Every year, couples across the globe celebrate their loved ones in their own special way, whether it be a big romantic gesture, a fancy meal, a cosy night in, or a fun activity.

But Valentine's Day isn't just for couples as some of us like to see it as a day for some much-needed self-love, or to share our love for our friends (AKA Galentine's)

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you might be wondering where best to celebrate the international day of love whether it be with your special someone, your friends, or yourself.

So, here's a list of eight Valentine's Day ideas in and around Kingston.

Woody's Bar and Kitchen

Situated on the riverside in Kingston, Woody's oozes romance- what's more romantic than a stroll along the Thames before sitting down for food and drinks?

 Whether you're looking for drinks or food (or both), Woody's has got your back.

With its 10/10 vegan junk food menu, meaty food menu, and vast array of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) it's a great choice for food and drinks regardless of it being Valentine's date night.

The staff are super friendly, and it has a chilled atmosphere – you definitely don't have to worry about not being able to hear your date at Woody's.

A Woody's spokesperson said: "Woody's is the perfect date spot because it's relaxed, low-key, not intimidating, and has lovely views."

Woody's is also the perfect venue for a group of pals.

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GoBoat

Available every day from Thames Ditton, hiring a GoBoat is a romantic way to travel down the Thames starting at £95 for an hour trip.

The trip can last between 1-4 hours depending on which trip you pick.

Why not bring a picnic with you to enjoy while breathing in the winter air and taking in the views to make it the ultimate romantic date?

You can book your trip via GoBoat's website.

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Ex Cellar

It's no secret that when you think of Europe, you think of romance, and what gets more European than cheese and wine or tapas?

With locations in Kingston and Surbiton, Ex Cellar brings a taste of Europe to your doorstep.

With an array of different wines to choose from and its camembert and Spanish cheese platters, you can pretend that you and your loved one are spending Valentine's Day in Europe, despite the cold weather.

For those of you who don't like wine or cheese, Ex Cellar offers various spirits, meaty, vegetarian and vegan pizzas, Spanish tapas, and salads, and it's all freshly cooked by the family who run the business.

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Valentine's Concert

For those of you looking for something a little different, why not head to All Saint's Church for an early evening of romantic music by candlelight, set at tables in the Nave area of its stunning church building?

The programme will include music by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Gaubert, Schumann and Mozart from the very popular performers Debbie Davis (Flute), Mary Mundy (Cello), David Syrus (Piano) and John Payne (Clarinet).

Doors open at 5pm with a drink on arrival included in the £15 ticket price. 

Guests will then be asked to take a seat ready for the performance to begin at 5.30pm 

"Small plates" of Italian antipasti will be served to the tables (for those who have chosen that option on the ticket booking).

There will be a 15-minute interval and short pauses between each piece to allow for orders to be taken at tables from our licensed bar

Find out more and book here.

Dinner at Browns Brasserie

For those of you who enjoy a classic Valentine's Day dinner, celebrate love in style with Browns Kingston's indulgent three-course set menu, available on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February.

 From exquisite starters to decadent desserts, each dish is designed to make your evening as special as the person you're sharing it with.

 Browns says: "Reserve your table and let us take care of every detail, all you need to do is enjoy each other's company."

You can book a table and view the menu now here.

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Anti-Valentines at Bacchus

Calling all students, singles, and those just wanting to share their platonic love, this anti-Valentine's event at Bacchus on Friday, 13 February might be for you!

Running from 10pm – 3am, Kingston Student Union's special Anti-Valentine's Day celebration promises to be a night full of heartbreak anthems and anti-love songs with themed decor, unmissable giveaways and insane drink deals …

From Sabrina Carpenter to Green Day, Infusion is an iconic night of pure pop, rock and bangers with DJ Mell.

Find out more here.

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Urban Fun

Prefer activity dates? Then Kingston's new entertainment playground, Urban Fun, might be the one for you!

Urban Fun Kingston's games include Brunswick duck-pin bowling, AR darts, axe throwing, Neo shuffleboard, 9-hole mini golf, Subsoccer football, curling lanes and an arcade packed with UK-first machines, VR and AR experiences, cranes, prize games and boxing challenges.

So why not challenge your date or Palentine to a game or games this Valentine's Day?

It's cheap (or can be). It's fun. And if you haven't been dating your partner for a while, it's a great way to see if they have a competitive side.

And the date doesn't have to end after the game as Urban Fun sells a variety of food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Make a reservation at Urban Fun Kingston here.

Romantic walk along the Thames

While Valentine's Day can be an excuse to push the boat out a little, it does not have to be expensive , or even cost any money, especially with the current financial climate.

So, if you are looking to save your pennies this year, why not just take a romantic stroll along the Thames, which we are so lucky to have on our doorstep, and maybe even nip into Tesco beforehand and grab a cheap bottle of bubbly (I strongly recommend Tesco's own Prosecco for £8) and some snacks to create your own picnic dinner?

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Still undecided or think we missed anything?

Head over to our What's On page to find more events or even add your own Valentine's Day