Quirky Date Ideas In London
Whether it's a long-term thing or a 'just seeing how it goes', you never have an excuse for a boring date night. With a city that's crammed to the rafters with top-notch events such as bottomless brunches on canal boats through to adult ball pits, there's never a shortage of London quirky date ideas; that's why we've done the wooing and swooning to bring you the most unusual of them all. Find 'em below.
Make even more plans with our complete couples guide to London.
Last updated on 23rd June 2022
Life is too short to not enjoy a little bit of quirky. So why not push the boat out with The BBQ Club? Not only are they offering a 6-course dining experience to enjoy together, but they also are bringing stunning views of the Thames and a guest appearance from Aaron Middleton.
@ Temple Underground Station on Various dates from Saturday 2nd July 2022
If spooks and scares make your relationship thrive? You'd be silly to miss one of London's most talked about tours. For guys, gals and ghouls galore, this haunted pub tour takes you around city boozers with a sordid history, perfect for a date night to remember.
@ Proud Cabaret City on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Need date night plans? Head along to Mumbai Masala with your beau for an evening you both won't forget. Enjoy tucking into some mouthwatering Asian grub, carefully curated by celebrity chef Nisha Parmar, alongside fabulous Bollywood entertainment.
@ SuperchargedVR on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Make your next date night one to remember by heading over to Leyton's Supercharged VR. If you've both got a total need for speed, then make sure to venture over. You'll get to choose your cars and battle it out with your wheels on the high-speed race courses.
@ Secret Location on Friday 15th July 2022 and 2 other dates
Throughout the festive period, you and your date can enjoy a day or evening guzzling free-flowing espresso martinis at Ninetyeight Bar. Taking place in East London, you can sip salted caramel, chai and biscuit-flavoured variations, or opt for Christmas cosmos if that's what you fancy instead.
@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 2nd July 2022 and 3 other Saturdays
At this Silent Sounds Boat Party, you and your beau will cruise past some of the city's most romantic landmarks, all while listening to banging tunes and enjoying top-quality sips. The best part? You can choose what you listen - just change the channel on your earphones.
@ Shoreditch Funhouse on Sunday 26th June 2022 and 4 other dates
Looking for fun date ideas with your other half? Enjoy heading to H-Division, an immersive event sure to keep you on your toes. At this 19th century themed police station, you'll get to try to solve mysteries and capture Jack The Ripper, while unlocking your cocktails.
@ Bread Street Kitchen on Various dates from Monday 27th June 2022
Need a date idea in London? We've got a unique one right at Bread Street Kitchen in St Pauls. Get the chance to share multiple plates of fabulous fare all while sipping back cocktails in the most gorgeous dining pods.
@ Neosight Headquarters, Bankside Arches, SE1 8BU on Various dates from Tuesday 28th June 2022
If you're looking to the future in your relationship, The Grid has the experience for you. An unusual take on mixing and muddling, enter a sci-fi world where you'll solve clues and sip to your heart's content.
@ Secret Cottage London on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July 2022
If you're looking for something a little different this date night, your search is over. From a multi-course dinner packed with aphrodisiacs to couples massages and meditative experiences, this indulgent stay in a secret cottage location is bound to help you connect.
@ Cocktail bars across London on Thu, 13th Oct 2022 - Sun, 23rd Oct 2022
Forget boring dates with your beau and join in on London Cocktail Week 2022. This awesome event will be celebrating all things booze, as over 300 of the city's most popular bars will be serving up £7 signature bevvies, alongside some other surprises too.
Learn the art of icing or indulge in a tasty afternoon tea at Biscuiteers' cafés in Notting Hill, Belgravia and Northcote Road. With its pretty interiors, quirky themes and welcoming feel, this experience is set to make for one quirky date.
@ Sky Garden Bars on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Make your beau feel extra special with a trip to the music events at Sky Garden, one of London's most popular rooftop bars. Combining enviable views with a DJ and live bands, these nights out will see you soaking up the view from this 35th floor haunt while you listen or dance.
@ Merchant House on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Go for something a little different and book your own private bar. Hidden within Merchant House, you'll have a private bartender, your own music choices and the chance to mix up some cocktails. Perfect for a group date night.
@ Tootbus on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Hop on the London Bar Bus and make your date night experience one to remember. Whether it's your first or 50th date, this awesome bus will be serving some fabulous cocktails, while travelling across the city and visiting some famous landmarks. Need we say more?
@ The Savoy on Sat, 29th Oct 2022 @ 19:00 - 22:30
Spruce up boring ol' date night with The Savoy's Queen of the Ocean immersive dining experience. Set in 1912 on the RMS Titanic, enjoy a fantastic five course dinner with fabulous live entertainment.
@ Ninth Life on Various dates from Thursday 30th June 2022
Enjoy a theatrical and immersive night of escape rooms and murder mystery-themed entertainment at The Hunt for the Smoking Caterpillar. A brilliant activity for couples in London, this Catford-based event is inspired by Alice and Wonderland and includes a stellar cast of characters.
@ The Sunset Steam Express on Tuesday 28th June 2022 and 9 other Tuesdays
If you're looking to mix things up come date night, how about dinner on a train? Hop aboard The Sunset Steam Express and you'll be tucking into a glorious three-course meal of British classics, all while watching the Surrey Hills go by.
@ Kitchen Theory on Saturday 16th and Saturday 30th July 2022
Looking to bring something unique to your next date night? Head over to High Barnet where Kitchen Theory have taken up residence in a warehouse loft space to bring you a 10-course tasting menu that will test your every sense.
@ Kraft Dalston on Thursday 30th June 2022 and 7 other Thursdays
Searching for the perfect first date spot? Check out Kraft Dalston's Brewery Tour & Tasting. You'll each get 3 half pints and a detailed explanation of how it's made through their fermentation cellar and operations room.
@ London Eye Millenium Pier on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Impress your beau by getting them to hop aboard Thames Lates' speedboat, which will jet you both down London's famous river. Admire the stunning views of the city's landmarks at dusk, with a tasty drink and stellar soundtrack to hand.
@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
- Save 10% on ticket Sunday Matinee Early 2.30pm with discount code SHOWTIME
Sometimes we don't fancy going to our local boozer for date night, so why not check out The Murdér Express Part Deux -Jewel Of The Empire at Pedley Street Station. Delve into the investigation, find the culprit, all the while you're tucking into a four-course feast.
@ Tobacco Dock on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th August 2022
Looking to treat your partner to something a little different? We bet bottomless craft beer from over 100 different breweries sounds pretty darn good. That's where this cool festival at Tobacco Dock comes in, offering unlimited drinks alongside a choice of street food traders and musicians for entertainment.
A talented artist as your guide, all your kit already provided, a bar on-site to help you loosen that inner creativity... Paint a Pic is a brilliant event and one of the best quirky date ideas in London. Guaranteed to gain you brownie points for originality, this artsy session will see you both taking home your own masterpieces.
@ Plonk Golf - London Fields on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
If you're searching for a unique date idea in London, Plonk Golf is definitely sure to impress your sweetie. Enjoy playing golf on this challenging course and get the chance to play a few games in its arcade too. And don't forget to check out the tiki cocktail bar as well.
@ The Vaults on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
This one's sure to leave a lasting impression. Spend an evening tucking into a five-course feast and sipping on cocktails while watching a brilliant show at The Vaults. Mulan Rouge is bringing you drag-tastic burlesque acts, witty one-liners and saucy performances.
@ COLAB Tavern on Various dates from Wednesday 13th July 2022
Inject your date night with a dose of quirky at The West: An Immersive Wild West Experience, located at COLAB Tavern on Harper Road. This fun-packed event created by the team behind Crooks 1926, will have you and your boo learning classic cowboy tricks and uncovering secrets.
@ Escape Bar on Every 1st Tuesday of the month
Looking for something different to do on your next date night? WAP is the brilliant comedy event in Dalston that showcases some of the funniest women in London. Taking place at Escape Bar, this event will see you cracking up at the sharp wit of Carla Gordon, Isabelle Farrah and more.
@ Leicester Square Theatre on Various dates from Wednesday 6th July 2022
Treat your date to a brilliant night out over at Leicester Square Theatre, where Sh!t-faced Shakespeare is lugging its inebriated self on stage. Expect a hilarious performance of Romeo and Juliet, where the actors appear to have had one too many.
@ Pollocks Toy Museum on Sat, 8th Oct 2022 @ 17:30 - 19:15
@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
Perfect for a quirky date night, channel your inner cowboy at this cool pop up bar in East London. Step into the Moonshine Saloon for an immersive evening of tasty cocktails and cowboy hats.
Not only is The Little Yellow Door a lovely restaurant and bar off Portobello Road, but it's also home to The Flatmates. These guys are sure to cook up a storm and make you feel right at home with their raucous house parties, boozy brunches and kooky supper clubs, which are sure to make for the perfect quirky date.
Spice up the usual dinner and drinks with a trip to this stunning barge. You'll want to head east to Hackney Wick, where the historic 114-year-old barge has been transformed into a drinking and dining destination, complete with a British fusion menu and dreamy views. Book a table at sunset for an extra special evening.