Written by Jessica Goddard

Trying to impress someone you like on a date can be hard in the city when the next student loan drop is still weeks away. Here are some handy date ideas and things to do in Nottingham that won’t break the budget.

1. A trip to Cosmo’s

Cosmo's Nottingham - Best date ideas.png
Source: Nottingham Post

Although going to an all you can eat buffet may not be everyone’s idea of a romantic date, it’s probably the best place to go for value for money. If you and your significant other / date like large quantities of food, then Cosmo’s is the place to go. With lunchtime deals from £9.99 and dinner from £15.99 for multiple courses (students get 10% off too!), you can’t go wrong really and it’s great for date night on a budget.

2. Go to the Cornerhouse for a round of crazy golf

date night nottingham.png
Source: Lost City Adventure Golf

On the bottom floor of the Cornerhouse and a short walk away from Nottingham Trent uni you’ll find the Lost City Adventure Golf. With the option of playing 18 holes or 36 holes, playing crazy golf at the Lost City offers a perfect opportunity to get to know your date whilst also satisfying your competitive side. Students get discounted rates at £6 each Monday-Thursday (16 holes) and £10 each Monday-Thursday (36 holes). Not a bad idea for a cheap date night.

3. Cocktails, cocktails and more cocktails

Cheap date night nottingham.png
Source: Nottingham Post

I don’t know about you, but cocktails are always one of my top priorities when it comes to date night activities. Although some places in the city can be expensive, Turtle Bay in Trinity Square offers 2 for 1 cocktails during happy hours any day of the week which makes for a great cheap date night. If you’re looking for somewhere with a bit more scenery, bar Alto on the third floor of the Cornerhouse also offers 2 for 1 cocktails with amazing views of the city skyline.

4. Grab some pizza

Cheap date night nottingham.png
Source: Sir John

Two of my favourite places for pizza in the city also offer great deals for students. At Pizzastorm on Milton St, you can create your own pizza with any toppings for just £7.75 and then have unlimited ice cream for £1.50 afterwards. What a great cheap date night idea!  Even better, you can get an additional 20% off the total bill with your student ID. Just outside the city centre, the Sir John Borlase Warren also makes fantastic pizza’s for 2 for £10 on a Monday.

5. Snuggle up at the cinema

Cheap date night nottingham.png
Source: Tripadviser

We all know that Odeon and Cineworld can be expensive, especially when you forget to go to the local supermarket for snacks and drinks beforehand. Alternatively, at the recently refurbished Savoy cinema on Derby road, you can grab a student ticket for only £5. The Savoy also has a bar, meaning you can still get your Tango Ice Blast fix! If independent films are more your thing, the Broadway cinema in Hockley alternatively offers an under 25s ticket for £4.50.

6. Go for a picnic in the Arboretum (if the weather permits…)

Picture1.png
Source: Nottinghamshire.com

On a sunny day in Nottingham, it would be silly to pass on this date idea. Being potentially one of the cheapest date night ideas, take the chance to impress your significant other with Aldi’s finest picnic cuisine at one of the favourite haunts of Nottingham Trent University students on a warm day. Depending on what you buy, this could cost you less than £10, or even cheaper if you dare to make some of the snacks yourself beforehand.

7. Go ice skating at the National Ice Centre

Picture1.png
Source: Motorpoint Arena

For just £5 each with a valid student ID, you may want to attempt to bond with your partner on the ice, instead of over a few drinks. Right in the heart of the city centre, the National Ice Centre is easily reachable by tram and offers public skating sessions, as well as a variety of events in partnership with the Nottingham Motorpoint Arena.

8. Visit the Pudding Pantry for dessert

Cheap date night nottingham.png

In my opinion, no meal out is ever complete without dessert. In Nottingham, you’re spoilt for choice for places to devour ice cream, pancakes, waffles, milkshakes and more. The Pudding Pantry in Trinity Square is the perfect choice for any date, offering all of the above at reasonable prices, plus a delicious looking brunch menu.

The Cookieshake Bar and Lounge next to the Victoria Centre is also a good option for delectable treats during the daytime, turning into a bar with a wide selection of some unusual shots in the evening.

9. Score a 25p bargain at the Horn in Hand

Cheap Date Nights Nottingham.png

Located opposite Nottingham Trent’s Newton building, the Horn in Hand pub offers different deals on food and drink each night of the week. However, make sure to make your date night on a Tuesday or a Wednesday to make the most of the 25p crêpes (Tuesdays) and 25p chicken wings (Wednesdays). Although these deals may sound too good to be true, the food at Horn in Hand is definitely not to be missed (the alcohol isn’t bad either!)

10. Beat your date at a game of pool at Rileys

Cheap Date Nights Nottingham.png

Tucked away off Market Square, Rileys is a hub for anything games related. With many pool and snooker tables, it’s a perfect venue to bond with your date whilst working on your skills at the same time. Students can play from £5.95 per hour any day of the week, with pints also at a cheap price of £2.95. Next door, Oz bar also offers cheap drinks for students at only £2.50 for a double vodka and mixer. Even if you don’t win a game of pool, at least a drink won’t cost you a fortune!