Things to do in and around south east London for Valentine’s Day

South east London and North Kent has plenty of activates from relaxing spa stays in Dartford to afternoon tea in outdoor pods in Bexley.

Whether you’re spending the day with a loved one or your friends, we’ve rounded up some of the best date night ideas for things to do this Valentine’s Day in south east London and what you need to know.

Here’s our list:

See views of London from an IFS Cloud Cable Car

Where? Edmund Halley Way, London, SE10 0FR

How much? One-way fares £6 for an adult and £3 for a child, or return for £12 for an adult and £6 for a child

IFS Cloud Cable Car (Image: TfL Visual Services)

Nothing says a romantic date night like seeing spectacular views of the London skyline.

See the south east London skyline at 90 metres high aboard the IFS Cloud Cable Car, where you’ll be able to see landmarks like The O2, Canary Wharf, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Gherkin.

The IFS Cloud Cable Car claims to be the highest observation point on the Thames and is open from early morning until late evening, giving you great views of London at different times of the day.

You can take a cable car ride from the Greenwich Peninsula, which will take you on a 1km ride to the Royal Docks located near ExCel London.

Try your hand at slime making

Where? Gootopia, Unit 21, Lewisham Shopping Centre, London, SE13 7XG

When? Thursday, February 15 from 7pm – 9pm

How much? £39

Gootopia (Image: Goho Marketing)

For the couples looking for a more novel way to spend Valentines Day, Gootopia in Lewisham is offering a unique couples event.

Couples can visit Gootopia in Lewisham and try their hand at slime making, where they’ll be able to make slime from scratch using fragrances for a more sophisticated take on the popular trend.

The price of your ticket will also include two drinks, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, along with a shot of slime to make your own personalised slime in this 120-minute workshop.

Dine at one of the UK’s most romantic restaurants

Where? Chapter One, Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, Orpington, BR6 8NF

Chapter One Restaurant (Image: Chapter One)

If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic dining spot in south east London, Chapter One in Orpington was recently named in OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants for 2023.

The 1920s building still features decorations towards its historical roots, with references to the era, including an art deco style bar.

The restaurant offers modern European cuisine, featuring a tasting menu along with a selected wine menu and cocktails list.

Indulge in a relaxing spa experience in Dartford

Where? Rowhill Grange, Top Dartford Road, Wilmington, Kent, DA2 7QH

How much? £530 per couple

Located near Dartford, Rowhill Grange is offering a relaxing and romantic overnight getaway to mark the occasion.

For £530 guests can enjoy an overnight stay along with a bottle of champagne, breakfast and £40 dining credit.

To help couples relax, the offer also includes unlimited access to their Utopia Spa, with its facilities and a 55-minute massage.

Have a romantic meal at Bill’s

Where? Bill's Greenwich, 13 Nelson Road, London, SE10 9JB

How much? £29.95 per person

Enjoy a meal at Bill's (Image: Bill's)

If you’re looking for an affordable Valentine’s or Galantine’s menu Bill’s in Greenwich are offering a set menu for £29.95 per person in collaboration with Passoã. 

The menu, available from Friday, February 9 until Saturday, February 17, gives guests a chance to choose a starter, main and Passoa cocktail, with options like the Spiced Aubergine Fritter Peppercorn Steak Frites, Pan Fried Salmon & Saffron with lemon cream sauce, roasted chestnut and butternut bake or Truffle & Parmesan Mac & Cheese.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, for an extra £5 diners can add on a dessert like the Banoffee Pie Sundae or the Valentine’s Brownie for One or there Valentine's Sharing Dessert with white chocolate and passion fruit mousse, triple chocolate brownie truffles, cinnamon doughnuts, strawberries, and topped with chocolate sauce.

Have afternoon tea in an outdoor igloo

Where? Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5BQ

How much? £27.60

If you’re looking for an afternoon tea this Valentine’s Day, Ruxley Manor’s outdoor pods located in its Mulberry Tree Restaurant make the perfect setting for a date night or afternoon with friends.

Currently the restaurant is serving a winter afternoon tea featuring an assortment of sandwiches, scones and cakes including a mini carrot cake, chocolate brownie, mulled fruit tarte and meringues.

The pods also feature outdoor heating, music and are decorated with fairy lights to create the perfect outdoor cosy setting for a date night.