

The Best Cheap & Free Date Ideas
Dating on a student budget? Check out these cheap and free date ideas.
First dates are supposed to be fun — cheesy lines, your best outfit, staying clear of Spag Bol.
But when you’re a student, you might not have much budget to play with, and therefore dating can come as a costly expense. The last thing you want to worry about when looking into your love’s eyes is… who’s going to pay the bill?
Dating is all about getting to know each other and having some fun, and we’ve got a selection of cheap date ideas that will make your date want to see you again, without breaking the bank. We’ve also got some free date ideas for when you’re counting down the days until your next student finance payment date. We know the struggle!
If you want to really go all out on your date but keep it within budget, use our Bloom & Wild student discount to treat your date to some gorgeous blooms.
Jump to:
Cheap date ideas
If you need inspiration for cheap date ideas, you’ve come to the right place. A previously avid dater who has successfully been cuffed up, you can trust my word when I say these cheap date ideas will bring you closer to your date, and even closer to a second date.
To make things a bit cheaper, grab your bestie and their other half and choose from our double date ideas for more fun and more ways to split the bill.
1. Grab a coffee
This is the perfect date option for those who have just met — it’s casual enough that you won’t feel too much pressure, but also allows you to really chat, find common ground and ultimately find out whether you’re a good match.
2. Ice cream at the park
If you know the weather’s going to be good, why not head to your local park for a stroll? Extra points if there’s an ice cream van! You can tell a lot about a person from their go-to flavour. While a flake 99 will no longer cost you just 99p, this date idea will still keep the costs down. It’s cute and one of the cheapest of cheap date ideas (depending on how many flakes you ask for). Plus, you’ll get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
3. Visit a market
From foodie markets to craft stalls, wandering up and down the rows of different vendors will give you something to talk about. You’ll also get an idea of their likes and dislikes, from food to art while enjoying some tasty free samples.
4. Visit a museum
Plenty of museums are free to enter, making this a great cheap date idea. You can learn about history or science while you learn about your date too.
5. Dine on dessert
Eating out for a full meal can get pretty expensive, so why not just go out for dessert instead? There are plenty of dessert cafes popping up in towns and cities across the country so now is the perfect time to try one out.

6. Supermarket dash
Want to put your relationship to the test? You need to try a supermarket dash. Make a list of 5 items to buy for the other person e.g. a drink, a dessert, something beginning with the same letter as their name, etc. and give yourselves 10 minutes to race around the shop and pick out items. Once you’re done, head home and share your winnings over a movie.
7. Get crafty
Head to your local craft shop and buy a kit to do together. You could do anything from making pottery to paint-by-numbers — set yourselves up at home with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine if you’re feeling boujee) and get your craft on.
8. Hit up a karaoke bar
Whether it’s to show off your stunning voice or your funny side, nothing bonds two people together like a duet. Entry to karaoke bars and open mic nights is often free, so you’ll just have to pay for drinks. Let’s just hope singing isn’t one of their biggest icks.
9. Go charity shopping
Love a vintage look? Second-hand fashion is big business right now, so why not peruse the rails with your date and treat yourself to a new look for a super-low price? This date can be done on nearly any high street in the UK and should always end with a fashion show when you get home.
If you’re based in Liverpool, check out our guide to charity and vintage shops in Liverpool.
Free date ideas
If you’re really strapped for cash, we’ve got some free date ideas to help inspire you.
1. Get outdoors
Whether it’s for a hike or a run, spending time outside together is not only good for the soul but also good for exploring shared interests, not to mention totally free. Visit your local park for a stroll, or take on something more challenging like a mountain hike.

2. Play board games
Got some games stashed at the back of your cupboard? Invite them over and test their competitive side with a good board game. This is a great date for those looking for a relaxed environment to get to know each other, or for those who have been dating for a while too.
3. Go stargazing
If you’re meeting up in the evening and know it’s going to be a warm(ish), clear night then why not get cosy under the stars? This date idea is about as romantic as it gets and completely free to do, too.
4. Volunteer
If you’re looking to show off your caring side, then volunteering is a great way to do it. You could do anything from a beach clean to walking dogs at the local rescue centre and will feel doubly good for doing your bit and hanging out with someone really cool. One of the more unique free date ideas.
5. Hit the gym
If you both love to exercise, then why not spot their squat or jog next to each other on the treadmills? If your gym is fancy, there might even be an opportunity for a sauna session or a dip in the hot tub. Only works out free if you have a gym membership, though. Or check out an outdoor gym — they’re usually free.
6. Get reading
You might be able to get your favourite books on your kindle, but does anything really compare to the calming atmosphere of a good bookshop? Bond over your favourite titles before heading for a coffee to compare notes.
7. Go wild swimming
More people than ever are signing up for their first wild swimming session, with setups all around the UK, including near some big cities. This is the perfect fun summer date that will only cost you a few quid (if anything) and is guaranteed to be memorable!
Date day ideas
Keep it safe with your date, especially if it’s a first date, by choosing to see them in the day time. You can still have fun and keep safe with these date day ideas.
1. Enjoy a picnic
Pull together all your favourite picnic food items and head out to the park, beach, or any scenic location. You could tie in a good walk to work up an appetite too. Weather not looking so good? Take your picnic inside and enjoy it with a movie or a board game.
2. Go on a bike ride
Whether you’ve both got bikes or mates you can borrow from, taking a bike ride down the canal to your local pub or cafe is the perfect sunny afternoon activity. This is a great outdoor date idea for anyone who loves being outdoors. Exercise is (mostly) free so it’s no surprise it makes it onto our list of cheap date ideas.
3. Go on a dog walk
There are plenty of people out there who are looking for someone to take out their dog for the day, so why not make it into a date? Your fluffy friend will definitely help woo your date as well as provide extra laughs and fun games while you’re out and about. An idyllic day date idea.
4. Take a walking tour
Want to find out more about your local area? A walking tour is the perfect way to do it. If you live in a city, you’ll probably have loads on your doorstep that you weren’t even aware of and if the conversation dries up on the date, the tour guide will be there to fill those awkward silences! Most walking tours are “pay what you want”, meaning that you give the guide whatever you can afford at the end.
Date night at home ideas
The weather can be unpredictable, so keep it easy with these date night at home ideas. Cheap, cheerful, and cosy. What more could your date want?
1. Cook a meal together
Test your teamwork by preparing a tasty feast together. Cooking a delicious meal from scratch with fresh ingredients will help to keep the cost down and you can show off your cooking skills to that special someone.
2. Build a pillow fort
Get out the blankets and fairy lights and camp out in your house for the night. Be sure to set up a screen for film and fill your love den with plenty of snacks for a romantic date night in the comfort of your own home. Date night at home ideas have never been so easy.

3. Have a gaming session
Crack out the Mario Kart, it’s time to game. Pull out all your favourite co-op games and get them to bring along their faves too. This is a great chance to test their competitiveness over great snacks and laughs.
4. Have a fondue night
Dig out a cheesy fondue recipe and grab your favourite cheese dipping snacks. For some reason dipping bread and grapes into gooey cheese out of a bowl is super romantic. Don’t ask why, just try it. You don’t need a fancy set either — just a saucepan and a few forks will do the job. Not a cheese fan? Chocolate fondue is where it’s at.
5. Cheese and wine tasting
What’s the most important thing to find out about your date? If they share your passion for good food (and drink). Fancy a boujee night without the big bill? You’ve got to try a cheese and wine night. Buy a few bottles and a few types of cheese and settle in for a night of tasty snacks and tipsy chatting.
Based in the big city of London? We’ve got the best cheap date ideas in London.
If you’re taking your date out for a meal or a few drinks, make sure to check out Student Beans’ food and drink student discounts.