By Andy, founder
A drink in the pub is fine. But London has world class parks, a river running through the middle of it, free museums and galleries, canals, markets and more theatres than you could visit in a year, and a first date with something to do takes the pressure off: you're side by side, there's always something to talk about, and it's easy to end early or stretch out if it's going well. Here are twelve ideas in and around London.
Green space and water
1. Hyde Park and the Serpentine
A walk through Hyde Park and round the Serpentine is about as classic as London first dates get. There's plenty of space, benches and cafés, and in warmer months you can hire a boat on the lake. It's easy to keep short or stretch out.
2. Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill
Wild, hilly and a world away from the city, with a view across the whole skyline from Parliament Hill. Walk up, take in the view and find a café or a pub on the way back down. Wear shoes you can walk in.
3. Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
Formal gardens, a boating lake and a short climb up Primrose Hill for another great view. It's easy to reach and has plenty of places to stop for coffee. Check opening times for any cafés and gardens before you go.
4. Kew Gardens or Richmond Park
Kew's botanic gardens are lovely for a slow wander and a good talking point, though you'll need a ticket. Richmond Park is free and full of space, with deer roaming wide open grassland. Check opening times and prices before you set off.
Culture, history and the river
5. The South Bank
Walk along the Thames from the Southbank Centre past the National Theatre to Tate Modern and on to Borough Market. There's always something going on and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat. Tate Modern's main galleries are free to visit.
6. The British Museum or the National Gallery
Both are free to enter, both are full of things to talk about, and both are in the middle of the city. Pick one room or one painting each and swap notes over a coffee. Check opening times and any special exhibition charges before you go.
7. Borough Market or Columbia Road Flower Market
Borough Market is a great place for food and a wander, and Columbia Road Flower Market in east London is a Sunday morning favourite with a friendly, village feel. Both get busy, so go early. Check opening days and times before you travel.
8. Greenwich
Greenwich Park, the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark and the market are all within walking distance of each other, with a river view to match. You can get there by train or by river boat from central London, which makes the journey part of the date.
A little further afield
9. Regent's Canal, from Camden to Little Venice
A flat, easy towpath walk through Regent's Park and past canal boats to Little Venice. You'll find places for coffee at both ends. Keep to the path and be aware of cyclists, especially at busy times.
10. Alexandra Palace and Park
A big Victorian building on a hill in north London, with parkland around it and a wide view over the city. A walk up, a wander round and a café stop make a relaxed, low pressure date. Check what's on and opening times before you go.
Keep it simple
11. Coffee and a wander
Marylebone High Street, Soho and Covent Garden are all full of independent cafés and small shops. Pick one, find a table and see where the conversation goes. It's an easy first date that's simple to end after one drink.
12. A show
The West End, the National Theatre, the Barbican, Sadler's Wells and the Royal Albert Hall mean there's something on almost every night, from drama to comedy to music and dance. It gives you something to talk about on the way home. Check what's on and book ahead.
A few tips before you go
- Choose somewhere public for the first meeting, and make your own way there.
- Let a friend know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check the weather, opening times and any engineering works on your route before you set off.
- Keep the first date short. If it goes well, you'll have a reason for a second.
For more on meeting safely, read our guide to dating safely. And if you haven't met anyone to take on these dates yet, find your borough.
- first-dates
- date-ideas
- london
