10-quirky-and-affordable-things-to-do-for-valentine-s-day

10 quirky and affordable things to do for Valentine's Day

Love is in the air, and as always, the country is overflowing with different ways to celebrate. From snuggling under the stars with bae, to ping-pong fuelled first dates, and a girls’ night out at an Ariana Grande themed-ball pit, there’s an abundance to choose from. We’ve enlisted a little help from the experts at DesignMyNight to round up the quirkiest, and most purse-friendly, events across the UK, so you can say thank u, next to cheesy club nights and awkward Tinder dates for good.

Toast marshmallows at a secret garden in the sky - London

If you’re looking for a romantic date without the frills, this could be just the thing for you. Stripping it back to basics, Midnight Apothecary are encouraging couples to warm the cockles of their hearts at a gorgeous rooftop garden, complete with roaring fires, hot toddies and marshmallows for toasting. If it all gets a little too nippy, the underground event space will host live music acts, with plenty of Valentine's Day-themed cocktails waiting at the bar.

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Play beer pong and eat giant slices of pizza - Liverpool

If you’re a no-fuss kind of couple, or you want to make a good impression on a first date, head to Crazy Pedro’s for a fun-fuelled night out. Not only will beer pong bring a touch of competition to your V-Day shenanigans, but they also serve hefty slices of pizza and frozen margaritas for a more than reasonable price.

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Dive into this Ariana Grande-themed ball pit - London

Kicking that ex to the curb? Celebrate that God really is a woman, and get the gals together for the ultimate night out. Taking inspiration from queen of breakups, Ariana Grande, Ballie Ballerson have gone all out with a ‘thank u, next’ themed ball pit complete with a swing and hanging rose decorations. To make it even better, the night will feature a soundtrack of anthems exclusively from female music icons.

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Eat NYC-inspired food and watch when Harry Met Sally - London

This one’s for all you movie-lovers out there. Dirty Bones will be hosting a screening of iconic rom-com When Harry Met Sally as part of their NYC-themed movie marathon. Snuggle up in the underground movie lounge with a couple of drinks, and 25% off food inspired by the Big Apple; it’s sure to be a cute, cosy way to watch a classic.

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Bowl like a pro at All Star Lanes - Manchester

Gone are the days when bowling meant soggy shoes and limp hotdogs that carried a hefty price tag (and a health warning). It’s had a millennial makeover, and All Star Lanes are leading the way with gourmet American dining, quirky cocktails and craft beer as you take on the lanes. Impress a date with your aim, indulge in a little healthy competition or go all out and rent the ‘Jungle Room’ for the ultimate Valentine’s Day bash with Elvis Presley watching over you.

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Attend this hilarious bingo night for couples - London

In the mood for a good ol’ fashioned bingo night? The award-winning team at London’s Rascals are renowned for their kooky bingo games, so expect heaps of fun, music, audience confession and non-stop luurve from the host as they welcome couples for a night of V-Day naughtiness. With its neon and pink interiors, creative cocktails and zero policy for ‘straight backs and polite small talk’, the place has serious sass.

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Let loose at a Peter Pan-inspired cocktail bar - Bristol

Have you ever dreamed of never growing up? Fantasies can become a reality as London Cocktail Club are encouraging you to leave your inhibitions at the door and let your imagination run wild. With its Neverland-inspired decor and ‘straight on till morning’ attitude, this party bar is serving up peculiar potions and extravagant elixirs for you to enjoy as you snuggle up in an enchanted forest, or let loose with the Lost Boys.

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Go to this rooftop cinema in Camden - London

If you love an 80’s classic as much as we do, then get yourself over to FEST Camden to catch Dirty Dancing. Taking place on their gorgeous rooftop cinema, you’ll get to nuzzle under warm blankets, with the heater cranked up, under the stars. Food and drink packages start at very reasonable prices too, with two pizzas, tickets and beers for £30, so all you have to worry about is finding a good place to sit; remember nobody puts Baby in the corner.

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Play ping pong at an anti-Valentine’s party - London

Celebrate not being in love, not having to shell out presents for a commercial holiday, and having the freedom of being single with an epic party at Bounce. This Anti-Valentine’s gathering promises to be free from loved-up loonies, with fun activities such as smashing heart-shaped piñatas, crazy ping-pong tournaments, unlimited wonderball and of course, plenty of cocktails.

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Get over your ex with some axe throwing - Birmingham

Now this is a party with serious ex-appeal. If you’re never, ever, ever getting back together, fancy throwing some axes and a little shade on social media, then Whistle Punks have got you covered. Bring your bestie and let out you inner angst with a 90 minute session, two drinks per person and a chocolate axe for £60. In the mood to move on? They’ve got that covered too with an axe-throwing, speed dating event right next door.

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For more information on Valentine’s Day in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.

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