Not too keen on the Valentine’s Day hullabaloo? Still in a new relationship and feel love-heart teddy bears will be a bit much* this time? JLife picks some alternative ways to have fun in February.
*Ed: they always are.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Get on down to City Bloc, a climbing wall centre based just outside of Leeds. Founded by former British bouldering climbers, it has gained a reputation for providing safe and fun climbing experiences for newbies and talented amateurs alike in the 10 years since opening. With yearly passes available and coaching on-hand, as well as yoga classes to enjoy on-site, you can both take up a new exhilarating hobby together and let love lift you higher and higher!
Red, Red Wine
Skip the fuss of booking dinner reservations for inflated Valentine’s Day menus and crowded restaurants by staying in and making a romantic meal together. Share everything from chopping the veg to even the washing up, put on your carefully crafted Spotify music playlist, line-up your Netflix queue and light some candles – you will soon be glad of doing away with paying a hefty bill at the end of the night. Plus no one has to be the designated driver!
Rewrite the Stars
Fancy a night under the stars? Brainbox and all-round TV heartthrob Professor Brian Cox will be heading to First Direct Arena on Valentine’s Day itself (14th February) for his new show, Universal: Adventures in Space & Time. Having set two Guinness World Record titles with his previous sell-out live tour, Professor Brian Cox OBE’s new live show will take audiences to the edge of our current understanding about the origin and evolution of the solar system and the universe.
Roll With It
Roller skating never went away, so get out your old wheels from under the bed and get on down to Leeds Corn Exchange for the Valentine’s Roller Disco Party on 15th February! Hosted by Roller Girl Gang, the Leeds skating club that makes the sport more accessible through events, workshops and classes, there will be tunes by DJs from The Key Club and snacks and drinks by Primo’s Gourmet Hotdogs.
Our House
If walking around and exploring the beautiful and historic grounds of Harewood House wasn’t romantic enough, there’s even more to enjoy at Harewood, as you’ll discover together when you taste the delights of afternoon tea in the Billiard Rooms. While sat at tables of crisp linen, a tea stand will be brought to you both with finger sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, with cakes and patisserie to finish off – all held together of course by a pot of tea or coffee of your choice. And if you’re celebrating Valentine’s, or if you just fancy being indulgent, why not add a glass of prosecco too?