Tried and tested, here are 20 date ideas to try with your lover in London

Whether you’re a long-time Londoner or a recent newcomer, the list of things to do in the city can seem endless. London’s packed with some of the world’s best Michelin-starred restaurants, museums that take entire days to explore, and a West End with happenings every night of the week. These all make for scrumptious date night opportunities, but sometimes you need something a little off the beaten rose-petaled path, right? An alternative experience may be the answer; something you’ve never tried before that you’re unlikely to ever forget. From neon naked life painting to immersive bars, we’ve rounded up some of the most fun things to sign up for with your partner.

You might also be interested in the best things to do in London for Christmas in 2024.

The best date ideas in London

1. Get creatively merry with Art Play

Sip cocktails and unleash your inner artist with a date night at Art Play. This Spitalfields Market studio offers free-flow, unguided sessions—acrylic paints and upcycled canvases included—for couples to let their creative juices flow. There are also guided workshops and courses for those who want to take things more seriously. A party with a paintbrush, especially on Friday/Saturday DJ nights, plus you get to take your creations home.

Find out more about Art Play

2. See Asa Butterfield soar in Second Best at Riverside Studios

Whilst Asa Butterfield has achieved mammoth big and small-screen success, the Sex Education actor has yet to hit the live stage…until now. In a fictional story about the boy who came second to play Harry Potter, Butterfield holds every moment of attention for 90 minutes straight, in a moving comedy about fate, near misses, and the things life throws at you. Full of tender moments and that Asa sparkle, this Riverside Studio production is a treat for date night. Running from now until 22 February 2025. 

Find out more about Second Best

3. Sail the city with GoBoat

Glide through the Docklands and see your office from another angle; GoBoat lets you take the captain’s hat. You don’t need any experience or even a license to drive their easy electric rentals, and an instructor will arm you with everything you need. Speeds reach three knots (or 3.5 mph) so captain and passenger(s) can focus on conversation, enjoying the sights, and having a drink on board. As well as Canary Wharf, the service operates in Paddington, Kingston, and Thames Ditton.

Find out more about GoBoat

4. Enter a new dimension with Sandbox VR

Fancy yourselves a couple of gamers? You’ll be in your element at Sandbox VR, the most advanced virtual reality experience in London (and possibly the planet). Wire up and place your entire body in complete immersion to tackle games including the Netflix Squid Game arena. Participants can play as a duo or in a group of up to six, and there’s also a robot-staffed bar, so you can kick back and watch your efforts on the big screen with a cocktail. Note: wear light clothing, it can get very physical.

Find out more about Sandbox VR

5. Toast to your futures at 116 Pall Mall

A champagne toast is the best way to mark a romantic occasion, so cheers to a rosy future at 116 Pall Mall. This is Searcy’s sexiest brasserie, situated within a magnificent 1828 Georgian building in St James. On the ground floor, guests enter through original iron gate cellar doors into a striking Champagne bar with vaulted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and plush velvet sofas. The drinks menu is extensive on bubbles and beyond…and a seasonal list of casual nibbles pairs seafood, mezze, cheese and charcuterie with any pour.

Find out more about 116 Pall Mall Brasserie by Searcys

6. Learn to make Asian food with School of Wok

You needn’t wait for that annual trip to Asia when you can get an authentic sushi, dumpling, kimchi, and curry fix right at home: School of Wok arms you with all the tools to do it yourself. The award-winning Covent Garden cookery school specialises in Asian cuisine, with teachers who are masters of their craft. 

Each class is all-inclusive, fun, and of course, delicious. You’ll be well-fed with a drink in hand. Situated a short walk from Chinatown; be inspired to pick up ingredients before the journey home to plan another feast. Classes range from three hours to full-day, with ingredients and equipment ready so all you need to do is turn up.

Find out more about School of Wok

7. Book a couples massage at AIRE Ancient Baths London

In London, the best place to hide away is deep underground. AIRE offers a cavern of delicious dreams tucked beneath posh Strand builds, and enchanting all upon entry—this is the former residence of Peter Pan creator J.M. Barrie (go to reception for a peak at the rare first edition book). 

Couples can select a luxurious treatment paired with cava and truffles, and then relax in one of the variety of baths dotted in the candle-strewn space. They include a hot bath, a thousand jet bath, and a saltwater bath (highly recommended). No mobile devices are permitted and all experiences can be gifted this Christmas. This is unlike any spa you’ve ever been to.

Find out more about AIRE Ancient Baths London

8. Try Virtual Clay Shooting at Clays Bar

Experience the thrill of clay target shooting at Clays Bar, right in the heart of the city. Compete in interactive games while enjoying cocktails and sharing platters. Photos and game results are sent to you afterward, so you can relive the fun.

Find out more about Clays Bar

9. Battle a martian invasion with The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience

Ever wondered what being in an epic film is like? Wonder no more. You’ll (literally) jump right into a martian invasion at this immersive experience set to Jeff Wayne album, “The Musical Version of The War of The Worlds’. There are 24 insane scenes and 300-foot martian fighting machines brought to life, plus live actors, 3D sound, holographic projections, and VR. In a nutshell, you’ll completely forget this is the City of London. Officially the UK’s longest-running immersive experience.

Find out more about The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience

10. Draw Nudes in the Dark with Neon Naked

Neon Naked offers a life drawing class with a twist. Under psychedelic neon lights, you and your date can sketch beautifully painted models using highlighters. It’s a unique and creative way to spend an evening together.

Find out more about Neon Naked

11. Savour fresh catch on a boat with London Shell Co.

Helmed by siblings Leah and Harry Lobek, London Shell Co’s The Grand Duchess is the ultimate destination for seafood lovers, specialising in British fish and shellfish of the utmost quality. You’ll easily forget you’re moored at Grand Union Canal in Paddington Central, each bite overlooking the canal transporting you far away, The midweek lunch special is excellently priced at just £16 with a glass of house wine, or you can come for the oyster happy hour, where they’re £2 a pop.

Find out more about The Grand Duchess: London Shell Co.

12. Master your swing at Puttshack

What’s better than a (semi) competitive couples game at mini golf? A high-tech version! Puttshack uses modern intelligence to elevate your game, so there’s no need to fuss around with pencils and scorecards. Pair that with wacky courses featuring quizzes and penalties, stiff but affordable cocktails, and amazing flatbread pizzas, and this becomes a date night staple. There are four locations in the UK to hit the ball with your beau, including Bank and White City in London.

Find out more about Puttshack

13. Karaoke Together with Lucky Voice

Sing your hearts out at Lucky Voice, where you can choose from over 11,000 songs. With locations in Waterloo, Soho, Islington, Holborn, and Liverpool Street, plus spots in Brighton and Dubai, it’s a classic date night activity for music lovers.

Find out more about Lucky Voice

14. Let Loose at Fairgame

Both of you will have a blast at Fairgame, Canary Wharf’s indoor funfair for adults. Play classic games from basketball hoops to whack-a-mole in a rain-free environment. Afterwards, enjoy street food and drinks at one of the venue’s three bars.

Find out more about Fairgame

15. Make Fresh Pasta with Pasta Evangelists

Transform your date night with a pasta-making masterclass at Pasta Evangelists. Held in Farringdon or Shoreditch, these two-hour workshops immerse you in Italy’s culinary traditions, guiding you through the process of making pasta from scratch. Enjoy complimentary antipasti and unlimited prosecco as you create delicious dishes together. Linen aprons and beechwood pasta tools are provided, ensuring a hands-on, fun experience.

Find out more about Pasta Evangelists

16. Compete in Axe-Throwing with Boom Battle Bar

Bring out your competitive side with a visit to Boom Battle Bar. Engage in games like axe-throwing, augmented reality darts, pool, and crazy golf. With multiple locations across London, it’s an exciting date option with a range of activities to enjoy.

Find out more about Boom Battle Bar

17. Explore the London Underground with Hidden Tours

Discover the secrets of the London Underground with Hidden Tours. This year, the Access All Areas tour of Charing Cross reveals disused parts of the station seen in movies like Skyfall, paired with afternoon tea at The Clermont for a memorable date. We also love the Aldwych tour, taking guests down the 1907-opened Aldwych train station (also known as ‘Strand’), a tunnel used in numerous films, TV shows and music videos. 

Find out more about Hidden London

18. Attend Wizard School with Wands & Wizard Exploratorium

Step into the magical world of wizards at the Wands & Wizard Exploratorium in Soho. Create your own wand and enjoy a wizard-themed afternoon tea or potion-making cocktail class. It’s a whimsical date perfect for Harry Potter fans.

Find out more about Wands & Wizard Exploratorium

19. See a Show at Shakespeare’s Globe

Experience the charm of Shakespeare’s Globe with affordable £5 standing tickets. Enjoy a performance of Much Ado About Nothing or choose from a variety of shows throughout the year. It’s a cultural treat that won’t break the bank.

Find out more about Shakespeare’s Globe

20. Admire London icons from The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St James

How about an evening icon-gazing in the heart of Trafalgar Square? Up on The Rooftop couples are treated to vistas across The National Gallery, the London Eye and even The Shard. The Trafalgar St James’ swanky bar captivates with all that’s near too; including a seasonally changing menu of European-inspired bites and a cocktail selection to complete any date night swoon. Open all year round.

Find out more about The Rooftop

But wait, there’s more…

• Looking for things to do with friends? We have an even longer list of ideas for groups in London. Have fun!
• For the ultimate dinner date, follow our guide to the most romantic restaurants in London 
• Spoil your boo with an overnight in one of London’s most swoonsome hotels