Winter First Date Ideas London

With twinkling lights and the perfect excuse for cosying up, winter is one of the more romantic times of the year. If you’re newly dating, the same old bar and restaurant dates can quickly get stale – if you’re yearning for something fresh, fear not! We’ve put together a list of the most impressive winter first date ideas in London to make for an unforgettable time. 

Hit it off at Swingers

Feeling jittery about the date? An activity can be the perfect icebreaker! Show off your putting prowess and spark some friendly competition with a winter first date at Swingers in London.

Swingers provides the perfect setting for a date night, especially in the winter when the outdoors seems grey and dreary. After conquering your last hole, why not grab a seat at the bar and bond over dinner and drinks.

Impress with a trip to the theatre

Escape the grey London weather and cosy up to watch one of London’s fabulous West End productions – a step-up from a traditional cinema date. 

From the enchanting Frozen (based on the hit Disney film, this year celebrating its tenth anniversary) that’ll have you singing “Let it go” all the way home, to the raunchy and romantic Moulin Rouge – these shows are sure to leave you with plenty to talk about afterward.

Visit the Gingerbread City

If you’ve ever tried to build your own gingerbread house, you’ll know how impressive the Gingerbread City is! Over 50 architects and designers worked together to bring you a feat in biscuit, with a sprawling winter wonderland complete with moving trains and Christmassy characters. 

Once you’ve finished marvelling at the Gingerbread City, you can try your hand at one of the gingerbread workshops yourself – and even if your miniature masterpiece doesn’t quite match the grandeur of the fully designed city, at least you can tuck in afterwards!

Create your own winter haven

Dinner in an igloo? It’s more intimate than you’d imagine! You’ll feel like you’re in your own little world by taking your date to one of these romantic transparent pods. Not as chilly as they sound, these pods offer a romantic setting against the London skyline backdrop – ideal for a winter first date. 

There are a number situated across London – with menus from raclette cheese to Sunday roast or cocktails – there’s plenty to choose from so you can tailor to you and your date’s tastes.

Have a laugh at one of London’s comedy clubs

Comedy’s guaranteed to be a great date night all year round, but visiting one of London’s many indoor comedy venues is an even better idea when it’s cold and rainy outside.

Retreat into the dark, occasionally underground comedy venues around London, such as Top Secret Comedy Club (where the line-up is often only announced on the day and there’s a chance a big name will be performing), The Comedy Store, and Big Belly Comedy Club. Just make sure you and your date don’t sit too close to the front if you’re not prepared to be in the comedian’s line of fire!

Hold hands in Winter Wonderland

Not just for Christmas, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is a winter-long delight, so you can enjoy the festivities throughout the entire cold season.

There are plenty of activities to choose from, ideal for a first date where you’re exploring each other’s preferences. Our top picks would include the apres ski-themed ice bar serving cocktails in glasses made of carved ice, the giant wheel—an ideal spot for an intimate conversation—and the ice rink, providing the perfect excuse to grab their hand.

Dinner and drinks with a difference

With five locations across London, Mercato Metropolitano is a hub for street food fanatics. You’ll be spoilt for choice at this food market, so if you and your date couldn’t decide what to eat, you’ll definitely find something that suits you both!

Some locations are situated indoors, such as Mercato Mayfair, which can be found on the site of a deconsecrated church – perfect in the colder weather. The locations that offer outdoor seating are also heated throughout the winter, ensuring a cosy setting regardless of the weather. 

Warm up with some exercise

For the active duo, why not try one of London’s indoor climbing gyms? A lot of climbing involves problem solving around the route you take up the wall, making it a fantastic bonding experience on your date – a great way to test your compatibility.

If you’re an experienced climber it’s a good excuse to show off your moves, or see it as the start of a fun new hobby together if neither of you have climbed before. The good thing about this date is you get to decide when it ends, allowing for an easy exit if either of you aren’t feeling it. Alternatively, extend the fun and cap off the date with a dinner together to refuel.