It’s normal if the conversation naturally takes a dip, but having a fun date idea in place certainly helps reduce this risk of too many long, awkward silences.
Helping You Choose a Fun Date Idea
Fun date ideas can help break the tension on a first date and help keep the fire alive for long-term couples. Injecting a sense of spontaneity and uniqueness from time to time can revitalise your relationship and introduce you to new, exciting activities and opportunities.
Don’t get us wrong, there is nothing bad about heading out to dinner, catching a movie or going to a bar, but there are many unique fun date ideas to consider if you’re looking for something a little different.
Spend a Weekend in The Flint Barns
Location: Sussex, Alfriston
Nestled picturesquely in the quaint village of Alfriston lies The Flint Barns, a collection of unique buildings immortalised by their stunning architecture. For those looking for a fun and romantic getaway to the South Downs, Rathfinny Wine Estate is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the mesmerising and tranquil landscapes of this Area Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Flint Barns offer dining at their revered Dining Room, tours and wine tasting at the Rathfinny Wine Estate as well as the opportunity to explore their beautifully rustic grounds.
For a truly whimsical and fun weekend date idea, Rathfinny doesn’t disappoint.
Travel Across Hampshire’s Countryside on the Watercress Line
Location: Hampshire Watercress Line
One for the home-bound travel enthusiasts, if you’re looking for a holiday within the UK that’s a little different to your standard Airbnb getaway, Hampshire’s Watercress Line offers a fantastic solution. Journey across Hampshire’s iconic countryside by steam train, stopping at Ropley, Medstead and Four Marks stations to explore and marvel at their rich histories.
This is a great escape if you live in the city and a fantastically immersive experience for those looking to get back in touch with nature and history.
Explore a Night at the Museum
Location: London, Bloomsbury (and more around London)
Not many people know that London has several museums that are open late at night for people to explore. This makes for a truly memorable and intimate experience, walking the halls of time under the cover of night is an experience like no other. You will also get to see the museum in a completely different setting and context.
Additionally, some museums open late to house private or open events and are transformed into romantic dining or even DJ venues, so be on the lookout if you’re searching for an alternative to modern clubbing!
Book a Spot in The House in the Clouds
Location: Suffolk
Another one for those who want to escape their city, The House in the Clouds offers a tranquil and utterly unique escape to the Suffolk Coast for you and your partner.
Formerly a water tower from the 1920s, the tower was transformed into a house and can now be rented for getaways throughout the year. Stuart Ogilvie and his friend Malcolm Mason redesigned the tower to resemble a fairytale structure, naming it The House in the Clouds. It’s now a fully-fledged holiday home, available to rent at 70 feet above ground level!
The home itself has five beds, three bathrooms and a stunning, open-plan living room that overlooks the treetops of Thorpeness and onto the surrounding lake and golf course.
Hot Air Balloon Around Bath
Location: Bath, Somerset
The city of Bath was awarded World Heritage status for its breathtaking views from the air, and what better way to experience this marvel than from within a hot air balloon. Take in views of the Royal Crescent and The Circus as you sip wine and unwind with your date at over 2,000ft.
You will drift calmly and slowly across this historic city, passing Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths from above. Depending on the wind on the day, you may also float over Georgian architecture seen in the Royal Crescent. Your balloon will of course be guided by a qualified pilot and crew – and you will return to where you took off from.
This date idea should probably wait until you’re at least a few dates in, as while it’s one of our favourites, it’s quite a grand idea for a first date! Experience your hot air balloon adventure in Bath.
Crack On With an Award-Winning Cooking Class
Location: London (mainly)
Cooking classes are a date idea favourite for many people in the UK. Today, there are hundreds of fantastic cooking classes to help hone your skills or try your arm at some new and exciting recipes run by top chefs and restaurants in the UK.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or experienced, there are many cooking classes to be enjoyed depending on where you’re based. We’ve gone with two, Le Cordon Bleu for those who want a Michelin-star cooking experience and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay for a fun and rewarding middle-ground.
Le Cordon Bleu is a world-renowned culinary school with workshops across the world. There are a few options to choose from, you have the shorter workshops that focus on special, niche cookery skills, like plant-based cooking or petit fours. Then you have accredited courses for those looking for diplomas in cooking – if you’re the type of couple that really loves their cooking!
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay takes a more relaxed but by no means less focused approach to cooking. This class allows you to go behind the scenes of Gordon’s Michelin star restaurant to create a stunning, three-course menu – and then sit down to enjoy it yourself. Some of the most popular courses include making beef Wellington at Heddon Street Kitchen or a Sushi masterclass at Ramsay’s Lucky Cat restaurant in Mayfair.
Experience Stand-Up Comedy at The Apollo Theatre
Location: London, Westminster
There’s a big difference between going to the cinema and attending a comedy show at The Apollo, or any other famous theatre or venue. Comedy shows allow you to truly unwind and delight in the performance. The Apollo has played host to many household names, including Michael Mcintyre, Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Sarah Millican and Jason Byrne – to name a few.
Grab yourself a pair of tickets and enjoy a truly memorable and fun date night at one of the most iconic venues in London.
Host a Private Dinner Party in Oxford With The Raymond Blanc Cookery School
Location: Oxford
Definitely one of our more unique fun date ideas is the opportunity to host a private dinner party at The Raymond Blanc Cookery School.
Located alongside the revered, Michelin two-starred restaurant Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, you will host a private dinner party of up to eight guests and work alongside the Director of the Cookery School to design a menu of up to four courses. Upon entry, you are provided with a glass of Le Manoir Champagne as well as still or sparkling water throughout the day – and coffee and petit fours served to finish
You won’t have to worry about hosting the event itself, because the cookery school chefs will be on-hand to ensure your day runs smoothly.
Wine and Dine at The Cheltenham Horse Races
Location: Gloucestershire, Cheltenham
The Cheltenham Horse Races remain one of the most iconic and famed events in Britain. When it comes to attire, you dress to impress, Cheltenham is a historic and highly respected event where thousands of people attend to watch the races, as well as wine and dine in a stunning and revered venue.
The Chez Roux Restaurant Package provides the ultimate Cheltenham experience. Sit in royal comfort as you watch world-class jump racing from one of their award-winning restaurants. You will be waited on by their experienced and attentive staff from the heart of the Cheltenham Racecourse overlooking the winning line.
This is a one-day-a-year event you don’t want to miss.
Make Your Own Gin at The Distillery
Location: London
The Distillery is a fantastic date idea if you’re looking to hone your gin-crafting skills. Ideal for lovers of gin and curious mixologists, The Distillery is four stories high but you will be greeted on the first floor, handed a gin and directed downstairs where you’ll be introduced to your Gin Instructor. They will then explain the structure of your day, including the history of gin and how it rose in popularity, all while you sip on a gin.
Once briefed, your Instructor will take you to one of the blending rooms, where you’ll be able to explore and smell a range of unique botanical distillates to help inspire you to create your own gin.
It’s likely you’ll always have a glass of gin in your hand while you craft your gin. At the end of the day, you will have crafted your own gin and have it presented to you in a bottle which you can then take home.
Chocolate Tasting & Making at Hotel Chocolat
Location: London (mainly)
Whether you’re genuinely interested in how chocolate is made or you simply want to create your own chocolate, Crazy for Cocoa has all bases covered. Hosted at the renowned Hotel Chocolat’s School of Chocolate by an expert, resident chocolatier.
You will learn what goes into making chocolate during a hands-on experience that will leave you with the knowledge of how to make chocolate and of course, your handmade chocolate bar to take home. All ingredients used are from the Saint Lucian plantation, so you can rest assured your chocolate will taste exceptional.
Here’s what’s included:
- A bean-to-bar experience
- Your very own glass of Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Guidance from a resident chocolatier to make your chocolate
- An in-depth guide on how to make chocolate led by your resident chocolatier
- A 10% discount at the onsite chocolate shop
Book your class at Hotel Chocolat’s School of Chocolate.
Looking for that Perfect Date?
If you’re looking for someone to share these incredible date ideas with, that’s where we can help. Our team at Maclynn is dedicated to helping single men and women identify potential partners who share their core values and desire for lifelong relationships.
We’re a team of highly experienced matchmakers in the UK who specialise in combining psychological principles with personalised consultations to understand the type of person you are and the type of person you’re looking for.
If you’d like to learn more about our bespoke, private matchmaking service, why not give us a call? Even if it’s just to get a better understanding of how we work and have helped thousands of single men and women find love across the UK and further abroad – call us now.
