Best Valentine's Day Surprise Ideas of 2024 For The Best Date

As Valentine's Day approaches, the quest for the perfect romantic surprise intensifies. For those grappling with ideas on how to create an unforgettable celebration of love, we've curated a list encompassing everything from lavish dining experiences at upscale restaurants to more laid-back dinner options. Additionally, we've included suggestions for events, exhibitions, and unique experiences scattered throughout the city, ensuring a diverse range of possibilities to make this Valentine's Day truly special.


Pick a restaurant for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner with your loved one. Our top picks are:

14 Hills

14 Hills is a vibrant and versatile restaurant and bar located in the heart of London's Square Mile. Positioned on the 14th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, the establishment offers stunning panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks, including The Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames. The name "14 Hills" is a nod to the breath-taking vista that extends as far as the eye can see from this elevated vantage point.

The Oratory

Nestled in a Grade II listed building, the five-star Milestone Hotel & Residences offers a luxurious and romantic escape, conveniently situated opposite Kensington Palace with captivating views across Kensington Gardens. Boasting a rich historical heritage and proximity to some of London's most iconic landmarks, the hotel provides couples with an intimate and elegant setting for a romantic evening, particularly in The Oratory.

Clos Maggiore

Situated in the bustling heart of Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore is a serene haven that draws inspiration from the chic country inns of Provence and Tuscany. The distinct interiors radiate an unmatched warmth and intimacy. The conservatory, adorned with cherry blossoms, boasts a fully retractable glass roof, providing a luminous and open dining ambiance during the summer. As winter arrives, the space undergoes a captivating transformation, with the soft glow of candles, starlight, and a crackling fire enveloping it in an enchanting and cosy atmosphere.


Choose a wine tasting. We recommend:

The Harvey Nichols Wine Flight for Two

It's currently available for £55 for two people, it includes 6 wines from the Harvey Nichols' own label for 90 minutes and is served with light nibbles.

Wine and Cheese Tasting for Two at Dionysius Shop

Currently retailing at just £43, it comes with a selection of cheeses and 5 wines for two. Learn facts about wine and how to recognise different grapes and flavour notes.


See a theatre play or a musical

Cruel Intentions

The creators of Heathers the Musical have a new production in store for us this winter and it comes in the form of a film-to-theatre adaptation. Introducing Cruel Intentions, the new must-see experience based on the Reese Witherspoon-starring 90s hit.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

The stage adaptation of the Television hit, Stranger Things. Set in the 1959 version of Hawkins Indiana, Stranger Things: The First Shadow tells the story of fan-favourite characters Henry Creel, Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado through a thrilling prequel that may or may not hold the key to stopping the ongoing spread of the upside-down…

The Picture Of Dorian Gray

Watch as Golden Globe-winner Sarah Snook returns to London in The Picture of Dorian Gray starting in February. Snook takes on every role in this gripping, witty and vibrantly contemporary production that breathes new life into Oscar Wilde’s classic tale.


Book a couples spa day. Our recommendations

Mondrian Shoreditch: The Winter Couples Retreat Package

Mondrian Shoreditch offers a luxurious experience. You’ll receive a Lola’s Apothecary gift box with massage oils, scented candles, body soufflés, and wellness teas to take home. While you might not replicate the hotel’s rooftop V-day menu, the 45-minute couples massage is heavenly.

Bulgari Hotel London: The Couples Ritual

It includes a 120-minute Cleanse and Clarify Body Ritual in their private Onyx Spa Suite. After the treatment, relax in the Bulgari’s scenic pool.

Rosewood London: The Sense of Connection

The Sense of Connection package includes an hour-long massage, an hour-long facial, and time in the private steam room. Ideal for time-poor couples looking for blissful relaxation.


Deyvid Dimitrov
London-based content creator and editor of Goldfoil magazine.