It’s almost the most romantic day of the year, and love is certainly in the air in Greater Manchester.
Whether you’re looking to impress a new date or you’re celebrating years of love, if you’re looking for an extra special date night to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember, Greater Manchester is sure to have something for you and your special someone.
From the sparkling romance of the city to flavours you’ll fall in love with, as well as some more alternative options, there are plenty of ways to celebrate love across the city-region. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for candlelit cocktails or to leave the soppy-romantic cliches behind, Greater Manchester can help you and your sweetheart celebrate Valentine’s Day in style.
Here’s our roundup of Valentine’s events across Greater Manchester to inspire your date night.
Valentine’s Wine Tasting Harvey Nichols
This February, Harvey Nichols is offering an extravagant Valentine’s Wine Tasting experience to help you impress your Valentine. For this date night, you can sample five sparkling wines and champagnes selected by their wine expert as well as some delicious nibbles. There’s no better way to add a bit of sparkle to your evening. This 90-minute session costs £25 per person with £20 redeemable on wine purchases on the evening, so you can make your Valentine’s celebrations last even longer. The Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting takes place on Friday 10 February from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.
Coffee Lovers Class at Food Sorcery
Coffee Lovers, wake up! As we have the perfect Valentine’s date for you. Didsbury’s Food Sorcery is offering a Coffee Masterclass to help you learn some fun facts and the science behind your favourite drink from an expert barista. You’ll learn how to make the perfect coffee at home and the secrets to using all of the coffee kit you have hiding in your cupboard. There’s even a chance to practice some latte art. Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to drink coffee and enjoy nibbles too. Tickets start from £85 and the class runs on Sunday 12 February.
Paint the Kiss Whitworth Locke
This Valentine’s Day, it’s time to get creative. Show off your painting skills and unleash your inner artist at Paint the Kiss, a sip-and-paint event at Whitworth Locke. Themed around Gustav Klimt’s iconic painting The Kiss, this painting pop-up will allow you to embrace your romantic side. Art supplies are included, as well as guidance from an expert artist. Grab a drink, listen to the music and best of all, take your canvas home to create a lasting memory of this magical date night. Grab your brushes and get to Whitworth Locke on Tuesday 14 February from 7:30 am to 10 pm.
The Chanteuse on Valentine’s Night
The French are famous for romance and this Valentine’s day, you can enjoy a taste of amour right here in Manchester. On Tuesday 14 February, The Chanteuse and her band will take over the Portico Library for an evening of French chanson music. The Chanteuse on Valentine's Night will feature songs from Jake Thackrey, Jaques Brel, Georges Brassens, Edith Piaf and more as well as some of The Chantenuse’s original songs. Celebrate exquisite love with exquisite music. Tickets cost £15 and the show runs on Tuesday 14 February from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Valentine’s Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight
Date nights don’t get more romantic than a candle-lit concert. If you love classical music, candles and romantic atmospheres, Manchester Cathedral has planned the perfect evening for you and your date. Valentine’s Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight gives you the chance to listen to the sensational sounds of renowned concert pianist Jonathan French as he plays some of the most romantic and passionate classical music ever written from Mozart to Chopin. Tickets cost £21.15 and the concert takes place on Tuesday 14 February from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Valentine’s Day Special at The Frog and Bucket
If laughter is the way to your date's heart, then look no further than the Valentine's Day Special at Manchester’s infamous The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club. On Tuesday 14 February, swap candles for comedy as this could be your Valentine’s Date with a difference. Enjoy some first-class comedy and expect an evening of laughing your socks off with a fantastic line-up of 3 nationally known acts, Dan Tiernan, Katie Mulgrew and Daliso Chaponda. Tickets start at £10 for concessions and £15 for standard tickets and the show kicks off at 8 pm, so plenty of time to grab a bite to eat or a drink in the Northern Quarter beforehand for the ultimate date night. Remember, laughter makes the heart grow fonder.
Valentine’s Day Supper Club at Vegetarian Society Cookery
Wanting to treat a foodie to the ultimate Valentine’s Day date? Whether you want to wow them with your cooking skills or simply enjoy an activity together, Valentine's Day Supper Club at Vegetarian Society Cookery School in Altrincham provides the perfect opportunity. Cook some delicious food or two as their experts will show you how to craft a delicious Middle Eastern Mezze and then tuck in and enjoy the flavours you’ve lovingly put together. You’ll also get a box of Valentine’s Sweet treats to take away because no date night is complete without dessert. There’s only space for a maximum of 6 pairs so be quick! Tickets cost £50 for two and the class runs on Tuesday 14 February from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Illuminate Festival Oldham
This Valentine’s day, things are magical in Oldham and you’ll be sure to see it in a new light. The Oldham Illuminate Festival returns for its sixth year with captivating artworks and performances taking over the town. This free-to-attend event means you and your date can take a stroll around the town and take in the magical displays. The Illuminate Festival runs from Monday 13 February to Sunday 19 February, so just in time for the most romantic evening of the year.
Valentine’s Cruise Wigan
Take to the water this Valentine’s Day for a romantic Valentine's Day cruise. Your sweetheart will be left feeling like a VIP as you enjoy a private candle-lit booth, a complimentary drink a Charcuterie board and a luxury chocolate fondue. Setting sale from Wigan Pier, the Love Boat from Kittywake Canal Cruises will transport you along the waterways of our city-region for a night of quality time with your loved one. Set sail on Tuesday 14 February at 7 pm and let date night commence. Learn more.
Valentine’s at Cloud 23
Feel on top of the world this Valentine’s Day as Hilton Manchester Deansgate’s Cloud 23 restaurant has a whole host of packages to help you celebrate love. If you have a sweet tooth, why not enjoy a heartfelt Valentine’s cocktail afternoon tea? Cocktail lovers can enjoy a luxury cocktail flight. Or foodies can enjoy being wined and dined above the Manchester skyline. There’s also an indulgent VIP Eros God of Love Package that includes a 5-course candlelit taster menu and a window table in the exclusive Eros lounge. Take your romance sky high this Valentine’s day. Learn more.
Valentine’s Axe Throwing
Nothing says I love you like axe throwing. Ok, it may not be the most traditional Valentine’s date, but if you’re looking for something a little unusual this year, Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing can certainly deliver, and it’s fun! If candlelit dinners aren’t really your thing, then why not go for the complete opposite? Valentine’s packages at Whistle Punks include axe throwing, drinks and pizza, so your date night is sorted. Throw like a pro and show off your skills. Learn more.
Paradise Skate World
For another alternative date night, why not tell your date to get their skates on? Roll on down to Paradise Skate World which is offering two-for-one tickets on all off-peak skate tickets from Sunday 12 to Sunday 19 February when using the code LOVESKATE. Paradise Skate World takes roller skating to another dimension with a space-themed wood-sprung cosmic cruiseway. Coast along to laid-back beats and marvel at far-out installations and celestial creations for an out-of-this-world date night.
Love is Love at Ducie Street Warehouse
Dine with a difference at Ducie Street Warehouse this Valentine’s Day. Their Love is Love evening encourages guests to put their phones down and spend some quality time with their Valentine. With a menu that celebrates their love for local produce with seductively moreish dishes and sweet treats. The menu is available from Friday 10 February to Saturday 18 February. Learn more.
For more date night ideas, find out the latest gigs, events and activities across Greater Manchester on our What’s On page.
Explore our website for more inspiration about where to eat, where to stay and things to do in Greater Manchester with your loved ones in 2023