Best tips to celebrate your Valentine’s Day

From commemorating a martyred saint to the Roman fertility festival Lupercalia and a ritual in the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day has had a long tradition of us all celebrating our more amorous side. Here are some tips to inspire you for this year’s day of love and romance.

A handwritten letter

There’s nothing like using paper and ink to make someone feel special. No text message is good enough, so why not say it in a letter. At the very least, it promises to be a lot more satisfying than wasting time in card shops trying to find the perfect line to sum up how you feel about your loved one – and they are more likely to treasure your words for years afterwards. You can gush or keep it brief and honest, and for those who need a little help, you can borrow a few lines from some great writers like Shelley, Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Carol Ann Duffy, all of whom have romance streaming from their inky fingertips.

Flowers

We inherited a lot of traditions from the Victorians and sending cards and roses on Valentine’s Day is one of them. Of course, many types of flowers, such as daffodils, orchids, irises and tulips, are popular and it’s possible to order a big bouquet to be delivered almost anywhere – and to anyone. If you feel like surprising someone, Flowers for Everyone sell roses, or, alternatively, take a trip together down to the flower market in Covent Garden or Columbia Road for a fragrant weekend stroll.

Dining with a view

Whether looking out across the London skyline or staying on the water, there are numerous restaurants in the capital that offer a sensational view as an accompaniment to a brilliant three-course meal or Afternoon Tea. The Fenchurch Sky Garden boasts beautiful interiors and a magnificent backdrop for any romantic occasion. Or how about live jazz music, dancing and city lights on board a night-time cruise along the Thames.

Laugh or cry

Why not try something new together this Valentine’s Day? Venues like Keat’s House are hosting a week of love-themed and free events including poetry nights and guided tours by candlelight, celebrating the life and legacy of the Romantic poet. Or, if you’re both after something a bit louder and more raucous, London Comedy Club’s Comedy Carnival is back in Leicester Square, ready and waiting to host a night of love and laughter.

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