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 around? JLife picks some alternative ways to have fun in February.
*Ed: they always are.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Let love lift you up at Manchester Climbing Centre, set in the unique surroundings of the converted Victorian St Benedict’s Church.
One of the largest climbing walls in Europe, the centre was founded by internationally renowned climber John Dunne in 2005. Whether you’re both lifelong climbers or always wanted to give it a go, Manchester Climbing Centre is fully kitted-out with training and beginners areas to an impressive 20m lead wall, 75 climbing lines of all shapes and sizes and dedicated bouldering areas.
Manchesterclimbingcentre.com
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!
Me and the Farmer
Free but fun activities are always a good shout for a romantic date, and a trip to a farm is a sure-fire way to get you both talking and creating memories that will last forever (watch out for that cow pat!).
Established in 1984, Wythenshawe Farm is a town community farm situated within Wythenshawe Park in South Manchester. An array of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks and horses can be seen, as can a prize-winning herd of LovHereford cattle.
There’s also a courtyard café for a spot of tea, plus a horticulture centre which includes permanent displays that feature tropical plants such as banana, pineapple, tea, coffee and rice, interspersed with an aviary, alpine garden and a display of cacti. In addition to visiting, you can also sponsor an animal at the farm to commemorate the special trip.
Manchester.gov.uk
I Love to Laugh
Love and laughter are on the line-up at Manchester’s oldest alternative comedy venue, The Frog & Bucket Comedy Club on Oldham Street. Why not treat your better half to an evening of laughter this Valentine’s night with a chance to see three national acts Dan Nightingale, Lauren Pattison and Josh Howie, with options to order food and beverages to your table as you enjoy the talent on stage. The Valentine’s Day package includes two tickets to the show, a bottle of wine and two pizzas!
Frogandbucket.com
Rewrite the Stars
Fancy a night under the stars? Brain box and all-round TV heartthrob Professor Brian Cox will be heading to Manchester Arena on 9th 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.
Ticketmaster.co.uk