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 30th January 2023
@ London Stadium, on Friday 28th July 2023 and 2 other dates
If you're on the hunt for fun events for you and your other half, check out London Wing Fest 2023. In July, you can tuck into delicious chicken wings while slinging back a beer. Plus, enjoy fun activities like eating competitions and axe throwing.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Tuesday 31st January 2023
@ Sky Garden Bars on Various dates from Tuesday 31st January 2023
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.
@ COLAB Tavern on Various dates from Thursday 16th February 2023
Try something a little different for your next date night with Cyanide in the Speakeasy. This immersive murder mystery experience in Elephant and Castle will see you working together to uncover a killer among you by deciphering clues, avoiding red herrings and interrogating suspects.
@ Bethnal Green Working Men's Club on Wed, 1st Feb 2023 @ 19:30 - 21:30
If you're on the hunt for cool things to do in Bethnal Green, The Great Big Cabaret F*ckabout promises some mesmerising performances. Enjoy less-known routines from the likes of Amazi Hoops, Comrade May and Dru Cripps.
@ London Eye Millenium Pier on Various dates from Thursday 2nd February 2023
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.
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.
@ The Camden Garrison on Various dates from Tuesday 31st January 2023
Date nights don't get much cooler than at Peaky Blinders: The Rise, a unique immersive experience that injects you into the famed TV show, with live sets and interactive characters. The Shelby family have unveiled plans to take over London - but it's up to you to decide what path to take.
@ Neosight Headquarters, Bankside Arches, SE1 8BU on Various dates from Tuesday 31st January 2023
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.
@ SuperchargedVR on Various dates from Friday 3rd February 2023
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.
@ The Nave on Friday 10th February 2023 and 2 other dates
One of London's most unique date ideas is heading to A Chocolate Love A-Fair, where the pair of you can try new flavours from Ben & Jerry's and Tony's Chocolonely. Not only that, but this immersive experience is styled like a commitment ceremony, offering canapes, goodie bags, sweet treats and the brands' joint commitment to ethical cocoa sourcing.
@ Plonk Golf - Hackney on Various dates from Tuesday 31st January 2023
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.
@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Wednesday 1st February 2023
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.
Discounts available on certain events
If you're looking for cute places to take your sweetie, Barrio is always a great idea. From musical bingo to bottomless brunches, there won't be a single dull moment. Plus, the venue has a cracking menu of drinks, including spiced rum sangria and tequila tipples.
@ The Candlelight Club on Saturday 18th March 2023
Why head to an ordinary bar when you can whisk yourself away to The Candlelight Club? Located in the heart of Central London, this speakeasy-style joint is oozing 1920s glamour, alongside offering up a range of lip-smacking cocktails, three-course meals and jazz entertainment.
@ The Silent Disco Boat on Saturday 25th February 2023 and 10 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.
@ Tooting Tram and Social on Saturday 11th February 2023 and 4 other Saturdays
When in need of a unique date night in London, how about dressing up in your finest glad rags and heading to a 1930s cabaret experience? This dark circus is set in pre-WWII Germany, boasting live jazz and blues music, sideshow acts and enthralling aerial entertainment in a sultry setting.
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.
@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Wednesday 1st February 2023
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.
@ Kitchen Theory on Various dates from Friday 10th February 2023
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 Various dates from Thursday 2nd February 2023
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.
@ Temple Underground Station on Various dates from Saturday 4th February 2023
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.
@ The Rivoli Ballroom on Saturday 18th February and Saturday 18th March 2023
The Rivoli Ballroom's monthly Jive Parties are back on the agenda - and what's on the cards? Live bands performing swing, jive and R&B music, which is sure to get you movin' and groovin' on the dancefloor. For any newbies, the night kicks off with a beginners' class too.
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.
@ Prince of Peckham on Sun, 19th Feb 2023 @ 15:00 - 18:00
MLONDON Art Events are bringing a boozy class to The Prince of Peckham pub, offering up the chance for you to create a masterpiece with the help of an expert. Not only that, but there's bubbles on arrival, afrobeats throughout and the chance to purchase delish cocktails or food too.
@ Secret Cottage London on Friday 31st March and Saturday 1st April 2023
A sultry multi-dining experience in London, this event at a super secret location features an overnight stay in a double room and a cracking three-course aphrodisiac menu. You'll also get to participate in bonding activities and a massage from a therapist. Fab for date night.
@ Ninth Life on Saturday 18th February 2023 and 3 other Saturdays
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.
@ Merchant House on Various dates from Tuesday 31st January 2023
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.
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.
@ Secret Location on Wed, 12th Oct 2022 - Tue, 31st Dec 2024
With many layers of secrecy across their shows, Sofar Sounds are the live music events where you don't find out the location or the three artists performing until just before. Better yet, they usually set up shop in unexpected places, like churches, museums, boutiques, rooftops and private homes.