Bored of the same thing year after year?
Whether you are blissfully in love or superbly happy singleton this Valentine’s, Surrey has a lot to offer.
Holly Louise Eells has compiled a guide to some of the best alternative date ideas that are a perfect excuse for you and your loved one to spend quality time together whilst having a blast!
1. Get away
Grayshott Spa, Headley Rd, Hindhead GU26 6JJ
Tickets: Prices vary (book here)
I don't know about you, but going away for Valentine's day for a spa break weekend sounds so perfect right about now! What's better than a full body massage with you and your partner to take the stress of the city away from you? Nothing, I tell you, nothing. Plus, a weekend away is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to building a bond. Get away, surprise yourself!
2. Go Ape alternative
Go Ape Alice Holt, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham GU10 4LS
Tickets: Prices vary (book here)
If you and your partner are daredevils and crave a bit of adventure, then Go Ape will be the perfect Valentine's date for you both. They're offering an alternative Valentine's evening, where you can zip-line through the trees together - what else bonds a couple better than that? So, if a movie or a dinner isn't quite for you then make sure to do this!
3. The Blues Kitchen
40 Acre Lane, Brixton SW2 5SP
Tickets: Prices vary (book here)
The Blue's Kitchen isn't exactly your usual, cliche romantic Valentine's date. So, if you define you and your partner as quirky then this is the evening for you. Transport yourself to the Deep South and enjoy some amazing blues and jazz music and some mouth-watering food. Plus, you'll be in one of London's most exciting areas, Brixton, with some of the rarest bourbons in the world.
4. After Hours at Kew
The Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew Gardens TW9 3AB
Kew Gardens never disappoints with their endless events. So, head to the botanical haven for the Orchid Festival this Valentine’s Day.
Visit the stunning orchids, listen to Kew experts talk about the Orchids Festival and chat to Kew’s very own intrepid scientists about how important orchids are to our ecosystem. If you are looking for excitement and escapism, this is the place to be.
5. Cook up some love
Beaverbrook, Reigate Road, Leatherhead, KT228QX
Heat things up in the kitchen with the School of Cookery at The Garden House in Beaverbrook. Enjoy a fulfilled hour and a half cooking session this Valentine's season and learn how to create chocolate hearts and other lovey-dovey treats for you and your loved one.
It is definitely an intimate and personal learning experience, where you can master preparation skills and cook the most delicious recipes and absorb some vital tricks of the trade. Plus, not only will you get delicious food and new skills out of it, but there’s no washing up afterwards. Bonus!
6. Go bowling
Tenpin, The Atrium, Park Street, Camberley GU15 3PT
Prices vary, book here)
Who doesn’t love bowling! It's reasonably priced, fun, time to chat and offers some healthy competition between you and your partner.
Whether you're a pro bowler or just looking for a fun night out, Tenpin bowling alley is the place to be. If your other half has a competitive streak in them, why not let them show off their skills to really boost their ego, and enjoy a laugh or two at their mistakes.
At Tenpin bowling they also have a bar, video arcade, pool table and diner for you to make your visit a complete night out and one to remember.
7. Reach new heights
Craggy Island, Slyfield Industrial Estate, Moorfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RU
Prices vary, book here
Whether you have never climbed more than a few feet off the ground, or you claim to be the current world climbing champion, Craggy Island welcomes all abilities to its climbing venue.
One of the largest centres of its type with an impressive 100 rope lines and more than 300 regularly changed climbing routes on a variety of angles and surfaces, you will not only have fun but improve your fitness too. The benefits are endless, including flexibility, balance, health, general strength, and most importantly, lots of laughs.
8. Speed away
Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge KT13 0SL
Prices vary (book here)
Are you a thrill-seeker or have a competitive streak? Head to the historic Brooklands motor racing circuit, Mercedes-Benz World for a high-energy day out. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and specially designed tracks, and with the low-friction surfaces at Mercedes-Benz World, it will guarantee to get both your hearts racing!
With expert guidance from a professional in the passenger seat, you’ll develop performance driving skills from every inch of handling circuits, wet and dynamic straight, and wet skid circle. Let the games begin!
9. Re-enact your favourite scene from Ghost
Happy Hands Pottery Painting, 18B Lower Street, Haslemere GU27 2NX
Prices vary (book here)
If you're looking for something relaxing and creative to do together, visit Happy Hands Pottery Painting for a fun morning or afternoon. Bond away as you choose a piece of pottery then paint and design it your way. Your personalised work of art makes a perfect gift for your loved one. So, make this Valentines one to remember with a good messy painting experience!
10. Create your own ecosystem
London Terrariums, 106a New Cross Road, SE14 5BA
Wednesday - Friday 11-7 pm, prices vary (book here)
Have a bit of green-finger? Work together with your loved one and create a beautifully personalized eco-system for your home. London Terrariums are hosting a fantastic event to unveil the creative side in you. Here you will learn how a terrarium works; how these self-contained ecosystems survive and how to look after them.
The workshop will start with a short introduction explaining the history and science that goes into building a terrarium to understanding what plants to use. Each person will be supplied with a demijohn jar, which you will fill with various fittonia and ivy, and an arrangement of pebbles and moss.
11. Eat at the hottest spots in town
Dinner seems the obvious choice, but all too often it feels riddled with pressure to be perfectly romantic and serious. Brunch is a more light-hearted affair and can be a lot of fun! There are so many choices across Surrey, including Henry’s Kitchen, East Molesey with dishes fit for a king or queen, Loch Fyne, Egham for an indulgent breakfast or Cafe Mila, Godalming for delicious homemade food. The question is, which restaurant to pick?
12. Stroll through the gallery
Watts Gallery, Down Lane, Compton, Guildford GU31DQ
Prices vary (book here)
Are you both more the artistic type? Perhaps a stroll around a stunning purpose-built art gallery this Valentines is more up your alley. The Watts Gallery offers visitors an experience of the Watts Collection in the historic galleries displaying the original decorative schemes. It first opened its doors to the public in 1904 and displays a variety of works by the great Victorian artist George Frederic Watts OM RA.
13. Jump for love
Gravity Force Trampoline Park, Unit 6/7 Admiralty Way, Admiralty Park GU15 3DT
Prices vary (book here)
Gravity Force is the ultimate trampoline park in the UK and really is as fun as it sounds! It is ideal for anyone who loves being active and having fun, and if you want to involve your children this Valentine’s, it is really great for tots and teens too. It boasts a huge expanse of wall to wall, floor level, fully monitored trampolines, with dedicated, sessions full of bouncy energy-burning active fun! It is a perfect way to show off your skills, from head rolls, backflips to how high can you jump!
