Winter date ideas
It’s fair to say that the premise of warm days and the light nights of summer are all but a distant memory (thanks for that, 2023), so with the air turning crisp and the nights drawing closer, it’s time to embrace the winter wonderland and all the magic that comes with it.
Whether you’re a seasoned couple looking for some inspiration or you’re in the early stages of a relationship and hoping to impress, our winter date ideas will ignite a spark in a fun and accessible way. From cosy nights in, to more adventurous outdoor escapades, there’s something for everyone.
Ice skating
You don’t need to be Torvill and Dean to enjoy a waltz around your local ice rink, as Bambi himself can confirm. Throw any form of coordination out of the window, lace up your skates, and picture yourselves as the stars of a cheesy festive rom-com. Who knows, you might just find that you have a hidden talent.
Ice skating can be a wonderfully romantic activity, especially considering some of the beautiful locations around the country, but we would always recommend supporting local businesses.
Christmas markets
Most major cities in the UK have their very own Christmas markets, and if you haven’t made the journey in previous years, we highly recommend centring one of your date nights around your nearest market this winter. Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, there’s plenty of festive cheer on offer – from delicious food vendors to stalls selling handmade gifts, as well as live music to get the party started. Wrap up warm and soak in the atmosphere!!
Countryside/city hike
There’s something magical about the crisp winter air in the countryside, especially on a clear day, and who better to share the experience with than your other half? The perfect opportunity for deep, meaningful conversations, and a chance to dust off those walking boots that have been sitting in your cupboard for years – it’s a win-win.
If you don’t have a car, there are plenty of routes you can reach by train in the UK, or failing that, why not take a walk around your local town or city and be tourists for the day?
Vintage game night
Embrace nostalgia and add a touch of friendly competition to your date night by pulling out your old-school board games. We’re talking the likes of Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble and Monopoly. You know, the ones that have been passed down from generation to generation and are covered in dust? The more dust, the more nostalgia – you know the rules. Sometimes the prospect of venturing into the outside world on a cold winter’s evening doesn’t quite hit the spot, and a game night is the perfect answer to a cosy night in.
Volunteering
The winter period is an extremely difficult time for those in need, and equally so for those organisations and charities who dedicate their time to helping due to the influx in demand for their services. Next time you’re trying to agree on a film to watch, why not volunteer at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter instead? Not only will you be making a positive impact, but working together for a cause that means so much will help strengthen your bond.
Gingerbread house making competition
Nobody has ever successfully made a standing gingerbread house, have they? Well, if they have, we’re yet to see it. Challenge your other half to get creative and see who can build a house that Hansel and Gretel would be jealous of. Want to make it that bit more exciting? Add a time limit in true Bake-Off fashion.
Home spa day
Self-care days are key to a healthy, happy relationship. It is a chance to wind down and unpack the stresses of day-to-day life, but a trip to the spa can be a relatively expensive date. Bring the spa experience home with face masks, soothing music and a massage tutorial – you’ll never know you haven’t left the house.
All respectful spa days end with a hearty meal, so why not order take-out, put your feet up, and tuck in from the comfort of your pyjamas?
Cheese and charcuterie night
One of the best things about the winter period is the abundance of tasty food on offer. A cheese and charcuterie night is a perfect option to sample a wide variety of different foods from across the world, best enjoyed with a festive drink of your choice.
Random road trip
Introduce an element of surprise to your next date and embark on a road trip where only one of you knows the destination. No clues. No questions. Just vibes and the open road. Welcome spontaneity with open arms and discover hidden gems along the way, or for the more organised, a spot of pre-planning might be more your bag. Remember, an adventure isn’t about the destination, but the journey itself and all the memories you can make.
Cooking class
It doesn’t matter if you’re both experienced cooks, or if the height of your culinary skills is a plate of beans on toast. A cooking class is an opportunity to work together and develop your skills so that next time the family are around, they’ll wonder if they’ve walked into your home or a Michelin star restaurant. Choose a cuisine that both of you are looking to master and receive expert guidance, with both online and in-person options.