The perfect way to spend Valentine's Day in London

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Niki Chesworth5 April 2012

Valentine's Day this year falls on a Sunday — ideal for a lazy lie-in after a Saturday night out, an indulgent long lunch or a leisurely walk, hand in hand. However, if you want to treat your lover to something really special, read this.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Take your romance to new heights, literally, on a London Eye Red Rose Flight (£20.50pp when booked online) which includes a rose and chocolates for each couple, or a Valentine's Champagne Flight, where you can enjoy the views on the 30-min flight, sipping a chilled glass of Pommery (£31.50pp online and price includes priority boarding, a red rose and chocolates). However, the ultimate way to share the spectacular panorama is by hiring your own Cupid's Capsule (online price £269.10), giving you a more private window on the capital (a bottle of Pommery champagne and Charbonnel et Walker chocolates, served by a personal host are included). Single? Don't hide at home. The Love POP flights are for single friends and include a mini-size bottle of Pommery champagne and a fast-track service (£31.50 online).
Visit londoneye.com

SEND IN THE CLOWNS
For Valentine's night only, Zippos Circus in Brent Cross is offering loved-up couples two ringside seats for the show, a single red rose to present to your loved one and some fluffy pink candyfloss and creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows to share as you cuddle up and watch the two-hour show, which includes palomino horses and aerial acts in the roof of the Big Top. 6pm show only. £30 per couple.
Book Valentine's package on 07774 811 811 or for information visit zipposcircus.co.uk

WILL YOU MARRY ME?
The SeaLife London Aquarium is offering a "watertight" way to ensure your loved one doesn't say no — as you marvel at the magical rays and tropical fish, a diver will emerge clutching a personalised "will you marry me?" sign. Water way to get engaged! Cost: £60, including a glass of champagne and a photo capturing the moment. Places limited — so if you fear there aren't plenty more fish in the sea...book now.
To book email sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz

WHERE THE ART IS
They say a picture is worth a thousand words — so let the masters do the talking for you. The National Gallery's Valentine's Day Tour offers a guide round some of the most romantically significant paintings. To join the free one-hour tour turn up at the Sainsbury Wing Information desk just before 4pm. National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, EC2.
Information at nationalgallery.org.uk

SNOWDROP STROLL
The "secret" Chelsea Physic Garden is usually closed in winter but will open for Valentine's weekend on 13 and 14 Feb from 10am to 4pm for a stroll through the snowdrops and a wander round the flowers and plants on this secluded three-and-a-half-acre site. The garden is at 66 Royal Hospital Rd, SW3 but the entrance is on Swan Walk. Tickets: £8.
Information at chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

ROCK MY BOAT
A romantic river cruise is a leisurely way to gain a different perspective on the city. The 40-minute London Eye Valentine's Cruise — with a glass of Pommery champagne and a romantic commentary — is running on the Saturday evening (first cruise.4.45pm — last 7.45pm) and Valentine's Day at 8.45pm (tickets £18 per person when booked online at londoneye.com). For a fun trip that will make a splash, try a London Duck Tour, £40 for a couple (londonducktours.co.uk). Or for something more special, Bateaux London is offering dinner cruises with a four-course meal, champagne and a rose as well as a band and singer for after-dinner dancing. A professional photographer will capture the moment. Prices from £135 per person.
Register your interest at reservations@bateauxlondon.com

ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
Treat yourself to a pampering fit for a princess at the Lanesborough Spa Studio. The Single and Fabulous package includes a La Prairie Cellular Hydrations pedicure, leaving your hands free to sip a glass of pink champagne. Private treatment rooms for two — so take a girlfriend. £75.
Book on 0207 259 5599

TOWERING ABOVE
The spectacular high-level walkways of the iconic Tower Bridge with their panoramic views are open on the evening of Valentine's Day for couples to enjoy the twinkling city lights while sipping pink champagne and being serenaded by live string music. Pre-book a time, with hourly admission from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Spaces limited. Tickets: £15pp, including a glass of pink champagne and chocolates.
Booking only from lastminute.com

SNUGGLE-UP CINEMA
Breakfast At Tiffany's, the classic starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly, is the Valentine's movie at Notting Hill's Electric Cinema at a very civilised 2pm on the Sunday afternoon. Leather seats with footstools make this the perfect relaxing setting — and the two-seater sofas at the back sell out fast. Tickets: from £7.50.
Information and booking at electriccinema.co.uk
You'll want to snuggle up if you watch the free Valentine's night screening of romcom The Apartment, starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, outside the National Theatre on the Southbank. Bring a blanket and a rug! Starts 6pm.
Information at nationaltheatre.org.uk

FOR SINGLE MEN AND COUPLES
Vinopolis already has a full allocation of women for its singles event and is looking for a few extra men for this interactive wine tasting on Fri 12 Feb. £30pp. For something less serious, try the Valentine's Day Laughter Lounge with comedy, food and drink (£12 in advance/£15 on the door). For couples, there's the Valentine's Wine Tour (£25pp), or, to really indulge, the Gourmet Food and Wine Masterclass, complete with four-course meal (£50pp).
Information at vinopolis.co.uk

FALLING IN LOVE
A gift with a difference — a tandem bungee jump from 165ft for two followed by a glass of champagne (you'll probably need a drink after that!). Available at a range of sites, including Bray, Berkshire. Note this is a gift: jumps do not take place on Valentine's Day. Gift voucher £97.
Information and booking at viewlondon.co.uk

EASY, TIGER...
14 Feb is also the start of the Chinese New Year — the year of the Tiger. Head to Chinatown to celebrate (although the major processions and celebrations in Leicester Sq and Trafalgar Sq take place on 21 Feb).

MUST-SEE ROMCOM
From the director of Pretty Woman comes Valentine's Day the movie, starring Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Garner, Kathy Bates and Shirley MacLaine. It tells the intertwining stories of a group of Los Angelinos over the course of one Valentine's Day. Released on 12 Feb. Across London.

IT STARTED WITH A KISS...
Selfridges has a series of events to help you pick the perfect present. Start by leaving a message for the one you love on the Love Wall in Stationery Hall (donation to the Mothers4Children charity). A Fashion Jewellery event on Thurs 11 Feb from 6pm to 8pm makes gift buying easy, with a champagne cocktail and live music. On Fri 12 personalise your foodie gifts and on Sat 13, 1pm to 2pm, your biscuits. Lingerie Weekend is on Fri and Sat.
Information at selfridges.com

MUSIC IS THE FOOD OF LOVE
Serenade someone special...
At the Barbican Hall there are Love Classics — including Strauss's Blue Danube Waltz and Tchaikovsky's Waltz from Sleeping Beauty. Tickets: £16.50-£36, 7.30pm, 14 Feb at the Barbican Centre, EC2. There's a free rose for every couple. Info and booking at barbican.org.uk

Violinist Jennifer Pike, the youngest musician to win the coveted Young Musician of The Year Award, headlines The Royal Festival Hall's Valentine's Concert with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Romantic works including Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1, Dvorak's tender Romance for violin and orchestra and Bizet's passionate Suite from Carmen. 3pm on 14 Feb. Tickets: from £8 + £1.45 booking fee.Info and booking at southbankcentre.co.uk

If jazz is more your thing, Ronnie Scott's, Frith Street, W1, has a Valentine's lunch on the Sunday with Joe Stilgoe and Natalie Williams. Tickets £15-£20. Arrive early if you want to eat. Info and booking at ronniescotts.co.uk

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