Coming up with really good winter date ideas is never easy. While there's nothing quite as romantic as enjoying cosy hot chocolate in front of the fireplace as snow drifts down outside, or a peaceful stroll through a fairy-lit Christmas market, unfortunately, this is the UK, and dating in the winter is rarely so idyllic. It's more likely you'll find yourself shivering outside in the rain as you repeatedly slam the button on the outdoor heater at your dreary local beer garden.
If you're looking to plan some winter date activities that are actually fun (and not completely depressing), you've come to the right place. Believe it or not, it is possible to have a good winter date in the UK — a date that avoids the grim weather and even feels a little magical.
So, whether you're planning the perfect first date or romantic date for your 10th anniversary, here are the best winter date ideas to try this year.
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Visit a gallery
Get inside and get some culture. The UK is home to countless wonderful galleries. Book a trip to an exhibit and take in some art before grabbing a drink or dinner nearby.
This winter, check out the Tate Modern's extraordinary photography retrospective of the work of Zanele Muholi, or visit the National Gallery for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a remarkable collection of Van Gogh paintings.
Take a sleigh ride
Get extra corny and book a sleigh ride — yes, you can take a sleigh ride in London and channel your inner 1950s Christmas rom-com heroine!
Richmond Park, for instance, offers winter rides in a horse-drawn carriage. Check the weather forecast, bring a blanket and grab a hot drink on the way for a truly magical winter date night.
Head to the opera or ballet
For a glamorous winter date idea, book tickets to the opera or ballet. If possible, we recommend wearing your (faux) furs — because it is winter, after all!
Head to the Royal Opera House in London or maybe the Opera House in Manchester for a stylish night out. It's a great excuse to get a little dressed up and disappear into a romantic classical story for a few hours.
Do some crafting
Yes, really. Channel your inner child and pull out the paint, the glue, the scissors and make something! If you feel a little rudderless on your own, there are plenty of spots that will guide you and your date through a cute crafting session.
Shoreditch's Pinot and Picasso, for instance, makes for a great indoor date night — you'll leave tipsy and the owner of your very own original artwork.
Have a wine and cheese night
Classy, sophisticated, chic.
We're talking wooden cheese board, chutneys, tiny little cheese knives, grapes… the works. And a bottle or two of wine, of course. Extra points for a jazzy playlist and, if you're feeling really bold, that wood fire TV channel in the background.
Go skating
Brave the great outdoors with the quintessential winter date: skating.
Head to Hyde Park, Ally Pally or Somerset House to teeter around in your skates before taking a hot chocolate (or mulled wine) break. It's a great excuse to hold hands and get silly with your date. Plus, it doesn't get more iconic than this.
Have a games night
The ultimate cosy night in means snacks and lots of board games.
Playing a game can be a great way to relax and take your mind off those painful dating questions with a new person. Or, with a more long-term partner, it's a great way to have some fun and peel your eyes away from your screens.
Build your own at-home fort
Make those Jude Law-in-The Holiday dreams come true.
Surprise your date with a magical at-home fort. We're talking fairy lights, paper decorations and so many blankets. (Maybe not the best option for a first date, FYI.)
Warm up with a spa day
Whether you set up your own at-home spa or take your date for a luxurious couples' massage and sauna sesh, a spa day is a great way to unwind and treat yourself during the cold, dark days of winter.
Netflix and chill… seriously!
No, this isn't a euphemism.
Get on the sofa, grab the remote, put on a film, and just chill. Snacks, blankets and hot beverages are encouraged to make your movie night extra cosy.
Cook up a storm together
Skip the overpriced Christmas markets and restaurants and turn your kitchen into a cosy Parisian bistro instead. Get some candles on the go, pop a bottle and cook something indulgent — TikTok's famous ‘marry me’ pasta, perhaps?. The at-home location is cosy and intimate if you're looking to take things to the next level.
Head to a botanical garden
Baby, not only is it cold outside, but it's grey outside. Opt for unseasonally tropical vibes at a botanical garden or greenhouse, such as The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew Gardens or the Chelsea Psychic Garden. This date idea is great because it offers a form of escapism while you're still at home. Plus, a good option for a daytime date where you want to feel out if you have a connection.
Bowl them over
A little friendly competition always gets a bit of flirty banter going. Head to a mini golf course or bowling alley for some literal fun and games, plus snacks and cocktails.
Go on a pub crawl — with a twist
Swap pints for martinis and go bar-hopping somewhere with lots of Christmas sparkle — perfect for photo opps with your special someone. Look for pop-up cocktail bars or themed winter terraces that turn the romance level up to 11.
Shoot for the stars
Wrap up in your cutest layers, fill a Thermos bottle full of hot chocolate (an Irish one, perhaps?) and head to a dark-sky spot where you can watch the stars together. It's a great date option if you're trying to save up, especially with Christmas around the corner, but the opportunity for conversation and time in nature really adds to the romance.
Books and coffee = ultimate date day out
Is there anything that evokes the spirit of a cosy Christmas film more than browsing an independent bookshop, such as Topping & Co or Foyles, then heading to a coffee shop for a gingerbread latte and cinnamon bun? We think not. It’s thoughtful, intimate, and a great conversation starter. Why not surprise each other with a book that you think the other person would like?
Try an indoor climbing or bouldering gym
If you're more adventurous types, book in for a climbing or bouldering session. It helps boosts endorphins (the love hormone) and is a great way to build (literal!) support for each other. End your class with a relaxing brunch or lunch somewhere cute.
Take a pottery or ceramics class
Okay, it might be giving Ghost vibes a little, but the creativity and tactility that comes with a ceramics class could help bump up the flirty vibes — it's the perfect mix of awkward and intimate. Plus, you'll have your very own handmade pottery as a memento of the date.
Visit an independent cinema
Plush seats, craft beers and cocktails and delicious snacks plus a film? You can't beat your local indie cinema for a great date day or night out. Extra cosy winter points if you can book in for a classic Christmas film like It's A Wonderful Life or The Holiday.
Have a laugh
If you're still in the beginning stages of your relationship and you're looking for a lighthearted daytime or early evening date idea that doesn't include going for coffee, why not try a stand-up comedy show? Laughing together is scientifically proven to relieve stress and tension and boost bonding, so it's a win even if you don't end up a match.
Take a winter walk
It's hard to beat winter for picturesque views — snowy pavements, golden hour, frosted windows, it's all very wholesome. So, why not take full advantage of the Insta-worthy views by going on a walking date. A daytime walk is less intense than going out for cocktails, especially if you're still feeling out your date's vibe, and the Insta-worthy scenery will ramp up the romance factor.
