14 things to do for Valentine's Day 2026 in Newcastle

February 14th is a time to celebrate love in all its forms and take a moment to appreciate the special people in your life. Whether you’re planning a romantic stroll in one of NewcastleGateshead’s beautiful parks, treating your loved one to an indulgent meal at a top restaurant, or cosying up to watch a film, the region has plenty to offer. From unique events and quirky date ideas to laid-back activities for couples or groups of friends, NewcastleGateshead has so many options to make your Valentine’s Day truly memorable.

Sit back and relax at Blackfriars as your personal chef crafts an exquisite six-course menu right before your eyes, featuring the finest local and seasonal ingredients. From canapés and amuse-bouche to a palate cleanser, dessert, and even cheese and coffee, every course is designed to delight your taste buds. Enhance your meal with perfectly paired wines, local beers, or distilled beverages, handpicked by the restaurant’s master sommelier. Ideal for food lovers or those who enjoy a touch of culinary theatre, the Chef’s Table promises an evening of exceptional dining, entertainment and romance. Book your spot here.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal is hosting Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show and smash-hit musical, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Head to Sunderland Empire for Matilda, and enjoy the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Book Mamma Mia here.

Book Matilda here.

If ever there was an excuse to get glammed up with your favourite people, this is it. Dakota and Jo Malone London are teaming up for the most lush Galentine's celebration.

Picture this: you and your mates gathered around beautifully styled tables awash with roses and blush florals (courtesy of the talented team at Muscari Events), candles flickering, cocktails in hand, and the most divine scents filling the air. This isn't just dinner, it's a proper sensory experience designed to celebrate friendship, self-care and all those special moments we share with the people who really get us. Find out more and book your spot here.

Experience movies like never before at Eatflix, Newcastle’s 5D cinema in Heaton. Combining the magic of film with a unique tasting experience, Eatflix allows you to enjoy food and drink inspired by what’s being eaten on screen, creating an immersive and delicious cinematic adventure. This February, including Valentine’s Day, the spotlight is on the the beloved animated classic Shrek 2. Taste your way through the story of Shrek in the land of Far Far away.

With its all-year-round promise of 5D movie magic, Eatflix is perfect for a date night or an outing with friends. Be quick though, these one-of-a-kind events sell out fast. Book your seat here.

On Friday 14th February, enjoy the excitement of live racing combined with great food, drinks, and a fantastic atmosphere, perfect for couples looking to do something different. Take advantage of hospitality packages offering tasty dining options with views of the races and soak up the unique setting as the evening unfolds. It’s a chance to dress up, enjoy some time together, and make this Valentine’s unforgettable. Book now.

Forget the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, you can head to the ball at The Great North Museum: Hancock. This is your chance to raid the back of your wardrobe, dig out those sequins, and dress to absolutely impress. We're talking full-on glamour here, the more sparkle, the better! The museum's exhibition halls will be completely transformed with incredible sounds, sights, and scents that'll make you feel right at home but ready to party like never before. Picture yourself dancing to feel-good tracks with closest friends and loved, you're in for a fabulous night. Grab your tickets now. 

Head into Fenwick and enjoy cocktails and cake with your loved one. Cocktails & Cake - inspired by tea and punch, pays homage to the delicate presentation and delectable taste of the cakes and pastries provided by the renowned Mason + Rye by Fenwick, accompanied by free-flowing cocktails from Mother Mercy, served in teapots to bring a contemporary twist to traditional afternoon tea.

The menu, carefully crafted by Mother Mercy's award-winning mixologists and Mason + Rye's Pastry Chefs, comprises decadent treats and premium cocktails that wink at the theme of tea and punch. Book your spot here.

On Sunday, 15th February 2026, share your love of running with a choice of events, including a 5k, 10k or a Valentine’s relay to team up with someone special. The mainly flat, officially measured course offers the perfect setting for runners of all abilities, whether you’re chasing a PB or simply enjoying the day together. With chip timing, water stations, and refreshments, it’s an active way to spend quality time together. Book here.

Who says Valentine's Day is just for couples? Banyan Newcastle is throwing the Galentine's Day party of your dreams with their Girl Bands Forever Bottomless Brunch. For a full two hours, you'll enjoy bottomless drinks (yes, you read that right), delicious food, and non-stop anthems from the girl bands that shaped our lives.

We're talking the iconic tunes that got you through school discos, uni nights out, and every single girls' night since. From the Spice Girls telling us what we really, really want, to Destiny's Child reminding us we're survivors, this brunch is serving up all the nostalgia. Your group chat is going to thank you for this one. Book now.

Spend Valentine’s evening enjoying great music at The Grove. Break up with your phone and ditch the screen for an incredible night of music. Showcasing some of the best talent from the North East, the line-up includes performances from Cherry Blur, Jenna Cole, Rivkala, and DJ duo Time Wastin' bringing you an evening of jazz and RnB vibes throughout the night, it's one to go to. This beats another night of swiping through Netflix or doom-scrolling through your feeds - it's Valentine's Day done the right way. Grab your tickets here.

Picture you and your loved one, surrounded by the stunning architecture of Newcastle Cathedral, bathed in the warm glow of candlelight. The Piccadilly Sinfonietta are working their magic, bringing Vivaldi's epic Four Seasons to life along with other classical beauties that'll give you goosebumps. Book your tickets here.

Celebrate Galentine’s Day in style with a bottomless brunch at Dakwala, located in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Offering an authentic taste of Bombay, Dakwala serves up vibrant dishes inspired by the city’s rich street food culture, making it the perfect spot for a lively and flavourful celebration with your closest friends.

Available every day from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, choose from three fantastic options to suit your vibe. Indulge in the Bubbly Bottomless Brunch (£33.95pp) with unlimited prosecco, mimosas, draught Heineken, or cider. For cocktail lovers, the Cocktails Bottomless Brunch (£39.95pp) includes everything from the bubbly option, plus bottomless cocktails. Prefer to skip the alcohol? The Non-Alcoholic Bottomless Brunch (£24.95pp) offers unlimited soft drinks, juices, and mocktails. With every option, enjoy either one large plate or two small plates packed with Bombay-inspired flavours. Gather your gals for an afternoon of delicious food, endless drinks, and great company. Book now.

100% Soul are bringing their legendary Love Train back to Wylam Brewery on 14th February and it's going to be a night filled with proper feel-good music. The incredible Gospel Choir will belting out classic Motown and Soul love songs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. This year's show is bigger and better than ever. They've got new choir members bringing fresh energy and an exciting selection of up-tempo classics that'll make your Saturday night a one to remember. Book tickets here.

Fancy learning a few new moves with your special someone, or your favourite mates? This Valentine's Day, it's time to put on your dancing shoes and get your groove on at The Globe. Join the brilliant team at Hoodoo Blues for a special Valentine's edition of their legendary dance classes this February. Whether you're loved-up, happily single, or somewhere in between, you're guaranteed a fantastic night out. Book your spot here.

Whatever your love language: grand gestures, quality time, or simply stuffing your faces with incredible food, here's how to spend an incredible Valentine's weekend in NewcastleGateshead. Trust us, exploring is the best way to discover what makes this place so special. Discover the ultimate 3-day Valentine's Getaway here.