31 London Date Ideas in 2023 (By a Local)

If you’re looking for some unique London date ideas, then I’m here to help!

London is a fascinating city for dating, especially because there are so many fun and unique things to do in London that you won’t always find in other places.

As a local, I have done quite a bit of exploring in London and can confirm that there are many great restaurants, parks, activities, and events for fun date nights (or days!) In this article, I’ve dished some of my absolute favorite date ideas in London – let’s dive in!

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31 Best London Date Ideas 

Primrose Hill 

Bask in one of the best views in London to watch the sunset, accompanied by some snacks and drinks.

📍 Google Maps | Primrose Hill’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

When looking for the best first date ideas in London, location is key. Located within the London Borough of Camden, Primrose Hill is a charming neighborhood that has the poise of Notting Hill paired with a lovely park offering a fantastic view of the city.

For a cute and romantic first date, I would recommend heading over to the park with a picnic basket stocked with snacks, drinks, and a blanket around early evening to catch the sunset. You could even make a day out of it and visit the nearby Camden Market about a 10-minute walk away before heading to the park.

👉 Pro Tip: Make sure you arrive early to get a good spot on the hill! Especially on a first date.

Below Stone Nest

From the negronis to the atmosphere, this unsuspecting underground haunt in Soho will be sure to charm you.

📍 Google Maps | Below Stone Nest’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

Below Stone Nest is a cool venue and the perfect first date in London for immaculate vibes, great cocktails, music, and an intimate atmosphere. This underground joint will surely impress your date and make for a memorable night.

The dive bar is set in a dimly lit, industrial space on Shaftesbury Ave. The vibe is moody, yet welcoming, as you’ll discover from the friendly bartenders working there. In terms of seating, you can pick what you fancy – whether that’s sitting on the stage that doubles as a performance space or cozying up at one of the few tables off to the side. 

The music is guaranteed to put you in a good mood, whether you go on a night with live jams or a DJ.

Paninis and Coffee at Delizie D’italia

Impress your date with one of London’s best-kept Italian secrets.

📍 Google Maps | Delizie D’italia’s Website | ☕ Best for: Casual dates

Delizie D’italia makes a great spot for a date because you’re guaranteed delicious, authentic, and affordable food, satisfying Italian coffee, and friendly service. There are some outdoor tables surrounding this corner cafe/deli, which makes for a lovely place to sit in the summertime. They even have outdoor heaters in the winter.

I would shout about this little hidden gem in Pimlico from the rooftops, that’s how wonderful Delizie D’italia is. I’ve been frequenting this place since before I even moved to London, and through the sea of Italian delis the city offers, this one is hands down the best.I would highly recommend trying their coffee and one of the many fantastic panini variations. For more great places to eat, check out the best restaurants in London.

Don’t Tell Comedy

Surprise your date with a pop-up comedy show in a special location.

Don’t Tell Comedy’s Website | 🎙️ Best for: Activity dates

Don’t Tell Comedy elevates the usual stand-up show by taking it one step further and providing the element of a mystery location. Think comedy show meets speakeasy vibes, putting a fun spin on an already enjoyable event.

This stand-up comedy company is based in Los Angeles and is now operating in 70+ cities in North America. It opened its first European branch in late 2022, making London the first European city on the map. They’ve even had a few famous names make special appearances, including the likes of Iliza Shlesinger, Jared Freid, Ali Wong, and Nikki Glaser!

You can purchase advance tickets and find out where your date night will be taking place on the day of the event.

Cocktails and Dim Sum at Opium

Impress your date with this 3-floor speakeasy in Chinatown known for its fantastic cocktails and late-night dim sum.

📍 Google Maps | Opium’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

If you’re looking for first-date ideas in London with a flair, then I would highly recommend the 1920’s-Shanghai-themed speakeasy, Opium. Nestled in the heart of London’s Chinatown lies this series of cocktail bars, each with its own unique twist.

Make sure you look out for the Jade door and are friendly to the bouncer so you can be let in to experience the magic of this Soho haunt. One of the best features of these bars-within-a-bar is the offering of late-night dim sum served until 3 am.

It is suggested to book in advance as there is limited seating and you want to ensure you get the most out of the experience. They are some of the most popular bars in London after all.

Battersea Power Station

Grab a coffee and take a romantic stroll around this newly revived power station turned-industrial shopping center nestled along the River Thames.

📍 Google Maps | Battersea Power Station’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

This revived building in the heart of the buzzy South West London neighborhood of Battersea is no ordinary shopping center. Home to many shops and restaurants, and even a free museum on its history, it provides a modern industrial look and feels. 

Reopened in late 2022 after decades of not being used, Battersea Power Station once provided a fifth of London’s electricity and has now come back as an urban space for visitors to enjoy.

Surrounding the Power Station you have the River Thames, several restaurants and bars providing a riverfront view, and Battersea Park only a few minutes walk away. It is a lovely area to wander around any time of year, with particular highlights being in the summer weather or around Christmas when they unveil an ice rink with music and decorations. 

Battersea Power Station makes a great date spot because there are lots of options when it comes to food, drinks, and activities, paired with the romantic views of the waterfront.

Swingers Crazy Golf

Bring out your competitive side in a round of crazy golf at one of London’s most fun venues, where you can enjoy some libations while you play.

📍 Google Maps | Swingers Crazy Golf’s Website | ⛳ Best for: Activity dates

If you prefer a little healthy competition on a date, Swingers Crazy Golf is one of the most fun date ideas London offers that will satisfy this craving. This activity is offered at two central London locations and, in addition to the course itself, has street food vendors and drinks that can be enjoyed during your date.

To make things a bit more interesting, make a bet during your game and have the loser pick the location for the next date, perhaps with some inspo from this list.

Margate

Go on an adventure to the nearby town of Margate to soak up some rays and enjoy fresh seafood and craft beer.

📍 Google Maps | Margate’s Website | 🏖️Best for: Beach dates

You may have already spotted this destination if you’ve been looking into the best day trips from London. The charm of the seaside paired with fresh seafood and delicious cocktails in this lovely beach town will surely be the recipe for an excellent summer date.

You can catch a 90-minute train from London Victoria or London Blackfriars stations so you’ll be in the sunshine in no time. A couple of spots I’d recommend for some of the best food and beverages in town are Dory’s and Little Swift (both pictured above). 

Hampstead Heath

Vast park set within a quaint and charming neighborhood, offering spectacular views of London.

📍 Google Maps | Hampstead Heath’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

Hampstead Heath is one of the best parks in London and also one of the cutest neighborhoods. Hampstead Heath is filled with nature trails, windy paths, and a massive hill that looks over London from afar.

Visiting Hampstead Heath gives you the best of both worlds, where you can soak in the sunshine and great city views while feeling relaxed outside the hustle and bustle of central London.

In addition to the romantic park that is perfect for a picnic, coffee, and getting to know each other, you have the high street filled with adorable cafes, restaurants, homely pubs, and shops. It’s the perfect area to stroll around and take in the atmosphere, especially on a sunny day.

Gelato at Badiani 1932

Authentic Italian establishment in London serving up the highest quality gelato.

📍 Google Maps | Badiani 1932’s Website | 🍨 Best for: Casual dates

Badiani is not just any gelato shop, it is an institution. I like to consider myself a local to the Fulham Road location and this is my go-to place to bring visitors for a sweet treat.

Two things make Badiani a fantastic date spot – the first of course is the mouth-watering gelato. They offer a large selection of flavors, including the classics. They also have a couple of specialty flavors with ganache on top which is to die for (as you can see pictured in the left photo above).

The second selling point is the charming little patio/garden you can access through the back of the shop. It’s a very romantic place to sit on a summer evening, and the cute seating area mixed with delicious gelato is a recipe for a lovely date night.

Top Secret Comedy Club

Laugh while sipping a pint in London’s top-rated comedy club.

📍 Google Maps | Top Secret Comedy Club’s Website | 🎙️ Best for: Activity dates

Many say laughter is the best medicine, and what better way to test this theory than by attending a comedy show as your next London date idea? Showing your sense of humor and finding out that of your dates is one of the best ways to see if you’re compatible.

The Top Secret Comedy Club is located in Covent Garden and has an incredible atmosphere. Sit back, relax and enjoy some of the most original stand-up lineups in the world while sipping on a beverage. If you’re lucky, you may even see a special celebrity appearance.

The Bermondsey Beer Mile

Try some of the UK’s best local craft beers and ciders on a sunny day in this row of buzzing breweries.

📍 Google Maps | Bermondsey Beer Mile’s Website | 🍺 Best for: Casual dates

One of my favorite activities in London is going to the Bermondsey Beer Mile on a sunny afternoon with a group of friends. As far as date ideas go, bar crawls are a pretty classic idea, however, the atmosphere of the breweries, location, and general vibe make this particular spot an excellent date idea.

Each brewery has special offerings. Whether you’re more into lagers, sours, IPAs, or ciders, you will surely be able to try out something you like. Bermondsey itself is an adorable neighborhood and it’s a great place to stay in London.

The Ritz Carlton 

Treat yourself and your date to a luxurious spa day filled with pools, spa treatments, and relaxation.

📍 Google Maps | Ritz Carlton London’s Website | 🥂 Best for: Anniversary dates

Best saved for an anniversary or special occasion due to the price, treat yourself and your date to a luxurious spa day at London’s iconic Ritz Carlton hotel. You could spend a few hours at the spa or make a full day out of it and stay overnight for ultimate luxury and relaxation. 

A spa day is a romantic date and the Ritz Carlton surely won’t short you on the quality of service during your experience. To bring the elegance up a notch further, book an afternoon tea between treatments at this historic 5-star hotel.

Winter Wonderland

Embark on a festive adventure at this hit event that takes place around the winter holidays once a year.

📍 Google Maps | Winter Wonderland’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

A holiday season-themed date idea, this is one of the best spots for a first date during the holidays. From eye-catching light displays to rides to a Christmas market all located within Hyde Park, this once-a-year event is a great spot to celebrate the holidays early.

If you’re hungry or thirsty, there are tons of food vendors and places to grab a winter cocktail or mulled wine. You can also cozy up with your date on one of the many rides and, when you’re finished, waltz around the stalls of the Christmas market, partake in live music, or go ice skating.

👉 Pro Tip: As this is a very popular event, make sure you purchase tickets in advance.

Tate Modern Lates

Take in some modern art, a workshop, or some live music during these special extended hours nights at The Tate Modern.

📍 Google Maps | Tate Modern’s Website | 🖼️ Best for: Wholesome dates

What better way to show your date that you are a well-rounded cultured human than by taking them to an art museum? London has several quality museums and galleries, which can make it a bit of a challenge to decide which one to choose.

A special event that Tate Modern offers is its Tate Late events. These take place on the last Friday of each month when the museum extends its hours to 10 pm. During this time, it features everything from live music to workshops. 

Bring your date along for the fun and bask in an evening of some of London’s finest arts and culture.

Netil 360

Enjoy some street food and cocktails while taking in the views from this east London rooftop.

📍 Google Maps | Netil 360’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

If you’re on the hunt for London date ideas that will still provide awesome views of the city without being a tourist spot, then look no further than Netil 360. This rooftop bar in east London makes for a fun first date or date night and is located in one of the most up-and-coming parts of the city.

For those on a first date, I would recommend checking out the food stalls and getting to know each other over some drinks as you view the cityscape at sunset. This venue also offers a rooftop hot and cold sauna experience which would also make for a fun date night.

The Avenue Cookery School

Put your partner’s chef skills to the test with a cooking class at one of the best cookery schools in London.

📍 Google Maps | The Avenue Cookery School’s Website| 🥂 Best for: Anniversary dates

Cooking is such a fun activity to do with someone, so why not spend a romantic evening embarking on a cooking adventure with your partner? 

The Avenue Cookery School is a highly rated cooking class venue in Wandsworth, southwest London. They offer classes across multitudes of cuisines, and skill sets, and have some that are specifically designed for date night.

Another great bonus is that bottomless wine is included in some of the classes, and although not cheap, they are reasonably priced for what’s included.

Bounce Ping Pong 

Take part in an evening filled with a few games, live music, and cocktails for a reasonable price.

📍 Google Maps | Bounce Ping Pong’s Website | 🏓 Best for: Activity dates

If you’re on a budget but are still looking to go out for a fun date activity, Bounce Ping Pong bar would be one of my top recommendations for cheap date ideas.

With two locations in Farringdon and Old Street, this ping-pong-themed games bar is a guaranteed evening of fun that won’t break the bank. Choose from 4 different games: beer pong, traditional ping pong, wonderball, and shuffleboard, each of which goes for only $6-7. 

You can also enjoy some food, drinks, and live music during your visit.

Cinema Night at Everyman

Indulge in a luxury cinematic experience with comfy seats and food and drinks delivered to you.

📍 Google Maps | Everyman Cinema’s Website | 🎥 Best for: Movie dates

Who doesn’t love a night at the cinema? Everyman ups the ante by serving a menu of dinner items and alcoholic beverages that are delivered straight to your seat.

There are several locations across London where you can enjoy the latest releases or old flicks. Not to mention that you won’t want to get up from the chairs at the end because they are so comfy!

Sky Garden

Sip some cocktails with a skyscraper view, that is totally free to access.

📍 Google Maps | Sky Garden’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

The Sky Garden is one of the most famous bars with a view in central London, and unlike the Shard or some other rooftops in London, tickets are completely free.

This date spot requires a bit of planning ahead, as tickets are released each Monday for that week. When you arrive, you will need to present your ticket at the door in order to be let into this rooftop garden oasis. They also offer live music nights, so if that’s your jam, check out tickets specifically for those events.

Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea Park

Sit by the waterfront in one of London’s nicest parks and enjoy coffee, brunch, or a Pimms in serenity.

📍 Google Maps | Pear Tree Cafe’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

One of the best first date ideas in London for a more casual date is to take a stroll through Battersea park. While you’re there, you can stop by the adorable Pear Tree Cafe within the park and enjoy a coffee, glass of wine, or a pizza along the water.

This is an adorable and relaxing spot to go on a nice sunny day.

Ninety-One Living Room

Surround yourself with warm jazz music in this lively Brick Lane hideaway.

📍 Google Maps | Ninety One Living Room’s Website | 🎷 Best for: Live Music Dates

There are several excellent jazz bars located in London, and one of my favorites is east London haunts Ninety-One Living Room.

By day you’ll find a cozy cafe and bar with a mini beer garden out front and living room furniture inside. By night the place transforms into a buzzing jazz bar and late-night club.  

Forza Wine

Take your date to this trendy rooftop wine and snack back in Peckham for an evening of fun.

📍 Google Maps | Forza Wine’s Website | 🌆 Best for: Dates with a View

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or not, you are not going to want to sleep on this laid-back rooftop bar in Peckham.

Filled with cool snacks and an extensive selection of wine, you will be sure to find something you like on the menu. They also have a fun promotion where you can score a glass of wine for a fiver from pre-select bottles. The offerings paired with the views will be enough to impress your date.

The Book of Mormon

Have some serious laughs at this funny and satirical performance in the West End.

📍 Google Maps | The Book of Mormon’s Website | 🎭 Best for: Activity Dates

Easily the funniest theatrical performance I’ve ever seen, I think many will agree that The Book of Mormon is an outstanding show. If you’re in for a laugh and a fun evening or afternoon, I would highly recommend getting tickets to this west-end show. 

You may want to get a feel for your date’s sense of humor in advance, as this show can be quite vulgar at times.

 👉 Pro Tip: If you check apps like Today Tix, you may be able to score cheap tickets.

Backyard Cinema

Enjoy this immersive and alternative outdoor cinema experience with venues that will bring your viewing to the next level.

📍 Google Maps | Backyard Cinema’s Website | 🎥 Best for: Movie dates

For a cinematic adventure like you’ve never been on before, Backyard Cinema is an incredible venue to watch films old and new.

Cozy up with your date in this immersive outdoor venue where you’re taken out of the real world and put into an environment where you feel like you’re part of the action. This is a popular event that tends to sell out quickly, so make sure you look into advance tickets.

Hijingo Bingo

Partake in an evening of fun and games at this Japanese bingo joint.

📍 Google Maps | Hijingo Bingo’s Website | 🍻 Best for: Activity Dates

On the lookout for activity date ideas in London that offer something a little bit different? Hijingo Bingo is no ordinary bingo hall. Step into the future in this Japanese-themed multi-sensory bingo experience.

This would be a great spot for a double or group date, but it’s fun either way. Booking must be done in advance and you can choose from a selection of packages, some of which offer food and drinks in addition to the bingo.

Darcie & May Green Brunch

Have brunch on the water in a boat for a romantic morning. 

📍 Google Maps | Darcie & May Green’s Website | 🥞 Best for: Brunch Dates

This vibrant Aussie cafe is located on the canal in Paddington, where you can enjoy a romantic setting on the water for your brunch.

Australia is also known for its coffee, so if you’re a coffee lover, you will be sure to enjoy this spot.

Natural History Museum

Immerse yourself in years of history, artifacts, and culture through the eye-catching exhibits.

📍 Google Maps | Natural History Museum’s Website | 🦕 Best for: Wholesome Dates

Another place I would recommend if you’re searching for cheap date ideas is the Natural History Museum. Most museums in London are free, other than some specific exhibits, making them a great option for a cost-effective day out. 

This museum is located in South Kensington and offers an array of fascinating exhibits on science and history. It’s perfect for a date filled with culture and learning.

The Hunter’s Moon

Enjoy a cozy pub with country feels in the heart of West London.

📍 Google Maps | The Hunter’s Moon Website | 🍾 Best for: Special Occasions

London is full of incredible pubs that each offer their own charm, but there’s really nothing quite like a nice cozy country pub. If you’re missing that atmosphere, then rest assured there is a place in London that offers just that.

The Hunter’s Moon is an adorable pub and dining room located in South West London that has incredible food and a lovely atmosphere. Ask for the booth in front of the bookshelf and you’re guaranteed to have the best seats in the house.

Gravity Wandsworth

Games night has been taken to a new level at this venue filled with 9 different immersive experiences.

📍 Google Maps | Gravity Wandsworth’s Website | 🎳 Best for: Activity Dates

Looking to dip your toes into the VR pond? Maybe you want to show off your bowling skills or compete in darts. Gravity Wandsworth is an adult playground that offers 9 different activities in one venue.

You can race your date in electric go-karts, partake in some mini golf, step inside an immersive game-box, and so much more. The activities at this place are endless, and it’s almost impossible for you to get bored.

ABQ at Hackney Funhouse

Grab your lab gear and get swept up in the experience of getting to “cook” your own molecular cocktails.

📍 Google Maps | Hackney Funhouse’s Website | 💖 Best for: First dates

For all the Breaking Bad fans out there, this one’s for you. Inspired by the hit TV series, this cocktail experience at Hackney Funhouse will see you transported to the lab where you will create your molecular cocktails. This will take place in either an RV or a Lab.

The joint is also known for its award-winning sourdough pizza, the perfect snack to wash down the liquids with. Happy mixing!

FAQs About Planning a Date in London

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Thanks for reading my top London date ideas! There are so many great places to go in London, I’m sure you and your significant other will have a blast discovering these gems. Up next, check out my article on safety in London.

Happy dating in London!