Southampton is one of the greenest cities in the UK. Ranked 3rd for green spaces, its great for going on a date. It’s a perfect city for students, offering everything from walks to pubs, museums to theatres. And in Hampshire, nothing is too far away, such as the beach. Here’s just a few cheap date ideas in Southampton.
1. Have a picnic at Southampton Common
A walk is an excellent date idea, especially if it’s your first time. It’s relaxing and helps take your mind off the nerves you may have. Southampton Common is a sprawling open space, with 365 acres of woodland and greenery. It’s quiet, especially in the week, and you can spend hours there without getting bored. Best of all, it’s not only cheap, it’s free!
2. See a show at Mayflower Theatre
If you or your date are into theatre, then why not head down to Mayflower Theatre? It’s not far from Mayflower Hall, and there’s something for everyone, be it drama or comedy. While this is a more expensive date idea, there are certain productions, beyond the West End shows, which are more affordable, so be sure to have a look what’s on.
3. Walk around Ocean Village
Another free date idea is Ocean Village. This is like the Common in that it’s a walk, but with a twist. It features a yacht-filled marina, and as Southampton is by the coast, it’s the perfect place to showcase this. The Unilink U1 bus service goes directly there, so it’s easy to get to.
4. Grab a drink at Wetherspoon
It would be silly to write about cheap date ideas without mentioning the opportunity for a drink. It’s a great way to get to know someone on a date, and Spoons is the cheapest place to go. Try midweek for a more relaxing experience. There are two main Spoons in Southampton, but you’ll probably want to head to The Giddy Bridge, which is the most easily accessible.
If student pubs are your thing, check out our article on the 10 best student pubs in Southampton.
5. Visit Westquay Shopping Centre
What about a whole day out as cheap date idea? Southampton’s main shopping centre, renovated just before COVID, boasts plenty of shops and cheap places to eat. If you’re struggling to choose where to eat, head to Westquay and decide on the day, meaning everyone is happy. Well, once you get past the fact that you both say you don’t mind…
6. Wander around SeaCity Museum
For those who prefer a more intellectually stimulating date, why not head to the SeaCity Museum? With discounted entry for students, you can explore the museum’s offerings without hurting your wallet. SeaCity Museum’s main attraction is its Titanic exhibition, as the famous ship set sail on its perilous journey to New York from Southampton Docks.
7. Listen to live music
Southampton has an array of live music venues, including Engine Rooms, the largest independent live music venue on the south coast. Other options include O2 Guildhall, reserved for those larger, more expensive concerts, as well as The Joiners, a small, intimate, and most importantly cheap venue. Some tickets start at around £10.
8. Go to the beach
While Southampton is on the coast, if you fancy a proper beach experience, you can head to Bournemouth on the train. Soaking up the UK’s limited supply of sun on one of the cleanest and best beaches in the UK (Europe’s 5th best beach!) will cost you roughly the price of a bus. Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you go…
9. Watch a film at the cinema
Southampton’s only cinema is located in Westquay shopping centre. Built in 2019, Showcase Cinema de Luxe is arguably the best place to enjoy a cinema date, with discounted tickets and snacks available for students, plus their XPlus laser screens offer the best quality films cinema can provide.
10. Play bowling or visit the arcade
Would you like two types of cheap date ideas Southampton at once? Southampton’s Hollywood Bowl branch offers 16 lanes, an American themed diner, and a bar. Plus, they also have an arcade to bring out you and your date’s inner competitiveness!
For more dating inspiration, we’ve also got tons of low key date ideas you can do pretty much anywhere to keep things chill, cheap and romantic!
