Best Things To Do For Couples In Nottingham

• Location: 9 Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QQ
• Date type: activity, competitive
• Why we recommend: we always have a good time at penny Lane, thanks to a whole load of retro arcade games and machines - and their creative cocktail menu elevates any date night

Situated in Lace Market, Penny Lane is fab when it comes to first date ideas in Nottingham. This retro activity bar is inspired by classic seaside arcades, featuring old-school games like air hockey, claw machines and even the 2p penny-pushers.

The nostalgia continues across their menu, promising childhood favourites like burgers, hotdogs and nachos. To go with it? Themed cocktails like the Cherry Chapstick or a Skittle Fizz.

• Location: 108 Upper Parliament Street, NG1 6LF
• Date type: quiz, music, dancing
• Why we recommend: this is not your standard quiz. For couples seeking a high-energy day out where you'll get to sing along to all your favourite tunes, you can't go wrong here

The only music quiz to support the boy band 5ive, sell out The Roundhouse and play Glastonbury more times than Bowie, Sounds Familiar is an epic night out whether it's your first date or your 500th. 

We say music quiz, but really this is a club night during the day. Expect to hear over 100 banging tunes from chart classics and indie bangers to guilty pleasures and power ballads.

• Location: 8-9 Beastmarket Hill, NG1 6FB
• Date type: activity, competitive
• Why we recommend: these guys take darts to a whole other level, thanks to their interactive digital boards and automatic scoring - perfect for a chilled date night with a twist

Calling all competitive couples - Arrowsmiths is the place to be for date night darts. With the interactive boards taking care of the scores, all you need to do is throw your tungsten tips and concentrate on your trash talk.

Win, lose or draw, there's all kinds of refreshments on offer from pints and classic cocktails to pizza and small plates. From just £4 per person per game, you can foot the bill and bag some brownie points without breaking the bank too.

• Location: 2nd Floor, The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, NG1 4DB
• Date type: activity, competitive
• Why we recommend: if you fancy letting loose and doing something totally different, then what could be better than hurling axes at a target with your other half? 

A fun date night idea in the city centre, and great for double dates too, Axed Global is a great way to let off some steam. They've got several cutting-edge lanes that can be booked for groups of all sizes, encouraging some friendly competition.

What's more, they've got beer pong and shuffleboard on offer too, and you can sip handmade cocktails or craft beer from the fully stocked bar.

• Location: Victoria Centre, North Car Park, NG1 3QN
• Date type: activity, VR
• Why we recommend: you'll be transported to a whole new world in this unique experience, totally immersing you in the game

Meet Space VR are really throwing the old 'dinner and a movie' date night out the window by swapping it for a thrilling evening of unprecedented virtual reality. Head on over to be immersed in escape rooms, arcades and zero latency experiences.

In these whacky experiences, you can fight off robots and zombies or even battle each other. Prices start from only £10 per session, depending on the activity, so it's pretty affordable too.

• Location: Beeston Square, NG9 2WJ
• Date type: activity, competitive, cocktails
• Why we recommend: the signature cocktails here are full of fun flavours, and their nostalgic arcade games really take us back to childhood

With beautiful hanging plants and fun arcade games, The Beeston Social is fab for fun things to do in Nottingham for adults at night. You and your sweetie can get stuck into signature cocktails like the Lemon Meringue Pie or a Green Melon, while playing a wide range of retro arcade games.

Get stuck into everything from Guitar Hero to basketball and claw machines. Afterwards, grab a table to munch on the likes of goat's cheese and butternut squash pizzas, double beef burgers and Korean barbecue wings.

• Location: Riverside Family Golf Centre, Lenton Lane, NG7 2SA
• Date type: interactive golf, competitive
• Why we recommend: an outdoor date that will get you on your feet and competing at a high-tech driving range, Entertainment Golf offers a fun activity for all abilities

Looking for quirky things to do in Nottingham? Head over to Riverside Family Golf Centre, an interactive driving range experience where you and your better half can spend the whole afternoon swinging and frolicking around.

They offer the latest Inrange® radar ball tracking technology, with high-res touchscreen monitors in every bay, promising a cutting-edge experience that doesn't require any previous golfing experience. And for a double date idea, their Inrange+™ Teams experience allows you to sync up with other bays and compete against your friends.

• Location: 9 Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QQ
• Date type: activity, competitive, cocktails
• Why we recommend: one of the most unique bars in the city, this US-style haven of food and drink provides weird and wonderful drinks alongside some cracking entertainment

For more chilled date nights, a solid option is The Blind Rabbit, a quirky New York-inspired watering hole with unusual interiors. Touting a menu of wings, burgers and loaded fries, it's the perfect boozer for settling in with your spouse for a few quirky cocktails and bar snacks aplenty.

That's not all that's on offer in this bespoke, Grade II-listed building. They've got air hockey and other classic arcade games upstairs, and they show live sports up here as well.

• Location: 11 King Street, NG1 2AY
• Date type: unique cocktails, food
• Why we recommend: you're unlikely to find cocktails more inventive than these, served smoking, bubbling and sometimes even changing colour. Plus, their food and drink menus are pretty budget-friendly too

What to do in Nottingham at night for couples, you ask? The Alchemist never disappoints. Keep things simple by booking a table at this King Street joint and spend your evening sipping on libations such as the She's Electric - a tasty tipple created from rum, mango and vanilla, finished off with theatrical 'thunder foam'.

Celebrate Sunday in style at The Alchemist Nottingham with a feast made for two to share. Enjoy tender BBQ baby back ribs, crunchy buttermilk fried chicken, and juicy pork belly bites alongside loaded truffle tater tots, creamy mac and cheese, smoky house BBQ beans, crisp slaw, tangy pickles, fries, and soft brioche buns perfect for building your own mouthwatering combos. 

• Location: 20a Carlton Street, NG1 1NN
• Date type: cocktails, hidden bar
• Why we recommend: this unique bar is full of quirky rooms and eclectic decor, and their selection of signature cocktails are a safe bet for impressing your other half

One of the city's coolest bars, hidden away in Hockley, The Hockley Arts Club is a well-trodden spot for fun date nights and award-winning cocktails. Split over several floors, with various themed rooms like a traditional Victorian style saloon bar and a botanical electric garden, this quirky venue is the perfect backdrop for getting cosy with your sweetheart.

Their drinks menu ranges from a coffee-based Nighthawk to the chocolate and orange Red Flags. Pair these with tasty bar snacks like stuffed squid in ink and charcuterie boards, or you could even opt for bottomless brunch instead.

• Location: 19A King Street, NG1 2AY
• Date type: DJs, dancing, cocktails, beer pong
• Why we recommend: the drinks here are both creative and affordable, so you can enjoy a few delicious drinks before a night full of dancing to talented DJs

When it comes to bars for couples, there's nowhere quite like The Walrus - the underground haunt that's decked out with red neon lights and comfy leather booths. Shimmy on down for a night of cocktails, music and old-school games with your date.

There are four beer pong tables, and the dancefloor comes alive with guest DJs on a regular basis. On the drinks menu, expect quirky tipples like the lemony Lady Carnation or a gin-based Ey Up Mi Duck - with a two for £12.99 offer before 10pm.

• Location: 22 Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FZ
• Date type: DJs, dancing, cocktails, ping pong
• Why we recommend: there's so much going on at Das Kino, it's almost impossible to get bored. After a few rounds of ping pong, enjoy pizzas and cocktails before you hit the dancefloor - that's your whole night sorted

Suit and tie not your vibe? Keep things casual by heading to Das Kino - the Lace Market bar flaunting edgy industrial-style interiors, neon lighting, boozy brunches, photobooths and full-size ping pong tables.

The perfect spot for getting competitive with your beau, this boozer serves up delish sourdough pizzas and quirky film-inspired cocktails like the Green Lantern and Breakfast At Tiffany's. That's not all though, as you'll find DJ sets here on a regular basis, guaranteed to get you both on the dancefloor.

• Location: 15 Carlton Street, NG1 1NL
• Date type: activity, food, classes
• Why we recommend: we all know and love Pizza pilgrims, but if you've ever fancied whipping up their delicious slices for yourself, then learn how at this great value, hands-on masterclass - where you'll get to try plenty of tasty eats too

Fancy a hands-on date? Then check out the Dough It Yourself pizza masterclass at Pizza Pilgrims, where you'll learn how to create your own delicious pizzas. The session kicks off with a selection of tasty Italian snacks, before their expert chefs guide you through the creation process.

You'll shape dough, choose your toppings and bake it in the dome oven, before enjoying the fruits of your labour. Each ticket also includes two drinks per person, as well as their signature Nutella Ring dessert to finish.

• Location: 1 Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB
• Date type: food, classes, activity
• Why we recommend: we love a hands-on date idea that also teaches us a new skill, and this sushi school ticks all those boxes. You'll get to try lots of different bites from their menu, as well as learning how to make them yourself

Spend your next date night making delicious dishes at YO! Sushi School. Under the guidance of the masters, you'll learn how to pack, roll and slice like a pro. 

To keep you fuelled up, you'll feast on edamame and gyoza - plus your own creations at the end of the day. Grab your tickets from just £27.93.

• Location: Trent Bridge, NG2 2GS
• Date type: craft beer, tours, classes
• Why we recommend: these guys offer more than 50 different craft beers, and their brewery experience days are a must for any couples curious about the brewing process

Brewhouse & Kitchen is a casual restaurant and brewery that boasts a sprawling terrace with views over the River Trent. A packed-out spot when the sun decides to shine, this boozer boasts a huge variety of craft beer (over 50 kinds), along with tasty cocktails and mouthwatering pub classics, from fish and chips to baby back ribs.

There are also multiple fun experiences here that are great for dates - from rum masterclasses to whisky and beer pairing workshops. And if you want to see how their beer is made for yourself, then check out their brewery experience days - including breakfast and lunch.