Looking for love in the most unusual places in Leeds

If love hearts, candles, cards and overpriced meals aren’t really the way you want to declare your feelings, or if you are single and are avoiding all things romantic, then we have you covered.

We have come up with some, alternatives - whether you are in a couple or looking for a fun night out with mates instead.

If the idea of love scares you then this is the perfect starting point for how to deal with Wednesday.

The Yorkshire Scare Grounds Theme Park (just half an hour away from Leeds) is hosting three spooky and nail-biting experiences across three nights in honour of Valantine’s Day. Each event takes place in complete darkness with only a glow stick to light your way.

Also taking it outdoors is Hazlewood Castle which is going for fitness rather than fairytale. Within the 77 acres of woodland those looking for something more action-packe can get stuck into quad biking, paintballing, axe throwing, archery and trail biking to name but a few date night suggestions.

You could also take cupid cultural and see how love is done oriental style. Leeds Central Library is hosting a Valentine’s themed Toshocon event with Japanese pop culture, cosplay and retro games. It will be a week tomorrow and the gathering will even have a Meian Maid Cafe, where you can enjoy food, dancing, magic spells and games .

And if it is the case that food is the way to your heart, then this French fancy will get the pulse racing. You and your partner can put your baking skills to the test in the kitchen at Le Pain Quotidien.Be taught the art of making the perfect fresh meringue pavlova, as well as tiramisu and biscuits, as a tasty Valentine’s treat. Classes cost £35 per person, and include a hot drink or wine, canapes and jars of signature jams and spreads.

If you are single and looking to mingle then these two city centre bars have the solution to make sure you won’t look like a loner.

Ditch or Date is putting the fun back into Valentine’s Day for singles at Crowd of Favours’. The speed dating evening is all about chatting, flirting and having fun in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Change partners every four minutes to meet new people, make friends, or even spark a romance. You’ll be notified of any interested matches the following day, giving you something exciting to look forward to.

Meanwhile over at East 59th in Victoria Gate, event organisers, Social Life UK, don’t want those who are unattached to miss out on the fun so are putting on a night where guests can sip cocktails on the rooftop and have fun making new connections.

And speaking of cocktails, there is one out there for everyone and the BeAtOne bars will leave cocktail lovers feeling Crazy In Love. So, for those whose taste buds yearn for some Sweet Sweet Lovin’, perhaps a Banoffee Old Fashioned is the perfect match or those looking for something to Relight Their Fire, a zesty Blue Steel could be the one.

The bar’s app features a new function, Drinkr, which plays cupid with cocktails so, simply swipe left or right to discover your perfect match and once you’ve found it get a voucher to redeem the cocktail for just a fiver at the bar and if all else fails, the staff are waiting to welcome you with open arms.