Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift with a difference?
Valentine’s Day is a month away, but it’ll come around before you know it – so here at Experience Gifts we’ve gathered our favourite Valentine’s Day experience gifts and romantic things to do.
The UK is full of romantic spots and quirky things to do, so if your partner appreciates an unusual day out, they’ll love these ideas.
Read on to find out our top picks!
1. Pistol And Rifle Shooting Experience in Warwick - £66
If you’re not the traditional ‘romantic’ couple but instead prefer your dates to have a bit of an edge, this shooting experience day in Warwick is for you.
You and your adventurous partner will head to the covered range at the 100-acre outdoor activity centre where you can enjoy an hour of shooting with realistic gas-powered pistols and rifles.
Taking place at a fun, retro gallery for a unique twist on your standard shooting experience, this activity utilises paper targets and a classic duck shoot. Your experienced leader will coach you throughout the session and give you all the tips and tricks you need to hit your targets.
Once you’ve mastered the pistols, you’ll move on to rifles with telescopic sights, hitting reactive knockdowns and spinners at a longer distance. Round off with the duck shoot, knocking down six quackers in the fastest time possible. You’ll need to be ten or over, but it’s a great activity for experienced shooters and total novices alike.
This makes a wholly unique Valentine’s Day gift or date idea for couples who love adventure and the great outdoors.
2. Private Yacht Day Sail with Lunch on the Solent Around the Isle of Wight - £1,990
For a slightly more upmarket experience, take your significant other on this one-of-a-kind luxury cruise of the Solent complete with a lobster lunch!
This private charter tours the Hampshire coast, and will definitely be a ‘book it now, do it later’ sort of Valentine’s Day gift – but who doesn’t love something to look forward to? (And furthermore, who wants to sail the Solent in February?!) This fabulously indulgent 8-hour Private Yacht Charter from Lymington will have you and your partner sailing along the coast of Hampshire with the wind in your hair and a glass of English sparkling wine in your hand.
You’ll get to sit back and relax as your dedicated captain and crew take you sailing by the scenic Isle of Wight on a stunning 40-50 foot Jeanneau yacht. With comfortable seating, cushions, blankets and a wine list to treat yourselves to, your every need is taken care of.
You may even want to take the wheel and have a go at sailing this beautiful vessel yourself. Enjoy a delicious lobster lunch prepared freshly onboard by the crew to complete a spectacular day sailing along the English south coast.
This is a truly romantic and special day out, worthy of a very special date or perhaps even popping ‘the question.’ (and no, we don’t mean ‘are you going to eat that last bit of lobster?’)
3. Chocolate Tasting Session at a York Chocolate Factory - £13
Which treat is absolutely synonymous with Valentine’s Day? Chocolate, of course. Celebrate your sweet tooth with this chocolate tasting session in York, perfect for a fun and indulgent date idea. York is not only well known as a charming and historic British city, but also as the chocolate capital of the UK.
This means that, unsurprisingly, the people of York love chocolate - and the staff who run this local chocolate factory are no different. During this interactive tasting experience they will share their passion for chocolate and a selection of delectable handmade chocolates, cakes, truffles and more to taste!
You and your partner will be extra knowledgeable about your favourite sweet treats and get to taste a variety of artisan chocolates.
4. Kayaking or Paddleboarding Tour of The River Soar with a Picnic Stop - £70
For couples who love the water, this Watersports tour of The River Soar makes a fun date idea – especially with the picnic stop.
During this adventure you and your partner will travel along Leicestershire's largest river by paddleboard or kayak. Spend four hours paddling in your own self-guided group or join a guided group with instructor.
Whether you choose kayak or paddleboard, self-guided or guided you can enjoy the countryside views, and see hidden away weirs and locks along the river. Rest by the riverside and enjoy your provided picnic as you take in the sights and sounds amongst nature.
5. Oxford River Cruise and Meal - £79
Moving on to another water experience, this thirty minute Oxford evening cruise allows you to take in the iconic sights and boat houses that line the Thames – a sweet and memorable date idea for Oxford locals. After your cruise, you'll be served a three-course meal at local restaurant The Folly.
This is another ‘book now, pay later’ experience that can serve as something for you and your partner to look forward to! You'll meet your skipper and the rest of the group outside The Folly restaurant, which also happens to be providing your post-cruise meal.
Hop aboard the boat, and relax with a complimentary glass of Prosecco as it sets off. As the party gets started and the sun starts to set, sip your drink and take in the sights of Oxford.
You'll drift past university boat houses, quaint riverside homes and meadows for thirty minutes. On your return, you'll sit down to a decadent (and romantic!) three-course meal expertly prepared by the chefs at The Folly restaurant.
6. Historical Tour And Scotch Whisky Tasting At Bladnoch Distillery - £48
If you and your partner are whisky fans, you could do much worse than this historical tour and Scotch whisky tasting at Bladnoch Distillery. Step into a two hundred year old history, and taste fabulous whiskies crafted by distillers who are experts in their field. You’ll even learn the technical side of distilling your favourite spirit.
You and your partner’s whisky tour starts when you meet your guide and resident distiller at Bladnoch Distillery in Dumfries and Galloway. You’ll be treated to an in-depth tour of the fully functioning distillery that has stood proud over the town of Newton Stewart for over 200 years.
Learn how whisky is made and the complex equipment that is used to create it, as well as having a go at using the tools yourself! Finally, you'll enjoy a tutored tasting of 4 whiskies, and be handed a Glencairn tasting glass to take home.
7. Little Venice To Camden Town Regents Canal Waterbus Boat Trip - £14
A sweet and simple date idea for London locals, this canal waterbus trip makes a great budget gift idea. You and your significant other will take a scenic journey from Little Venice to vibrant London Town, watching the sights float by outside your window as you relax on the water.
Starting in Little Venice near Warwick Avenue, the waterbus travels north through the historic Maida Hill Tunnel, across Regents Park, past London Zoo, and finishes at Camden Town, home to the renowned Camden Market.
Once you alight at the other side, why not explore the joys of Camden Town with your significant other? Quirky clothing and gift vendors, a fabulous range of restaurants, cafes and market stalls serving every cuisine you can think of, and a smattering of trendy bars and pubs make for a fun and romantic day out.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our guide to unique Valentine’s Day experience gifts.
We hope you’ve found something perfect for your partner, but if you’re still searching, you can check out our full range of Valentine’s Day experience gifts here.
