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 edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 5th November 2024




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.

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.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Saturday 9th November 2024

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.

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.

Gin Journey Manchester

@ Nell's Pizza on Saturday 16th November 2024 and 2 other Saturdays

If you and your other half love discovering new things, then embark on Gin Journey Manchester together. You'll visit four unique venues across the city, sampling a local or international gin taster at each - as well as a carefully curated cocktail.

Local gin expert Jono Ojinnaka will be guiding you through the process, sharing knowledge of the bars or distilleries and their drinks along the way.

YO!

Discounts available on certain events

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.

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.

NQ64 Manchester Northern Quarter

For date night with a twist, get some retro arcade games involved with a trip to Q64, found in Manchester's Northern Quarter or over on Peter Street in Deansgate. Simply show up or book a both to enjoy an array of cult classics like House Of The Dead or Dance Stage 2 Euro Mix. Refuel for round two in the neon-lit den with pizza from Crazy Pedro's and themed tipples like a Kong Island Iced Tea.

Electric Shuffle Manchester

Happy Hour!

Plan a competitive date for your loved one and head down to Electric Shuffle on Deansgate for its unique take on shuffleboard, complete with mini games that really shake things up. They come complete with automatic scoring, so you can focus on your technique and trash talk. Otherwise, choose their boozy brunch to go up against other couples while enjoying two hours of bottomless pizza and a bottle of prosecco each.

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

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Saturday 9th November 2024

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.

11 Central Gin Making Experience

@ 11 Central on Various dates from Sunday 17th November 2024

Create some memories on your next date night with this gin making masterclass at 11 Central. Try some selected sips before forming your own recipe from a choice of over 60 botanicals and come away with your own unique bottle of spirit. You can also attend their tasting experience for just £30. 

Courts Club

777 Happy Hour | 7 Cocktails, £7 each, available 7 days a week.

Looking to spice up your usual date night plans? Then Courts Club should definitely be on your radar. You can book their tennis and basketball court for a fun, competitive game with your other half, before heading to the bar for some much-needed refreshments. There are indoor and outdoor tables to choose from, where you can enjoy a selection of refreshing draught beer and cocktails - as well as Greek street food, hearty sandwiches and toasties.

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. 

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.