5 Seriously Quirky Date Ideas Across the UK

From drive in movies to zombie apocalypse experiences, the UK is home to so many varied and unusual date ideas. Check out some of my favourite quirky date ideas across the UK here.

I love a good date. Whether it’s the first date with someone special (complete with first-date butterflies!) or the first date night in a long time with your other half, a date is such a wonderful thing. You get dressed up, you flirt, you try and impress… After all, there really is nothing better than going out with someone lovely who thinks the world of you.

I also love a quirky date. For first dates I tend to stick to drinks or the cinema. Meals out are a terrible idea because if you don’t click it can be super awkward, whereas the cinema is usually debatable. I like it because although you can’t talk, you can still discreetly hold their hand in the dark without them seeing you blush! That said, there been a few dates that stand out as quite memorable in my mind.

One guy took me to Southend beach front and we spent the day riding roller coasters, whereas the first date with my ex was spent mooching around town for hours on end because we didn’t want it to end.

Although I wouldn’t suggest something really out there for a first date (unless you know they’re super special!), it’s always good to have some ideas for third or fifth dates (perhaps when things go from dates to ‘seeing’ each other or boyfriend-and-girlfriend), anniversaries or special times.

So I’ve put together five fun quirky date ideas in the UK…

5 Quirky Date Ideas Across the UK

REGENT’S PARK OPEN-AIR THEATRE

Even if you’re not a huge fan of theatre, seeing a play at this open-air theatre in the middle of Regent’s Park just oozes romance. The setting is beautiful. Think rustic stage surrounded by greenery and twinkling fairy lights when night falls – and there are dining options on-site too. The most romantic choice is a picnic or luxury hamper you can order in advance though. The picnic costs £49.95 and includes a mouthwatering menu of quiche, pork pies, freshly prepared sandwiches, chef’s ‘world famous’ sausage roll, crisps, dessert and even wine. Can you imagine scoffing this on the grass before the show on a warm summer day? So romantic.
Perfect for summer dates when you’re a few dates in but still looking for a date to impress.

ZED EVENTS

Horror and adrenaline fans; this one’s for you. Zed Events boast the coolest zombie apocalypse experiences – and they’re not for the faint-hearted. Their last venture (still running until the end of February) saw groups undertake realistic training before being let loose to explore an abandoned mall, following a storyline to avoid getting bitten by zombies. The event even included realistic weapons which could be used to shoot at the ‘zombies’. This experience is just finishing up as the team put their newest venture, due to be launched very soon. We know little about it – except it’s based in a Wasteland (in Reading) and if it’s anything like The Mall, you can be assured that it’s going to be a totally immersive and heart-pounding experience. Stay tuned and keep your eyes on Zed Events to discover more.
Perfect for special events and group dates.

THE FORBIDDEN CORNER

The Forbidden Corner in North Yorkshire has been on my bucket list for years now. Annoyingly, I discovered it not long after I left uni. It’s a shame because I was studying somewhat nearby for three years and would have had plenty of chances to visit! This wonderfully weird outdoor attraction is hard to explain but an exploration of the grounds will find you discovering bizarre statues and sculpted grottos, braving subterranean chambers and finding secret gardens. It’s kind of like a huge oddball real-life fairytale, but more like a Tim Burton version. It’s best visited to really discover the place as words don’t do it justice.
Best for long-term couples that want to mix it up a bit.

SOLENT FORTS

Solent Forts have been on my radar for a long time now. The three island resorts – off the coast of Portsmouth – have a lot to offer despite floating in the middle of the sea! Horse Sand Fort is great for history lovers. A visit includes the chance to explore the ‘living museum’ on the underdeveloped fort. No Man’s Fort is like a party hotel and is ideal for events and weddings. It has seven function rooms, a cabaret bar, a games room, a laser battle area, a sauna and spa, rooftop hot tubs and a fire pit. Plush indeed. Spitbank Fort is the best of both worlds. It’s smaller and slightly cheaper than No Man’s Fort but offers just as much luxury. It also has a rooftop pool and a lighthouse! If an overnight stay is too pricey, you can also for just lunch or afternoon tea.
Perfect for special anniversaries or proposals. 

DRIVE-IN FILM CLUB

Another London-based date, but one that oozes old-school romance. Drive-In Film Club is just like those amazing American drive-ins. You park up, you can order food directly to your car (hot dogs, popcorn etc) and channel the movie’s audio though your speakers. It’s so much fun and takes place in really stunning locations like Alexandra Palace. The added benefit is that it doesn’t matter about the weather because you’re inside your car and it’s super cheap – entry is based on per car as opposed to per person. Drive-In Film Club is run by the company behind Rooftop Film club and other cool movie experiences too, so you know you’re in good hands.
Perfect for first dates and mate dates.

These are just five of many, many quirky date ideas that will never fail to impress – may I suggest bookmarking this post for future reference? And if you don’t have a special someone to take you to these places, why not look online for potential dates? You could try Dorset dating sites, Wiltshire dating sites and West Yorkshire dating sites.

Do you have any go-to quirky date ideas? Let me know!

*Please note, this is a sponsored post but all views and opinions are entirely my own.

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