Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day History

Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, emphasises the proclamation of feelings towards romantic partners through the exchange of cards, chocolates, flowers and other affectionate endeavours. Due to commercialisation, this observance has expanded beyond couples, intersecting platonic relationships, where friends, family, and even pets participate in expressing their mutual affection.

The history of Valentine's Day dates back to the third century when Saint Valentine of Rome was martyred for secretly performing weddings of forbidden soldiers. The observance spread to Great Britain around the 18th century, amidst the Age of Enlightenment, and swiftly integrated into the local cultural practices. The UK became a significant contributor to the Valentine's Day traditions, innovating one of the most popular rituals—the exchange of handwritten expressions of affection, now known as 'Valentine's Day Cards'. As per a study by Bank of England, Britons spend around £557 million on these cards annually, reflecting a firm ritual among UK residents.

Though not being a public holiday, it's widely celebrated with various activities ranging from intimate dinners to romantic trips and gift exchanges. British retailers design unique Valentine themed merchandise, adding to the festive spirit. Some popular UK traditions include baking Valentine buns with caraway seeds, raisins and plums, and composing verses written on coloured paper, coined under ‘Valentine Writers’. The city of love, London, hosts special events like romantic boat rides on the River Thames, solidifying its association with romance on this special day. Valentine's Day is observed on February 14 each year.

Top 9 Facts for 2026 Valentine's Day in the UK

• The first heart-shaped chocolate box was introduced in 1861 by the British chocolatier Richard Cadbury, who used his own paintings to decorate the lids of these Fancy Boxes to encourage customers to keep them for storing love letters.
• In the county of Norfolk, a unique folklore tradition persists involving a mysterious figure known as Jack Valentine, also called Old Father Valentine, who knocks on doors on the eve of the holiday to leave small gifts and treats for children before disappearing.
• The first literary link between the observance and romantic love is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century poem, Parlement of Foules, which suggested that birds choose their mates on this specific day.
• Unlike many other countries where the sender always signs their name, the United Kingdom maintains a strong tradition of sending cards anonymously to secret admirers, often signed simply with a question mark or "from a secret admirer".
• The earliest surviving Valentine’s note was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orléans, who composed a poem to his wife while he was being held as a prisoner in the Tower of London following the Battle of Agincourt.
• In Wales, the holiday is often preceded or accompanied by the tradition of gifting hand-carved wooden love spoons, which feature intricate symbols such as keys to represent the unlocking of a heart or bells to signify a wedding.
• For the current season, a prominent aesthetic trend known as Coquette has seen a surge in the popularity of vintage-style heart cakes adorned with elaborate Lambeth piping and oversized ribbons.
• The modern companion observance of Galentine's Day has become a significant cultural fixture across Britain, with groups of friends booking wellness retreats or attending communal sound baths to celebrate platonic love.
• Historical records from the 18th century show that women in the United Kingdom used to pin five bay leaves to their pillows—one at each corner and one in the middle—in the belief that it would cause them to dream of their future husbands.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Valentine's Day

Top things to do in the UK for Valentine's Day

• Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.
• Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.
• River Thames Cruise: On Valentine's Day, special deals are often offered for dinner and night time cruises on the River Thames.
• Romantic Dinner at The Shard or Sky Garden: These iconic locations in London offer special Valentine’s Day menus.