Make your partner feel special this Valentine’s Day with some unique date ideas
Sea Life Manchester
See a range of sea creatures, from the colourful to the curious, the majestic to the mystical, get ready to be amazed as you discover the stories of the oceans’ most fascinating inhabitants. The Valentine’s hook is the aquarium’s resident dream couple, Ernie and Cammy, two giant green sea turtles. The pair are set to have a long romance ahead, as sea turtles can live to be 80 years old – though we’re told they already bicker like an old married couple.
Immersive Gamebox
Teamwork will get the love juices flowing with this a new dimension of interactive play! Once you step inside the Gamebox, your movement and touch bring the walls to life in thrilling challenges and collaborative puzzles, including the popular Floor is Lava, based on the hit Netflix show, which in turn takes an extreme take on the familiar childhood game. You and your loved one can work as a team or compete against each other, all which creating memories you’ll never forget.
Food Sorcery
Food Sorcery’s Cooking Together cooking classes make an excellent date activity as you learn to cook together to create two delicious dishes. There are options for a range of cuisines available, so you’re sure to find something to suit both of your tastes. Japanese, Thai, Caribbean, Italian, and a vegan workshop are just a few of the options available, setting you up for a strong relationship of joint kitchen work. You’ll both learn to cook a starter and main course, before tucking into the fruits of your labours, along with a dessert made by your instructor.
Manchester Art Gallery
If you’ve both promised you won’t spend too much this year, but you still want some thoughtful romance, Manchester Art Gallery provides a wonderful option entirely for free. If you really want to impress, read up on the most romantic paintings beforehand and plan your own mini-tour. We recommend stopping by Byron’s Early Love, ‘A Dream of Annesley Hall’ by Edward Ward, Early Lovers by Frederick Smallfield, and The Storm by William Etty.
Vintage Shopping
Some retail therapy to choose gifts for each other could be the ideal day out, so why not take your partner on a trail around Manchester’s many vintage shops in search something fun and different. Trying to keep what you’ve bought a secret until the end of the day is an added bonus! Some shops you should be sure to hit the mark include Beg, Steal, Borrow; Cow Vintage; and Bags of Flavour.