Valentine's Day falls on 14 February every year and, although it is not a UK bank holiday, it is one of the nation's most eagerly anticipated dates. From the bright-red shop-fronts of London's Covent Garden to handwritten cards in Cornish village post offices, the whole country turns its thoughts to love, friendship and a dash of self-care.
Why 14 February? A Whistle-Stop History
The day's roots stretch back to Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest reputed to have performed secret marriages. By the Middle Ages, poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer connected 14 February with courtly love, and the Victorians later transformed it into a booming postal event: in 1841 the Penny Black stamp made it cheap enough for everyone to send an anonymous valentine.
- 1400s: first recorded “Valentine” love letters.
- 1797: popular “Young Man's Valentine Writer” booklet.
- 1850s: mass-produced embossed cards flood UK markets.
- 1980s - now: rise of red-rose imports, restaurant menus and online dating shout-outs.
Modern-Day Traditions Across the UK
Valentine's customs today blend centuries-old symbolism with contemporary flair:
- Restaurant rush: tables in London, Manchester and Edinburgh often sell out three weeks in advance, with tasting menus topping “most-booked” OpenTable lists.
- Floral frenzy: UK florists move roughly 25 million stems in the fortnight before the big day—90 % of them red roses.
- Card culture: more than 40 million cards swap hands, from luxury letterpress designs to DIY classroom crafts.
- “Galentine's” & “Palentine's”: single friends celebrate mutual support with cocktail nights and brunches on or around 13 February.
Economic Impact: Love in Numbers
According to the British Retail Consortium, total Valentine's spending now surpasses £1 billion annually. The biggest slices of the pie are:
- Dining & takeaway: £391 m
- Flowers & gifts: £267 m
- Jewellery: £188 m
- Travel & mini-breaks: £120 m
The date also sparks a spike in engagement-ring searches, with Google Trends peaking for “proposal ideas” between 10 - 14 February.
Top 5 UK Valentine's Experiences
- Sky-high dining at The Shard's Aqua Shard (London).
- Lake District spa escape with sunset hot-tub views over Windermere.
- Edinburgh Old Town ghost walk—for couples who like a thrill.
- Chocolate-making workshop in York's historic sweet district.
- Stargazing in Snowdonia, one of the UK's Dark-Sky Reserves.
Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly Ideas
- Bake heart-shaped Welsh cakes together at home.
- Swap imported roses for locally grown tulips or dried-flower bouquets.
- Plan a coastal walk and thermos hot-chocolate picnic.
- Create a playlist of songs from each year you've known one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valentine's Day a public holiday in the UK?
No. All shops and offices remain open unless they choose otherwise.
What if 14 February falls mid-week?
Many couples celebrate the weekend before or after; restaurants may run special menus for up to ten days.
What's an alternative gift to roses?
British-grown spring flowers (daffodils, tulips) or a potted herb garden are sustainable choices.
Key Takeaway
Whether you're planning a blockbuster proposal on Tower Bridge or a cosy night-in with heart-shaped pizza, Valentine's Day in the UK remains a living blend of folklore, Victorian sentiment and modern creativity. The real magic? Showing appreciation for partners, pals and yourself—on 14 February and beyond.