My love don’t cost a thing
Valentine’s Day can be sweet, romantic, and, let’s face it – expensive. The dinners, gifts, outfits, and extras can really add up. But this year, why not give your wallet a rest and still make unforgettable memories? Skip the crowded restaurants and overpriced bouquets this year and focus on what really matters—making memories, sharing laughter, and indulging in a bit of romance. Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love, not draining your bank account. Whether you’re partnered, hanging with friends, or spending the day treating yourself, here are 14 no-spend ways to celebrate love in all its forms.

Free Valentines Date Ideas
1. Get Some Fresh Air (and Each Other’s Attention)

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most romantic. Fresh air is free, and love pairs perfectly with a stroll or hike. Bonus: It’s great for your heart—both figuratively and literally! Go for a walk hand in hand or head to a nearby park for some nature therapy. Don’t forget to bundle up if it’s chilly and let nature do its magic – and consider bringing a thermos of tea or hot chocolate to warm up.



2. Escape into a Romantic Story
Sometimes, the most passionate journeys happen within the pages of a book. Dive into a love story without spending a penny. Visit your local library or little free library, browse free ebooks, online book swaps, or rediscover that paperback gathering dust on your shelf. Prefer listening to your stories? Try out a free audiobook with an Audible trial. For couples feeling adventurous, reading the steamy scenes aloud could heat things up even more.
3. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
Old memories have a way of reigniting forgotten joy. Sit down with photo albums, home videos, or letters, and relive your best moments together. Whether reminiscing about first dates or inside jokes, laughter and nostalgia come free.
Why not turn your favourite photos and moments into a digital scrapbook? Preserve your favourite memories digitally with free tools like Canva that make it easy to design a collection of memories, complete with sweet captions and personalised touches. Choose a romantic colour scheme and fill it with photos and notes. If you’re feeling less crafty, opt for a Pinterest board while a rom-com plays in the background. It’s the perfect way to relive past adventures and dream up future ones.
4. Dine Like Royalty Without Leaving Home
Why battle for a table at a crowded restaurant when you can cook something spectacular in your own kitchen or better yet, take advantage of the amazing meal deals supermarkets have to offer? Dig through your pantry, get creative, and whip up something delicious for a cheaper or free valentines – whether it’s pasta with homemade sauce or pancakes for dinner. Light some candles, put on music, and make dining at home feel luxurious.


Last year, we enjoyed an entire vegan meal with Waitrose’s £20 Valentine’s Dine In for 2, and staying in never felt so good. The deal included 1 starter, main, side, dessert, and a choice of wine, cocktail, or non-alcoholic drink for just £20. Here’s what we picked:
- Starter: Plant Living Spinach Ravioli (£3.40)
- Side: White Rabbit Garlicky Focaccine (£3.70)
- Main: Juicy Marbles Thick Cut Fillet (£9)
- Dessert: No1 Millionaires Torte (£4.00)
- Drink: Tails Cocktails Rum Daiquiri (£16)
Altogether, this was a saving of £16.10 compared to buying the items individually. So, whether you’re cooking from scratch or treating yourself to a meal deal, staying in can feel just as special as dining out—without the hefty price tag.
5. Pamper Yourself with a DIY Spa Night
Transform your home into a luxurious spa and a haven of relaxation with items you already have. Run a warm bath, light a candle, and put on a soothing playlist as you soak. Treat your skin to a DIY face mask or use that forgotten face mask from the back of your cabinet and exfoliate with homemade scrubs. If you’re with a partner, take turns giving each other relaxing massages to make it even more intimate.
6. Compose a Love Poem or Letter
Put pen to paper and let your heart do the talking. Whether sweet or silly, poetry is a timeless way to express affection. Write a heartfelt letter or poem to your partner, your best friend, or even yourself -because self-love deserves a little Shakespeare too. Express your gratitude, share dreams for the future, or simply list all the little things that make you smile. The effort will mean more than any store-bought gift. Jot it down on pretty paper or jazz it up with colourful doodles.
7. Host a Themed Movie Marathon
Movie nights don’t have to be basic. Make your free valentines movie night an event with a fun theme. Pick a theme—whether it’s romantic classics, black-and-white favourites, nostalgic rom-coms, or even anti-Valentine’s horror flicks—and go all out. Serve snacks that match the mood, build a cosy blanket fort, and immerse yourself in cinematic magic, and don’t forget to play a matching playlist before the show begins!

8. Play Tourist in Your Own Town and Explore Free Valentines Local Events
There’s likely something fun happening nearby that won’t cost a penny. Check your local event listings, libraries, or community boards for free valentines day concerts, outdoor movies, street festivals, dance classes, romantic outdoor film screenings or museum nights. From live music to museum exhibits, your town likely has free Valentines events on offer. Valentine’s Day can be the perfect excuse to explore your town together and look at some of the amazing window displays. Window displays below by the amazing Retro Displays.


When was the last time you explored your own city like a tourist? Take public transport, plan a self-guided walking tour, and check out all those hometown landmarks you’ve been meaning to visit. Bring snacks, take loads of photos, and enjoy seeing familiar sights from a fresh perspective.
9. Visit a Museum
Visit a Museum on your free valentines date and spend the day immersed in art, science, or history by visiting a local museum. Many museums offer free entry, or you might find free passes online. Wandering the marble halls will make you feel like you’re on an adventure—and you’ll probably learn a little something too!
Valentines Day 2019 –

10. Bake Something Sweet Together
Baking isn’t just about the end result—it’s a bonding experience. Sweeten your day with homemade desserts like heart-shaped cookies or a decadent red velvet cake. Team up to create heart treats, cupcakes, or brownies using ingredients you already have for a fun and tasty free valentines. Not only will you have a delicious treat to enjoy, but the smell of fresh baking is its own form of therapy. If you’re celebrating solo, indulge in baking for one and treat yourself to dessert in bed.



11. Have a free valentines picnic (Indoors or Out)
Picnics are magical, whether you’re in the middle of a sunny park or curled up on your living room floor. Pack some snacks, pour drinks into fancy glasses, and lay out a blanket. If the weather cooperates, head to a local park. If not, lay the spread out on your living room floor and make it cosy with pillows and candles. With the right mood, even your lounge can feel like a romantic getaway.
Past free valentines –


Picnics and hikes are some of our favourite things to do together.

As you can see last year our free valentines activity was a day together at the allotment with a really good picnic!
12. Get Crafty with DIY Valentine’s Projects
Let your creativity take over with some DIY crafts. Unleash your creativity with free valentines online printables, from Valentine’s cards to DIY decorations. Make homemade cards, create paper flowers, or design something fun with free valentines printables from Pinterest. Whether you’re doing it with friends or enjoying a quiet crafting session on your own, it’s a satisfying way to spend the day.
13. Watch the Sky Paint a Masterpiece

Sunrises and sunsets are nature’s love letters to the world, and they’re completely free. Nature’s most romantic moments don’t cost a thing. Wrap up warm, grab a blanket, and soak in the beauty of a new day or a fading sunset for the perfect end to a free valentines. Take in the beauty of the changing view, and let the magic of the sky do the rest.


14. Stay in Bed
Sometimes, the ultimate luxury is staying under the covers. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to stay in bed all day. Sleep in, binge-watch your favourite shows, read that book you’ve been meaning to finish, or just enjoy doing nothing. Breakfast in bed is optional but highly recommended. Whether you sleep in or spend the day cuddled up, this is your time to relax and recharge.
Love is priceless—so let’s celebrate it that way. Whether you’re making memories with someone special or soaking up some quality “me” time, these free valentines day ideas prove that the best moments are often the ones money can’t buy. Ready to plan your perfect free valentines day? Let us know how you’ll be spending your no-spend Valentine’s!