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 Lauren Cole

Last updated on 2nd December 2025




Electric Shuffle Manchester

Happy Hour and 3 other offers

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.

Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Manchester on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

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. 

Soul Supper Immersive Dining Experience - MANCHESTER

@ Freight Island on Sunday 15th March 2026 and 6 other Sundays

If you're looking for a quirky date night with a twist, Soul Supper in Manchester is a must-try. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal while being transported to the golden era of Motown with iconic tunes from legends like Marvin Gaye and The Supremes.

Set at Freight Island, this immersive experience lets you dive deep into the world of soulful music while savouring mouthwatering food. Whether you're celebrating with a partner or looking for a fun night out with friends, Soul Supper is a unique and memorable way to enjoy food, music, and great vibes. 

Grit Studios

Shake up your usual date night with a creative twist at Grit Studios. Enjoy an interactive Sip & Paint session where you can both experiment with bold colours and textures, guided by artist Joe.

Add in some bottomless prosecco and delicious charcuterie, and you've got yourself a quirky night out in the city. It's a relaxed environment where laughter flows just as freely as the drinks, making it easy to connect and have fun while creating your own masterpieces side by side.

The Alchemist Manchester - New York Street

One of the best date night bars in Manchester, The Alchemist New York Street, MediaCityUK and Spinningfields are gorgeous venues packed with unique cocktails and theatrical concoctions. Bring your partner here if you're looking to impress with fizzing, popping and colour-changing booze.

That's not all that's on offer though, their two-person Sunday Feast offers an indulgent sharing platter for £20 per person - featuring the likes of macaroni cheese, pork belly bites and loaded truffle tater tots.

DOUGH-IT YOURSELF PIZZA MASTERCLASS MANCHESTER

@ Pizza Pilgrims Manchester - Deansgate on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

Do you and your partner love to cook? Then check out the Dough It Yourself pizza masterclass at Pizza Pilgrims on Deansgate, where you'll learn how to create your own delicious margheritas. The session kicks off with a selection of tasty Italian snacks, before their expert chefs guide you through the lesson.

You'll shape dough, choose your toppings and bake it in the dome oven, before devouring your creations together. Tickets start from £50 each, which also includes two drinks per person, as well as their signature Nutella Ring dessert to finish.

Black Cat Club Manchester

Got a date coming up? Well, The Black Cat Club has quickly become the place to be in Manchester. This competitive social bar offers a thrilling experience with interactive darts and tech shuffleboard, where the games are always fun and the scoring is taken care of by the tech, ensuring zero debates.

But it's not just for gamers. The food, curated by the chefs of El Gato Negro, includes an array of small plates, burgers, and wraps, all perfect for enjoying with your partner.

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

@ Manchester Piccadilly Train Station on Various dates from Friday 5th December 2025

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.

YO! Sushi School

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.

Nell's Kampus

777 Lunch Deal and 2 other offers

If you and your partner are fans of great pizza and cocktails, then Nell's may just be the place for you. They've got venues in Kampus, AltrinchamChorlton and the Northern Quarter, decked out in casual interiors and hosting resident DJs on weekends.

Come down for £6 margaritas on Saturdays, and be sure to check out their food menu too. Enjoy slices or whole New York-inspired pizzas, with toppings ranging from barbecue chicken to vegan nduja.

Courts Club

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.

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.

Kitty Yoga Manchester

@ The Life Centre on Saturday 6th December 2025 and 3 other dates

If you're after a cool and quirky event in Manchester, Kitty Yoga is calling your name. Picture this: forty minutes of soft, slow yoga flow, paired with adorable kittens roaming freely around the room.

It's the purrfect combination of mindfulness and pet therapy! Finish your session with twenty minutes of pure kitten playtime. Trust us, it's the fun, relaxed weekend activity you didn't know you needed.

Manchester Comedy Club

Looking for a fun date idea that'll have you both in fits of giggles? Then check out Manchester Comedy Club, who host fantastic events at AREA Manchester on Sackville Street on a regular basis.

You can secure your spot for as little as £10 per person, giving you the chance to watch a mix of established acts practicing new material and up-and-coming comedians.

WildWildStep

For a date night that's full of laughs, energy, and a touch of southern charm, Wild Wild Steps delivers a playful and interactive experience. You don't have to be a dancer to have fun - there's plenty of opportunity to watch, join in, or cheer each other on while sipping themed drinks and enjoying a soundtrack of country favourites.

Dress up together in cowboy and cowgirl outfits, strike a few poses in the photobooth, and let the lively atmosphere carry you through a night of unforgettable memories.

What's On At Loft Social

If you fancy some competitive fun with your other half, then head to Loft Social in Stockport. This trendy destination brings a modern twist to social clubs, in a warm, welcoming space that's filled with pretty plants and simple decor.

They're bringing classic games to life here, from petanque to shuffleboard, archery and even disco curling. When you've had your fill, head to the bar to toast to the winner.

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.

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.

The Cube - Urban Playground Manchester

Get competitive with your partner when you take a trip to Urban Playground Manchester in the Northern Quarter. This is the home of The Cube, an interactive version of the TV gameshow. Get involved in one or two-player challenges, testing your skills across multiple categories.

This event space is also home to Putters, which offers three themed crazy golf courses. Afterwards? Head to The Butcher for juicy burgers, chicken wings, nachos and more.

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. 

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.

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.