Valentine’s Fun

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year. In a time rivalled only by Christmas for tacky decorations, over indulgence and frivolous spending, Sunday 14th February (put that in your diary forgetful spouses) will unite loved up ones around the country for a day of magic and romance.  And for the singles amongst you fear not! The UK now has more than 1.65m single men and 1.27m women so Valentine’s weekend may well be the time to strike. We’ve decided to treat our lucky readers to some fun ideas for either. Single, coupled up, let’s have a look at what you could get up to this Valentine’s Day…

Valentine’s Day (release date 12/2/10)

Those sneaky Americans stole our Love Actually idea. This movie deals with intwining stories of love that take place  during one Valentine’s Day, it’s a film you can see with your other half or your mates – just to remind you which character is which. Starring one of the largest ensemble casts in Hollywood history, names like Taylor Lautner, Ashton Kutcher, Shirley Maclaine and Jamie Foxx will make every romcom follower drool with excitement.

Paintballing

Over 100 paintballing sites in the UK and Ireland are listed on www.goballistic.co.uk , ensuring singletons wishing to unleash some anger over previous exes can do so to their hearts content. Alternatively, this is perfect if your boyfriend gave you an awful Valentines present and believes the McDonalds pound saver menu is a romantic night out – just ready, aim, fire.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Those mean Dragons Theo Paphitus and Peter Jones bring a little good to the community with their Red Letter Days company, which seeks to find the most exciting days for people who have everything. We chose some traditional hot air ballooning but also available is sushi making, lunch cruises and even dumper truck racing for you true romantics.

Spa Visits

Alternatively, if you want a mates day a trip to the spa can be the best way for feeling great about yourself. If you’re around in the Midlands, Femi’s in Leicester will get you feeling your best, in Leeds West Row Hairdressing at Thorntons Arcade Leeds, will refresh tired locks. It also gives the greater pulling chance the following evening.

Chocolate Indulgence

Yes there’s comfort eating in a cliched Ben and Jerry way, but for the imaginative among you try this luxury chocolate pizza, available at www.gettingpersonal.co.uk. Available in five flavours, this is a perfect for your other half or yourself. Top it off with some chocolate shot glasses, from iwantoneofthose.com.

Rally Driving

This might be a dangerous one for couples, how many times have you argued in a regular car, let alone a giant 4×4 Land Rover Discovery? Head to Silverstone Rally School in Northamptonshire for driving courses or the Racing School at the Rockingham Motor Speedway for manic driving along a man-made dirt course (under the careful eye of an expert of course). Also great for singletons to forget the day.

Bridget Jones’ Diary

Altogether now – ‘Allllll by myself!’ Everyone loves a bit of Bridget. If you feel a bit down this Feb 14th, pop her into the DVD player and laugh along with her series of embarrassments. Bridget is every singleton’s hero, because not only is she more hopeless than the average viewer, but she also gets Colin Firth and Hugh Grant fighting over her. If you have no idea what I’m talking about shame on you, rent it out this month.

Zizzi’s

Why Zizzi’s made our list over other restaurants is its helpful little webpage which allows us to book tables in advance, so instead of hanging on the phone waiting for the restaurant to answer, or forgetting altogether, simply fill in a tiny form and Valentines requires no further planning. Nice.

Cocktail Making Lessons

Available at Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham, adventureconnections.co.uk offers cocktail making lessons for couples and groups, ensuring that you both see in a boozy Valentine’s Evening this year. At £59.95 per person the night includes demonstrations, sampling and practicals.

Mini-breaks

How much do you love your other half? For the privileged among you, there’s still time to whisk yourselves away this February. Lastminute.com offer mini breaks to Paris, Venice and Rome from £167. For those feeling a bit more local, there’s also some great deals for London or Manchester, for example the five star Blue Rainbow ApartHotel Manchester, where prices begin at £75 per night.