Is someone planning a date night? Cheeky. But seriously, if you’re after fun date ideas London has to offer, you’ve come to the right place.

Now, if you’re within close proximity to London, or lucky enough to live in this city, you’ll know date night options are basically endless (don’t think I’ll ever tick them all off). Rooftop bars, quirky pop-ups, painting and prosecco experiences, comedy nights, the famous Southbank festival, weekend markets, outdoor cinemas… You name it, London’s got it. Especially once the summer months roll in.

Though London isn’t a forever place, for me personally, right now, while I’m young, single and open to a few spontaneous cocktails, it’s just the best place to be. Agreed?

Right, so we all know there’s a lot going on here. But when it comes to actually planning a date night, the options can feel a little overwhelming. So instead of settling for the local every time you put some time aside with your BFF, boyfriend or loved one, I’ve pulled together a list of fun date ideas in London for you, so you can spice up your next date.

Fun and unusual date night ideas in London…

Go bowling!

Bowling is the one. Grab a few drinks at the bar, some snacks on the lane and show off your ball tricks (or lack thereof, no judgement).

I recommend booking a lane at All Star Lanes. Amazing food, vibe, cocktails, and there’s even the option of some post-bowling karaoke, dancing and seeing where the night takes you.

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

One of the many bars in London where you must use a secret password to enter through an unusual door. Sets the tone before you’ve even had a drink. I haven’t been to this one yet, but I’ve heard great things, and finding the entrance is honestly half the fun, so book your table here if you fancy figuring it out yourselves.

P.S. Check out their bottomless brunch at the weekends!

Bounce, the home of ping pong

Eat, drink and ping pong with your friends, or your date, in a setting that’s a lot more stylish than your average ping pong table. Competitive without being intimidating, and a good one for getting the conversation flowing without any pressure. Great atmosphere, decent bar menu, so easy to make a whole evening of it once you book a table here.

Kayaking on the Thames

I’ve done this one, and it was such a unique adventure (quite the workout!). Seeing London from the water hits completely differently; you’re paddling past landmarks you’d normally only see from the pavement. It’s more of a day date, and they only run 1 trip a month (sometimes more), so book your spot here and see London from a truly unique perspective. Be prepared to laugh at each other’s technique, though; nobody looks graceful on their first go.

The Alchemist

They name themselves the ‘masters in the dark arts of molecular mixology’ and a few of my friends head down on the regular, always coming back with stories about the theatrics involved. This hotspot has locations all over London and is the perfect place to get interactive with the bar tenders as they serve up some seriously creative cocktails, think smoking glasses and drinks that arrive looking nothing like you’d expect. All day food serve too, so book a table here and turn it into dinner and drinks in one stop.

• Check out some of our favourite Cocktails in London: 25 fun places to try.

Mini golf and drinks!

These mini golf hang outs are popping up left right and centre and are the perfect place to go on a date, particularly a first one. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to open up someone’s personality, and you’ll learn pretty fast whether your date’s a gracious loser or not. They pretty much all have a bar and awesome food vendors too, so the whole evening flows nicely from one hole to the next round of drinks.

I’ve been to Swingers and Junkyard golf, both brilliant, worth trying if you can’t decide between the two.

Axe Throwing

For couples who like a bit of competition, axe throwing venues have popped up across London and make for a genuinely fun, slightly adrenaline-fuelled date. It’s easy to learn, surprisingly satisfying, and a great way to loosen up early on a date without needing much small talk. Most venues run in a bar-style setting, so you can turn it into a full evening with drinks either side. Fun fact: it started as a niche activity in Canada before spreading into UK cities as a novelty date night trend.

For couples who like a bit of competition, axe throwing venues have popped up across London and make for a genuinely fun, slightly adrenaline-fuelled date. Easy to learn, surprisingly satisfying, and great for loosening up without needing much small talk since you’re both too busy aiming. Most venues run in a bar-style setting and turn it into a full evening with drinks on either side.

Top secret comedy club

Stand-up comedy in the heart of Covent Garden. Such a fun-ny night out (sorry, had to). Head down on a Monday for the £1 special where comedians try out new material on you. Unpredictable energy in the room, but it honestly makes for an even better night, so book your tickets here and go in with an open mind.

Peckham Levels Near and Far Bar

Located on a car park rooftop with views over London’s skyline, Palm Springs-inspired and hosting DJs Wednesday to Friday, this cocktail bar is hot and fresh on the scene. Feels like a mini holiday without leaving the city. Grab a cocktail, soak up the views, then just enjoy the fact that you’re technically on top of a car park and it still somehow feels glamorous.

Pergola rooftop

Another epic rooftop equipped with benches galore that welcomes crowds of fun-loving individuals. Perfect for a relaxed date night or a few post-work cocktails. Good food stalls, solid drinks, an easy conversation setting even if you’re both a bit nervous, and you can find your nearest location here since there’s more than one dotted around the city.

Gordons gin bar and cheese boards

Established in 1890, this is said to be London’s oldest bar. Worth a visit for the history alone. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s great year-round. Step down into the cellar and enjoy the atmosphere by candlelight; it properly feels like stepping back in time, and you can see more here if you want to plan ahead. The cheeseboards are to die for too!

Camden Market

All about the Jamaican bars, the night markets and epic music venues to catch a concert in. Camden has a completely different energy from most of London, and it’s brilliant for a date that wants a bit of edge. Wander the stalls, grab food from a dozen different cuisines, stay on for live music if you’re both up for a later night, and see my full guide to Camden for the breakdown.

Take a picnic and GoBoat

Drive your own eco boat and take a tour of London from the water, no boating licence required. Take a hamper of your favourite goodies and wind your way through the canals at your own pace, stopping wherever takes your fancy, so book your boat here and go at your own speed. Relaxed, a little romantic, plenty of time to just talk.

Indoor ice climbing!

Okay so there’s a fair few indoor climbing walls popping up all over the place but… ICE CLIMBING. Can someone take me on a date here, please? About as far from a standard dinner date as you can get, and you can book a session here if you’re both up for looking a bit ridiculous while you figure it out. Great for couples who bond over a challenge.

Electric cinema.

Spice up the movie date with a visit to this boutique set up. Have your drinks ordered and delivered right to your sofa seats and enjoy a real exclusive lounge-like experience watching your choice of classics or new releases, and you can book your seats here ahead of time. Cosy, a little indulgent, perfect if you want low-key but still a bit special.

Climb the 02

Looking for something a little active with views over London? This one’s a cool experience. Walk right over the epic venue that hosts world class talent and take a look over the city from a genuinely unique vantage point most visitors never see, so book your climb here if you and your date both like a thrill.

Painting and prosecco

I mean, I’m not sure how my painting would be after a few glasses of prosecco but, there’s only one way to find out! I love London for things like this! Takes all the pressure off since nobody’s expecting a masterpiece, so book your class here and see how it goes. Great for early dates too, always something to talk about (namely, whose painting turned out best).

Banquet of Hoshena – an interactive dining experience

A truly unique experience combining storytelling, cocktails and multiple delicious courses into one. I went with some friends last week and loved the concept! Watch your plates come to life as the story of Hoshena unravels all around you, and book your table here if you want something that feels like an event rather than just dinner.

Proud Cabaret

This blog post has seriously booked my weekends for the next year. I’ve never been to a drag cabaret show!!! This company has a few locations with different events throughout the year, so there’s always something new to catch, and you can book your tickets here once you’ve picked a show. Bottomless drinks, sharing platters and a fabulous drag show! Added to my list.

Get your skates on!

I mean, at the very least, free entertainment? Get your skates on and roller disco your way through the night at Roller Nation, and you can book your session here if you want to guarantee a spot. Delightfully nostalgic, even if neither of you has skated since you were a kid.

A good excuse to hold hands? I think so.

Dinner on the canal

Canal side dining on a stationary boat with an Australian menu and both brunch / cocktail offerings. Such a unique location and outdoor seating for those summer night drinks with a guaranteed buzz.

Darcie and May is one in the Daisy Green collection, possibly my favourite restaurant umbrella in London. The menu is unreal (if you like Australian flat whites, banana bread and healthy bold brunches).

Canal side dining on a stationary boat with an Australian menu and both brunch / cocktail offerings. Such a unique location and outdoor seating for those summer night drinks with a guaranteed buzz.

Darcie and May is one in the Daisy Green collection, possibly my favourite restaurant umbrella in London. The menu is unreal (if you like Australian flat whites, banana bread and healthy, bold brunches), and you can see more and book here once you’re ready to lock in a table.

What date nights have you been on in London?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Mollie.

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