But who wants to be like most guys? You don't want to be just another dude. You want to be so amazingly fun and memorable that your date can't wait to see you again. So to give you the very best opportunity to shine, we’ve assembled this list of fabulous first date ideas to help you get out of the dinner-and-a-movie rut.
A good first date allows for conversation but at the same time takes some of the focus off you so that you’re not under pressure to talk incessantly. The first date ideas on this list provide the right balance of conversation and pleasant distraction. And that's not forgetting that dating should, above all, be fun. And a great way to keep all those plates spinning is by doing some sort of activity together.
Just recognise that not every first date idea will work for every type of girl. Before you plan some kind of outdoorsy adventure, you’ll want to make sure she’s the outdoorsy type. And you don’t want to take someone to a museum if it's about something that will make them bored to tears. Think about her interests and her personality before you decide which of these 10 first date ideas to try, and get ready to have a great time together.
1. A walk on the Southbank.
Stroll along the Thames, thumb the used books on sale, watch the skateboarders and pretend you own the city. There are plenty of places to stop to have a bite to eat, as well as loads of bars including the BFI and the National Theatre.
Tube: Waterloo, London Bridge or Southwark
2. Gordon’s Wine Bar.
This dark and discreet, bar is perfect for whispering secrets over glasses of delicious wine. The food’s good too, and the location is super easy.
Tube: Charing Cross or Embankment
3. Pedals in Hyde Park.
Skip the row boats and relax with pedal power. The pedals are hired by the hour, and during the summer there may be a queue. There are few more pleasant ways to spend a hot afternoon than by slowly splashing around a city centre lake.
Tube: Green Park or Hyde Park Corner
4. A drink at Madison.
This city centre bar is notable for its view of St Paul’s Cathedral. And what a view. Bring your date at sunset and prepare to swoon.
Tube: St Paul’s, Mansion House or Bank
5. The Trocadero.
Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square
6. The Shard.
It’s a little pricey, but the Shard has a massive wow factor. Top tip, to avoid over-crowding, book for the hour before sunset.
Tube: London Bridge
7. The Geffrye Museum.
The best hidden museum in London, the Geffrye lets you wander through houses throughout history. It also has a beautiful walled garden and a great coffee shop. Bliss.
Tube: Hoxton Overground
8. Hackney City Farm.
Geese, sheep, goats, donkeys and more. An idyll in East London, with a brilliant coffee shop, and the option to buy fresh eggs to take home.
Tube: Hoxton or Cambridge Heath Overground
9. The Aubin cinema.
Snuggly and cosy - with blankets and couches, the Aubin is a cinema with a difference. You can also bring in wine and food from their bar, making it perfect for a low-key date night.
Tube: Shoreditch High Street Overground
10. A drink at Sager and Wilde.
Tube: Hoxton or Cambridge Heath Overground
11. Play table football at Bar Kick.
This lively Shoreditch bar serves decent beer, and has enough foozball tables to keep anyone happy. If you’re further north, then Cafe Kick in Angel has a similar vibe.
Tube: Old Street
12. A drink at Evans and Peel Detective Agency.
This below the radar bar has a touch of intrigue. You’ll have to assume an identity, and tell nobody. It’s worth it for the mouth-watering Old Fashioned though.
Tube: Earl’s Court
13. The Electric cinema.
So super classy, the Electric is a Notting Hill institution. Double-couches, mood lighting, and red velvet everywhere. Ideal.
Tube: Ladbroke Grove
14. Museum Lates.
Choose your museum - the V&A, the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum. Now stay out after-hours, peering the exhibits, doing crafts, and having a bite to eat and a glass of wine.
Tube: South Kensington
15. Have a picnic on Primrose Hill.
Grab your picnic basket and a rug, and take to the Primrose Hill. When you’re not pointing out the skyline, keep an eye out for local celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Harry Styles.
Tube: Chalk Farm or St John’s Wood
16. Zoo Lates.
Ever wanted to see what the giraffes got up to after dark? During the summer, London Zoo stays open for adults, with food trucks, dancing and of course, the animals.
Tube: Camden Town
17. King’s Cross and St.Pancras Station.
A train station? Not just any train station. Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps at Platform 9 3/4’s, sip on champagne at the bar, and recreate the opening of “Wannabe” at the next door St Pancras Hotel (where the video was filmed). And if you’re feeling flush, the Eurostar is right next to you.
Tube: King’s Cross St Pancras
18. Lunch in Brixton Village followed by a Brockwell park walk.
Nibble your way around Brixton Market (we recommend dumplings at Mama Lan’s and then a burger at Honest Burger) before walking it all off at Brockley Park.
Tube: Brixton
19. Try the maze at Crystal Palace.
Get lost in the maze at Crystal Palace before going to say hello to the dinosaur sculptures.
Tube Crystal Palace Overground
20. Greenwich Observatory.
Take in the stars and the skyline and stop time (metaphorically) by stepping over the Meridian line. What more could you want?
Tube: Greenwich DLR
21. Up the O2.
Test your head for heights by climbing the side of the O2. Sure it might be scary, but it’s certainly a talking point.
Tube: North Greenwich
