Romantic Things to do Near King’s Cross London This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day in Bloomsbury & King’s Cross

When you’re planning something romantic for Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to think ‘go for a meal’. But there’s so much more you can do as a couple, especially in and around King’s Cross and Bloomsbury where there are plenty of activities and things to see, and not all of them will cost a packet. In fact, some are free.

Depending on how far ahead you’re planning your Valentine’s treat, we may still have availability at the hotel for our Valentines Experience. Please feel free to contact us to enquire about availability and find out more.

Meantime, here are my top ideas for romantic things to do in King’s Cross and Bloomsbury around Valentine’s Day.

Museums & Interactive Experiences

Personally I love a museum, and we’re lucky enough to have our fair share of them on the doorstep of the Mentone.

You can check out my Museums to Visit blog for inspiration – and if you’re looking for something different perhaps focus on some of the more quirky ones, like the Cartoon Museum, the Charles Dickens Museum or the Museum of Comedy, or maybe head to the London Canal Museum and book yourself a romantic narrowboat trip on the Regent’s Canal.

Or, if you’re tempted to try something a bit more interactive, try these for size:

Monopoly Lifesized London

213-215 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7PS
16 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Open Tuesday-Sunday
Website

This is an immersive escape-room style experience where you play a life-sized version of Monopoly on a giant board, taking on interactive challenges and games in themed rooms so you can buy properties, build hotels and win money. It’s a lot of fun, but be warned: things can get quite competitive. There’s a daytime and night time version and it lasts about an hour and a half. Complete your experience with a meal at the Top Hat Bar & Restaurant.

Twist Museum London

248 Oxford Street, London W1C 1DH
30 minute walk or 15 minute taxi ride from the Mentone Hotel
Open every day
Website

Another immersive experience, this one designed around the concept of exploring the relationship between the mind and reality through mind-bending illusions and interactive installations. It uses science and art to challenge perceptions and senses, making you question what’s real. The experience lasts around 60-90 minutes.

Crystal Maze Live Experience

22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EU
30 minute walk or 15 minute taxi ride from the Mentone Hotel
Open every day
Website

60 minutes of fun based on the 90s TV series. The goal is to net as much time in The Crystal Dome as you can by solving mysteries and testing your physical and mental skills against the clock across four different zones. You can play in teams of up to 8, join other pairs or smaller groups, or choose an experience for couples. If you fancy something exciting and competitive and love the show, it’s something different to consider for Valentine’s Day in London.

The Traitors Live Experience

60 Short’s Gardens, London WC2H 9AH
20 minute walk or 12 minute taxi ride from the Mentone Hotel
Open Tuesday-Sunday
Website

If you’re a fan of the TV show and have always fancied playing it yourself, now’s your chance. Traitor or Faithful, you’ll get to test your strategy skills in a battle of loyalty and deceit, taking your seat at The Round Table in a two-hour experience where you’ll never really know whether your closest ally could be your most dangerous enemy. You’ll of course be playing with other guests – that’s the whole point – playing with people you don’t know adds to the suspense. But for sure this is a Valentine’s experience you’ll not forget in a hurry.

Relax & Stroll

One of the nicest things about Bloomsbury and the wider area of King’s Cross is that there are loads of green spaces and peaceful places to take a romantic stroll or just spend some quality time outdoors in each other’s company.

Whilst February might not be the best month for weather, we do get a few sunny days, crisp as they may be, and there’s nothing like getting out in nature to blow the winter cobwebs off.

There are many parks and squares in the area, from the more well-known Regent’s Park with its many cafés, boating lake and amazing views from the top of Primrose Hill, to Brunswick Square Gardens where you’ll spot the famous 200-year-old Brunswick Plane, and the lesser known and always surprising Camley Street Natural Park – a two-acre haven of woodlands, wetlands, wildlife and meadows all set along the Regent’s Canal.

I’ve dedicated a blog to parks and green spaces near King’s Cross, so have a read and plan a few hours of ‘us time’ outdoors.

Also, if you’re into local history and literature, or enjoy a guided walk, again there’s plenty to enjoy around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross.

I’ve put together a Best Walks and Literary Tours guide to help you discover what’s on offer, from the Bloomsbury Blue Plaque walk – always popular with literature fans, to canal and nature walks, plus guided/themed walks like Jack the Ripper, Ghost Walks and Harry Potter tours.

Also check out my Hidden Gems blog for more couple’s activities ideas around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross – from secret underground railways to city-centre nature parks, floating bookshops and a church dating back to 314AD.

Sometimes being romantic is just about doing something different and spending quality time together.

Theatres & Cinemas

Something that springs to mind when you’re thinking about romantic things to do in King’s Cross or in London generally is a night at the cinema or theatre.

We have a great theatre – the Shaw Theatre – just a five minute walk from the hotel, as well as two excellent local cinemas (The Curzon and the Everyman), plus there are lots more in the wider King’s Cross area and a little way beyond.

Have a look at my Cinema Guide blog for a full list, and below I’ve included some extra info about the Shaw Theatre and the Curzon and Everyman cinemas.

The Shaw Theatre

100-110 Euston Road, London NW1 2AJ
5 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website

The nice thing about the Shaw Theatre is that it’s an intimate venue with just 450 seats. They show a varied range of musicals, comedies and dramas – often more off the beaten track type shows that you won’t find elsewhere.

Be sure to book in advance as you can’t buy tickets on the door. Here’s what’s on.

Curzon Bloomsbury Cinema

Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1BS
6 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website
Latest film listings

Opening times:
Monday to Saturday – opens 30 minutes before the first show’s programme begins, closes at midnight
Sunday – closes at 11.30pm

The Curzon Bloomsbury Cinema is an historic arthouse cinema with six screens, including the theatre-style Renoir with its 150 reclining seats and VIP balcony. Like the Shaw Theatre, this cinema is known for its more off the beaten track type screenings, and that’s what makes it special.

Situated in the Brunswick Centre, the Curzon has its own onsite café serving an all-day bar food menu, plus a selection of cocktails, wines, craft beers and soft drinks. So you can make a proper evening of it for your Valentine’s Day in London.

Everyman Cinema King’s Cross

14-18 Handyside Street, London N1C 4DN
20 minute walk from the Mentone Hotel
Website
Latest film listings and bookings

Opening times:
From 10am every day, or half an hour before the first film of the day if earlier

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in King’s Cross, and you want something special, Everyman offers more than just a night at the flicks. This cinema lets you watch the latest films from the comfort of a sofa, with food and drink delivered to your side.

There are four screens, the largest having 109 seats and the smallest just 28 seats. Screens 1, 2 and 3 are on Handyside Street, and the 28-seat screen 4 is in the more intimate ‘Everyman on the Corner’, just a two-minute walk away.

If you’re in the mood for a drink or bite to eat after your film, there are plenty of options nearby – my guide to nightlife in Bloomsbury will help you choose somewhere you’ll both enjoy.

Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is one of those special treat type experiences that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Check out my Best Places for Afternoon Tea blog for my top picks of venues around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross, which include the Hansom at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, the Bloomsbury Hotel, and the Waldorf Hotel, all within walking distance of the Mentone or just a short taxi ride away.

If you fancy something a bit different, how about booking an afternoon tea London bus tour that combines a sightseeing trip with your afternoon tea?

You can opt for a themed afternoon tea bus, such as the ABBA-inspired London tour, or there’s a London pizza and drinks experience where you’ll get to listen to iconic sounds from the 80s, 90s and 2000s as you view the sights of the City, or a 90-minute London sights tour complete with sweet and savoury treats and a glass of Prosecco.

You can book your London bus afternoon tea tour tickets here at the Mentone, just ask at reception.

Romantic Views – and Top Places to Pop the Question

If you’re planning to propose this Valentine’s Day, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to memorable London settings. Whether you’re after sweeping views or something a little more unexpected, here are a few spots to get down on one knee.

The Shard

For a classic-with-a-twist proposal, head to the viewing platform at the top of The Shard. The panoramic views are breath-taking – and while dinner can be pricey, simply booking tickets to the top still delivers a serious wow factor.

You’ll find more info on The View from The Shard here.

The Garden at 120

If you fancy something quieter – and free – try The Garden at 120. This hidden rooftop garden in the City offers skyline views without the crowds. It’s open daily from 10am, with lifts taking you straight to the top. It’s free to enter, just bring photo ID and prepare for a quick security check.

More info here

Post Building Roof Garden

Tucked away near Holborn, the Post Building’s 9^th floor roof garden is another gorgeous – and totally free – proposal spot. Open from 10am until dusk, it’s calm, romantic and surprisingly under the radar. Again you’ll need photo ID.

You can read more here.

Thames River Cruise

Set sail with a glass of fizz and pop the question as you navigate the city’s iconic landmarks. Plenty of companies offer Valentine’s cruises, or you can book a standard sightseeing trip and find a quieter moment up on deck.

Champagne Bar at St Pancras International Station

The Champagne Bar at St Pancras International ticks a lot of boxes – romantic lighting, bubbles on tap and the iconic “Press for Champagne” button. It’s also the longest champagne bar in Europe, which makes a pretty good story to go with the proposal ;) There’s also a bar menu including plenty of sharing and small plates for the perfect couples experience.

Find out more and view the menus here.

Shopping for the Ring?

Whether you’re planning ahead or popping the question on the spur of the moment, there are some great places nearby to find a ring – whatever your budget.

Pandora at King’s Cross Station is a handy first stop if you’re after something stylish and affordable. It’s right inside the station and open daily, so ideal for a last-minute Valentine’s surprise.

If you’re looking for something more bespoke, Hatton Garden is just a 15-minute walk or quick Tube ride from the hotel. It’s London’s historic jewellery quarter, with lots of independent jewellers offering everything from classic solitaires to vintage pieces and fully custom designs. Worth a wander if you’re set on something more in the high end category, plus there are plenty of decent places to eat and drink if you want to make a day of it.

And if you’re already in possession of a ring and looking for wedding bands or engraving later, many of these same spots can help with that too.

Visiting  King’s Cross for Valentine’s Day? Book Your Stay at the Mentone Hotel!

Situated a stone’s throw from numerous attractions, restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops, parks, museums and retail outlets, the Grade II listed Mentone Hotel is set amidst the tranquil Cartwright Gardens in historical Bloomsbury.

We offer 40 rooms, free WiFi, luggage storage, and tickets for all the top London attractions. You’ll also enjoy a 10% discount if you book directly, plus an unlimited complimentary breakfast – the perfect start to a romantic day together!

Please get in touch to check availability. And we will of course be happy to point you towards the best romantic things to do in King’s Cross for Valentine’s Day!

About the Author