The best date ideas in Manchester revealed!

If you’re looking for some great date ideas in Manchester, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re looking to spend some cash or don’t feel like dishing out the dosh, here are the top 10 places to take your date (or your mate) to have some fun in the city!

1. Picnic in the Park

Our first date idea in Manchester is a picnic in the park. The best part about the city of Manchester is that it’s not just a slab of concrete; it’s full of greenery. From Heaton to Whitworth Park, there are so many to choose from that it would be hard not to find a nice date spot. Plus, the entire thing can be completely free if you make food at home beforehand (packed lunch style). Otherwise, a Tesco meal deal is never a miss, though it might not be the candle-lit dinner your date will be expecting. Just don’t forget the picnic blankets, because nothing is less romantic than sitting in the mud for a few hours.

2. Netflix and Chill

If going to the park isn’t your style, consider cosying up on the sofa in front of the TV. With some cheap popcorn and blankets, there’s no better way to get close to your date than to hold each other close during a scary movie or a cheesy rom-com. Although this isn’t the most impressive date idea on this list, it can certainly be a romantic and easy night in.

3. Take a Trip to Tenpin

Tenpin is one of the best date ideas in Manchester if you’re down for boozy bowling, a night of karaoke, or both. Nothing makes the sparks fly more than a bit of healthy competition, whether that be a game of Mario Kart or a go at air hockey in the arcade. With weekday deals and student discounts, Tenpin makes for an affordable date idea in Manchester. Being in the heart of the city centre, there are many more places to go just outside the doors to finish the night.

4. Cinema Night

This is a classic. If you haven’t gone on a cinema date in Manchester yet, why not? This is great for both dates and mates. Vue Cinemas in Printworks sell cinema tickets for less than £5, which is great for students. Meanwhile, the Everyman Cinema is an absolute must if you want to have the best cinema experience. With sofa seats in every screening, movie-goers at Everyman enjoy luxury during their film with food and drinks delivered to their (very comfy) seats. What’s more, you can privately hire a cinema screen for just you and your date if you’re ready to raise the bar. After the movie, why not take your date to dinner? It’s a great way to have something to talk about. Here are more of Manchester’s best cinemas to go on a date.

5. Do an Escape Room Together

This is the perfect date idea in Manchester if you’re willing to put your heads together to escape mad scientists, crazy clowns, and saw-like scenarios. Breakout has some tricky puzzles to have a crack at, with difficulty ratings and fear factors for rooms that will have your date jumping into your arms (or you into theirs). If you’re a couple that has been together a long while, this can be a fun way to find out something new about your partner. However, this makes for a thrilling first date too, giving you a shared experience to bond over immediately.

6. Go for Cocktails

Although clubbing in Manchester is a fun time with mates, it’s difficult to get to know someone with music blasting in your ear the whole time. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time drinking, though, as next on our list of the best date ideas in Manchester is to go for cocktails. If you’re feeling fancy, take a trip to the Cloud 23 Bar, with cocktails in the sky to set off the sparks. Or, if you’re down for the Caribbean vibe, head over to Turtle Bay on Oxford Street for bottomless brunch. There are plenty of cocktail bars around Manchester, so hit the town and get drinking!

7. Hit the Rink

A new galaxy-themed skating rink has just opened up in Manchester. So, if drinking isn’t for you but you still want to have a memorable time with your date, Paradise Skate World in Deansgate is where you want to be. With the tunes of love, skating is the perfect date idea in Manchester for couples who want to take a romantic trip together around the rink.

8. Go Golfing

Another great date idea in Manchester for the two of you is to play a game of golf together. Places like Treetop Manchester and Junkyard Golfclub have amazing golf courses for you and your date to try. In particular, Junkyard is famous for its drinks, which can spice up any game. But, if you don’t drink, don’t panic! There’s still plenty of fun to be had. After all, dates are about getting to know your partner and being yourself. As long as the conversation and (healthy) competition are strong, you’ll definitely get that text back, even if you don’t let them win. So, that’s our list of the best date ideas in Manchester. Have a look at our list of the 10 best things to do in Manchester for more ideas. Remember to dress sharp, brush your teeth and shower beforehand. Good luck with your date!