Quirky Date Ideas In Manchester

You've settled the texts and secured an evening, but the next step is another deal entirely. Done with pub visits and dinner? You'll need to mix it up a little when it comes to your romantic rendezvous. From themed cocktail cruises to a stint of old school SEGA gaming, these quirky date ideas in Manchester are sure to impress.

Last updated on 18th October 2023




1UP

1UP is the ideal pick of quirky dates, thanks to its range of activities. Whether classic consoles, board games, Pokemon cards or arcade machines are more your jam, you can head here to get your geek on as a couple.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Friday 8th December 2023

Alcotraz: Cell Block Three-Four is an absolute must for quirky and fun date night ideas in Manchester. Dress in orange jumpsuits before smuggling bootleg liquor past the eagle-eyed warden. Once inside? You'll be rewarded with bespoke sips from the prison's master bartenders. 

IndieFlicks

Is your boo a film buff? With tickets starting at just £8, a trip to IndieFlick's monthly festivals of short films is just the thing for unique and cheap date ideas in Manchester. You can head on down the first Wednesday of every month, enjoy a varied programme of offerings and even vote for your favourite.

Manchester Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt! Singe route or double for racing!

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Friday 8th December 2023

For quirky outdoor date ideas in Manchester, look no further than the Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt. Priced at just £15 per couple, this unique activity will see you race around the city's most famous landmarks and secret streets, solving clues and puzzles as you go. And for your prize? 20% off your bill at a local pub.

Secret Bars In Manchester

Treat your partner to a night out at one of these undercover watering holes, where finding it is only half the fun. Once inside these secret bars, you can uncover neon lights, retro sweets, cocktails galore, old school games and immersive theatre.

Immersive Gamebox

Whether you're searching for an ice breaking date idea or you fancy trying something a little different with your other half, Electric Gamebox has just the thing. An interactive entertainment haven, this spot is providing you with a library of immersive activities and adventures to choose from.

YO!

If you're a pair of foodies looking for what to do come your next date, then YO! Manchester Arndale has just the thing. Nab tickets to their masterclass, where you'll enjoy tucking into gyozas on arrival, before learning how to make four delicious sushi items.

House Of Burlesque

For an exciting date that's a little bit different, visit The Brewers for House of Burlesque. Kick off your heels (or slip them on) and enjoy a range of nights from dazzling showgirls led by queen Tempest Rose, to picking your favourite idol in the ultimate burlesque competition.

What's on at GRUB

From cocktail classes and games nights, to 'crafternoons' and wine tastings, GRUB has you sorted when you're on the hunt for fun date activities for adults in Manchester. Take your pick from their events and mosey on over to the Red Bank venue, where you and your SO are guaranteed a good time. 

Cherry Jam

On the hunt for fun dates in Manchester? Cherry Jam's bottomless sessions have your back. From a boozy afternoon tea complete with cocktails and scrummy sweet treats, to Sundays spent grazing on sharing platters with unlimited drinks, you can't go wrong.

DNA VR Manchester

Whether you're looking to break the ice on a first date or have a laugh with your other half, DNA VR Manchester offers a bucketload of fun. The city centre VR gaming experience allows you to move freely in a large virtual space with a range of different games.