A budget is one of the lesser romantic aspects of student living. But we’re here to show that you can still have a good time with a special someone – without breaking the bank. Here are 10 cheap date night ideas in London that we guarantee you’ll love.
1. Sunset Picnic on Primrose Hill
Spring is upon us, and with it, cheaper date locations. The exact price of this one will depend on how far you want to go with the picnic, but the views are top dollar. Enjoy a relaxing sunset on top of this hill at Regent’s Park and watch the city light up at night-time. This is one of our favourite cheap date ideas in London.
2. Serpentine Lake at Hyde Park
This 40-acre lake is one of the defining features of Hyde Park and a beauty to behold from summer to winter (although we may be biased towards the warmer season). Enjoy a romantic walk around the grounds and the river, which the geese may try to join. The Serpentine Bar and Kitchen also offers a reasonably priced menu, including a burger and chips for 13.50, or beers at around a fiver.
3. Canary Wharf Rooftop Garden
Address: Crossrail Pl, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden delivers on many points: views, nature, warmth, shelter, and if you go during weekdays, privacy. Everyone enjoys the novelty of being in a garden in what is one of the busiest districts in the city. There’s also an Alice in the Wonderland themed display on now only adds to the experience. This is also just a short trip away from Canada Square, which is beautifully lit up every night.
4. The Rooftop at Madison
Address: Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF
As one of our top 10 hidden gems in London, this rooftop offers stunning views of St. Paul’s as well as sweeping views of London. Entry to the rooftop is entirely free, but you can also enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar as you take in the skyline. This is the perfect way to feel expensive on your romantic day and forget that you’ve been surviving off of pesto pasta for a month
5. Emirates Air Line
Address: Emirates Air Line 27 Western Gateway London E16 4FA
Offering a round trip view above the Thames, this will be a date to make up for the lack of travel over the past year. The round trip in the cable car costs 4.50 for adults, but 3.50 with any form of the Oyster card. You can take the “Night flight experience” for no extra cost and an extended journey time for maximum quality time and views as a bonus.
6.Relaxing at Ballie Ballerson Shoreditch
“A world-famous venue featuring over ONE MILLION balls over two ball pits, it will magic you right back to the fun of the playground like a ball pit time machine,” says Ballie Ballerson cocktail bar. This bar is a place where you will be able to release your childish side, take plenty of light-hearted pictures and create fun memories with your date. Ballie Ballerson’s cocktail bar’s price of the tickets ranges from £5 to £15.
7. Tower Bridge Viewing Platform
Nothing says romance like standing 42 metres above the Thames on a glass roof. You can enjoy watching London from above, followed by a viewing of the Victorian Engine Rooms, for 10.60 a ticket. This is one to save for post lockdown. Although we should warn you, partners with a fear of heights may never let you plan another outing.
8.Enjoying Westminster to Greenwich Cruise
Have you considered going on a cruise in London, but thought that it is too expensive? Think twice, because this one-hour-length journey costs from £13,50. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cheap date ideas in London. On this exceptional travel, you will see London’s famous gems such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. This cruise also offers both open and indoor decks, a chance to learn about London’s history and landmarks and decide upon several departures times per day. Bon Voyage!
9.Awakening Your Creativity at The Ninth Life
The Ninth Life is a unique pub that brings artsy practices such as classical types of art or performance and plays into the light. “Growing up is child’s play,” says The Ninth Life. On weekends the theatre gaming is operating till 3 am. The Ninth Life plays Retro, Party mash-up, and soul sounds. Now at this artsy spot, you are able to attend the Neon Naked Life Drawing event that costs £15. If your heart loves art, enter this pub and have an enriching date.
Indulging in Padella Italian Cuisine
“Padella is the culmination of Tim and Jordan’s long-held dream to open a pasta bar serving fresh, hand-rolled pasta with delicious sauces and fillings inspired by their trips to Italy,” says Padella. Padella is a worth-eating place as high-quality meals there cost from only £5! Media outlets such as The Evening Standard, Observer, Time Out and Sunday Times praised Padella for its catering services.
And there we have it: proof that romance doesn’t end with your overdraft. From nature walks to high rise wonders, London has everything you could need for a date to remember. Be sure to share any other suggestions you may have and your best (and even worst) date night experiences in London in the comments.