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Megan Hill

Top 10 Quirky and Unique Date Ideas in London

Stumped for romantic ideas? Find your inspiration with our list of unique date ideas in London.

Whether it’s the first or 50th date, there’s never a shortage of fun things to do with a significant other in London. We’ve come up with some creative dates in and around the city that’ll up the fun and perhaps the romance factor too, to keep you brimming with first date ideas and Valentine's Day inspiration. Get out of your comfort zone with these unique date ideas in London!

Date ideas London

Paris may be the city of love, but London is absolutely date-city. There's something for everybody: the thriving culinary and mixology scene is an upgrade for the traditional dinner and drinks couple, while those looking for a down the rabbit hole adventure can opt for immersive cinema. Whatever your cup of tea, these fun London date ideas will take you from awkward small talk to a full-blown romance in no time stat.

Fun date ideas London

Secret Cinema

Running regularly throughout the year, Secret Cinema has become a cult favourite with film lovers and one of the coolest London date ideas. The concept takes a beloved film and takes the audience on an adventure they know nothing about, leading them through reconstructions the particular film’s iconic sets, past various entertainers and culminating in a screening. This summer's edition is an apt one for those looking for their one and only, as they'll be bringing Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet to life. Expect drama, over the top costumes, lush settings and fingers crossed a young Leo DiCaprio makes an appearance.

Namco Funscape

Take a trip back to the 90s at Namco Funscape, an incredible indoor amusement park packed with rides, bowling and video games spread over three floors. . Even if your date isn't really the video game type, there's something about old arcade games that puts a grin on everyone's face and it's certainly a different London date idea. Take a trip to the future on one of their cyber cycles or have yourself a white Christmas at their downhill ski slope - you'll be hard pressed to have a boring date.

West End

London’s West End is home to an incredible number of shows including time old classics like The Lion King and Wicked, and raunchy new favourites like The Book of Mormon. While a slightly more expensive option, there’s always great deals on and nothing quite captures the magic of the theatre. Enjoy exclusive discounts and deals on theatre and musical tickets with the London Pass Concierge!

Cheap date ideas London

Pollock's Toy Museum

This charming yet terrifying vintage toy museum is housed across two historic buildings in Fitzrovia. With a wide selection of Victorian toys and six vastly different rooms to explore, you'll find everything from wooden toy engines to wide-eyed porcelain dolls from all over the world. Even on the weekends, the quiet museum never seems to fill up and you'll find that you'll have entire floors to yourselves. It's a different London date idea that leaves a major impression - hold onto your loved one tightly, it gets eerie quickly.

Jason's Canal Boat Museum

Take the canals by storm from Jason's Trip, an emerald cargo canal boat which has been converted to a passenger tour boat in recent years. This forty five minute journey accompanied by expert tour guides takes riders between Camden Lock and Little Venice - though if you'd rather soak in the sights without the commentary, the Camden Lock to Little Venice journey is a silent one. Board or disembark the boat at Camden Market and don't forget to grab a delicious bite to eat at Camden Market!

First date ideas London

Alexandra Palace

One of London's most beautiful restored historical buildings, Alexandra Palace is now home to a fantastic ice rink open to the public. Set in a large hall with period-typical architecture lining the walls and large glass windows, the grandeur of the ice rink never fails to impress. Ice skating is always a fun London date idea and a total classic, plus the slippery ice will give you a good reason to hang onto somebody else's hand.

ZSL London Zoo

Make your date a wild one at Regent Park's London Zoo, where you'll be able to meet over 750 different species of animals. With lions, tigers and bears (along with many other cuddlier creatures), there's a number of themed enclosures and experts around to help you learn more about the predators and prey we share our world with. If you're venturing into anniversary territory, they also offer a sleepover with the lions at Gir Lions Safari Lodge for animal lovers. (Don't worry, it's much safer than it sounds.)

Different date ideas London

Chislehurst Caves

Brave the world below at Chislehurst Caves, an underground network of chalk tunnels that date back 8000 years. These eerie caves are fantastic for exploring and frequently feature in British television series such as Doctor Who. Previously mined for lime and flint, it has a long and varied history spanning time periods and World War One, when it was used as an ammunition depot.

Speakeasies

London's thriving nightlife scene includes a number of hidden bars scattered across the city, including Mexican bar and restaurant La Bodega Negra tucked behind a Soho sex shop and cocktail bar The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town hidden past The Breakfast Club's refrigerator entrance. Other interesting speakeasies include CellarDoor which can only be accessed through a toilet and the noir Evans & Peel Detective Agency.

Museum Lates

Keep an eye on your favourite museum's event page, as Museum Lates are picking up in popularity. From the V&A and Natural History Museum to the Tate Modern, British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and more, spend a night at the museum after hours, where each themed events will unlock new secrets to extensive collections and all with a drink in your hand. Get away from the bustling tourist crowds and hordes of screaming children to see some of Britain's cultural institutions in ways you've never seen before.

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