10 date ideas in Oxford

Whether you’re a seasoned dater or not, it is safe to say planning a date is always nerve-wracking. Although Oxford is a small city, it is packed full of fun and quirky date nights that won’t fail to impress and strike the right atmosphere. There is something for everyone from laid-back dinners to adrenaline-filled activities. So, here are the 10 best date ideas in Oxford!

1. Play some crazy golf at Junkyard Golf

Westgate, Castle Street, OX1 1PB

A night at Junkyard Golf is definitely one of the most entertaining activities on offer in the city. With three nine-hole crazy golf courses to choose from and a vibrant atmosphere, this is a date night that promises plenty of fun. The golf course is home to a bar offering a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, and the venue is over-18’s only. Club-like music blasts through the speakers creating a party atmosphere, so if you want an entertaining date with some competition thrown in, then Junkyard Golf is for you.

2. Indulge in a romantic meal at Quod

92-94 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BJ

If you want to impress your date with some high-end European cuisine, then head to Quod for stunning food and some classy pictures for Instagram. Quod is located in the popular Old Bank Hotel, so if you wanted to add a romantic night away onto your date night, then Quod is perfect. There is also a heated garden terrace that adds to the romantic atmosphere.

3. Share some delicious food at Victors

Westgate Centre, Bonn Square, OX1 1TR

If you want delicious dining with rooftop views of Oxford, head to Victors and marvel in the decadent floral displays and trees that cover the restaurants interior. You can go to Victors for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so it is perfect for any type of date. The delicious menu includes sushi, pizzas and small plates that you can share with your date!

4. Drink some molecular cocktails at The Alchemist

Westgate Centre, Bonn Square, OX1 1TR

If you want a cocktail experience to remember, head to The Alchemist for the ultimate boozy date night. The famous theatrical cocktails are a sure talking point, and you could also book a cocktail masterclass and impress your date with your shaking and mixing skills.

5. Figure your way out of an escape room at Escape Hunt

Westgate Centre, Bonn Square, OX1 1TR

How does 60 minutes in a locked room with your date sound? If it’s an exhilarating date you’re after, then head to Escape Hunt for an escape room experience in Westgate shopping centre. There are multiple different rooms to choose from with themes such as Pirates, Alice in Wonderland and Doctor Who. There is a fully stocked bar to enjoy even if you don’t manage to escape! This is a unique date experience that is sure to get you and your dates adrenaline going.

6. Impress your date with your punting skills at Oxford’s Punting boathouse

Magdalen Bridge, Oxford, OX1 4AU

There is a reason why punting has been a well-loved Oxford tradition for hundreds of years. There is no better way to create a romantic atmosphere than to take your date out onto the River Cherwell and to punt past the historical sights of Oxford. You could also take a picnic for the ultimate date! If you feel that your punting skills aren’t impressive enough, you could always hire a chauffeured punt and sit back and enjoy the views instead.

The Varsity Club Oxford

9 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4DB

Located right in the city centre, this fail-safe date spot will not disappoint. The rooftop terrace offers 360-degree views across Oxford. Heated lamps and seats ensure that you and your date can still enjoy the views even during the winter months. There is also a VIP pod on the rooftop that you can book if you really want to impress.

8. Experience culture at the Ashmolean Museum Rooftop Restaurant

Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH

The rooftop restaurant at the Ashmolean museum is perfect for a romantic afternoon tea after a stroll around the museum. It offers picturesque views over Oxford, perfect for a daytime date. The afternoon tea selection includes scones, petit fours and homemade cakes which is sure to make your date feel like royalty.

9. Listen to some live music at Sandy’s Piano Bar

4 King Edward Street, Oxford, OX1 4HS

If you want to impress your date with a selection of cocktails and wines, Sandy’s is the place for you. It is famous for having the best bartenders in Oxford who are hugely knowledgeable of the menu, so it is a perfect chance to try something new. The bar is famous for its live music in the evenings, which creates the perfect ambience for a romantic evening.

10. Embrace your inner celebrity at The House

11 Wheatsheaf Yard, Blue Boar Street, Oxford, OX1 4EE

If you want to make your date feel like a celebrity, look no further than The House bar. It has received plenty of media attention since it opened in 2009, featuring in Elle magazine’s Top 25 Bars and it has also made an appearance in Vogue as a location for a fashion shoot. It is not just contemporary and classic cocktails on offer, the bar also has its own games room if you wanted to challenge your date to some friendly competition.