Quirky Date Ideas In London

Whether you're taking it on as a pair or looking for fun double date ideas in London, the official Race Across The World Experience promises a day full of fun. This is based on the hit BBC show, giving you three checkpoints to reach on foot while completing challenges and solving puzzles.

Public transport is banned, and you'll have to rely on your navigation skills to get you to the end. There are also optional work tasks to earn more money, which is important if you want to make it on the leaderboard as you're rated on both time and budget.

If you're looking for quirky LGTBTQ+ date ideas in London, be sure to head down to The Karaoke Hole in Dalston - brought to you by the team behind queer haven Dalston Superstore and pizza icons Voodoo Ray's. Expect to find everything from drag karaoke brunches to cabaret and comedy shows.

An immersive art gallery like no other, Frameless reimagines classic works of art in a way that's never been seen before. Across four different rooms, you'll be transported directly into these paintings as they appear all around you.

The multi-sensory experience can be found in Marble Arch, featuring work from the likes of Dalí, Van Gogh, Munch, and more. You can take it at your own pace, exploring for as long as you like.

House Of Burlesque is a unique group that gives everyone the chance to get involved in this art form. You'll find them at locations around Soho and Camden, hosting affordable shows and events that make for an unusual date idea.

Watch some of the UK's top burlesque performers dazzle you on stage, from speakeasy-style acts to competitions where you get to choose your favourites. Or for something a little more hands-on, check out their lessons on fan dancing, striptease and more.

One of the most fun date activities in London? Hexmoor is no ordinary night out - it's the world's first immersive wizarding prison bar, where you'll trade your everyday clothes for an official inmate jumpsuit and find yourself locked up with a gang of dark-arts-obsessed wizards. This fully interactive experience blends immersive theatre with live actors, giving you the chance to engage with characters, uncover secrets, and even plot your magical escape.

Whether you're a cunning spellcaster or a curious newcomer, your sorcery skills will be pushed to their limits. You can choose your level of magical indulgence too, with three ticket options available: enjoy three enchanting cocktails for £49.50, upgrade to four for £57.50, or go all in with four cocktails and a bespoke wand, hand-delivered to you mid-experience by the legendary Willbott's Wand Shop, for £77.50.

If you're on the hunt for fun immersive experiences with your sweetie, head to Alcotraz. Sneak past the warden with bottles of booze as you interact with the theatrical actors while sipping on four bespoke cocktails of your choice in a prison cell, whipped up by the talented inmate bartenders. Oh, you'll both get to don orange jumpsuits too.

At the point in your relationship where you want to show off your singing voice? Or just fancy a boogie with some cocktails and a live DJ? Either way, Lucky Voice is the place for you, whether you want to party like a rockstar in a private booth or hit the dancefloor all night. They've got over 11,000 songs to choose from here, so you can guarantee hours of entertainment.

Perfect for a quirky date night, channel your inner cowboy at this cool pop up bar in East London. Interactive actors will immerse you into a world of the Wild West, where you'll have to sneak past the sheriff to smuggle in your own booze, before the talented mixologists will create a bespoke cocktail for you. Step into the Moonshine Saloon for an immersive evening of tasty cocktails and cowboy hats, with tickets starting from £35.99.

Ditch the dinner and movie and go for this quirky life drawing class from Neon Naked Life Drawing, for a truly fun night out using neon-coloured models as your muse. You can get stuck into this fantastic experience wherever you are as well, as it takes place at venues in Hackney, Aldgate, Angel Peckham and beyond.

Looking to impress? Head to Melt Chocolates in Notting Hill for a date night that blends indulgence with creativity. With a packed calendar of events - from bonbon-making and bean-to-bar sessions to cocktail pairings and cacao ceremonies - it's a hands-on way to explore the delicious world of artisanal chocolate together.

Classes are expertly guided, beautifully presented, and full of sensory surprises, making for a truly memorable and romantic experience.

Looking for a date night with a twist? Disrepute, a hidden gem nestled under Kingly Court, offers a journey into the scandalous past of Soho. Step into a world where history meets modern cocktail culture, and let the atmosphere transport you to the swinging '60s.

With its vintage charm, wood-panelled walls, and a cocktail menu filled with stories from Soho's past, it's the perfect place for a quirky date that's as memorable as it is unique.

To truly get to know someone? You should try battling zombies with them, adventuring underwater or escaping a high-security prison. Luckily, DNA VR are letting you do just that and more with their epic high-tech offering, promising 60-minute sessions across all of their experiences - from futuristic arcades to exhilarating escape rooms.

If you're wondering where to go for activity dates in London, get Gravity Wandsworth on your radar - ideal for couples that like to add a little extra edge to their date night. This next-level entertainment venue offers VR headsets and immersive experiences from e-karting and AR bowling to a modern twist on retro arcade games and shuffleboard, to name a few.

You can enjoy some tasty street food while you're at it too, including classic hotdogs, burgers and dirty fires, with a whole plant-based menu to choose from as well.

If you're looking for quirky and fun date ideas in London, Dabbers Bingo is the perfect spot. Ditch the traditional dinner and movie plan for a night of interactive bingo, live performances, and delicious food and drinks.

Whether you choose a Bottomless Brunch Bingo or a Pick N Mix Bingo experience, the night is guaranteed to be filled with laughter, fun, and friendly competition. The atmosphere is lively, the prizes are exciting, and you'll have an unforgettable time with your date. It's a unique way to spend quality time together.

Sometimes we don't fancy going to our local boozer for date night, so why not check out The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station, an immersive experience that combines theatre and fine dining. Delve into the investigation, find the culprit, all the while you're tucking into a three-course feast.

The couple that plays together stays together. So make your way to a Bendy Candle Making Workshop hosted by Harri at Habit Haus to get bonding. Book into a session in Dalston, Pimlico or Vauxhall to sculpt, dip and twist dinner candles until you've crafted a creation fit for your mantelpiece. 

Your £41.80 ticket includes everything you need, from wax and wicks to decorations and a bag to carry your candles home. 

Enjoy an evening of mystery and nightmares with your beau at The Double R Club, a monthly cabaret event inspired by the dark and beautiful words of David Lynch. There's burlesque, comedy, live music and more, all with a sinister twist and different themes each time. These spooky shows take place at Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, with tickets starting from £10 per person.

Dinner and drinks? Predictable. But a date where you both have to solve a murder? Now we're talking. Jury Duty is London's most unique immersive experience, a courtroom thriller where you and your partner will interrogate a live actor playing the accused, pore over evidence, and deliver your own verdict.

It's part mystery, part performance, and all about the chemistry between you two as you work (or argue) your way to the truth. Whether you uncover a twist or crack the case wide open, it's a date night that definitely won't be forgotten.

Set sail for the party of the year with Silent Sounds: On The Thames. This silent disco takes place aboard The Dutch Master, a two-deck boat offering unbeatable views of London's iconic landmarks, including Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Tickets start at just £27 per person, making it an unmissable night out.

Dance to your own beat with three music channels featuring everything from disco hits to house anthems. Need a break? Grab a drink from one of the boat's bars and soak in the city lights. And when the night on the water ends, the fun continues at Ballie Ballerson, London's legendary ball pit cocktail bar, with free guest list entry for select ticket holders.

Head to Tottenham where Roller Nation is waiting to become your new favourite date night spot, packed with nostalgia and throwback tunes. Take a few zips around the rink or sit back with a juicy burger, classic hotdogs or mac 'n' cheese balls and a glass of the good stuff while you watch the pros do their thing.

Grab a date, get down to London Stadium and prepare to fall wildly in love with Wing Fest. When you're not tucking into platefuls of poultry, you'll battle it out at axe throwing and blow off some steam in the splash zone.

However you spend your day, expect thumping music, fantastic food and plenty of beer and bourbon. If you're going Dutch, tickets are just £27.50 each and include a Wing Fest signature trucker hat.

Looking for something a little different to do with your other half? Head over to Rivoli Ballroom and spend your evening dancing to 70s and 80s bangers at one of their Rouges disco and funk-themed bashes. If that's not your kind of music, then they've got 90s nights too, complete with tunes from DJ Kobayashi. It's fun, it's carefree and you'll both love every minute of it.

Looking for a unique date suggestions in London? Greek Street Live offers a quirky twist with its blend of intimate charm and lively entertainment potential.

Share signature cocktails in a setting that's both cosy and stylish, or take the night to the next level with live music performances. Nestled in the heart of Soho, this venue sets the perfect stage for a romantic evening infused with creativity and charm.

Debauchery and sultry moments all happen at The London Cabaret Club in Holborn, so why not take your date along? Make your way inside this glamorous venue to enjoy fine dining and bubbles, all while catching some Copacabana or Gatsby-themed immersive entertainment. The menus are inspired by the entertainment too, ranging from Brazilian to Mexican or European cuisines. Oh, yes.

Test your crush's Squid Game survival skills at Immersive Gamebox. Step into a world of hyper-interactive rooms featuring motion sensors and surround sound, with five different experiences to choose from. Embark together on an array of themed challenges such as the Alien Aptitude Test and Ticket To Mars across Wandsworth and Southbank.

Bored of candlelit dinners and romantic walks in the park? Add a little chaos to your next date night at Santa's Christmas Dive Bar Experience. Expect rock 'n' roll singalongs, immersive sets straight out of the North Pole and all kinds of raucous cabaret.

There's plenty of festive street food on offer, plus Christmassy cocktails to keep you in the party spirit. If you're going Dutch, tickets start from just £41.80 each.

Looking for a fun winter date idea? Then head to Fire & Fromage at Jimmy's Pop-up on the Southbank, where you can enjoy views of the river Thames while tucking into alpine fare - surrounded by warm fire pits, cosy blankets and twinkling lights.

Their fondue bar offers classic and vegan set menus, featuring a welcome drink, a sharing fondue feast and mini chocolate doughnuts for £35 per person. They've also got a more laid-back street food kitchen, serving up the likes of raclette burgers, chicken schnitzel and beef chilli loaded fries.

For a cute date idea with your other half, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is hosting The Cantina By El Cabron, an immersive masterclass where you'll learn to whip up some tasty concoctions in a 1920s-style drinking den. Discover all the family secrets at this Mexican experience as you make cocktails and watch mixologists do their thing, with live performances of jazz, swing, and blues every night.

Looking for a wholesome day out with your other half that will transport you to the world of Downton Abbey? Soho venue Cutter & Squidge are hosting two afternoon tea experiences in honour of the grand finale, taking place in their stunning immersive sets.

Upstairs, The Grantham Afternoon Tea experience promises fine China, a refined atmosphere and bubbles, alongside dainty cakes and sandwiches. Down below, Mrs Patmore's kitchen features communal tables for dining on a hearty feast.

If you need day date ideas in London, check out All Star Lanes Stratford. Modelled on American bowling, it's even bigger and brighter than sister venues in Stratford, Holborn, White City and Brick Lane. They offer 14 lanes and an open-plan restaurant cooking up US-style dishes like buttermilk chicken burgers and mac 'n' cheese, alongside a quirky cocktail bar serving signature sips. 

Bored of your standard date night movie and dinner? Then get on down to Boom Battle Bar at The O2 or on Oxford Street. Not only is this joint home to a bucketload of fun games, including axe throwing, beer pong, crazy golf and more, but also a mega menu of mouthwatering munch like pizza or chicken wings and cracking cocktails to boot.

A unique date London has to offer? Spruce up your dinner with a trip to Dans Le Noir in Farringdon, which has you dining in the dark for the ultimate foodie experience. Heighten taste sensations and change perceptions at this alternative restaurant that's sure to be a feast for the senses.

You'll be served surprise dishes and given the opportunity to guess what you've eaten afterwards, with a fully lit bar to mingle with other diners or just enjoy a drink at the end of your meal.

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 will 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. 

Get your game on at this epic state-of-the-art mini golf bar in White City, perfect for competitive couples or breaking the ice on a first date. Alongside their tech-savvy set up, complete with automatic point scoring and electronic leaderboards, you'll find a fantastic array of food and drinks to bring out your best skills - think stone-baked pizzas or hearty burgers alongside quirky cocktails.

In desperate need of a date night idea with your sweetheart? Gorgeous South London wine bar Diogenes The Dog features a range of delicious food including boozy cheeses, toasties, cured meats and terrines, served in an intimate and cosy setting. Pair your food with delicious vino imported from all over the world, with sips produced everywhere from Poland to Texas. This spot has won multiple awards, including Hybrid Retailer of the Year from The Drinks Retailing Awards 2023 and Decanter's Best Newcomer in 2020, so you can be sure it's worth the visit.

After first date ideas in London? Bat & Ball in Stratford and Covent Garden boasts a range of games and activities to take the pressure off your chat. Think table tennis, pool, interactive darts and live DJs, or even a private karaoke booth to really break the ice. This can all be enjoyed alongside burgers, pizzas and a selection of craft beers, wines or cocktails from the bar.

You've made the decision to go to dinner, and that's great news, but how about trying something a little different this date night? Famous for their interactive tables, head on down to Inamo for gaming and touch-screen menus alongside some of the best Japanese bites in the business. You can even play sudoku while you're waiting for your order, and you're only ever a few taps away from soft shell crab tempura, yuzu pork belly, bang bang cauliflower and more.

Mix up your date night with Queens Skate Dine Bowl, the quirky Queensway venue that's jam-packed with fun activities. Not only can you enjoy romantic cocktails from their bar, but you can also challenge your other half to a game of bowling or run rings around them in central London's only year-round ice skating rink. You can even expect DJ sets as you skate, followed by a delicious meal of buffalo wings, bacon cheeseburgers and black bean chilli loaded fries from MEATliquor.

Looking to impress on a first date or rekindle the spark? Reverend JW Simpson is Fitzrovia's best-kept secret, offering intimate vibes, candlelit corners, and a cocktail menu full of surprises. Inspired by the mysterious former occupant, the bar retains its original quirky apartment aesthetic, with peeling wallpaper and vintage touches adding to the intrigue.

The bartenders, aka the Reverend's disciples, are true masters of mixology, crafting unique, seasonal cocktails using forgotten spirits and foraged ingredients. Cosy up, sip something unexpected, and let the night unfold in this one-of-a-kind drinking den.

Looking for a unique date idea that promises plenty of booze, food and games? Then head to Shuffle Club in Shoreditch, where they're offering 90 minutes of competitive fun on their shuffleboard tables at their brilliant brunch events.

With themes like Miami and South Beach, these afternoon parties promise great tunes and unlimited prosecco or draught beer. Plus, they're offering all-you-can-eat slices of delicious pizza to top it all off.

You might be twiddling your thumbs on this alternative date London has to offer, but it will be a whole heap of fun. Four Quarters have got venues in Hackney, Peckham and Elephant and Castle, complete with all the retro games, themed cocktails and craft beer to ensure you snag a second date. We're talking Pac-Man, pinball, Guitar Hero and Donkey Kong, as well as original consoles for video gaming.

If you're looking to wow on a date then take your beau to Sandbox VR London, just off Tottenham Court Road, for a virtual reality experience like no other. Immerse yourself in eight different alternate realities, from Squid Game to alien invasions, and then refresh at the bar after with a cocktail whipped up by the UK's first ever robot bartender.

Situated in Battersea is one of the most romantic wine bars, Aspen and Meursault, brought to you by the creators of the award-winning venue Diogenes the Dog. Take your sweetheart to this gorgeous spot, decked out with plants and alfresco seating. Plus, you can pair vino with nibbles such as chorizo bites and baked camembert. Looking for something a little earlier in the day? You can grab brunch here from Thursday 'til Sunday as well.

In need of something quirky for date night? Here's where Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery comes in. At this immersive experience in Mayfair, you'll both have to uncover clues and interrogate five suspects in order to find out what happened to John Sullivan - costing £60 per person which includes two cocktails made with Belvedere and Moët & Chandon.

Whether it's a first date or you fancy a bit of quality time together, YO!'s sushi schools are a great shout. Together, you'll try your hand at making a range of different bites, from maki through to sashimi, with guidance on knife skills and how to roll the perfect bitesize eats. There will also be snacks like edamame and gyozas with a drink to keep you refreshed too, all for just £34.95 per person.

One of the best board game bars, Draughts is a great pick of fun London date ideas. Head to their Waterloo, Stratford or Hackney locations and get the dice rolling with cocktails and craft beers, before moving onto more complex players and comfort grub - whether that's Baja fish tacos, buttermilk fried chicken burgers or broccoli and cauliflower tater tots.

Gift your special someone with something a little different come the next date night, offering up tickets to cheese and wine masterclasses at Vagabond. Head to one of their locations across London to learn how to pair the two, with tickets starting from £35 per person and promising a selection of five indulgent cheeses and complementary vinos to match each one.

Fancy switching up your usual date night plans with a quirky immersive experience? Avora is the fantastic adventure in Shoreditch, brought to you by the team behind Alcotraz and Moonshine Saloon.

Step into a whole new world full of magical woodland and interactive actors, where you'll sip on bespoke cocktails that change colour as you're drinking. You'll be tasked with completing all sorts of scientific missions as you venture deeper into the landscape, wearing custom jumpsuits and working as a team to discover more about this land.

Looking for a fun winter date idea? Then head to The Fire Garden at Ham Yard Hotel, located in Soho. They're hosting this pop-up on their rooftop terrace, complete with cosy lighting, warm blankets and comfy sofas, covered to protect from the unpredictable British weather.

They've partnered with Sapling Spirits to create some delicious themed cocktails, including the Spirited Mocha and a Smoked BBQ Vesper. You can sample wood-fired dishes like flatbreads and roasted scallops too, as well as DIY s'mores.

Looking for a quirky and intimate date night? SUPERMAX is hidden beneath Happy Face Pizza, offering a unique Italian-inspired bar with a 1970s Milan vibe.

Enjoy Vermouth-led cocktails, indulgent neon decor, and a soundtrack of Italo pop and deep house, while vibing to the beats spun by DJs. It's an ideal date spot for those who want something a little different - secluded, stylish, and full of character.

A list of unique date night ideas in London wouldn't be complete without Theo Randall at The Intercontinental Park Lane. Here, you can expect everything from fine wine tastings with top producers to cooking masterclasses alongside the award-winning chef himself - either way, they're accompanied by an amazing meal and plenty of top tips from his 20 years of cooking experience. 

If you're searching for a unique date idea in London, Plonk Golf in Hackney or Borough Market is sure to impress your sweetie. Enjoy playing golf on these challenging courses, complete with ramps, obstacles and colourful decor, alongside their retro arcade games and multiple pool tables too. And don't forget to check out the tiki cocktail bar as well.

Looking for a Burns Night date with a twist? The Rhythm and Booze Project pairs world-class whisky with raucous live blues in an intimate Bermondsey café.

Sip drams from the open whisky bar, nibble veggie haggis bonbons, and enjoy hypnotic grooves while Felipe and Paul entertain with their irrepressible charm. 

Located in Canary Wharf and St Paul's, Fairgame is a colourful, Instagram-worthy venue that's inspired by old-school fairgrounds. The adults-only spot promises all sorts of nostalgic fun, reimagining childhood games like Roll-A-Ball Derby, Skeeball and Whac-A-Mole.

Their cutting-edge wristband technology allows you to track your scores easily, with a leaderboard showing you how you're doing compared to the whole room. When you're all gamed out, nab creative cocktails, boozy slushies and tasty eats from the likes of Taco Collective, Rudy's Pizza or Burger & Beyond.

Spice up the usual dinner and drinks with a trip to the stunning Barge East, voted London's number one restaurant by TripAdvisor in 2019 and best newcomer in 2021 by the Catey Awards. 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.

Located close to Holloway Road station, Bake Master are hosting The Ultimate Baking Challenge. This is a great choice for couples, as you work in teams of two to create the ultimate three-tier cake, decorated however you like.

You'll have 80 minutes to create your masterpiece, with vegan and gluten-free recipes available. This also includes a cocktail or mocktail making session, and there are other drinks available to purchase throughout.

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 and three-course meals with dishes like beetroot carpaccio or pork medallions with a creamy mushroom sauce, alongside live jazz and other entertainment.

Found within Battersea Power Station, Control Room B is offering an audio guided tour of the space - giving you an insight into the history of this iconic landmark. Don your headphones and set off at your own pace, with tickets starting from just £12.

You'll enjoy a welcome cocktail, with the option to add on a glass of Champagne too. Sip these while exploring the original control desks, switchgear and synchroscopes, which powered the city in the 1950s.

A quirky place to go for a London date, BYOC City is the cool spot that has casino-inspired decor and expert mixologists who are waiting to whip you up delish cocktails from ingredients of your choice. The best thing about it? You get to bring your favourite booze for them to use. There's even roulette and blackjack tables too.

If you're looking for somewhere a little different to take a date in London, then The Rosemary Branch Theatre is a great bet. Treat the pair of you to a night of stellar performance from a choice of weekly acts or one-off shows - think music, cabaret, comedy and more, before heading downstairs to the charming pub for drinks and a bite to eat.

Make it a date night to remember by taking them somewhere really special. Amazing Grace, which can be found at a 12th-century church in London Bridge, is cool, quirky and downright romantic. Pop along for dinner and cocktails, with live music to soundtrack your evening, as well as mesmerising 3D light projections using their cutting-edge audio-visual technology. As for the menu? Expect pan-Asian eats like Vietnamese fried tofu, Korean pulled pork bao buns and Korean potato bites. Plus, they've got a second venue in Canary Wharf.

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.

Bounce on Old Street is an absolute classic for competitive dates, boasting table tennis, both physical and virtual, as well as beer pong. Make your way around their neon tables with your boo, all before plenty of pizzas, burgers, loaded fries and cocktails at the bar. Prices start from just £6 per person too, making this an affordable and fun choice.

When it comes to ideas for fun dates in London? With a locations all over the place, including Victoria, Shoreditch and Bloomsbury, Flight Club will add the fun and games to your date night. The quirky destination offers a range of quirky darts games that put an exciting twist on the pub classic, with electronic scoring boards that do all the maths for you.

The quirky cocktails and pizza paddles here are to die for too, with toppings like spicy nduja or four cheese, perfect for sharing or eating all to yourself - we won't judge.

Make your beau feel extra special with a trip to the music events at Sky Garden, one of London's most popular rooftop bars that makes an unbelievably Instagrammable night out. Combining enviable 360-degree views of the city 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. Otherwise, head here for yoga sessions with a view, sunrise sessions and breakfasts too.

Learn the art of icing or indulge in a tasty afternoon tea at Biscuiteers' café in Notting Hill. Thanks to pretty interiors, quirky themes and an all-round welcoming feel, this experience is set to make for one quirky date - complete with treats to take home. Prices start from £95, and you're bound to learn something new while you're there as well. 

Get a little competitive at this quirky date idea, where state-of-the-art radar technology and software will level up your outing. Entertainment Golf will have you taking on some of the world's greatest golf courses in an amazing outdoor setting, with views of the city acting as your backdrop throughout the experience.  

Searching for unique date ideas in London? Head to Substation Brixton and enjoy over 100 different climbing routes as well as events and instructed tutorials for beginners. There's also a treatment room and cafe if you and your sweetie want to relax after your workout, with hand-stretched pizzas up for grabs too.