Ten ways to spend Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day – a time for flowers, chocolates, fancy dinners or staying in. Whether you are rocking the single life, loved up, or spending time with the girls, you can still have tons of fun during the occasion.

We’ve put together 10 of our favourite things to do at home or out and about on the day of love, no matter who you’re spending February 14th with.

Go out for a meal
The most obvious choice for your Valentine’s Day plans is going for a romantic dinner. This will give you time to connect and enjoy intimate time together over a candle-lit meal; it doesn’t have to be anything fancy but go for what you both like, whether it’s steak, Italian or a Chinese.

Not in a relationship? Go out with friends or family – nothing beats a meal out with great company!

Grab a takeaway
Been at work all day and you just want to relax with a night off cooking?

Order a takeaway – a large pizza can be indulged by yourself, or share with others in front of the TV watching your favourite movie.

Have a games night
Cluedo, Monopoly or Scrabble – all classic board games and a fun night competing with your partner or friends (*disclaimer – we aren’t responsible for any arguments caused*).

If you’re alone and have a games console, head online and play virtually with other gamers from across the world, or simply download a game on your smartphone and lose yourself in the virtual reality.

Go out for the day
If you’re lucky enough to have the day off work, head to one of the Tees Valley’s beautiful beaches for a stroll along the sandy shores or visit your favourite coffee shop.

No matter where you’re located or who you’re with, spend some time outdoors and breathe in the fresh Winter’s air.

Whether there’s a challenging walk you’ve always fancied doing or you would rather head to the local café for some afternoon tea, the choice is yours.

Have a spa retreat
Fancy going all out? There’s no better way to show your body you love it than with a spa retreat!

Indulge in a relaxing day with treatments such as full body massages, a facial or thermal experience. The luxury of a spa break is it can be enjoyed alone, with friends or with your partner. It doesn’t matter who you go with, as long as you’re spending it recharging your batteries.

Many spas around the region offer Valentine’s retreats, or treatments for two if you want to really up the romance.

Stay in and rejuvenate
If you don’t want to splash the cash, have your own DIY self-care night. Take a bath, read your favourite book and use a face mask – what better way to show yourself some love than with an evening full of self-care?

And if you are spending the day with others, there’s no reason why they can’t get involved with the home-spa too.

Start a series
After countless lockdowns, we are all now pros at binging Netflix series’ – in fact, over half of the population stated they binge-watch a series regularly.

If you haven’t seen gripping shows such as Squid Game, Money Heist or You, grab some popcorn and enjoy a cosy evening curled up watching TV.

Head to the gym
Self-love is the best kind of love, so show your body how much you care for it by hitting the gym.

Whatever it is you enjoy in the gym - a high intensity training class, muscle-building or some gentle stretching – you’ll thank yourself for going once you start to see the results you desire.

Have a night out
Monday is the new Friday, right?

Grab your partner or your friends and spend some quality time together dancing the night away in a nightclub or bar. If you don’t have work in the morning, you can really let down your hair and see where the night takes you…

Stay off social media
Sick of seeing endless proposals on Facebook and flower bouquets all over Instagram? Switch off your phone and make Valentine’s Day a social media free day.

Instead, spend quality ‘real world’ time with those around you, or simply take a break to enjoy you.

Let us know how you’re spending your Valentine’s Day on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.