9 fantastic gift experiences for couples

Want to give something special to a happy couple in your life? Or perhaps you're looking for the perfect present for your partner which you can enjoy together?

Whatever you need, these gift experiences for couples are excellent Christmas, birthday or anniversary presents.

We’ve classified these gift experiences for couples using pound signs so you know whether you’ll be spending tens (££) or hundreds (£££) of pounds.

A year of dates – ££

This is quite literally a gift that keeps on giving… Created by a couple who found themselves at a loss on evenings in, this date-night-in-a-box concept is genius. The box has 52 cards inside, colour-coded for ‘going out’ and ‘staying in’ dates, and each has a suggestion of what to do for your weekly date night. The lucky couple will draw cards that suggest everything from ‘have a picnic’ to ‘go dancing’, and will have an entire year’s worth of date inspiration – a lovely way to keep their relationship fresh and enjoy new experiences together.

London Shell Company dinner cruise – min. £££

If you know a couple who love a little shellfish, this unique London cruise is for them. Buy a voucher for dinner for two and they’ll get a five-course tasting menu of the freshest seafood from our nearby shores. Think scallops, oysters and gloriously delicate fish, all washed down with wine pairings and cocktails (extra) on a beautiful Dutch barge that cruises from Paddington to Camden and back.

Lunch in Paris (with Eurostar) – £££

There’s something incredibly romantic about the idea of travelling to Paris just for lunch, and Virgin Experience Days makes it easy for you to treat a couple you know to a thrilling day out. They’ll travel by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord station, then enjoy a three-course lunch and glass of wine at a quality restaurant in the city centre. They can spend the afternoon as they please, exploring the Louvre, wandering along the Seine or exploring the Champs-Élysées, before heading back to London on a train that evening.

A British vineyard escape – £££

In 2019, award-winning British winery Denbies opened their own vineyard hotel, accompanying their exceptional restaurant and fabulous tours and tasting experiences. Spend £115 on experience vouchers for loved ones and they’ll be able to redeem it on anything, from a stay at the hotel to an afternoon of wine tasting and touring the vineyard. The hotel is a beautiful boutique-style property overlooking the vine-clad rolling Surrey hills. Postitively dreamy!

A relaxing spa break – £££

Whether they’re tired parents in need of a restorative weekend away, or you simply want to treat someone to an indulgent break, spa weekends are one of the best ways to help someone switch off and relax – and to show you care. We’ve done all the hard work for you and researched the best spa hotels in London. For those not near the capital, here are the best spas in England, and these are the top spa hotels in Scotland. In Wales, we’ve found nine amazing spas, too.

An entertaining theatre break – £££

There’s no better way to escape the daily grind than a trip to the theatre. True escapism for a few hours at a time, London has some of the best shows out there. Use our box office portal to book cut-price tickets for the city’s hottest shows, from Wicked to The Lion King, as well as touring shows only available for a limited time. We’ve also put together a guide on the best London show and hotel pairings, so book them a full break with this as your inspiration.

A make-your-own-gin masterclass – £££

Gin has been the drink of the moment for quite some time now, and the spirit is well and truly back in fashion. There are tonnes of great distilleries all over the UK, but only a handful do proper gin schools. The Gin Masterclass at Colwith Farm Distillery offers you the chance to create your own blend of gin using their plentiful botanicals, as well as tasting their own Stafford’s Dry Gin and a few seasonal cocktails. The distillery is based down in Cornwall, but for those further north try the gin school at Pixels Spirits Distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

An indulgent afternoon tea – ££

Tea, cake and Champagne. What’s not to love about afternoon tea? This great British tradition is bound to be a winner as a couples gift experience. Whether you know a pair who love their scones, or perhaps prefer something a bit different, there are ample afternoon teas out there for an indulgent afternoon. We’ve rounded up the best afternoon teas in London, from booze-themed teas to cheesy ones.

A bread-making class

Who doesn’t love bread? Whether you’re a sourdough connoisseur or simply love a crusty baguette, you knead to visit The Epsom Bakehouse (pun intended, no apologies here). From introductory classes to sourdough and Italian bread-making tutorials, there’s something for all levels.

“I get many couples on my bread making classes,” explains teacher Rhiannon. “They often get a bit competitive to see who can bake the best bread!”