Valentine's Day

It's more important than ever to show that special someone how you feel about them. And with the most romantic day of the year fast approaching, we have everything you need to plan a romantic date night, weekend stay or gift this Valentine's Day.

We’ve got plenty of ideas and inspiration to make 2026 memorable, including our top gifts and things to do on and around Valentine's Day on Saturday 14th February.

Do Something Unique

Those who laugh together, stay together! Celebrate Valentine's Day early with a giggle at the Canalhouse Comedy Night this February 11th. Enjoy a night of unpredictable humour for just £2 featuring established comedians testing new material and rising stars taking their first steps on stage. Support the comedy talents of tomorrow and witness top acts refining their craft, with the added excitement of potential future stars emerging. This multi-award-winning event promises a memorable and laughter-filled evening at The Canalhouse.

Over at Das Kino, you can enjoy their Cocktail Masterclass. This masterclass is the perfect activity and a chance to jump behind the bar for once and mix the finest spirits with fresh, fruity ingredients while mastering the art of cocktail-making. With a dedicated bartender to guide and entertain, you’ll learn, drink and laugh at your own efforts, and most importantly, have a bloody good time! This experience is available every Saturday for groups of 6-15, starting at just £24.95 per person.

Head to The Alchemist, and join their Chemistry for Two Masterclass. This immersive cocktail-making masterclass is the perfect activity and a taste into the life of an Alchemist. For 2 guests at £20 per person, and guided by their expert bartenders, you’ll learn to create one signature cocktail each while sharing a unique, hands-on date night designed to spark connection. Classes are available between 4pm and 9pm.

Who needs a Valentine when you can gather your best pals and celebrate Galentine’s with a Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Masterclass on February 15th. For £59 per person, you can learn trade tips and tricks for the best looks from the team at Charlotte Tilbury Nottingham. Start with a glass of bubbles upon arrival and experience a step-by-step makeup masterclass using the latest Charlotte Tilbury collection. To follow, enjoy a beautifully curated two-course lunch to continue the Galentine's day celebrations. And to top it all off, each guest will receive a Charlotte Tilbury goodie bag!

Try something different this Valentine’s with Splash Art’s valentine’s workshops. Make a girl’s night out of it with their Galentine’s Keyring Pour Art Session and create your own marbled keyring masterpieces for only £15 per person. Go big or go home and create a custom large marbled bear sculpture with your partner and two matching keyrings at their special Valentine’s Pour Art Session for £80 per couple. Not yet at the matching keyring stage? Test your painting skills at the Sip and Paint Your Date workshop for an evening of art, wine (or other!) and Valentine inspiration, priced at £32 per person.

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Nottingham at Peggy's Skylight on February 14th with the soulful sounds of Me & Mr Jones Quartet, a musical project by Peggy's founders, Rachel and Paul. Their bluesy and breathtaking performance draws inspiration from jazz and iconic artists like Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald. Enjoy an intimate evening of original compositions and classic renditions in the cosy ambience of Nottingham's premier jazz bar. While you're there, we recommend enjoying their delicious food and drinks menu, where you can sip on exquisite cocktails. The perfect way to create lasting memories with your special someone!

If you and your valentine are ready to take the next step, be sure to check out Norwood Park’s Winter Wedding Fair on February 15th, and discover the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable celebration. Discover beautiful ceremony areas set with a Winter wedding in mind and take in the breathtaking beauty of the grounds during this season. Get inspired for your big day and meet with a curated selection of trusted suppliers ranging from stylists to entertainment, who will help bring your wedding vision to life!

Looking for a show packed with home truths about the hustle of juggling parenting, work and everyday life this Valentine’s weekend? Judi Love has it all in her brand-new show ‘All About the Love’ on February 15th. Known for her honesty and humour, Judi offers fresh insights into how a big heart navigates a world full of surprises, struggles and transformations. But let's be real – adulting? It's no joke! Judi has dedicated her life to service; as a friend, parent, in the workplace, on TV, or at home, all with a bit of humour, which has been a life saviour, and she has learned one key thing: it's all about the Love!

Celebrate the season of love with a relaxing and creative craft experience at Debbie Bryan’s Heart Wreath workshop on February 15th! Learn step-by-step how to design and assemble an assortment of preserved and dried flowers to create your very own heart-shaped wreath. Whether you’re crafting a gift for someone special, having a fun date-night or treating yourself to a little creative “me time,” this workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike. Enjoy a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, meet fellow makers, and leave with a handcrafted piece you’ll be proud to display.

Crafts not quite your thing, if that's the case then why not try cocktails and crimes? Grab your loved ones, your magnifying glass and your detective hat because this Valentine's Day, The National Justice Museum needs a crime to be cracked! It's the 90’s and we're getting ready for the launch party of the latest and hottest magazine, You Got Judged! featuring It-Girl Vienna Smythe-Revell. What better place to hold the party than the Shire Hall, with its former courtrooms to play on the new magazine's name. But the party begins with a shocking discovery... a body has been found. Do you have the wits to take this 1990s whodunnit from glossy cover to guilty? Grab your tickets for this year’s Valentine's edition of Cocktails and Crimes and find out!

Treat yourself and your partner to a luscious spa day at Eden Hall. Make a day of it with their day spa experiences and leave the outside world behined as you relax in their award winning spa, savour a delicious three-course lunch, and enjoy quality time together in fluffy white robes. Prices start from £129 per person. From £70 per person you can share a night under the stars with their Twilight Spa experience. Unwind together with full access to their Spa facilities, a delicious light dish, and the option for a treatment. Not ready to lock in a date but want to show you care? Why not give them a gift card or e-voucher with the promise of a future spa experience, starting from just £50.

Out and About

There's nothing better than a long, romantic walk with that special someone. Make it even more unique on a Valentine's themed walk hosted by none other than Robin Hood and his fine maidan Marian as you explore the enchanting Sherwood Forest! Wander hand-in-hand with your loved ones as you take in the forest's breathtaking scenery while being swept away by the captivating stories of Robin's daring escapades and legendary adventures. Let the magic of this historic woodland and its mischievous outlaws set the perfect backdrop for a day filled with romance, adventure and a touch of cheeky charm. Tickets are available now so don't miss out on treating your loved ones to a charming valentines day this February.

We've got even more ideas for walks here, including canalside spots, walks at heritage sites such as Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, woodlands and more.

Click here for more options about spending a day out in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

A Romantic Meal

Nottingham has some of the most incredible and delectable places to eat in the entire country and we've rounded up some of our top spots this Valentine's Day that are guaranteed to sweep your partner off their feet and fill their bellies to the brim. All these options are sure to make your partner's heart pasta-tively flutter.

For an unforgettable Valentine's Celebration book Valentine’s at Norwood Park and experience a delightful 3-course menu with the perfect backdrop for an enchanting night with your loved one on February 14th. To extend the magic, add in an overnight stay at the hotel! Retreat to one of their luxurious rooms, after enjoying your meal, and enjoy each other's company in a cozy, enchanting atmosphere. Begin your morning with a delicious breakfast and take in the serene surroundings of Norwood Park before you depart.

Leave the pots & pans at home and treat your partner and yourself to a delicious afternoon tea or evening meal at Colwick Hall, creating the perfect chance to spend quality time with each other. Their Earnest Afternoon Tea Menu and Exquisite Evening Meal, available in either a two or three course menu, will certainly make it a Valentine’s Day to remember. Prices start at £25.95 per person.

Excite the taste buds and stimulate the senses with an incredible fine-dining restaurant. The widely acclaimed Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant with numerous awards under its belt, including Sunday Times' UK's Best Restaurant 2015. Offering an array of dining options, from tasting menus to personalised dining experiences, a visit to Sat Bains is as much a gastronomic journey as it is a place to eat.

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Hart's with their specially curated three-course menu from £80 per person. With highlights including Scallop Ceviche, a tender 6oz Fillet Steak, and a decadent White Chocolate Crème Brûlée, alongside a selection of other seasonal dishes – this will be an evening to remember! Perfect for a romantic evening, this menu has been thoughtfully designed to delight every sense. Can’t wait until the evening? Their scrumptious Afternoon Tea will also be available, with the final sitting at 3:30pm.

Don’t want to make too much fuss, why not head to Jenkins Bar for a nice evening out. With their special weekend offers and cocktails galore, you’ll be sure to have a good time together. Or stop by the Lace Market Hotel and try our their tasty Afternoon Tea menu with special pricing this Valentine’s! The stunning Georgian building alone makes for a valentine worthy date spot!

For more restaurant ideas around Nottinghamshire, click here.