From cosy dinners for two to romantic walks or from unique experiences to pampering yourself, Lincoln has the Festival of Love covered.
We’re giving to give you a taste of some of the Valentine’s treats on offer. For other ideas and events visit The 'What's on' page or download the WOW Lincoln app – the city’s new listings guide or use the QR code at the bottom of this page.
But first a bit of Valentine’s trivia…
Do you know why we celebrate Valentine’s Day? It is to honour a 3rd Century Roman priest who defied to Emperor Claudius II by marrying couples in secret. Claudius had banned soldiers from marrying and when Valentine was imprisoned, he is supposed to have sent a letter to his jailer’s daughter signed’ from your Valentine’.
In 496 AD Pope Galesius replaced a pagan fertility festival with a feast day to honour St Valentine on February 14 and it has since grown into a global celebration of love.
Lincoln is no exception when it comes to celebrating and that little history lesson is an apt reminder that the city’s heritage is one the features that make it such an idyllic backdrop for Valentine’s Day. Take time to explore the city’s historical landmarks such as the Cathedral, Castle and the Brayford and Cornhill areas as well as the galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, and shops. Why not take a look at some more unique date ideas in Lincoln......
1. Take your romance to new heights on a Cathedral Rooftop Tour
If you want to impress your date with something unforgettable, we suggest taking part in a rooftop tour of Lincoln Cathedral. A great choice for fans of history and architecture, there’s nothing more memorable than being able to share a unique experience like this – especially when there’s an amazing view involved!
Led by an expert guide, this tour will allow you to explore the fascinating structures that hold up the cathedral roof and get an insight into the workmanship required to build and maintain this iconic structure. As well as experiencing never-before-seen views across Lincoln, you will also get the chance to get up close to the incredible stained-glass windows in the cathedral and spend time in one of the bell chambers.
2. Stokes’ Coffee and Chocolate Tasting
Producing coffee is a labour of love for the folks at Stokes and they’d love to share the experience of creating the perfect roast with a special tour – details below.
3. Dog Friendly Days at Lincoln Castle
Research shows that many of us would prefer to spend time with our pets on Valentine’s Day – Lincoln Castle has this covered with its first Dog Friendly Days of the Year on February 14-15.
From the banks of the Norman Motte to the Prison Cells, your dog can follow you on a journey back through history. Together you can explore the Medieval Wall Walk and wander through the Victorian Prison.
Visit the castle gift shop to complete your visit and stop by the café where you can even purchase a tasty treat for your four-legged friend. The Grounds are free to enter and enjoy, all other admissions apply
4. Let off some steam at The No Work Club
If you’re looking for exhilarating date ideas in Lincoln, we suggest booking an axe throwing sesh at The No Work Club. Situated in the Vulcan Park Warehouse, this exciting attraction will provide you with plenty of laughs – and plenty of chances to impress your date!
A great activity to get your adrenaline pumping, the team at The No Work Club describe axe-throwing as “like darts…but more fun”. If you don’t mind revealing your competitive side early on, this popular indoor sport is perfect for a first date. You’ll have plenty of chances to impress each other with your aim - or at least have a laugh at how bad you are!
5. Test your teamwork at Escape Lincoln
If you want to get to know what someone’s really like, an Escape Room is certainly a good test of character and compatibility. If you’re heading on a date, this is a great activity to break the ice, as you’ll have no time for awkward silences. For those in a relationship, it’s a great opportunity to learn how to work better together!
If you’re up for the challenge, Escape Lincoln have a range of mysterious rooms to try, each varying in difficulty. When you choose the game you want to play, you’ll be locked in the room with only 60 minutes to escape. To help you find your way out, you will find a variety of clues hidden around the room. If you are able to work together creatively and solve the puzzles, you should be able to escape!
6. High Stakes and Love Songs at The White Hart
Visit the White Hart from 7pm in The Royal Courtyard this Valentine’s Day and enter a world of glamour and romance with live music from resident jazz artist Rachel Calladine, a Champagne cocktail on arrival, plus a four-course dinner followed by a fun evening at the casino. For more information please click here
7. Embrace your inner child at Carousel
The real key to a successful first date is to have fun! If you’re up for a laugh, why not try Carousel? Located on the high street in Lincoln, this arcade-style bar serves up their Insta-worthy cocktails with a side of nostalgia. As well as offering an impressive drinks menu, the bar has a variety of fun experience zones to play in.
Book a space at this busy bar and you can try your hand at shuffleboard, challenge your date to a darts tournament, or join forces on one of the many retro arcade machines. As most games can accommodate up to 6 guests, Carousel is also a great spot for a group date.
If you manage to work up an appetite, the bar also has an innovative menu of street food-inspired dishes. Served as small plates, these are perfect for sharing – plus it means you can avoid the pressure of a sit down meal!
8. Entertainment
A Valentine’s Dating show is being staged Southside and is inviting singles (only) to take part to in a fun and interactive experience.
For music lovers the New Theatre Royal will take you back to the sixties with Twist and Shout while there’s laughter in store over at The Drill with the Red Herring Comedy Club
9. Duke William, Ferry Boat, Royal William IV Valentine’s Menu
The Ever So Sensible Group’s pubs in and around the city offer a romantic, candlelit dinner with a special menu and a relaxed, cosy vibe. Check it out
10. Show off your moves at the Lincoln Jazz Café
The Lincoln Jazz Café is the perfect spot for a sophisticated date. One of the city’s best kept secrets, this beautiful bar has a wonderfully relaxed and romantic vibe.
Showcasing a fantastic selection of wines, whisky and spirits, the drinks menu here is extremely impressive. Order one of the bar’s delicious cocktails and it will be crafted by an expert mixologist – and served with a splash of showmanship.
The Jazz Café is only open from Thursday – Sunday, so it’s a good idea to book a table in advance. If you want to make your date even more special, the bar hosts local musicians on selected Sundays, so you can savour your drinks to a soundtrack of live jazz.
10. Feel a spark at Electric Bar
Going for cocktails on a date may not be entirely original – but this location definitely is! The Electric Bar is Lincoln’s first ever sky bar.
Situated on the rooftop of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, this stylish cocktail bar boasts unparalleled views of the city. If you’re planning a day date, we suggest popping up here for a coffee - the inspiring surroundings will give you plenty to talk about! Time your date right and you will be rewarded with the most incredible views of the sun setting over the Brayford.
By night, The Electric Bar boasts an extensive menu of cocktails, beers and wine. If you really want to impress, head outside to the balcony, where you will be able to enjoy a brilliant view of the city’s sparkling skyline.
11. Valentine’s at Doddington Hall
Indulge in a delicious eight-course tasting menu, with optional wine pairing, in warm and relaxed surroundings at the award-winning Grain Store Restaurant. From the estate’s rare breed, pasture-fed Lincoln Red beef and game to freshly picked ingredients from the Doddington Kitchen Garden, each course champions its field-to-fork ethos for a Valentine’s meal to remember. Book here
12. Wellbeing
Treat a loved one to a pampering session at one of Lincoln’s many health and beauty outlets including a Japanese Head Spa – the new favourite experience at Dan Taylor Hairdressing at the Lawn.
To keep up to date with everything happening in Lincoln download the new WOW Lincoln listings app here
