London, will you be my Valentine?

For many, spending Valentine’s Day in London is a dream come true. With dark cobbled streets, cosy pubs and a historic backdrop, there are plenty of places to make those happy memories, and hide away for those stolen kisses. London wouldn’t be London without a quirky mix of best things to do and ways to celebrate – whether you’ve got a partner or not. Here are some of our top ways of spending Valentine’s Day in London if you're looking for what to do in London this year; Romantic River Cruise Take your loved one on a romantic cruise down the Thames to see London from a different perspective. City Cruises are running three different Valentine’s Day Cruises to offer you a special experience on the most romantic day of the year. From a sparkling Afternoon Tea to a full on Champagne dinner with a live band, you can take in the sights on board and meander down the Thames seeing London at leisure. Why not read our interview with a Captain for a sneak peak at what to expect. Walk up the aisle at Westminster Abbey Make like Kate and Wills and recreate their big day down the aisle at Westminster Abbey. Imagine saying your ‘I dos’ in one of London’s most popular historic buildings? Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in the old Gothic architecture with your partner for a cultural Valentine’s Day activity. As a burial place of some of the most influential names in history, you can walk through Westminster Abbey’s garden cemetery and see Geoffrey Chaucer’s grave, to Isaac Newton’s. As it’s been the coronation church since William the Conqueror there’s plenty to learn about the role it has played in London’s rich past, too. Kew Gardens It might be too early for all the wild flowers in bloom, but there are some lovely plants and flowers out in February, including the Orchid display at the ‘floral feast’ in Kew Gardens. Take a walk through the 121 hectares of gardens including lakes, ponds, glasshouses and galleries to discover Kew’s green urban retreat. If anything else, it's a great excuse to wrap up warm and snuggle up! Click here to find out other walks in London. Anti-Valentine’s Party If you’re in London without that someone special, perhaps you’re visiting with a friend, or relative, why not embrace the irony and go celebrate the 14th Feb in true Anti-Valentine style. A trend to have taken off over the past few years, there are plenty of club nights organised to champion the singleton. Head to London’s East End (where it’s all happening) and celebrate the dreaded V-Day with fellow haters. Simply Google Anti Valentine’s Day parties London and you’ll find plenty of options! Buy the perfect gift You’re not short of a shop or two in London, so if you’re all about the grand gestures (or plan on making one) then you might want to pop down to Old Bond Street and the area around Mayfair for some top notch gifts – or at least to get some inspiration. Along these streets are the couture fashion houses, brilliant independent boutiques and lots of luxury. You might want your credit card for this one, but it’s a great place to go for a bit of window shopping if nothing else.