14 alternative Valentine’s Day celebrations to get your heart pumping
| 30th January 2022
A date with Death? Love is in the air and whether it’s something special for Valentine’s Day or you just fancy pepping up date night, VIVA’s got what your heart desires with 14 alternative ideas for you to do in and around Manchester.
Whether it’s first date fun or something different to do, from spooky to sexy, action-packed to relaxation VIVA has got you covered!
Spooky & Kooky Dates
Image credit: Beth Teutschmann
Not worried about scaring your lover off then these dates are perfect for you…
1) Camelot Rises: Immersive Zombie Drive Thru and Cinema – Did you ever go to Camelot back in the days when it was a medieval themed theme park? Well now the previously closed theme park is coming back with a boom (and a rawr) as an immersive zombie park! This date idea is perfect for lovers of the Walking Dead. Find out more: here.
2) Ghost Walk – What’s more romantic than following someone around Manchester and hearing spooky stories? Hold hands in fear as you find out all about ghostly Manchester on a Manchester Ghost Walk. Find out more: https://manchesterghostwalk.co.uk
3) Pendle Witch Trial Walk – This one is a mix of spooky, historic and adventurous. Visit Lancashire have a fabulous ‘Walking with Witches Trail’ route pdf on their site, this date is not only a unique date idea, but it’s also kind on the bank account. Find out more: https://www.visitlancashire.com
Dare you - action-packed dates
Image credit: Muhammed Taufik
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Take your date on an action-packed, thrilling date that you will both remember. These dates are perfect for those thrill seekers out there.
Point blank shooting – Simulation shooting ranges, beer, cocktails and a leader board waiting for you to compete for a spot on it. A bit of romantic rivalry sounds nice! What else do you want for an action-packed date? Find out more: https://www.pointblankshooting.co.uk
Paintball – Paintballing is perfect if you want a high stakes adrenaline fuelled date with your significant other. Find out more: https://www.ukpaintball.co.uk/paintball_manchester.asp
Treetop Adventure – Climbing around an adventure routes with a high point of eight metres sounds awesomely adventurous. This route is located at the Trafford Centre, so after your fun filled date, you can even go and pop in for a quick shop or bite. Find out more: https://www.peak.co.uk/trafford-treetop-adventures/
And breathe - Relaxing Dates
Image credit: Alex Jones
Do you just want to chill? Is the post lockdown work schedule hectic? Check out these serene and tranquil date ideas.
Spa Day – Relax and unwind at Cottons Hotel and Spa in Knutsford. Your relaxing date can be spent soaking in the indoor hot tub, feeling calm in the steam rooms and sauna and treating your taste buds to the establishment’s extensive food menu. Find out more: https://www.cottonshotel.co.uk
Pottery Making – Think of that Ghost scene with Patrick and Demi. This unique date idea is a nice calm day out for you and your significant other. At 7Spot Pottery in Salford, you can choose from two experiences. You can learn how to build a coffee mug or learn how to throw on the wheel (like they do in Ghost)! Find out more: https://www.7spotpottery.co.uk/weekend-and-one-off-courses
Getting to know you - First Dates
Image credit: Mangopear Creative
Don’t want a basic meal out for a first date? These dates are perfect for leaving a good first impression – you can even tell your date that you came up with the idea on your own, we won’t tell.
Rock Climbing – If you and your date are somewhat active why not try rock climbing for the first date? This fun activity is sure to leave a good impression! Find out more: https://parthianclimbing.com/manchester/
Pottery Painting – Create something fun and make memories by going pottery paining on your first date! If the date goes well you’ll even have a little memento to keep to remind you of the day! Find out more: https://www.potterycorner.co.uk
E-Scooter Drive around Manchester – Have a cute tour around Manchester on the Lime scooters in town. Stop off at cafes for coffee and snacks and hop back on again! For this date you’ll need to each get a scooter and you’ll both need a driving licence. Find out more: https://www.li.me/electric-scooter
Hot – Sensual Dates
Image credit: Preillumination Seth
If you’re looking for a sexy date that will make you feel like you’re in a spy movie set in Monte Carlo, then we’ve got some great suggestions for you.
Burlesque Show – Attend one of the many Burlesque Shows in Manchester! Eventbrite share a range of shows, just have a scroll and find the perfect one for you!
Secret Bar – Dress up fancy and alluring and go to the Washhouse MCR. This laundrette might be more than just a laundrette – if you look closely. It definitely doesn’t serve amazing cocktails and it really doesn’t serve fabulous food. Have a look at their website and see what washing you can get done (wink wink). https://www.washhousemcr.com
Salsa Dancing – Salsa is described on Salsa Freedom Manchester’s website as “exuberant, fiery, fun, sexy and flirtatious”. Why not try it out? Dust off those dancing shoes and get your tango on! Find out more: http://www.salsafreedom.co.uk/about.html
We hope that you feel inspired to take a different approach to your next date night!
If you’re feeling like staying in, read our article on our recipes and tips for having a romantic night in.