Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day?

It’s that time of year again, V-Day is just around the corner - the marmite of all special days! Embracing the day with your other half, your mates or an evening to ‘heart’ yourself. We have rounded up some of the best activities in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds to help you celebrate throughout the week.

MANCHESTER

There’s lots taking off, fuelling the romance in Manchester. Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be the same without a rom-com. The Village Green pop-up screen is at Victoria baths screening 2 of the most iconic Valentine’s day movies; yeah you guessed it – ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘10 things I hate about you’. Instagram worthy setting, beautiful décor with street food and a pop-up bar providing cocktails, local beers and of course, prosecco. That’s Friday and Saturday night sorted – get your tickets here.

Speed dating with a twist – pencil and paper provided, drawing skills not required. Just a sense of humour and down to earth attitude. Bring your partner, bring your friend, or come alone. Guaranteed to laugh, make a friend and bring out your inner Picasso! So if you’re free Wednesday get a ticket and head over to Foundation Coffee House. 

Planning to head out for dinner? El Gato Negro is the perfect place. One of Manchester’s most highly-regarded restaurants, luxurious interiors and a lively but laidback atmosphere. Enjoy a selection of tapas whilst sipping on a refreshing G&T or Spanish cocktail.

If you’re wanting to chill out and relax for Valentine’s? The Midland’s lavish Rasul Spa Day for two may be of interest. Experience a 50-minute Rasul thermal mud treatment followed by afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly. All whilst dressed head to toe in the comfiest spa essentials, a robe, and slippers. Book your spa day here.

Love is fully in the air at Alberts Schloss, whether it’s brunch, lunch or dinner! Between the 11th and 15th, there’s Valentine inspired cocktails and a variety of delicious sharing courses. It doesn’t end there. Not only can you ‘wine and dine’ your loved one, on Wednesday and Thursday from 12 – 6pm, the Northern Quarter boutique florist ‘Frog’ will have their ‘La Pop Up Frog’ shop. You can spoil that special someone with dreamy flowers and tasty cocktails = the perfect match.

LIVERPOOL

Love it, hate it, there’s no escaping it in Liverpool. Celebrate Galentine on the 13th at Everyman Cinema in MetQuarter for a screening of the ultimate chick flick, Mean Girls. Relax and enjoy the movie whilst having wine, food and sweet treats bought straight to your seat! Don’t forget ‘on Wednesday we wear pink’ and book a seat for you and friends.

Forget soppy poems and teddy bears. Head to Camp and Furnace on Vday, for a night of full-on girl power, lady bosses & gal pals! Enjoy nonstop diva tunes, cocktails, a glitter station, confetti and a photo booth (obviously!)

Romance not your thing? There’re two shows left at Hot Water Comedy Club on Hardman Street. Instead of ‘ohhh’ and ‘ahhh-ing’ at heart-shaped chocolates, you’ll be splitting your sides with laughter and all-round good atmosphere. You can pick up your ticket here.

Did you know Liverpool’s Lush has a spa? For some serious couple pampering why not book a double treatment to put a halt to the busy week and give you and your partner some much needed time to relax and reconnect. Say it with a sumptuous body scrub rather than flowers. No date, just book a treatment for the ultimate self-care this Valentine’s. 

Shopping and champagne? PANDORA in Liverpool ONE are hosting an evening for you & your best friend with gorgeous make-up touch-ups, heavenly treats and lots of fun! There will be drinks, DJs, nibbles and an all-out celebration of girl power, whilst having a sneak peek at their new collection.

LEEDS

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a spot of wine tasting? Join specialist Italian wine importers Passione Vino at Harvey Nichols on Thursday for a trip around Italy. Discover the classics and sip on some of the special ‘sparkling’ exclusives. You can get involved here, per favoure, grazie and ti amo. 

Get swept up in an evening of fine dining at Crafthouse, the perfect setting for a mate date, tinder date or with your significant other. You can’t beat a bit of over indulgement on some of the yummiest British cuisine. To enjoy their exclusive Valentine’ Day six-course tasting menu, you can book from the 14th – 16th.

The Alchemist, are anti-Valentines this year and all about celebrating your other relationships – ‘In Squad We Trust.’ Forget love potions, their ‘Hexes on Exes’ cocktail is back. Grab your mates and book a table for mad concoctions cocktails; we’ll take a ‘Love is Chambles’ please.

TV your Valentine?

The joy of staying in, avoiding fully booked restaurants and heart shaped everything. Celebrating or not celebrating romance this year? Here’s a few movies on Netflix to get you in the spirt of things. Pyjamas on, candle lit and glass in hand… 

- Bridget Jones’ Baby, The Diaries: the 3^rd film of the series. Who is the baby’s father?

- Life as We Know It: the first date didn’t go great, now they must become guardians of their friends’ baby.

- Four Weddings and a Funeral: lovable Englishman, a beautiful American woman whose paths continue to cross.

- Pride & Prejudice: an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. A tale of love and misunderstanding. Sparks fly between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

- PS I Love You: romantic comedy, a grieving widow is encouraged to move forward with her new life by a series of love letters left behind.

- The Notebook: a poor country boy and a rich city girl share an extraordinary love.