Alternative date nights

Spice things up with our pick of the best alternative date nights.

Fed up of the same old dinner and drinks routine? It’s easy to get stuck in a date night rut – we all need to eat right? And who doesn’t want (or need) a mid-week glass of wine?  We’re all a bit guilty of playing it safe when it comes to planning a night out with the other half, but with the lighter evenings and warmer weather there has never been a better time to try something different. To help you mix it up we’ve put together some fun and original ideas to try this summer.

Make waves

Hit up your local rivers or park lakes and hire a pedalo or row boat armed with snacks and bottle of prosecco – or really challenge yourselves with some stand up paddle boarding (just try not to fall off)! If the thought of paddling doesn’t do it for you, try exploring with minimal effort on a self-drive power boat or boost the luxe factor with a Venitian style champagne cruise.

Sweat it out

They say that couples that sweat together, stay together. Exercise is proven to release endorphins that make you happy, so laughing your way through a workout together could be just what you need. Take it easy with a romantic stroll or jog through the park or go hard-core with a pumping spin or CrossFit class – then grab a quick drink after to wind down…you just might want to shower first!

Get your game on

Board games aren’t just for your granny, there are now late night cafes dedicated to boardgaming – yup, really! Release your inner 80s child with a round of old school games like as Cluedo, Buckaroo and Uno, test your skill with a pack of cards or get competitive with arcade classics. Or save the pennies and have a game night at home alongside a takeaway.

Educate yourself

There are hundreds of evening classes available across the country where you can do something you’ve never done before, pick up some new skills and have fun along the way. Try your hand at taxidermy, pottery, photography, street dancing, life drawing, fencing or even knitting! The list goes on but you’ll always enjoy sharing a new experience together and you never know, you might uncover a talent you never knew you had!

Taste the world

Get cultural and try tasty cuisine from around the globe at bustling street markets. Check out what’s on in your area and challenge yourself to eat something from a different part of the world for each course. For the more adventurous foodies, why not book cooking classes and hone your culinary expertise? From sushi workshops to chocolate making there is something for every taste.

Movie night mash up

Take a trip to a pop-up cinema. From car park roof tops to stunning castles and even hot tubs, there are a whole host of quirky locations where you can settle down under the stars and enjoy classic movies – don’t forget a blanket and the popcorn of course!