
Flowers shmowers, ring shming, why waste February 14 glaring at loved-up couples and mourning your, let’s face it, ultimately doomed past relationships, when you could be out in London living it up at anti-valentine’s day parties, snapping selfies in Instagrammable settings or prepping your stomach for pancake day. There’s much more fun to be had in this fine city, with lots of fabulous events and things to do where you won’t stumble across a sickening scattering of rose petals or hear a chorus of clinking champagne glasses mocking your every single step.
1. Take a leisurely wander around an art gallery or museum

Avoid the overcrowded restaurants and find a quiet sanctuary among the historic paintings, artefacts and sculptures of London’s art galleries. While you may come across the occasional hand-holding pair or whispering couple, love is kept on the down-low here (unless you want a signature British glare) and instead, the wonderful works of legendary artists take centre stage. Whether it’s exploring the iconic art found in the National Gallery, interpreting the true meanings of modern art in the Tate, or sitting down in the immersive Monet exhibition as his purple lilies paint the walls around you, it won’t be long before Valentine’s Day is a distant thought. Just maybe steer clear of the Romanticism sections.
2. Journey back in time at a rootin’ tootin’ cocktail experience
Valentine’s Day doesn’t exist in the Wild West. Love is for the lily-livered whippersnappers of the world, not seasoned outlaws playing cards and gulping down illicit drinks. Providing an immersive escape from reality, Moonshine Saloon is a cocktail experience where you smuggle in liquor (it’s BYOB – don’t worry you goody-two-shoes) and the talented barkeeps will use it to create you a bespoke concoction with their variety of bitters, syrups and garnishes. As you gulp it down you’ll be able to channel your inner cowboy trying your luck with card and dice games. Just make sure the booze doesn’t make you too loose-lipped when the sheriff comes around – because if you prove yourself trustworthy, you can get a peek at Cassidy’s notorious Moonshine Distillery.
3. Unleash all your frustrations in a rage room

Sometimes, you just need to let it all out, and let’s be honest, there’s no greater catharsis than smashing up stuff. Even better, when there are no consequences and you have a goldmine of smashable items ready and waiting for you. That’s where rage rooms come in, and there’s a great selection to be found in and around London, where you can unleash hell on some inanimate objects. So grab a bat, hammer or crowbar and swing away.
4. Sing your heart out at an open mic night
How about a sing-song? BAM Karaoke Box is hosting an Anti-Valentines Open Mic Night where you can follow Adele’s example and turn your romance woes into fuel for singing a heart-rending ballad or choose to embrace your independence by belting out Single Ladies at the top of your lungs. Warm up your voice, round up your fellow single friends and head over on Thursday, February 13 to enjoy a fun-filled night of karaoke and cocktails. Find out more here.
5. Discover the simple delights of solo dining

If you’ve been dying to go to a certain restaurant but haven’t been able to find someone to go with, maybe it’s time to take your first tentative steps into the world of solo dining. I know, to most probably it feels like a last resort, but there are more positives to it than you might think – not only can you take as long (or be as quick) as you like, but you don’t have to try and make stilted conversation in between mouthfuls or dodge offers of sharing dishes (if that’s not your thing). Plus, there are plenty of London eateries that provide the perfect setting for a solo visit including Soho’s Humble Chicken if you’re into fine dining for one and Carousel’s wine bar where you can sit, eat and watch the world go by.
6. Take yourself off to the cinema to watch whatever the hell you want
There’s nothing quite like a solo cinema trip. You can have your pick of whatever takes your fancy – with no compromising – scoff popcorn til your heart’s content (with no risk of battling with another hand when you go to grab a handful) and completely lose yourself in the wonderful world of film without anyone whispering where they know that actor from in your ear. The cherry on top? Vue has rolled out the red carpet for Fever customers, offering some fantastic value-added tickets so you can save the pennies when you catch the latest blockbuster.
7. Clear your head with a refreshing walk

If you’re saving the pennies but don’t want to stay home and drown in rom-coms or lament your single life, getting out for a picturesque stroll could be just the thing to remind you of the world outside romance. There are plenty of spots around the city where you can enjoy woodland walks, history-filled exploration and an abundance of wildlife – and many of them often can end with a trip to a nearby pub. Head on over to Highgate Cemetery for gothic treasures and creeping vines or explore the sprawling wilds of Hampstead Heath before a pint or two at the much-loved pub The Holly Bush.
8. Take your dog out for an afternoon tea date instead

If you really fancy spoiling a special someone with a four-course meal, then why not your four-legged friend? Jack and Beyond know there’s nothing better than spending quality time with your pup, and their dog afternoon tea is sure to get tails wagging. If you’re a self-confessed pawrent then clip on the lead, grab the treat bag and take you and your furry companion on down to Battersea High Street where they can wolf down banana wooffins and carrot pupcakes, then lap up a puppuccino and – if you’re feeling extra generous – scarf some dog ice cream. Shudder at the thought of the inevitable zoomies to follow? Battersea Park is nearby to burn off some energy (once everything is properly digested, of course). Book your experience here.
9. Survive a thrilling sci-fi experience
Excessive displays of PDA and relentless romantic declarations aren’t the only things you’ll be running from when you step inside the story at Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience. In fact, you’ll have bigger problems on your hands, namely dodging deadly attacks from giant Martian Fighting Machines, clambering through half-open windows and being plunged into a battle-damaged London brought to life by virtual reality. There’s no time for romance when you’re fleeing for your lives and, then, once safe, sipping creative concoctions in the Steampunk-style bar. Get your tickets here.
10. Discover a hidden talent for golf at Swingers
We know, mini golf is normally a dating classic for anyone looking to break the ice or show off their skills to a special someone, but it is equally as fun unleashing your competitive side with friends. Plus, they’ll all be used to your fits of frustration when the ball goes rogue. There are two Swingers venues to choose from in London, one near Oxford Circus and the other by Bank, each with food, drink and two exciting courses. Once you’ve warmed up with a cocktail or beer you can channel your singleton energy into a round of golf, hitting and tapping your way around a course filled with unexpected obstacles. Who knows, whacking a ball or two may be just what you need.
11. Demolish a stack of pancakes from ‘Where The Pancakes Are’

Forget Valentine’s, there are more important things to think about…ok, it might be a little bit early, but if you want to be prepared for the biggest day of the year (why, Shrove Tuesday of course) you better scrub up on your pancake-eating skills. What better place to go than Where The Pancakes Are. As well as the lovely warm rush of childhood nostalgia the name incites, the mouthwatering restaurant serves up flipping delicious dishes, with the option for sweet or savoury pancakes to tuck into. The drool-inducing stacks will come with a cascade of toppings, such as pulled beef pastrami or banana marshmallow. Plus there are even Dutch babies, a 17th-century German over-baked pancake which are lighter than your average pancake.
12. Breathe in floral fragrances at the orchid festival at Kew Gardens

Who needs a bouquet when you can immerse yourself in the floral wonderland of Kew Gardens? This February, listen to the wise words of Miley Cyrus and buy yourself flowers, or more specifically buy yourself tickets to the stunning Orchid Festival and soak in the colourful array of flowers blooming from every corner. As is tradition, Kew takes inspiration from overseas and this year Peru is getting the Kew Gardens treatment. It is home to some striking biodiversity and vibrant plantlife, so you know you’ll be in for a treat.
13. Escape the city for a romance-free retreat

If you can’t handle the coupled-up masses that litter the streets of London, then we prescribe a trip further afield. There are plenty of glorious getaways that will swap labyrinthine city roads for serpentine rivers, blissful beaches and tangled forests and – in the rare occasion the cold winter weather comes in handy – they likely won’t be overrun with sun-seeking day trippers. Whether going solo, with friends, accompanied by your beloved dog or even with your fellow valentine-hating partner, you can enjoy England’s nature without the risk of coming across a shop window stuffed with heart-shaped novelties… or bumping into your dreaded ex.