With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, find a romantic activity to share with that special someone – or enjoy with a friend.

“The Vic-tour-ian: Into the Marriage Mart” at Prittlewell Priory

On February 11, celebrate Valentines the Victorian way, at the medieval priory in Victoria Avenue.

Put on your crinolines, select your chaperone, and make your debut on the infamous “marriage mart” for all things courtship in the Victorian era.

First, enter the parlour where the resident “Vic-tour-ian” will teach everything you need to know for a successful season, before enjoying a traditional Victorian tea tasting menu.

Victorian attire is encouraged but is not essential.

All the Victorian tea items are vegetarian-friendly.

More info here.

Visit an exhibition at Beecroft Art Gallery

Browse the Southend gallery’s extensive permanent collection of more than 2,000 artworks, ranging from 17th-century Dutch paintings to contemporary pieces.

Also take in one of two exhibitions currently running. Owen Harvey’s “Last Days of Summer” exhibition runs until April 7.

Meanwhile, one of Southend’s most unique and diverse artists is being celebrated in a look back at his career. Steve Whittle’s “Retrospective 1973 to 2023” opens on February 13 and runs until March 31.

More info here.

Go stargazing at Southend Planetarium

Gaze at the beauty of our universe as part of a unique experience in the heart of Southend, at the Central Museum in Victoria Avenue.

Public shows which last between 45 and 60 minutes run every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Pre-booking is essential.

Adult tickets for a standard show cost £6.80. Children and concessions cost £4.60. A family ticket, for two adults and up to three children, costs £21.

Call 01702 212345 to confirm seat availability and to receive the current programme.

Couple’s Spa Day at the Athenaeum Club

Enjoy a “perfect” day of relaxation with a loved one at the spa in Aviation Way.

For £75 per person, put life on hold and take advantage of all the facilities on offer.

A light continental breakfast with tea or coffee and fruit juice will be served in the Bistro.

Choose from one of three 25-minute treatments:

  1. Athenaeum foot and leg ritual
  2. Indian head massage
  3. Express mini facial

Take in the tranquil surroundings of the domed library and enjoy a chilled glass of prosecco.

For more information, call 01702 560510.

Take a romantic stroll

Southend is blessed to have a wealth of open spaces, providing the perfect opportunity for an idyllic walk.

Visit Southchurch Hall Gardens, Priory Park, Shoebury Common Beach, or walk down the 1.3-mile Southend Pier to hopefully spot the seals.

It’s free, it’s healthy, and it offers the chance to have deep and meaningful conversations with a loved one.