7 Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas That Don’t Involve Drinking

For some, Valentine’s Day is all about Champagne coupés and misty-eyed toasts. But if you’re skipping alcohol this year – whether for a month, a moment, or forever – it doesn’t mean your date night has to feel any less special. In fact, removing the default “drink first, talk later” routine can make space for something more intentional, more connective, and (dare I say it) more memorable.

Stuck for ideas? Here are seven dates (for lovers or friends) guaranteed to feel amorous, without revolving around a glass of liquid courage.

1. A candlelit dinner at home

Don’t scrap dinner dates all together just because you’re going alc-free. Cooking is romance in motion, after all. Let’s set the scene properly: soft lighting, a playlist you both love, your favourite Bed Threads table linen, and a recipe that feels slightly out of your comfort zone (homemade ravioli, or a whole roasted fish, for example). Cook slowly and eat leisurely, for zero fuss with maximum intimacy.

2. A letter-swap walk

Yes, you could easily message one another sweet nothings via whatever your telecommunication device of choice, but where’s the Jane Austen in that? Instead, choose a nearby lookout, park, or beach and time a stroll with your paramour with golden hour. Before you leave, each person writes the other a short letter – what you appreciate, a favourite memory or your hopes for the year ahead. Granted, it’s old school, but we think leaning in is, well, in for 2026.

3. An at-home spa night (with matching robes, naturally)

Transform your bedroom or bathroom into a spa. Think: face masks, a gentle scrub, fresh towels, manicure. It’s nurturing and, crucially, screen-free; ideally leaving you both feeling restored instead of depleted.

4. An early morning adventure

Who said date nights have to be at… night? Set an alarm for sunrise and turn Valentine’s Day into a “Valentine’s Dawn” (I’m happy for you to workshop better names for this one). Pack coffees and pastries, then drive somewhere beautiful to watch the world wake up. There’s something inherently romantic about stealing a moment together before everyone else is up.

5. A creative home-studio session

No artistic prowess required. In fact, the less skill you have, the better. Set up a makeshift “studio” – a plastic tablecloth, whatever supplies you can find, and zero expectations. Paint, draw each other (badly), make a lopsided clay dish, or attempt a still-life of the fruit slowly dying in your bowl. The point isn’t to create something profound; it’s to embrace the low-stakes chaos. You’ll walk away with either a masterpiece or undeniable proof that you should keep your day jobs. Either way, it’s entertaining.

6. A screen-free games tournament

We’re talking board games, cards or puzzles that take over the whole dining table. Add snacks, a cosy throw, and your shared competitive streak for a wholesome alternative to pub trivia (a good reminder that flirting doesn’t stop just because you’re not out at a bar).

7. A movie night in with your best threads

Sometimes the bed is the plan. Fresh sheets, decent pyjamas, a dessert you both agree won’t destroy said sheets, and a new film or series you’ve actually been meaning to watch. No queues, no pressure to be “out.” Just the simple pleasure of doing nothing together – which, honestly, is often the most successful date night of all.