London in February: Valentine's Day Ideas, Events, & Festivities

London in February: Popular things to do

London Eye

Buckle up for the ride of your life! The London Eye, or Millennium Wheel, is your 135-meter-high ticket to stunning 360° views. With 32 glass capsules, it's like a flying VIP tour of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more—all in just 30 minutes. Don't blink—you won't want to miss a thing!

Special event: Champagne Experience around Valentine's Day

Insider tip for couples: Ride the London Eye at sunset for magical views of a twinkling city. If you are planning to pop the question, add live music or custom touches for a truly special moment!

Recommended experiences:

London Eye Fast-Tract Tickets
London Eye Champagne Experience

Thames River Cruise

Cruise along the Thames and watch London's famous landmarks glide by! Choose from a laid-back sightseeing tour or a glamorous dining cruise for an extra memorable experience. With live commentary enhancing the journey, you'll enjoy stunning views of Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye from the water!

Special event: Valentine's Day special cruises

Insider tip for couples: For maximum romance, grab a spot by the window! You'll have unobstructed views of the iconic skyline, plus plenty of room to hold hands.

Recommended experiences:

Thames River Dinner Cruise with a Welcome Drink and Live Entertainment
London Sightseeing Cruise

West End London Theatre

The West End: where iconic shows like Les Misérables and Wicked bring theatre dreams to life! With 40+ venues, this cultural hotspot has entertained audiences for over 350 years. Whether you're into musicals, plays, or contemporary dramas, Theatreland offers an unforgettable experience, all within the heart of London's dazzling streets.

Special events: Birdsong, Clueless: The Musical, and Richard II

Insider tip for couples: For the best experience, grab seats in the center of the stalls or circle—perfect views, maximum drama!

Recommended experiences:

Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Mamma Mia!

The Shard

The Shard isn't just tall; it's a sleek, 310-meter beacon of modern architecture! Standing proudly in Southwark, it has 72 floors, including offices, luxury residences, and the Shangri-La Hotel. Head to the observation deck for sweeping 360-degree views, where every glance is more Instagrammable than the last!

Special event: Valentine's Day Experience at Shangri-La's TING Restaurant

Insider tip for couples: Why not skip the observation deck and head to AquaShard on Level 31 instead? Sip on cocktails while soaking in epic views—no entry fee is required!

Recommended experiences:

The View from The Shard Tickets in London
The View from The Shard Tickets with Champagne

The O2

Once the Millennium Dome, now The O2—London's entertainment juggernaut! It's one of Europe's largest music venues, hosting 20,000-strong crowds for concerts, sports, and exhibitions. When the show's over, stroll through its entertainment district with lively bars, restaurants, and activities.

Special events: Bullet For My Valentine & Trivium, Snow Patrol, Pitbull: Party After Dark Tour

Insider tip for couples: Hop on the Thames cruise boat to glide your way to The O2—it's the scenic, romantic route that skips the traffic and crowds.

Recommended experiences:

Up At The O2 Tickets
Up at The O2 Sunset Climb

Kew Gardens

Seeking a refreshing outdoor retreat? Kew Gardens has over 27,000 plants and 8.5 million preserved specimens, making it a botanical wonderland! From the iconic Palm House to the towering Great Pagoda, it's a UNESCO World Heritage gem. Plus, it's a hub for plant research, so you'll leave feeling smarter and greener.

Special event: Orchid Festival

Insider tip for couples: Grab the latest themed trail guides from the official website, like the First Date trail, which meanders through romantic gems like the Rose Garden and Love Lane—ideal for a relaxed, love-filled wander!

Recommended experience:

Kew Gardens Admission Ticket

Tower Bridge and Engine Room Entry Tickets

£16

4.6 | 1559 Reviews

Thames River Lunch Cruise with 2-Course Meal, Coffee & Tea

Tower of London Tickets with Access to the Crown Jewels

£35.80

4.4 | 16698 Reviews

London Eye Admission Tickets

£29

4.5 | 13598 Reviews

Big Bus: London Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise & Evening Tour

£29

4.2 | 1790 Reviews

The View from The Shard Tickets

£28.50

4.5 | 1347 Reviews

February highlights: Must-do experiences for families, couples, and more

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Families with kids

Looking for an epic family day? ZSL London Zoo's reptile exhibit is calling with interactive challenges for all ages. Next, slide into some ice skating action at Canary Wharf's rink (open 'til February 23)—perfect for chilly thrills. And for the grand finale? A Frozen or The Lion King show at the West End—because who says fun has to stop?

Couples

If romance had an itinerary, this would be it! Begin with a dinner cruise on the Thames—three courses, champagne, and skyline views. Then, wander through Kew Gardens' Orchids Festival, where romance blooms around you. Keep the fun going at a silent disco under a whale at the Natural History Museum, then stargaze at the Royal Observatory!

Solo travelers

Solo travel just got way more fun! Meander along the Thames Path with Tower Bridge as your backdrop, explore free museums, or grab quirky treasures at Camden Market. Join a free walking tour to uncover London's secrets, and cap the day with a solo trip to the West End—who needs company when you've got great shows and discounts?

Friend groups

Gather your squad for some non-stop adventure! Start by getting mesmerized at Lightopia's light festival, then challenge each other to a pancake race on Pancake Day. After indulging, join in the Chinese New Year fun with parades and street food, followed by a chic Fashion Week experience. Wrap it all up by stepping into the wizarding world at Warner Bros. Studio Tour!

Art and culture lovers

If art's your thing, brace yourself for an explosion of creativity! From the Brasil! Brasil! Show at the Royal Academy, celebrating Brazil's modernism, to the Donald Rodney exhibit at Whitechapel tackling racial identity—it's a journey worth taking. Don't miss Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern, either. Plus, check out hidden gems at the Serpentine or Saatchi Galleries!

Shopping enthusiasts

February means one thing—sales, sales, sales! Score up to 70% off at Oxford Street and Regent Street. For a twist, head to Covent Garden's mix of high-street and independent boutiques or explore Camden Market's alternative vibe. If you're after luxury, Knightsbridge's designer heaven awaits, so don't forget your credit card!

London in February: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning:

First stop: The Shard!

Start your day on a high (literally!) with a visit to The Shard. Enjoy coffee, a breeze on the 72nd floor, and London laid out beneath you. Spend 1-2 hours and start your day right!

Followed by: Borough Market

The food stalls here are like heaven on Earth. Whether you're into gooey cheese toasties or fresh oysters, there's something to tempt every taste bud. Get a quick bite for lunch and wander the cobbled streets.

Afternoon:

Up next: The Tate Modern

Pop into The Tate Modern and let your eyes feast on contemporary art that’ll have you saying, “This is what the future looks like!” Whether it's abstract or political, it's a total mind-bender.

Then: Covent Garden

Walk around Covent Garden for quirky shops, street performers, and a whole lot of charm. If you're lucky, you'll catch some live music or a surprise performance.

Evening:

Wrap the day with: Dinner at Dishoom

End your day with a cozy, mouthwatering dinner at Dishoom. Think Bombay-inspired Indian cuisine, spicy curries, and that cheeky cocktail you didn't know you needed.

Bonus: A Silent Disco at the Natural History Museum!

Post-dinner plans? A silent disco at the Natural History Museum under the blue whale. Who cares if you're there to dance or soak in the quirky vibe? Just shake that travel fatigue!

Morning:

First stop: Breakfast at Sketch

Kick off your day with breakfast at Sketch. This quirky, artsy spot is as much about the vibe as it is about the food. Think eggs, croissants, and maybe a little sprinkle of "this is what breakfast in art heaven looks like."

Followed by: The Victoria & Albert Museum

Get your culture fix at the Victoria & Albert Museum. From fashion to fine art to an extraordinary collection of historical stuff, it's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're on the coolest museum tour ever.

Afternoon:

Up next: A stroll through Hyde Park

In winter, it's all crisp air and quiet paths. Maybe you'll even see some swans gliding by—so serene, you won't believe you're in the heart of a bustling city. Once you're done, fuel up at Osteria Romana or Serpentine Bar & Kitchen—your perfect post-park pit stop.

Then: Frameless

After your park visit, stop by Frameless, where art doesn't just sit pretty on walls but practically swallows you whole. Get ready for some seriously trippy visuals and a camera roll full of epic moments!

Evening:

Wrap the day with: Dinner at The Ledbury

This Michelin-starred spot serves modern British cuisine that'll make you feel like a food connoisseur—just try not to get tongue-tied over those fancy names!

Bonus: West End Theatre Show

Wrap up your evening with a West End show. Whether it's The Lion King, Wicked, or something offbeat, it's an experience you'll never forget. You'll leave singing show tunes for days, guaranteed.

london in February - Madame Tussauds London

Morning:

First stop: The London Eye

Get your day started with panoramic views from the London Eye. It's like a giant, slow-moving selfie with London—perfect for getting those Insta shots of Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and more.

Followed by: SEA LIFE London

Swap heights for depths after soaking in London's skyline. Head over to SEA LIFE London and meet some slippery friends—sharks, penguins, and maybe a mermaid, if you're lucky!

Afternoon:

Up next: Lunch on Thames Lunch Cruise

Hop on a Thames lunch cruise and enjoy a scenic, relaxing meal while cruising past London's most famous landmarks. Imagine eating, sipping on something delicious, and taking in views of Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, and the Shard. Talk about multi-tasking!

Then: Tower Bridge

After lunch, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge. The views are incredible, and the exhibition inside will make you feel like a real London explorer.

Evening:

Wrap the day with: Dinner at The O2

End your day with dinner at The O2. Whether you're craving sushi, pizza, or something more fancy, there's something here for everyone.

Bonus: Madame Tussauds

Wrap up your adventure by striking a pose with the stars at Madame Tussauds. You might not meet Beyoncé in person, but you can still snap a selfie with her wax figure!

Pro tips for exploring London during February

Feeling brave? Try the Hot Sauce Festival: Spicy lovers, Camden's Hot Sauce Festival on February 1 is your moment! Fire up your tastebuds with food challenges and bold tastings.
Flip out at a Pancake Race: It's race time! Grab your spatula and join the Pancake Day fun on February 13. Flip, run, and laugh your way through the city's pancake races!
Get your bookish fix with the London Bookshop Crawl: Mark your calendar for February 16-18! Hop between London's most fabulous independent bookshops and find your next read while supporting local businesses.
Ice skating, no matter the weather: Need an ice break? The Canary Wharf Ice Rink is perfect for skating—rain or shine! Don't miss out; it's open until February 24.
Strut through history on a queer tour: Get your glam on for a one-of-a-kind free guided tour at the National Portrait Gallery! Led by drag artists, explore LGBTQ+ history through vibrant art. It's history, but make it fabulous.
Cozy up at a pop-up bar: From themed cocktails to cozy dining, pop-up bars and restaurants serve winter magic. Catch them before they disappear!
Discover hidden music gems: On the lookout for fresh sounds? Check out venues like The Lexington or The Old Blue Last for intimate gigs from up-and-coming artists. It's where the magic happens!
Chill out at a rooftop cinema: Catch a classic movie under the stars (with a blanket, of course). Check out pop-up rooftop cinemas still running in February. Perfect for cozy vibes and hot drinks!

London in February: Frequently Asked Questions

Is London still festive in February?

Absolutely! February in London is full of energy with exciting events like the Chinese New Year celebrations, the glamorous London Fashion Week, and various other cultural festivals.

What are some cool ways to get a bird's-eye view of London during February?

Why not soar above the city in a hot air balloon for stunning panoramic views? Or, check out one of the rooftop bars still open during winter for a drink with a view!

What LGBT+ events can I check out in February?

February is LGBT+ History Month, so get ready for a month packed with vibrant events, from educational talks to celebratory gatherings happening all over London!

How can I enjoy London's parks in February?

Take a stroll through wintery parks like Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park. You'll enjoy peaceful walks and might even spot some wildlife, all without the summer crowds!

What's the best way to get around London in February?

Hop on the Tube for fast travel, download Citymapper for real-time updates, and keep an eye on bus schedules posted at stops to stay on track!

What can I do if I'm not a fan of the cold but still want to explore?

Visit indoor markets like Borough Market (indulge in warm comfort food) or experience immersive art at Frameless, where the artwork will surround you—no freezing temperatures allowed!

Are there any fun things to do for Valentine's Day besides dinner?

Why settle for dinner? Try a romantic ride on the London Eye, a quirky pop-up bar, or cozy up at a rooftop cinema!

What's the secret to surviving London's chilly February weather?

Bundle up, grab a cozy coat, and don't forget an umbrella—London's mood swings between chilly winds and surprise rain showers!

How do I keep my feet warm while exploring London in February?

Invest in some chic waterproof boots! You'll thank us when you're splashing through puddles and still looking fabulous.