Whether looking to impress a first date, or take your long-term partner somewhere new, here are our top fun date ideas in London…

Whether you are heading on a first date with someone that you really want to impress, or you want to take your long-term partner somewhere a bit different from the usual haunts, London is full of fun, romantic and unusual places to take someone on a date. Here are some fun date ideas in London that you might want to consider:

Perfect for the first date

When you are choosing somewhere for a first date, there are a few factors that will influence your choice. For example, you want to find somewhere that you feel safe and not awkward if you are meeting someone for the first time and also somewhere that you can actually have a conversation and get to know your date better. A trip to the cinema to sit in silence watching a film will not give you much opportunity for chatting unless you meet up beforehand or go for food or drinks afterwards.

The first date is where the first impressions are made, and a lot of first dates never progress to the second for a variety of reasons. By choosing the right venue for your date, you will build a better idea of whether a second date is worthwhile. If you have been trying online dating then it is a good idea to have a large selection of date ideas, as you may find you are going on many dates and you don’t want to keep heading to the same place! Whether you are speed dating, dating in London with Badoo where you can meet lots of new people, using Tinder, or you’ve plucked up the courage to ask someone you know on a date, here are some fun date ideas in London that you can try…

Camden Market

A place that is busy but offers plenty of areas to go and have a chat, Camden Market is perfect for a first date when you don’t know how long you are likely to be out for. You can start with drinks, grab a quick meal and listen to live music if the date is going well. Or you can make your excuses after your first drink!

Primrose Hill

If you are looking for a romantic venue but don’t want to go all out with a fancy, expensive restaurant, a picnic on Primrose Hill could be the ideal first date destination. Quiet enough to have the chance to talk, yet busy enough to not feel too awkward, you can go as extravagant as you want with your picnic selection depending on your budget and how keen you are to impress.

Swingers Crazy Golf

Playing crazy golf is the ultimate first date idea, as it gives you something fun to focus on rather than thinking of different subjects to talk about – making it a strong contender in our list of  fun date ideas in London. You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to play crazy golf, anyone can enjoy playing and you can usually tell a lot about a person by their approach to first date crazy golf. You can see personality traits such as being highly competitive and also discover whether they are laid back or take themselves very seriously. At Swingers, you also have the option to have drinks if you think it will help settle the first date nerves.

Perfect for special occasions

If you have a big anniversary coming up, a special birthday or you just want to push the boat out with your dating efforts, here are some top places to try in London:

Le Pont de la Tour

With beautiful views of Tower Bridge, this luxury French restaurant is impressive in terms of cuisine and venue. If you don’t have time to pop over to Paris for the night, then Pont de la Tour is the next best alternative. For that extra special experience, you can arrange for private dining.

Sabor

If you love to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants but you also like to try something a bit different, Sabor is definitely worth a visit if you like Spanish cuisine and seafood dishes. Whilst it does not offer the scenic views or romantic ambience that many London restaurants have, if you want to reminisce about your favourite Spanish holiday then this place is perfect.

Aqua Shard

When it comes to restaurants with a view, the Aqua Shard is a difficult one to top and a real must in our fun date ideas in London. Overlooking the city whilst you dine or enjoy cocktails is a pretty great dating experience. With a selection of different menus to try, including Afternoon Tea, Weekend Brunch or the Chef’s Seasonal Tasting Menu, you can choose the experience that you think will impress the most.

London Eye

Another way to see London from a great height is to take a ride on the London Eye. Whilst it provides exceptional views throughout the day, the evening views are particularly amazing, as London comes alive and the lights illuminate the city. The champagne experience is a popular choice for romantic dates.

Unusual date ideas

If you are looking for date ideas that are unforgettable because they are unusual and packed with fun, here are some further ideas:

Flight Club

Playing darts might not sound like everyone’s idea of a fun date but Flight Club offers a lot more than simply throwing darts. With interactive games, a great range of drinks to choose from and a fun atmosphere, this is a date venue with a difference.

Boating in Hyde Park

Another fun way to get to know each other better or add a bit of fun into your dating is to try boating in Hyde Park. You could start it off with a picnic in the park to give you some fuel to row or pedal your way around the lake!

Ping Pong at Bounce

Ping Pong (or Table Tennis as those who take it seriously call it) can be great fun after a few drinks and is a great way to break the ice. You should probably avoid getting too competitive, especially if it’s a first date. There is an extensive bar at Bounce so whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, wine or craft beer you have a great selection.

There are plenty of fun date ideas in London and it really depends on how much you want to impress and how much fun you want to have, but these ideas should definitely give you some food for thought.