Six unique Valentine’s experiences

Looking for something more than drinks and dinner? Then take a look at some of the unique experiences available around Leicester and Leicestershire this Valentine’s Day. You’ll be in the good books all year round if you choose one of these fantastic events!

Cuddle the Alpacas, meet the piggies and feed the babies at Charnwood Forest Alpacas for just £22 per person. You’ll get a 30 minute walk with the Alpacas (in their stylish bandanas), then get up close with the pigs, feed them and snap a few pics, before meeting the Cria (baby alpacas) and learning more about them. You can upgrade your experience with a Valentine’s themed afternoon tea in the Chilli Bean café! Experiences are available from 13-15 February.

Book yours here

Start your evening under giant rockets for drinks and canapés, then join the Space Centre’s stargazing specialist for a guided tour of the night sky before sitting down to a gourmet five-course dinner. Created from the best local seasonal ingredients, this is a unique fine dining experience in the breathtaking surroundings of the National Space Centre, which you can then explore at your leisure. You can also upgrade to a private dining room for the ultimate intimate experience.

SPACE is very limited, book now!

What could be more romantic than listening to great music by candlelight in one of Leicester’s most historic buildings? In the Guildhall you can either come for renditions of some of the most iconic love songs at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, or party on down with the tunes of ABBA and Queen at 9.30pm! Leicester Cathedral are also holding a Candlelit performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons by the Picadilly Sinfonetta. All on Saturday 14 February.

If music is the food of love, then laughter is definitely the dessert! On Valentine’s Day itself there are a whole host of events at the Leicester Comedy Festival from a free afternoon joke session at the Real Ale Classroom to Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show at the Y Theatre. See work in progress shows from Jonathan Oldfield, Sami Abu-Wardeh or Joey Page or see future stars in Circuit Breakers at the Big Difference. Comedy superstar Sara Pascoe is at De Montfort Hall, and there’s a special Valentines edition of social media sensation Fesshole at the Y.

Take a look at all the events here

It’s time to get your hands dirty and create with your loved one as you make local delicacies for Valentine’s. Brocklebys in Melton offer Pie Workshops where in just 3 hours you will learn everything you need to produce a traditional Melton Mowbray Pork Pie to rival the professionals. Back in Leicester get yourself into a chocolately mess with Cocoa Amore’s immersive chocolate workshops, where you can learn the history of Cocoa and the secrets of Chocolatiering. Running for two hours, you’ll gain skills you can take home with you (alongside your gift-wrapped hand-created truffles!) Or if you fancy a tipple, then book in for a cocktail masterclass at 33 Cank Street, a fun and interactive 90 minute experience where you’ll make and sample three classic or contemporary cocktails, with a little history and behind-the-bar knowledge from their in-house experts.

Did you know that the roots of Valentine’s Day lie in the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, a mid-February fertility celebration? What better place to celebrate this fascinating link than the Jewry Wall Real Roman Experience, who are offering a special Valentine’s Afternoon Tea all Valentine’s weekend! Enjoy a delicious selection of freshly baked scones, classic sandwiches, and warming hot drinks, all served in this most unique of historical settings.

Click here to book your place