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 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
Next on our list of the best cheap date ideas in London is Serpentine Lake. 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, with lots to choose from.
3. Canary Wharf Rooftop Garden
Address: Crossrail Pl, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
As one of the best cheap date ideas in London, 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. 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. And as one of our top cheap date ideas in 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. IFS Cloud Cable Car
Address: Emirates Air Line 27 Western Gateway London E16 4FA
Next on our list of the best cheap date ideas in London is the IFS Cloud Cable Car. 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 £10 for adults, or just £5 one way. It’s open til 9pm on weeknights and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights, which makes for a romantic evening in the sky!
6. 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. As one of the best cheap date ideas in London, 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.
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. Students can enjoy a discount with a valid ID so make sure you take yours along. Although we should warn you, partners with a fear of heights may never let you plan another outing.
8. 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 £14. In fact, it’s one of our favourite cheap date ideas in London. On this exceptional cruise, 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. Plus you can choose from several departure times per day. Bon voyage!
9. The Ninth Life
Next on our list of the best cheap date ideas in London is 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. Expect retro, party mash-up, and soul sounds. On weekends, enjoy immersive theatre gaming until 3 am. If your heart loves art, enter this pub and have an enriching date.
10. 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. With top-quality cuisine for just £8, Padella is a must-visit restaurant and one of our favourite cheap date ideas in London. Even media outlets such as The Evening Standard, Observer, Time Out and Sunday Times have praised Padella for its stunning dining experience, so it’s sure to impress your date without breaking the bank.
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 cheap date to remember. Be sure to share any other suggestions for your best cheap date ideas in London and your favourite date night experiences in London in the comments.
