Where To Go On A First Date — The Best First Date Ideas In The UK 2022

Stuck on what to do for a first date? We’ve got a ton of ideas to help you plan one.

So your sick of just going for a drink as your first date idea, or maybe you have no idea what to do on a first date and need some inspiration.

Fortunately, we’ve got a ton of first date ideas for foodies, music lovers, creative types, adrenaline junkies and those who love date nights in.

Best first date ideas

Here’s a comprehensive of things to do on a first date that’ll fuel your imagination.

First dates for music lovers

Go to a gig

Are you both into music or like the same bands? Find out when their next show is and have your date there.

Save on gig tickets with Ticketmaster discounts.

Have a jam

Do you both play instruments? What a way to see if you both vibe together!

Go to a record store

Record hunting is super fun and a great way to bond over music you both love.

Take a music class together

Whether you’re seasoned pros or want to have a go at learning something new, a music lesson is a fun and unique first date idea for music lovers.

Creative first date ideas

Visit an art gallery or museum

Get cultured and appreciate the curated exhibitions in your local area together.

Go to a life drawing class

Got a knack for art or want to do something a little different? Put your art skills to the test together and see who draws the best from their life model.

Go thrift shopping

Thrifting is both fun and eco-friendly. Thrift clothes, records, furniture and surprise yourselves at the gems you find.

Take a cooking class

Want to expand your culinary skills and maybe have a little friendly competition? A cooking class for a first date is a great way to hit those two birds with one stone.

Active first date ideas

Go skating

Skating has increased in popularity since the pandemic started. Strap your boots on and relive your childhood. Who knows, one of you may have a knack for it.

Try a dance class

A dance class is a perfect way to test your chemistry and teamwork skills. And for a first date, it’s pretty different if you ask us.

Try axe throwing

Get some aggression out and have some friendly competition by going axe throwing. It’s fast-paced and takes a good 2-3 hours. More than enough for the first date.

Do yoga outdoors

Are you both into yoga and want a super chill first date? We recommend giving it a try outdoors (when the weather is warm), or finding a local class you can both join.

Go for a run together

Hit two birds with one stone by keeping up with your fitness and getting to know your date!

Go on a walk

Got a cute local park or picturesque town centre? A nice walk may be all it takes to get to know your date for the first time.

Go on a bike ride

Going for a cycle is a great way to know your date. Make sure it’s a chill route so you focus on asking the right questions rather than straining yourselves up a hill.

Try a karaoke bar

Karaoke is a great active first date idea that still allows you both to get to know each other. Sing your hearts out, discover your music taste and if either of you have a knack for singing…or not.

Go rock climbing

Rock climbing is a challenge for both the mind and body. You can spot your date and help each other get to the top!

Save on your date with sports and outdoors discounts for students.

First date ideas for food and drinks

Dine out

Dinner doesn’t have to be awkward on a first date. Opt for one meal and stay for dessert if you’re getting on just fine.

Dine in

A little bit skint? Find a meal to cook together if you feel comfortable having them over for a first date.

Read: 6 tips to keep you safe on a first date.

Get brunch

Brunch is usually pretty fast and gets the date out of the way earlier in the day. Plus, it’s super tasty and one of our favourite mealtimes.

Hit up a dessert joint

Dessert parlours are pretty popular. If a 3-course meal doesn’t take your fancy then keep the date short and sweet, literally.

Try a shared meal experience

Japanese Shabu Shabu, Korean BBQs, and Tapas are fantastic meal sharing experiences that can help you bond on what we all love. Food!

Have coffee and cake

Coffee dates are also short and sweet. Find a coffee shop you’ve both wanted to try out or recommend one you know they’d love if they’re a coffee connoisseur.

Go on a food crawl

Find a tasting experience or map out your very own food crawl by going round your favourite food spots in the area.

Go on a speakeasy crawl

Try out different hidden bars together in your area and discuss which is your favourite. If the date goes well, it could turn out to be your new local.

Find a gorgeous view and have a picnic

One for when the weather’s nice out. Find a cute spot and pack your favourite snacks to bring together and enjoy while having a nice conversation and enjoying the view.

Save money on your date with our student food and drink discounts!

Unique first dates

Go on a walking tour

Do you actually know about the area you live in? A walking tour allows you to learn more about your town or city, and gets you talking to your date too.

Work on a puzzle together

Have the date night in or bring your puzzle to a chill coffee shop and work on it together. You can still have a conversation while being engaged with the puzzle.

Try an escape room

What better way than to test your teamwork skills and coordination! Hit up an escape room, solve puzzles and reflect on your experience after.

Go to a drive-in cinema

A drive-in cinema is way more chill than a normal cinema. You can choose to focus on the film or have it on as some background noise as you get to know each other.

Get your tarot read

Are you both spiritual? Why not get your tarots read and discuss your findings? It could help in realising your compatibility with your date…or not.

Cosy first date ideas

Play a video game

Play video games online, in person at someone’s house or an arcade! Video games challenge the brain but also offer room for conversation.

Watch a movie via Discord

Can’t make the cinemas? A discord movie night is a way to go, especially if you’re a little anxious to meet in person but still want to get to know them.

Go to a cat cafe

Cat cafes are cosy as anything. If you both love cats, hot beverages and cakes, what more could you want?

What first date ideas catch your eye? If these aren’t enough, we’ve got cheap date ideas you can look at too. Let us know which first date idea you go for!