo with lots of wonderful prizes to be won. This crafty affair isn't just for contented couples with a passion for creativity, this is also a great opportunity for all those London singletons out there. You never know, you might just meet the love of your life in the queue for the glue-gun.

More info: Craft your own Valentine Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Valentine's Champagne Cruise

London Eye, London, SE1 7PB
11th February 2012 - 14th February 2012

Snuggle up to your loved one and set sail down the Thames on a hugely romantic 40 minute Champagne Cruise along the river, taking in some of London most famous landmarks. Enjoy a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne as you and your Valentine float gently through the middle of the city, enjoying incredible views of St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, the Tower of London and, the starting point, the London Eye. Available at selected times in the build up to Valentine's Day itself, the cruise is an excellent way to treat your loved one to some of the city's most loved sights. For information on other Valentine's Day cruises with LondonTown, click here.

More info: Valentine's Champagne Cruise Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

An Evening with the Stars

Royal Observatory Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF
14th February 2012

If you believe your relationship with your loved one was written in the stars (forgive the cliche), then you might want to head over to the Royal Observatory Greenwich this Valentine's Day. An Evening with the Stars is a truly unique experience as couples can enjoy a glass of bubbly and the chance to take a glimpse through the 18-tonne Victorian telescope and into the night sky. For those that have never experienced the Observatory before, it's a truly unforgettable experience with staggeringly clear views of the stars and the romantic atmosphere on Valentine's Day should make it even more memorable. Each couple will be presented with a single red rose and will also be able to enjoy a planetarium show. Do note, however, that if there are high winds, rain or cloud cover preventing observation, a telescope presentation will be delivered instead. So hope for a clear night!

More info: An Evening with the Stars Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Tales of Hoffmann

London Coliseum - English National Opera (ENO), WC2N 4ES
10th February 2012 - 10th March 2012

Based on the short stories of E.T.A. Hoffman and adapted from a French stage play, Jacques Offenbach's opera centres around protagonist Hoffman recalling the three loves of his life amidst a drunken haze. Famous for being unfinished, The Tales Of Hoffman was Offenbach's parting opus and did not debut until after he had died in 1880. Premiering in London in 1907, the 2012 version of the opera sees Olivia-award nominated director Richard Jones return to ENO to re-imagine this great story whilst American soprano Georgia Jarman delivers a powerhouse performance across all three acts. And if you're looking for somewhere to take your loved one on Valentine's day, The Tales Of Hoffman could be a romantic gesture to ensure for a magical night.

More info: The Tales of Hoffmann Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Love Float

Cremorne Riverside, London, SW10 0QH
14th February 2012

If you're after a Valentine's experience to really treasure, the Thames provides the perfect backdrop for a couples kayaking tour on The Love Float. After you're greeted with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, you'll be provided with a warming fleece top to snuggle into in the Cremorne Riverside's heated changing rooms. From there, you and your partner will be guided along the Thames in a stable, double kayak; serenaded by the chimes of Big Ben. To cap off your magical day, you'll be led back to Chelsea, where you can take a hot shower while your photograph is printed out for you. After that, you can enjoy more hot chocolate or venture off into Chelsea - exploring the shops, bars and restaurants of King's Road, which is only minutes away. You'll be provided with all the equipment needed to keep you warm and dry, including waterproof overtrousers and a cagoule, buoyancy aid, spraydecks and paddles. Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you book now to avoid disappointment.

More info: The Love Float Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

John Holt & Freddie McGregor

Brixton Academy, London, SW9 9SL
12th February 2012

40 years after the release of his iconic '1000 Volts Of Holt' album, John Holt & Freddie McGregor will be performing all of their biggest hits at Brixton Academy's Valentines special. John Holt is one of Jamaica's finest songwriters and a real pioneer of reggae. He's penned a number of a classics, including 'The Tide Is High' - later covered by Blondie and Atomic Kitten - and was one of the first artist to fuse reggae with lush orchestral arrangements. To make this even more of an event to remember, support will be provided by Freddie McGregor. As another gem of the Jamaican reggae scene, McGregor will be filling the grandiose venue with his sounds of soulful voice. Both men have written some of the most romantic and enchanting songs of our time, so this really should be a fun-filled night to enjoy with your loved one.

More info: John Holt & Freddie McGregor Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Valentine's Cupid Capsule

London Eye, London, SE1 7PB
11th February 2012 - 14th February 2012

Treat your loved one to a romantic private capsule on the London Eye and enjoy some stunning views of London as you sip champagne and sample luxury chocolates. The London Eye is offering couples the chance to share an intimate flight for two this Valentine's Day and take in the glorious overhead views of London's most cherished landmarks. The capsule includes a bottle of champagne, provided by your host, a box of Charbonnel et Walker pink champagne truffles, a complimentary View 360 guide and a red rose. A Rose Champagne upgrade is available for a little bit extra. It should be an incredibly romantic way to spend your Valentine's evening - provided you can excuse the host in the corner.

More info: Valentine's Cupid Capsule Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube