Let this A-Z of London date ideas inspire you to have a bit of fun with your other half.
Looking for a way to zhuzh up your love life? Let us introduce you to a revolutionary concept called Alphabet Dating that will fill you with dozens of date ideas. (Photo: @tmnikonian)
It actually became a craze a few years ago, after many couples were looking for a way to add a bit of spice to their relationships. Alphabet Dating encouraged them to get creative with their time together. The notion is pretty simple: you and your partner take it turns to come up with date ideas, each one inspired by a different letter of the alphabet.
But, whether you’ve just started dating or you’ve been together for years, it’s still a great formula for finding fun date ideas. So, if you’re looking for competitive dates, fancy dates, cheap dates or even free dates, let this list inspire you.
A is for
Axe throwing. As date ideas go, this one’s pretty wacky – but it’s a great way to unleash some rage, whilst also spending top quality time together. Sold? Thought you might be. Get your tickets for axe throwing here.
Archery. Become an expert with Archery Fit, and show your partner why they should never disagree with you.
Abseiling. How about the UK’s highest freefall abseil? Let’s be honest, nothing is quite as sexy as quivering with fear at the top of a 262 foot building.
Afternoon tea. Because it’s cute, it’s cake, it’s gloriously British, and you’re bound to find a theme that will pique your partner’s interest. Here are some of our favourite afternoon teas in London.
B is for
Brunch. Bottomless or otherwise, you’re pretty spoilt for date ideas when it comes to prosecco and avo’ on toast. Check out our favourite bottomless brunches in London.
Board Games. This one’s a bit of a Risk because Uno it’s likely to end in an argument. We recommend heading to Proceed Clockwise, because at least then there’s pizza and beer to keep spirits high.
Bowling. Ah, the classic bowling alley date. Check out London’s best lanes.
Boat trip. Imagine floating along the Thames with a glass of bubbly, watching the sun go down. That’s got to be romance at its very finest, right? Thames Dinner Cruise have lots of different packages: take a look here. Alternatively, there are plenty of slightly splashier date ideas. Take a look at these other—somewhat more adventurous—boat trips.
Beach. If you fancy going a little further afield, a stroll along the beach is an honourable move. Here are a few beaches that aren’t too far from London.
C is for
Cocktails. If in doubt, drinks. You can’t go wrong with these swish cocktail bars, including some of London’s best.
Climbing. Guaranteed to take your relationship to new heights, head to Clip ‘n’ Climb in Chelsea for the ultimate kidult date.
Crazy golf. Another go-to date idea that’ll putt a smile on your face. Here are a selection of the craziest golf courses in London.
Comedy. Laughter is the best medicine, but it’s also a well-known aphrodisiac. I’ll say no more. Check out these upcoming stand-up comedy nights.
Circus. If you’re up for something a little different – you know, like contortionists and fire-breathers – the circus could be a fun idea. Find out what’s on here.
Cinema. If you’re asking someone for date ideas, chances are they’ll suggest the cinema. It’s a classic! Get cheap tickets for Odeon cinemas, or check out London’s most luxurious–and therefore wildly romantic–cinemas.
D is for
Dessert. Fancy something sweet (besides bae)? London is full of dessert bars but our favourite has to be Basement Sate. They pair puddings and cocktails, and it’s practically perfect in every way.
Day trip. Show them a world outside of London. Here are 100 day trips to choose from if you’re feeling adventurous.
E is for
Exhibition. From the weird to the wonderful, here are the best art exhibitions to take your boo to.
Escape room. Some may call it a ‘bonding experience’, while others may see it as more of a make or break situation. Whatever it is, here are London’s best offerings.
Eurostar. Whisk your partner away to the city of luuuurve for the day with these cut-price Eurostar getaways. After all, on ne vit qu’une fois. (That’s YOLO or, erm, ONVQUF.)
F is for
Fireside drinks. Now here’s a date idea that is sure to keep the flame burning. Check out these cosy London pubs with open fires.
Farm. Why not share your date with the sheep, pigs, ducks and donkeys of Hackney City Farm? They’re pretty good wingmen.
G is for
Gin. Seek out one of London’s prettiest G&Ts. (And if they don’t like gin, dump ’em.)
GoBoat. Hire your very own boat and explore London’s canals, preferably with your SO kicking back with a drink in hand. (Available from March.)
God’s Own Junkyard. Visit this psychedelic paradise of neon lights and vintage signs, all hidden inside an unassuming warehouse in Walthamstow. There are lots of super romantic mottos and slogans to look out for, like ‘Love Dust’ and ‘Are you getting enough?’
H is for
HotTug. To quote our esteemed editor, “Every Londoner should get a HotTug at least once.” It’s essentially a hot tub that floats down the Regents Canal. It’s lovely and warm, it’s BYOB, and it’s the perfect plan for a steamy date.
Helicopter ride. If you’re feeling bougie, hop in a helicopter and fly over central London. It’ll be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience with everlasting memories… so make sure you’re really into the person you’re taking.
I is for
Indian food. It’s never easy to decide where or what to eat when you’re in a relationship (amirite?). But if it’s a truly authentic curry you’re after, get yourself down to Dishoom. It’s the best there is.
Instagram. London is full of Instagrammable everything. Instagrammable streets. Instagrammable cars. Instagrammable toilets. Find them, take pictures of them. That’s millennial love.
Insects. Eat some bugs at Archipelago, because romance. Menu items here include python carpaccio, kangaroo skewers, and crocodile curry, along with a ‘love bug’ salad of mealworms and crickets. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.
J is for
Jazz. For an old school date, head to The Piano Bar in Soho. Walk through an inconspicuous doorway into the candlelit bar, sip on a tipple and listen to some live jazz.
Japanese food. Sushi is arguably the most romantic food, providing you can use chopsticks properly. Ramen on the other hand, not so much. Regardless, here are some fantastic Japanese restaurants to choose from.
K is for
Karaoke. Ha! You saw this one coming, didn’t you? Well, this BYOB karaoke dive bar is hidden behind a laundrette, and it’s seriously effing cool.
Kayaking. Nothing will test your relationship quite like hopping in a kayak together and trying to coordinate steering. What would make it better, though, is if the direction you were headed in was ‘the pub’. Check out this night-time kayaking experience along the Thames.
L is for
Lobster. Lobster doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can still have a perfectly respectable seafood dinner at the likes of Burger & Lobster or CLAW.
M is for
Massage. M is also for Merlot, so how about a Merlot massage at London’s first wine spa?
Museum. After a nice, wholesome, and totally free date? Opt for the fail-safe museum trip. Here are the best free museums in London to give you some educational date ideas.
Markets. If you can sacrifice your weekend lie-in, these markets are worth a visit. Columbia Road has a great selection of flowers, hint hint.
Michelin star. If you’re really looking to show off, take them to one of London’s exceptional Michelin star restaurants.
N is for
Netflix and chill. Ha! That ol’ chestnut. Here’s what’s new to Netflix this month to give you some inspiration.
O is for
Opera. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Get your glad rags on and go and see one of these incredible Opera performances.
Old pubs. If there’s one thing London isn’t short of, it’s boozers. Go on a crawl around London’s oldest pubs and see who carries who home.
P is for
Prosecco. Of course, prosecco is part and parcel of every brunch ever, but 2018 also saw the opening of London’s first all-prosecco bar, Prosecco House. I certainly wouldn’t say no to a fancy fizz night.
Picnic. If the weather’s nice, pick one of these pretty parks to pitch up a picnic.
Ping pong. If you don’t mind a bit of competition, BOUNCE is good spot for a ping pong date. Especially if you like pizza. Oh look, another P!
Q is for
Quirky. London is Quirk Queen. So, if you’re looking for quirky date ideas, check out one of the city’s quirkiest restaurants, followed by a drink at one of these seriously quirky cocktail bars.
Quiz. Brush up your general knowledge and become a two-person dream team at your local pub quiz.
R is for
Roast. Get bottomless red wine (double points for this one) with your roast dinner at the famous First Dates restaurant. Or, tuck into one of these roasts that will make you wish it was Sunday every day.
Regent’s Canal. Go for a stroll along the canal, stopping at any number of these lovely cafés, pubs and restaurants along the way.
S is for
Skating. Sadly ice-skating is a seasonal activity, but here’s some inspiration if you’re looking for winter date ideas. Otherwise, the ice rink at Alexandra Palace remains open all year round.
Steak. Steak is such a classic date night meal, but it so often costs a fortune. Here are some excellent steak restaurants that won’t set you back two months’ rent, and will still be wildly appreciated by your other half.
Santander Cycles. Over 11,000 bikes are available to pick up from 750 docking stations across central London, and there are plenty of places to explore. Here’s some inspiration for brilliant bike rides.
Speakeasy. Impress your date by taking them to one of these top secret speakeasies. Some of them require passwords for entry.
T is for
Theatre. It’s one of the more obvious date ideas, but it’s always a winner. Take a look at these spectacular shows that are coming to London theatres this year.
Tapas. We recommend Camino, Pizarro in Bermondsey, and Bravas Tapas at St Katherine Dock.
Treasure hunt. Here’s something a little different: Download Breadcrumbs, pick a London museum and get sent cryptic clues to your phone that will send you on an enigmatic trail.
U is for
Underground. Use this map to uncover London’s secret, underground locations. There are bars, museums and all sorts of fascinating spots. What you do is up to you!
V is for
Vintage shopping. Wander along Brick Lane or around Camden Market and you’re sure to find some killer threads.
Views. There’s nothing more romantic than gazing at a gorgeous, panoramic view. Luckily, London has its fair share of them. Check out these bars, parks, restaurants, and attractions with venerable vistas.
Vegan. Whether you’re a fully fledged vegan or just dipping your toes in, London has some fantastic vegan restaurants. Why not try one out together? Here are the top spots that have been recommended by London vegans.
W is for
Wine bar. Wine not? Wine is the OG romantic drink of choice, after all. Here are some cosy wine bars to get totally tipsy at.
Whisky. Whisk them away on a multi-sensory journey of whisky discovery. Mac & Wild’s Drams in the Dark experience will plunge you into complete darkness. You’ll get to try up to five drams, each with pairing canapés – and you’ll witness how the darkness really heightens the flavour of the whisky.
Walk. Sure, walks are fun, but they’re better if they end at the pub. Here are five wonderful walks with a pint at the finish line.
Woodland getaway. If you really want to wow your other half, take them to one of these yurts, cabins or teepees in the woods. They’re all less than ninety minutes from the city, but you’ll feel like you’re in magical fairytale far, far away.
X is for
Kiss. It kinda works? Just go somewhere pretty and have a snog or something, fgs. ‘X’ is hard, let me have it.
Y is for
Yoga. Couples yoga, just like regular yoga, is a great way to calm the mind. But doing it together is a great way to connect on a deep level – and you can even use each other for various poses that you couldn’t do alone!
Z is for
Zoo. Yes, I know, how predictable. But seriously, London Zoo will never get old, even if you do.
Zipwire. London, believe it or not, is home to the fastest city zip wire in the world. It’s absolutely terrifying, of course, but you can leap off side by side, so I guess it’s kind of cute.