Planning a brilliant night out for someone special can be a lot of pressure. Luckily, there are enough top-tier date ideas in London that you can always plan a fun date night; whether it's classic, unusual, or hitting that sweet spot in between.
Here, we've done the hard part for you – coming up with unique date night ideas in London that are sure to woo a first date or reignite the passion with a long-standing significant other. Now for those wanting that same quality of romance but from the comfort of your home, we’d suggest checking out our alternative guide on ideas for staying in.
Be a Zookeeper for a Day
If your date is an animal lover, activities don’t get wilder than spending a day as a keeper at London Zoo. Get up close with some of the zoo’s residents and find out what goes on behind the scenes.
Address: ZSL London Zoo, London NW1 4RY
Breakin’ Escape Rooms
Immerse yourselves in one of the most interactive and engaging escape room experiences. From venturing into the Wizarding School’s mysterious part of the castle to receiving a suspicious telegram in Sherlock’s study, you can use your combined wits to get out before the timer hits zero.
Address: 89 Holloway Rd. London, UK, N78LT
Visit a Food Theatre
If you’re a foodie couple then this is the destination for you. Nine open kitchens and a mezzanine restaurant that travels the world, from regional Thai curries to US-style smashed burgers and Middle Eastern shawarma. Drinks at their standalone bar are created using fresh market ingredients to mirror the flavours of the kitchens and a fully-packed music programme sets the vibe from day 'til night.
Address: 103-105 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1DB, United Kingdom
Go Stargazing at Greenwich Observatory
When was the last time you managed to actually catch a glimpse of any stars in London because of all the light pollution? Get the best celestial view by heading to the Planetarium in the Royal Observatory in Greenwich for one of its The Sky Tonight Live sessions where you can get a front-row view of all the astronomical action.
Catch a Classic Flick at the Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles Cinema is the only independent cinema in the West End, tucked away just behind the bustle of Leicester Square. In addition to the usual latest releases, it regularly screens old classics, runs singalong sessions for your favourite musicals, and even hosts the odd movie marathon.
Address: 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY, United Kingdom
Dine in the Dark at Dans Le Noir
This is one for a very special occasion as it’s pretty pricey but, it’s definitely a date neither of you will ever forget. At Dans Le Noir (maybe you’ll recognize from the movie, About Time), lunch or dinner is served in the pitch black, encouraging you to rethink your sense of taste. It’s a weird but wonderful sensory experience and one that’s worthy of a spot on any dating bucket list.
Address: 69-73 St John St, London EC1M 4AN, UK
Try Your Hand(s) At a Pottery Class
Already ahead of you – recreate that infamous pottery scene from the movie, Ghost. Well, not so sure you can get as racy, but this is a fab date idea all the same. Pottery has been trending as of late, both as a cool hobby and a more sustainable means for handmade, unique, less mass-produced items in our homes. Try it for yourselves, the taster sessions are for all abilities so you can develop a new skill together.
Address: 90 De Beauvoir Rd, London N1 4EN, United Kingdom
Dine Onboard the London Shell Co
Seafood, Champagne, and a scenic sunset tour along the Regent’s Canal – what could be more romantic? For the ultimate dinner date, book a table on the London Shell Co for five courses of seasonal British seafood as you gently cruise from Paddington to Camden and back onboard the beautiful Prince Regent boat.
Address: Union Canal, Sheldon Square, London W2 6EP, United Kingdom