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15 Sweet Valentine’s Day Ideas in Manchester That’ll Get A High-Five from Cupid!
Ah yes, the day of romance—when Cupid’s making his rounds, shops are decked out in red, chocolates are everywhere, and we’re at a loss on what to do and what to get.
Finding the right romantic gift is no easy task. Will your loved one like a bouquet of flowers or will they appreciate an intimate dinner setting?
If you’re feeling the love but unsure what to do to make Heart’s Day unforgettable, we’ve got you covered! We put on our wings and made a curated list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas, including romantic getaways and cool dates!
Romantic Dining Options in Manchester
Louis
Media credit: louisrestaurants
Address: 3 Hardman Square, Hardman St
Contact: 0161 646 0374, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Thursday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Friday: 5 pm – 2 am
- Saturday: 3 pm – 2 am
- Sunday: 3 pm – 12 am
Pricing: $$
Bring your significant other to Louis for the most incredible night of cinematic romance and classic Italian American dining. The intimate atmosphere is perfect for Valentine’s Day as the place transports you to classic New York dining—truly romantic!
The intimate setting is highlighted with live music serenading you as you dine, as well as the “no photos” rule to really be IN THE MOMENT. The dishes are as decadent as the vibe, with delicious pasta dishes that will make you come back for more.
| Pro Tip: Dress to impress! Make your night even more special by adhering to the dress code, which is chic elegant, to really feel the romantic vibe of the place. |
Grand Pacific
Media credit: grandpacificrestaurants
Address: Manchester Club – Bruntwood, 50 Spring Gardens
Contact: 0161 839 9365, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
Pricing: $$
An ode to the golden age, Grand Pacific is a grand place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, where the setting is a unique combination of old and modern, all while maintaining an intimate atmosphere.
The majestic decor and creatively plated dishes are there to bring out the romance. Afternoon high tea takes the spotlight with its savoury and sweet delicacies, paired with a selection of high-quality tea—there’s no shortage of yummy treats here!
| Pro Tip: If dinner reservations are fully booked, try for lunch or high tea—you may find slots for these better than evening hours. |
20 Stories
Media credit: 20storiesmcr
Address: No. 1, Hardman St
Contact: 0161 204 3333, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 12 pm – 9 pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 12 pm – 10 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Pricing: $$$
Take your loved one to an evening of romantic dining… with a view! 20 Stories is located on the 19th floor with 360° views of the Manchester skyline, perfect for those enchanting dates surrounded by city lights and the stars.
Skyscraper Valentine’s dates are deliciously exciting! And what makes this spot even better is the incredible cocktail menu full of international wines—a good choice to keep the energy alive!
| Pro Tip: Try the seasonal menu because the food switches up. This is a good spot for adventurous palates because you can try something new instead of sticking to the usual meals. |
Romantic Getaways in Manchester
The Cow Hollow Hotel
Media credit: cowhollowhotel
Address: 57 Newton St
Contact: 0161 228 7277, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Time to take your partner on a lovely stay at The Cow Hollow Hotel, a textile warehouse transformed into a boutique hotel. It’s now modern with WiFi and Smart TVs (with Netflix!), but the Old Victorian decor and ambience remain.
The stunning place, which still retains some of the original elements, is situated in the vibrant Northern Quarter. Romantic getaways don’t mean you have to travel far just to enjoy each other’s company!
And with only 16 bedrooms, you’ll enjoy a personalised service. Who could say no to complimentary prosecco and antipasti trays at night? We surely didn’t!
| Pro Tip: Add something special to your Manchester getaway to make it memorable. Book a masterclass or tasting event with your significant other at the hotel. |
The Edwardian
Media credit: edwardianmanchester
Address: Free Trade Hall, Peter St
Contact: 0161 835 9929, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
The Edwardian in Manchester is the perfect excuse to book a luxury getaway. You’ll get loads of smooches once you reach this 5-star Grade II*-listed Free Trade Hall, where the architecture is strikingly beautiful and classic.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, city skyline views, and 100% cotton 400-thread count bedding, you wouldn’t want to leave your room! But you’ll be missing out if you don’t get a relaxing couples massage at the spa—room service is always tempting, though!
| Pro Tip: Book a reservation to use the spa facilities. While they’re complimentary for hotel guests, you still have to reserve a slot. |
King Street Townhouse
Media credit: kingsttownhouse
Address: 10 Booth St
Contact: 0161 667 0707, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
If you’re itching for a V-Day getaway right in the heart of the city, King St Townhouse is one you have to check out. The historic hotel is overflowing with classic charm, from the exterior to the rooms, where every photo taken is worth displaying on the mantel.
Every corner is classically British—elegant yet comfortable. With tailored room packages, there’s no need to leave the hotel if you want to enjoy a romantic day, just the two of you.
One recommendation is the ESPA suite, an ultimate romantic getaway in Manchester, where you get a free-standing bathtub right next to the window—don’t flash anyone, though! The complimentary bath butler service is a sweet addition!
| Pro Tip: Book directly with the hotel to receive exclusive perks, like discounts and free drinks! |
Unique Date Ideas in Manchester
Chaos Karts
Media credit: chaos.karts
Address: Lower Byrom St
Contact: 0161 791 0727
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Friday: 10 am – 10 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm
Pricing: $$
For a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day that will bring laughter and love, racing at Chaos Karts is a wicked idea! Battle it out and see who can reach the finish line the fastest—it’s like Mario Kart, but this time, you won’t get mad racing each other!
This action-packed immersive experience feels like a video game come to life. You won’t get shells but you do pick a weapon to clear the way in front of you, making it the ultimate race battle to zap off your opponents—an ideal double date, too!
| Pro Tip: Avoid wearing short dresses and high heels or open-toed shoes. Dress comfortably and safely so you can ride the go-karts! |
Urban Playground
Media credit: urbanplaygrounduk
Address: Upper Mall, Urban Playground, Manchester Arndale
Contact: 0161 527 1230
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 9 pm
- Friday: 12 pm – 10:30 pm
- Saturday: 10:30 am – 11 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm
Pricing: $$$
Urban Playground is an adventurous couple’s dream in Manchester! This is basically an adult playground where you can fulfil your dream of playing in the iconic British game show, The Cube!
This immersive experience will unleash your playful side as a couple. You and your better half will go through 7 challenges that will test your physical and mental skills, including balance and memory—there’s no better feeling than beating other couples!
This unique Valentine’s Day spot won’t let you go hungry, especially after a tiring but fun day full of challenges! The Butcher is the on-site restaurant that makes a mean Angus beef burger!
| Pro Tip: Bring your debit/credit cards or use Apple Pay. The Urban Playground is cashless, so make sure you have the right mode of payment to avoid disappointing your date! |
Twenty Twenty Two
Media credit: tttmcr
Address: The Basement, Little Lever St
Contact: 0161 237 9360, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 3 pm – 1 am
- Friday: 3 pm – 3 am
- Saturday: 1 pm – 3 am
Pricing: $
Twenty Twenty Two is for playful couples—those who want a bit of challenge instead of cheesy romantic dates on V-Day. This games and bar den knows how to host a fun night without needing to spend too much cash!
The games are perfect for couples. You can rent ping pong, darts, and pool on an hourly basis, which gives you an affordable idea because you don’t have to spend a fortune to make Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
And believe us when we say playing here will keep you smiling all night long. The drinks and DJ on weekends are a big part of the reason why—playing a game with one hand while holding a drink on the other is also part of the fun!
Valentine’s Day Events and Entertainment in Manchester
Frog and Bucket Comedy Club
Media credit: frogandbucketcomedy
Address: 102 Oldham St
Contact: 0161 236 9805, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7 pm – 11 pm
- Saturday: 3 pm – 11:30 pm
- Sunday: 6 pm – 10 pm
Pricing: $
They say laughter is the best medicine, so a trip to the comedy club will make your sweetheart (and wallet) feel happier. This is a casual date so there’s no pressure to buy the most expensive things, but you still get to experience something cool together.
Swinging by Frog and Bucket Comedy Club is an unconventional but brilliant Valentine’s Day idea because you get to sit down, order food and drinks, and watch comedians make fun of whatever the trending topic is.
Plus, this comedy club has hosted famous and emerging artists. If you’re lucky, you may get to see your favourite comic!
| Pro Tip: Stand-up comedy sometimes picks people from the crowd for their material. If you and your partner want to avoid getting noticed, sit in the back. |
Manchester Theatre
Media credit: manchestertheatres
Address: Venue depends on the show
Contact: Depends on the venue
Pricing: $$
Going to the cinema is a classic first date. This time, take it up a notch by watching a play or musical in Manchester—we’re not the West End but we have really good performances here.
Manchester Theatre is a site that shows you all the performances playing in a theatre in the city! This is a website we love because you’re always updated with the hottest shows!
There’s just something special about watching a performance inside a strikingly beautiful Manchester theatre. It’ll make you feel emotions, which is exactly what we should be feeling during the month of love, no?
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the show you want to watch and book your tickets as soon as you can. If the performance is a most-awaited one, ticket availability may be limited. |
Food Sorcery Cooking School
Media credit: foodsorcery
Address: Adjacent to the Waterside Hotel, Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury
Contact: 0161 706 0505, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Take a cooking class together for an intimate experience. It’s something you and your loved one can do and share together, so it’s a truly romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day!
Food Sorcery specifically offers Cooking Together classes, a relaxed session where you and your partner can make your favourite meal—no more takeouts on V-Day! A single ticket is already for 2 people, which includes making a starter, main, and dessert (yum!).
We do want to note that the dishes vary each month, but don’t worry! There are still loads of variety for every palate!
| Pro Tip: Before booking a cooking class, make sure you know your partner’s allergies (if they have some). Contact Food Sorcery for possible changes in the ingredients list. |
Romantic Gift Ideas in Manchester
Jewellery by Selina Campbell
Media credit: selinacampbelljewellery
Address: 3rd Floor, THREE.TWO Studio, 3 Stevenson Square
Contact: 0784 256 7967, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
Pricing: $$$
Nothing beats jewellery as a gift, especially on Valentine’s Day! Give your significant other something special, like a necklace to commemorate a romantic celebration—you really can’t go wrong with jewellery, believe me!
Selina Campbell is a Manchester jeweller who makes stunning one-of-a-kind pieces in different price ranges. She makes white gold and yellow gold, and she offers various kinds of unique gemstones that are truly eye-catching!
But if you want to make the gift even more special, we suggest going for bespoke jewellery. The best part is you can design a piece that’s exactly what your partner would want for something uniquely theirs.
If you’re looking for the best jewellers in Manchester, check out this article (Jewelry Designers and Artisans Manchester) for our top recommendations!
| Pro Tip: If you don’t have the budget for expensive jewellery, look for artisans. You can also go for silver or white gold and avoid pricey gemstones—moissanite is an affordable option that looks like a diamond. |
Spa Voucher from Rena Spa
Media credit: spaatthemidland
Address: The Midland – Peter St
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Sometimes, a relaxing day is just what a couple needs! After a whole week of work and meetings, all you can do is give your body a break, which is why a spa voucher is a solid gift idea for Valentine’s Day—it’s even better if you’re going in as a couple!
Rena Spa at The Midland Hotel is a luxury gift that’s perfect after a long day. You can book a luxury spa day for only £149, which can buy your loved one a body massage.
Take it up a notch and get on your partner’s good side by checking out the spa packages for a whole day of rejuvenation.
Want to check out other luxury spas in Manchester? Click here for our favourites!
| Pro Tip: Luxury spas won’t come cheap. If you want something more affordable, check out hand and foot massages. |
A Bottle of Gin from Atlas Bar
Media credit: theatlasbar
Address: 376 Deansgate
Contact: 0161 834 2124, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: 10 am – 10 pm
- Wednesday – Thursday: 10 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 12 am
Pricing: $
Social drinkers will love a bottle of gin from Atlas Bar, which has one of THE best gin selections in Manchester. Some of the bottles are also stunningly designed, which makes them a perfect gift (and the taste doesn’t disappoint, too).
The gins are mostly under £50, which is a decent price for the taste. We do recommend checking out the gift boxes if your partner doesn’t have a favourite bottle of gin yet—you get different flavours in one box!
| Pro Tip: If your significant other is a gin connoisseur, Atlas Bar adds a new gin pretty much every week. Go to the bar and see what’s new. |
