Tried and tested, here are the best 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.

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. Cuddle up at an outdoor movie with Rooftop Film Club

When the sun’s out, the last thing you want to do is be sat in a dark room. That’s why Rooftop Film Club is the spring/summer must-do in London and a brilliant date idea for movie-buff couples. Available on the rooftops of Peckham’s Bussey Building and Roof East Stratford from April, Fireside tickets include a cosy loveseat for two nestled next to a wood-burning heater, and a seasonal beverage such as hot chocolate or tea. The romantic lineup to enjoy via private headset this year includes The Notebook and When Harry Met Sally.

Find out more about Rooftop Film Club

3. 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

4. Make the most beautiful candles at K-Craft

Candles ooze romance, especially when they’re handmade. K-Craft offers a variety of Korean-style workshops in their Stratford, London studio. The instructor-led, hobby-focused classes include Korean candle-making, floral arrangement, soap and bubble bar crafting, and Moru Doll making. Candles are simple enough to be made by anyone, and after a session here, you’ll head home with the most beautiful wax works, possibly even too beautiful to burn (right away!). A great alternative date night and a chance to explore a new part of town.

Find out more about K-Craft

5. Let street art do the talking at MOCO Museum

Switch things up from the Tate or the V&A and take your art lover to MOCO. The new independent museum in Marble Arch curates modern, contemporary, and street art from the world’s most sought-after names, reflecting society today. Come see the works of Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hirst, and many more. There are three floors of works as well as a brilliant museum shop for exit souvenirs.

Find out more about Moco Museum

6. Learn to make Asian food with School of Wok

Get authentic sushi, dumpling, kimchi, and curry fixes right at home: School of Wok arms you with the tools to DIY. The Covent Garden cookery school specialises in Asian cuisine, with teachers who are masters of their craft.  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. 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

8. Travel to Bali with 7 Bali Spa

Newlyweds flock to the idyllic Indonesian island for romance, but for the rest of us, 7 Bail Spa right by Oxford Street will do. This tranquil retreat has its own school of massage in Bali, sending its finest over with an authentic Balinese skillset. Couples drift away, without jetlag, on treatments spanning full-body Balinese massage to a chocolate dream for two. It’s less about hotel-style amenities, and more about the top quality of a Southeast Asian massage, so don’t expect pool time. All packages include relaxation time with complimentary light bites, tea and wine or prosecco. Absolute Bali bliss.

Find out more about 7 Bali Spa

9. 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

10. Let Usher serenade you at The O2

Got it bad? Then take your boo to the O2 and let the man himself help you on to magic. Usher lands in London this month, as part of his Past Present Future UK tour. There are a staggering 10 nights here, right up until May 7th, and he’ll be performing tracks spanning a 30-year career, plus songs from Coming Home, his ninth studio album. A night of greatest hits is a guaranteed night to remember.

Find out more about Usher at The O2

11. Or party with RAYE at All Points East

If the weather’s on side, then hit the park instead. All Points East’s impressive lineup this year features Chase and Status, Jade, Barry Can’t Swim, and the almighty RAYE, hot off the Grammys and Oscars stage. You’ll bounce to her dance numbers, from Escapism to Prada, and canoodle to the ballads, of which she’s become renowned on her latest album, My 21st Century Blues. Held at Victoria Park on August 23rd.

Find out more about All Points East

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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