10 unusual Leeds Valentine's Day events for couples and singles

Swap the candlelit dinners and cinema visits for something a little out of the ordinary this Valentine’s Day if you're celebrating in Leeds.

From fiery dance classes to creative workshops, treat your special someone (or yourself - it's not just for couples) to a romantic evening to remember on or around 14 February.

Learn to rumba

Let your hair down and unleash your inner dancer at the city’s most stylish champagne bar, where you can have a go at learning the rumba - the sultry dance of love.

Tickets cost £5 each, and for an additional £5 you can add a glass of bubbly.

Dancers don't have to attend in pairs, either, so don't worry if you're going solo.

Visit: Epernay, Great George Street, LS1 3DW – eventbrite.co.uk

Enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Step back in time to 1960s Manhattan and enjoy the romance and music of classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The film screening will be preceded by a live 20 minute concert, featuring classics from the American Songbook, performed by the Chorus of Opera North.

Visit: Howard Assembly Room, 46 New Briggate, LS1 6NU – operanorth.co.uk

Love is in the Scare

Ideal for those who aren’t into traditional romantic activities, the Yorkshire Scare Grounds Theme Park (30 minutes drive 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, or with only a glow stick to light your way.

Visit: Yorkshire Scare Grounds Theme Park, Horse Race End, Hell Lane, Heath, Wakefield, WF1 5SG – scaregrounds.co.uk

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Ditch or Date

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

Changing partners every four minutes, there will be plenty of opportunity 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.

Visit: Crowd of Favours, Harper Street, LS2 7EA – crowdoffavours.co.uk

Experience a new culture

Ideal for fans of Japanese pop culture, cosplay and retro games, Leeds Central Library is hosting a Valentine’s themed Toshocon event.

Held on Saturday 17 February, the gathering will even have a Meian Maid Cafe, where you can enjoy delicious food and be entertained with dancing, magic spells and games as you dine.

Visit: Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street, LS1 3AB – facebook.com

Go out and mingle

It’s considered the most romantic day of the year and event organisers, Social Life UK, don’t want those who are unattached to miss out on the fun.

That's why they’re hosting a glamorous evening at the trendy rooftop bar, East 59th, where guests can sip cocktails and have fun making new connections.

Singles nights usually costs £8.99, but if you join up (at £25 per annum) there is no extra cost to attend.

Visit: East 59th, Rooftop, Victoria Gate, Eastgate, LS2 7AU – sociallifeuk.com

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Bake together

Bond with your partner in the kitchen and put your baking skills to the test at Le Pain Quotidien.

Here you will be taught the art of making the perfect fresh meringue pavlova, as well as tiramisu and biscuits, as a tasty Valentine’s treat.

The baking classes cost £35 per person, and include a hot drink or wine, canapes, and jars of signature jams and spreads, along with your freshly baked goodies.

Visit: Le Pain Quotidien, Victoria Gate, Harewood Street, LS2 7AR – victorialeeds.co.uk

Get artsy

Valentine’s Day can be isolating if you’re single, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary affair.

Further North bar is hosting a special art workshop specifically for singles, where the focus is on socialising, building friendships and getting creative along the way.

Visit: Further North, 194 Harrogate Road, LS7 4NZ – northbar.com

Be adventurous

The fairy-tale-like setting of Hazlewood Castle may be the idyllic date night spot, but it’s also hiding a world of adventure in the midst of its 77 acres of woodland – perfect for those couples who are looking for something more action-packed.

Quad biking, paintballing, axe throwing, archery and trail biking, are just a few of the exciting outdoor activities you can get stuck into.

Visit: Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Hazlewood, LS24 9NJ – hazlewood-castle.co.uk

Fuel your competitive side

Home to ping pong tables, pool, a nine hole mini golf course and beer pong stations, Roxy Ball Room isn’t your average date night bar.

Ideal for some competitive play with your partner, or a fun-fuelled night with your single friends, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained here.

Visit: Roxy Ball Room, 58 Boar Lane, LS1 6HW – roxyballroom.co.uk