South Kensington has plenty of options for romantic Valentine’s day celebrations as well as lots of fun events for those that are single and ready to mingle! Are you looking to indulge in all the clichés with a romantic tea for two, or perhaps you’re hoping to experience a Valentine’s day to remember by dancing the night away at the Natural History Museum? Either way, here is a list of the top 10 activities to help you fall in love with South Kensington this February.
Explore the Museum’s galleries and see stunning images of nature in their new-look Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Enjoy a free beer or wine on arrival and get ready to dance the night away at our silent disco in Hintze Hall underneath Hope the blue whale.
Calling all love bugs, solitary bees, flocks of friends and significant otters! Join the Natural History Museum after hours to explore all things love and relationships in the natural world. Drop-in, grab a cocktail, explore the galleries after hours and spend some koala-ty time with the ones ewe love.
If you’re looking to keep it casual this year, why not take a stroll around Kensington gardens? See the magnificent trees, ornamental flower beds, and wildflower meadows outside Kensington Palace as well as the Princess Diana Playground, the Italian Water Gardens and the Albert Memorial.
With stunning views along the Serpentine and a large alfresco dining area, the newly refurbished Serpentine Lido Cafe provides the ideal setting to drink and dine whilst watching the world go by.
Visit for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner to experience Japanese-style omotenashi hospitality and the theatre of cooking as chefs prepare dishes reflecting Japan’s diverse food offer, using seasonal ingredients over roaring robata (charcoal grill) flames.
Enjoy classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a whimsical mix of musically-inspired cakes as a nod to the legendary performances that take place at the Royal Albert Hall before discovering a world of wonders at Cirque du Soleil’s European Premiere of Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities. Gasp at the daring acrobatics, clever contortion and breath-taking talent of Cirque du Soleil that will simply delight your date.
Is there anything better than getting all cosy and settling into a film with your loved ones? Head to Institut Francais’ cinema to catch a film this Valentines. And if you’re looking for a cheap date, tickets are only £5 for under 25s!
South Kensington has some great exhibitions to enjoy, and even better when you’ve got someone to enjoy them with! Why not delve into the dreamlike relationship between Surrealism and design in this century-spanning celebration of Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design 1924 - Today at the Design Museum. You can also combine your exhibition visit with a coffee stop or a light seasonal lunch at the Design Museum Café.
Celebrate love with this wonderful museum tour. Selected by the V&A’s LGBTQ Working Group and LGBTQ Volunteer Tour Guides, the objects in this trail reveal stories of diverse gender and sexual identities across time, place and culture.
Diamonds are notoriously expensive, but visiting Victoria & Albert Museum’s Jewellery collection is completely free! The V&A has one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of jewellery in the world. Over 3,000 jewels tell the story of jewellery in Europe from ancient times to the present day.
This magical part of London has something to suit your every desire. Explore the range of different fun events that are on all year round here.
Valentines Silent Disco, The Natural History Museum
Valentines at the Museum, The Natural History Museum
Kensington Garden
AKIRA Restaurant, Japan House
Progress Pride flag, designed by Daniel Quasar, Victoria and Albert Museum
18th Century Scent Case, Victoria and Albert Museum
