If you’re lucky enough to get past text banter on Tinder, the pressure to put on the perfect first date can be immense. And when you’re on a student budget that usually relies on discounts and offers to get by, your optimism of wooing him or her can quickly dwindle. But all hope is not lost my Leicester love birds, because we have rounded up some impressive date ideas in your area that are somewhat affordable.
DATE IDEA: Bingo
WHERE: Mecca
WHEN: There are morning, afternoon and evening sessions every day, which you can find on the Mecca timetable. The last game is usually at 9:15pm.
HOW MUCH: FREE-£13 depending on the timeslot you pick. Evening games are usually only £2-£3 a session.
Not even kidding, I for one would be chuffed with a bingo date. It’s got excitement, adrenalin and local oldies telling you what an adorable couple you make — what more could you want? Throw in a few pints and you’ve got yourself a fun and unique date that will help break the ice and get your through any awkward silences with ease. ‘88 TWO FAT LADIES, 88!’
DATE IDEA: Trampolining
WHERE: Boost Trampoline Park(The Leicester branch is opening in late 2017)
WHEN: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm and Sat & Sun 10am-10pm for ‘Free jumps’
HOW MUCH: £10 per person + £2 socks
Bring out your date’s inner kid and jump around like fools for a fun-filled hour. There’s even a ‘battle beam’ where you can play pretend gladiator and beat the shit out of each other (in a flirty way of course). Just make sure to stick near the foam pitts if you’re going to try impressing them with fancy flips, you dont want to be leaving on crutches. Although, you could get the sympathy vote…
DATE IDEA: Pie making evening
WHERE: Brockleby’s
WHEN: Monday nights 6:30-8:30pm
HOW MUCH: £15 per person
After a short 30 minute drive or 40 minutes on public transport, you’ll soon be donning a hair net and apron, ready to kneed your pastry. But not before a quick tour of the pie factory and brief history lesson about Brockleby’s and the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. Then just as you’re about to get peckish, your culinary skills will be put to the test. At the end you’ll be sent home with your own pork pie creation ready to bake, giving you the perfect excuse to invite your date back to yours for a taste test…
DATE IDEA: High tea
WHERE: The Secret Tea Room
WHEN: Wednesday-Friday 11am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm
HOW MUCH: £4.95-£9.95 for afternoon tea for two (includes a pot of tea)
It’s not a total secret anymore (they have Facebook now), but this quaint little cafe is tucked away and cosy enough to seem exclusive. With just a few tables inside, you’ll have the privacy to get to know your date better, while savouring the freshly made scones.
DATE IDEA: Paintball
WHERE: UK Paintball, Leicester, LE17 4HP
WHEN: Weekends only 9:30am-4pm
HOW MUCH: £8.99 half day / £12.99 full day
If you’ve seen the movie ‘10 Things I Hate About You’, then you’ll know exactly why this is a glorious date idea. And if you haven’t, how the hell did you get a date in the first place? I kid, I kid. It’s not going to be as lovey dovey as that scene anyway — THIS paintball will get your heart racing and is the ideal day out for adrenalin junkies and adventurous types. Be prepared for some post-paintball bruising.
DATE IDEA: Alpaca experience
WHERE: Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm
WHEN: Weekends only at 11am and 2pm. (90 minutes per session)
HOW MUCH: £10 per person
Does you date love animals? If yes, look no further for ideas. He or she is going to be thrilled when they find out you’re taking them to a farm and better yet, that they get to take their very own Alpaca for a walk around the Lucky Tails land. Photos are encouraged and nothing makes a better date momento than an alpaca selfie.
DATE IDEA: Salsa dance lesson
WHERE: Havana Salsa, choose from the three locations in Leicester.
WHEN: Mon-Wed and Sunday in the evenings. Check the timetable.
HOW MUCH: £7/£6 NUS per person for a one hour class.
You can’t get much more romantic than staring into your date’s eyes while holding their waist and/or shoulder for an hour. Not to mention you’re learning one of the world’s most seductive dances at the same time. Bring your dance shoes and get ready to PIVOT!
DATE IDEA: Picnic with a view
WHERE: Beacon Hill Country Park
WHEN: Everyday. Car park open from 7am ‘til dusk
HOW MUCH: FREE. But BYO picnic rug and snacks
Probably one best saved for summer, but regardless of the time of year, you can’t beat the views at Beacon Hill Country Park. Find a spot overlooking Leicester and watch as the sun goes down, feed the ducks or kick the kids of the swings in the playground. Nawwwww.
