5 Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for 2022

Whether you’ve been together 2 months or 20 years, what better way to celebrate your romance than with a memorable Valentine’s Day date? If you live in one of the below destinations and want to up the wow-factor in 2022, consider adding one of the following unique activities to your Valentine’s Day agenda.

1. Sip cocktails at Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four in Manchester
   
   Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is an awesome speakeasy bar just off Deansgate in Manchester city centre. And it has a pretty unique theme.
   
   The venue’s décor has been inspired by the cells of some of the world’s most famous prisons and the bar even incorporates a little bit of immersive theatre. Step inside, pull on an orange jumpsuit and be instructed by a notorious gang in the art of bootlegging. You’ll be given the task of smuggling liquor past the guards and into the main cells (the bar) where you’ll then be treated to delicious bespoke cocktails.
   
   Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is the perfect date night idea for fans of Prison Break, Orange is the New Black and real-life crime documentaries.


2. Challenge your other half at Sugar and Dice in Liverpool
   
   Love to bring out each other’s competitive side? Well, what could be better than a date at Liverpool’s quirky board game café? Sugar and Dice sits in the trendy Baltic Triangle district, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, and would be a prime Valentine’s destination for local couples who love going head-to-head over a game of Scrabble or Monopoly.
   
   
   
   Sugar and Dice has a huge library of boardgames, all of which can be borrowed and played in the cosy venue for a small fee of just £2 per hour per person. There are also snacks, hot drinks and craft beer up for grabs. The menu changes weekly and there’s always something tasty to suit vegans and vegetarians too.
   
    
3. Take a tour of Edinburgh in a Cab-arette cab
   
   Even if you live in the city and know Edinburgh’s main sights like the back of your hand, we bet you’ve never experienced them alongside a cabaret-inspired soundtrack.The delightful Cab-arette tour is the brainchild of local taxi driver, Sylvia Daw. A long-term resident of Scotland’s capital city, she first came up with the idea several years ago after watching cabaret acts at the legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 
   
   
   
    
   As well as getting you from A to B in Edinburgh in her bright red taxi, Sylvia’s Cab-arette tour will teach you plenty of facts about the city’s major sights, streets and monuments. You’ll also be entertained by her fantastic Showtour routine. And if you’re keen to make the tour that little bit more special, you can even add a bottle of bubbly to your booking. How’s that for a unique Valentine’s Day date?


4. Hire bikes in Penrith and explore the lush Lake District
   
   Penrith is widely considered the cycling heart of Cumbria. And as one of the main gateways to the Lake District – it’s ideal for some tandem, two-wheel adventures together. Even if you live locally and know the area well already, there’s nothing like trying something new for Valentine’s. There are loads of routes to explore, from those that take you to the idyllically named Eden Valley to those that skirt around the grand Lowther Castle and Gardens (a Valentine’s Day date idea in its own right).
   
   Penrith is also packed with brilliant pubs and cafés that are perfect for lunch or afternoon tea for two. Casual dining is made easy at cosy Dockray Hall, while bistro Four & Twenty features a tempting menu of local, seasonal delights .




5. Get creative at Sheffield’s Art House
   
   Whether you consider yourself the next Picasso or your artistic abilities only really stretch to the occasional game of Pictionary, we reckon The Art House’s range of classes are the perfect match for lovebirds after a more unusual date idea.
   
   If you live in the city, or close by, head to this creative venue in the very heart of Sheffield for a huge range of classes run by experienced artists. While many of them are part of six or eight week long courses, The Art House also offers plenty of one-off sessions. Try your hand at pottery throwing on a wheel, learn how to make lovely lino prints or create your very own homemade Valentine’s Day cards to gift to one another.
   
   
   
    
   After you’ve had a go at crafting your very own masterpieces, head to one of Sheffield’s many bars and restaurants for a bite to eat. Welcoming Italian eatery Piccolos is one of the city’s top independent businesses, while sophisticated ALTO boasts a heated rooftop bar and live music nights.
   
    

Tempted to plan one of our unique Valentine’s Day date ideas? If you’re travelling, check before you travel and book your train tickets in advance on our website or the TPExpress app.