Quirky Date Ideas In London

Whether it's a long-term thing or a 'just seeing how it goes', you never have an excuse for a boring date night. With a city that's crammed to the rafters with top-notch events such as bottomless brunches on canal boats through to adult ball pits, there's never a shortage of London quirky date ideas; that's why we've done the wooing and swooning to bring you the most unusual of them all. Find 'em below.

Make even more plans with our complete couples guide to London.

Last updated on 7th December 2023




Barrio Bars

If you're looking for cute places to take your sweetie, Barrio is always a great idea. From musical bingo to bottomless brunches, there won't be a single dull moment. Plus, the venue has a cracking menu of drinks, including spiced rum sangria and tequila tipples.

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Sunday 10th December 2023

If you're on the hunt for fun immersive experiences with your sweetie, head to Alcotraz. Sneak past the warden with bottles of booze as you interact with the theatrical actors while sipping on bespoke cocktails in your prison cell. Oh, you'll both get to don orange jumpsuits too.

Proud

Dinner is great, but dinner with entertainment is better. Perfect for that unique London date night, take your favourite person to Proud Cabaret for a night of three course dining, stunning cabaret and some of the finest burlesque in the business.

Ballie Ballerson London

For a date with a difference, Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch is a sure fire winner. A quirky cocktail bar featuring their signature glowing ball pit, it makes the perfect place to sip retro-inspired cocktails and dig into bottomless brunch.

The London Cabaret Club

Debauchery and sultry moments all happen at The London Cabaret Club in Holborn, so why not take your date along? Make your way inside this glamorous venue to enjoy fine dining and bubbles, all while catching some Gatsby-themed immersive entertainment. Oh, yes.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

Need plans? Be sure to check out the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz in venues across the city. Not only will guests get to enjoy 100 wall-to-wall bangers from a massive range of genres, but there will also be prizes and a boot-load of bevvies to enjoy. 

Neverland London

Neverland London is the quirky hangout in Fulham that's an urban beach in the summer and an alpine paradise during winter. Make your way over for mouthwatering street food, delicious drinks, shuffleboard, darts and cracking DJ sets.

Paint a Pic London

A talented artist as your guide, all your kit already provided, a bar on-site to help you loosen that inner creativity... Paint a Pic is a brilliant event and one of the best quirky date ideas in London. Guaranteed to gain you brownie points for originality, this artsy session will see you both taking home your own masterpieces.

The Mayflower

A hidden treasure in Rotherhithe offering a slice of history and a view of the original 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father's Mayflower ship, this boozer boasts a decked jetty and a candlelit restaurant, perfect for enjoying stunning river vistas. For an extra-delicious date night, munch on classic British grub crafted from fresh, local ingredients and pair them with The Mayflower's massive selection of traditional ales, craft beers, and fine wines.

DRINK & PLAY: The Hunt for The Smoking Caterpillar - Comedy escape room + immersive theatre experience

@ Ninth Life on Saturday 27th January 2024 and 2 other Saturdays

Enjoy a theatrical and immersive night of escape rooms and murder mystery-themed entertainment at The Hunt for the Smoking Caterpillar. A brilliant activity for couples in London, this Catford-based event is inspired by Alice and Wonderland and includes a stellar cast of characters.

Amazing Grace

Make it a date night to remember by taking them somewhere really special. Amazing Grace, which can be found at a 12th-century church in London Bridge, is cool, quirky and downright romantic. Pop along for dinner and cocktails, with live music to soundtrack your evening.

Firmdale Hotels

Firmdale Hotels is a great shout if you're looking to impress your date. Cuddle up and catch films such as The Fabelmans, Puss In Boots, and Creed III while sipping on a boozy bevvie. Upgrade to a three-course meal and glass of bubbly if you really wanna pull out all the stops.

YO!

Whether it's a first date or you fancy a bit of quality time together, YO!'s sushi schools are a great shout. Together, you'll try your hand at making a range of different bites, from maki through to sashimi, with guidance, snacks and a drink to keep you refreshed throughout.

German Kraft

Searching for the perfect first date spot? Check out Kraft Dalston's brewery tours and tastings. You'll each get 3 half pints and a detailed explanation of how it's made through their fermentation cellar and operations room.

LONDON WING FEST 2024

@ London Stadium, on Friday 26th July 2024 and 2 other dates

Are you a couple of chicken-lovers? Then London Wing Fest 2024 is bound to tickle your fancy for your next day date. Both of you will get a signature trucker hat with your tickets, alongside the chance to try the finest poultry traders and vote on your favourites. Topping it off is live music, axe throwing, amusements, DJs and chef demos too.

Laugh Train Home Events

Not sure what to do for your next night or looking to impress a new beau? Over at various venues in Battersea, Forrest Hill and more, Laugh Train Home is bringing you a top-quality comedic performance, so get ready for a bit of a giggle.

London Dreamtime

Fancy a unique date with your sweetie? Boasting events such as The Highgate Vampire, Ghost of Christmas and The Snow Queen at the Asylum Chapel, London Dreamtime has plenty to offer this winter. All this takes place at a super secret location. Shhhh.

Theo Randall at The Intercontinental Park Lane

A list of unique date night ideas in London wouldn't be complete without Theo Randall at The Intercontinental Park Lane. Here, you can expect everything from fine wine tastings with top producers to cooking masterclasses alongside the award-winning chef himself - either way, they're accompanied by an amazing meal. 

StreetHunt Games

Looking for outdoor date ideas in London? StreetHunt Games offers a unique, self-guided adventure that blends scavenger hunt, escape room and murder mystery themes. Using an interactive map, you'll step into the shoes of a private investigator to solve clues.

TANTRA SOUND CLUB

For quirky date plans with your beau, head to Tantra Sound Club on Warren Street to enjoy unique, meditative experiences. Get ready to unwind together while using Nepali chakra balancing techniques, healing rituals and vibration therapy.

THE DOUBLE R CLUB

Enjoy an evening of mystery and nightmares with your beau at The Double R Club, a monthly cabaret event inspired by the dark and beautiful words of David Lynch. There's burlesque, comedy, live music and more, all with a sinister twist.

The Rosemary Branch Theatre

If you're looking for somewhere a little different to take a date in London, then The Rosemary Branch Theatre is a great bet. Treat the pair of you to a night of stellar performance, cabaret, comedy and more, before heading downstairs to the charming pub for drinks and a bite to eat.

Hidden Jazz Club

Searching for fun things to do with your other half? Head to one of the secretive Hidden Jazz Club events across London and you'll be in for a treat. You'll get to relax and snap your fingers to cracking jazz as you hear from the likes of Binker Golding, Jas Kayser, and many more.

Bada Bingo

On the hunt for a date with a difference? Book you and your boo into a night out with Bada Bingo, where you'll be taking part in plenty of crazy games for the chance to win prizes. Plus, there's plenty of hit tunes, dance-offs, hilarious surprises and more.

The Luna Cinema

The Luna Cinema is upgrading your date nights by hosting pop-up film screenings outdoors. You can catch movies like Magic Mike, Clueless, Top Gun and more at parks across the city. As for refreshments? There are a range of food and drink vendors available.

Neon Naked Life Drawing

It's all going down at this class, as iconic bars host a unique life drawing class. Ditch the dinner and movie and go for this quirky life drawing class, for a truly fun night out using neon-coloured models as your muse.

Flight Club

With a locations all over the space, including in Shoreditch and Bloomsbury, Flight Club will add the fun and games to your date night. The quirky destination combines darts, an electronic scoring system, pizza and delicious cocktails for a fun date in across London.

Rouges 70's & 80's Disco and Funk

Looking for something a little different to do with your other half? Head over to Rivoli Ballroom and spend your evening dancing to 70s and 80s bangers at one of their Rouges disco and funk-themed bashes. It's fun, it's carefree and you'll both love every minute of it.

GIN HOUSE BURLESQUE

The King's Head is a little different from your average London date night venue with rooms filled with taxidermy and a sexy 1920s setting. Join them as they invite in the outrageous Gin House Burlesque for a raunchy and intimate show that includes all sorts of surprises.

The Murdér Express

@ Pedley Street Station on Various dates from Sunday 10th December 2023

Save 20% on ticket November/ December Sunday 1pm with discount code SUNDAY20
Valid on the following dates: 10/12/2023 and 17/12/2023.

Sometimes we don't fancy going to our local boozer for date night, so why not check out The Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station. Delve into the investigation, find the culprit, all the while you're tucking into a four-course feast from a Michelin star chef. 

Vagabond Cheese + Wine

Gift your special someone with something a little different come the next date night, offering up tickets to cheese and wine masterclasses at Vagabond. Head to one of their locations across London to learn how to pair the two.