It is the question every single person dreads being asked: what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?

This annual commercial occasion seems to emphasise that it is the best day of the year for those who are in a relationship, but the worst for those who are single.

This year, I wanted to prove that I could still make plans on my own and enjoy this time of year even if I didn’t receive a heart-shaped gift or a bunch of roses.

I decided to spend a day at the aptly named Valentine’s Park, in Ilford, reading Jonathan Franzen’s collection of essays called How To Be Alone.

I sat on a bench in the Horace Cowlin Memorial Shelter, which was built in the park in memory of an Ilford soldier killed in action at the Battle Of The Somme in 1916, and listened to the sound of the gentle ripples of the lake nearby.

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However, the chill of the frosty February air soon began to make me feel bitterly cold and my hands became so numb that I could barely turn the pages of my book.

In an attempt to get the circulation back in my body, I decided to have a walk round the park and feed the ducks, but this was also cut short when I spotted a sign which warned that giving the ducks food would encourage rats to appear.

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Feeling alarmed by the prospect of being chased by a family of hungry rodents, I ended my trip to the park and as I waited for the last bus home, I compiled a list of other ways that single people can entertain themselves on the most romantic day of the year…

Feline lonely?

A pet cat is for life, not just for Valentine’s Day. Battersea Dogs And Cats Home is inviting feline lovers to register for their “purrfect” soulmate and take part in their rehoming event this evening.

More than 3,000 cats a year come to the world-renowned rescue centre searching for a loving home, but sadly some are often overlooked day in and day out as people walk past their pens without a second glance.

In a bid to ensure there is genuine interest, Battersea matchmakers will be there on the night to register people’s details using their cupid calculator to match humans to the cats.

The Cattery, Battersea Dogs And Cats Home, Park Road, Battersea, SW8 4AA, Tuesday, February 14, 5.30pm to 7pm and 7pm to 8.30pm, details: Battersea.org.uk/support-us/events/feline-lonely

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Colour Me Good

Choose your own perfect celebrity date with either Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch or Tom Hiddleston this evening, with a colouring book from the National Theatre Bookshop.

After being sent the Benedict Cumberbatch book, I discovered it contained many scenarios and self-doodling tasks, such as the option to draw the Sherlock actor a band t-shirt to show him what music I would like him to listen to. There was also a blank page for me to draw myself with his arm draped around me, or sketch a picture of a meal I would love to cook for him.

So forget about roses and chocolate; seclude yourself for a night with one of your favourite men instead.

To purchase one of the colouring books, visit: shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk

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Rowan’s

If you don’t want to spend the evening alone, why not go bowling with your friends at Rowan’s Bowling Alley, in Finsbury Park, instead.

The bowling alley has been around since 1913, managing to survive two world wars, and even played host to The Beatles in 1963.

Aimed at grownups, you can bowl, sing karaoke, slurp an alcoholic slushie and even have pizza delivered straight to your lane or karaoke booth. What more could you want?

Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, N4 2DF, details: 020 8800 1950, rowans.co.uk

My Twisted Valentine

Forget scanning Netflix for your favourite film to watch tonight, head to the Barbican cinema instead and catch screenings of classic films that provide an alternative to the traditional romantic comedies that are usually associated with this day.

Some of the films include Gun Crazy, a poignant feature about a wayward crush and a 1970’s update on Oscar Wilde’s fantasy horror, called The Secret Of Dorian Gray.

The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS, details: 020 7638 4141, barbican.org.uk/film

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Comment below or email rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk