7 Date Ideas to Try in Leicester

Are you planning a date in the East Midlands? The city of Leicester benefits from a picturesque natural setting on the River Soar and is found in a valley near the National Forest. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or cultural experiences, here are seven date ideas to try in Leicester.

Where is best to go on a date in Leicester?

This will depend on a few factors: the weather/time of year, how long you’ve been dating, how mobile you are and your preferences. If you’ve never met before and you want to keep things simple, a cafe is always a good and safe option. But it doesn’t have to be boring. Leicester has a brand new place to meet for coffee and cake, with unique decor and a quirky atmosphere…

1. Merchant of Venice

As its name would imply, this establishment has a Shakespearean theme, with artwork depicting the bard and passages from his places on the walls, in olde worlde script. The menu is far more comprehensive than your average cafe, with a large range of Italian main dishes, celebrating the land in which this story was set. There are two Merchants of Venice in the city; on Loseby Lane and Granby Street.

2. Bradgate Park

Escape to the beautiful Bradgate Park, a scenic haven just outside Leicester. This expansive parkland offers breathtaking views, picturesque ruins, and a chance to encounter wildlife such as deer and birds. Take a romantic hike, have a picnic on the rolling hills, or simply enjoy each other's company in the serene surroundings. Best of all, this date idea needn’t cost you a penny and can be as long or as short as you like.

Date night restaurants in Leicester

Parks and cafes are fantastic during the day, but what if you’re planning a date after dark? A meal or some drinks are perfect come rain or shine.

3. The Frame

If you live in the area and have already tried a bunch of the city’s culinary hotspots, here’s a new one to add some fresh interest to your date. The Frame opened last year on St Martin’s Square, serving a Mediterranean menu of small plates and mezze. Sample dishes cooked on the wood and coal-fired grill, or go earlier in the day for a bottomless brunch on Saturdays. This gives you 90 minutes of free-flowing cocktails and food to the sounds of the DJ — just long enough to size up your date, but not so long that it’ll get awkward if you’re not hitting it off.

4. Curry and chocolate

Leicester has a thriving culinary scene, with plenty of great eateries. It was once named the Curry Capital of Britain, so if you love spice, head down to the Golden Mile and select from a number of leading Indian restaurants. Then spend the afternoon getting creative with the food of love, at a chocolate making workshop. Cocoa Amore Chocolatier in the city centre and Nenette’s in the village of North Kilworth both offer this service, ranging from a couple of hours to a half day experience. Then savour the fruits of your labour together, or save your results for a special gift that communicates effort and care.

Dates in Leicester for couples

5. The Curve Theatre

For a night of entertainment, head to the Curve Theatre. Known for its stunning architecture and innovative productions, this venue offers a wide range of performances, from mainstream musicals to contemporary plays. It’ll provide discussion points for drinks afterwards too. As the theatre is in the city’s Cultural Quarter, there’s an abundance of great bars on the doorstep.

6. Retro Computer Museum

If you have an aversion to anything cheesy or romantic, get your geek on at the Retro Computer Musuem instead. Browse vintage models such as the Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore 64, Commodore Amiga and Atari 2600. And challenge one another to an old-school game in this hands-on, interactive experience.

Where can I go on a double date near Leicester?

7. Congo River Adventure Golf

Want to get competitive? Pair up with another couple and tee off just outside of the city in Blaby. Here you’ll find 18 holes of Congo River Adventure (crazy) Golf. Spot decorative animals, truck wrecks and planes around the open-air course as you try your best to beat your opponents with a skilled swing. You don’t need to book, so if you’re on an impromptu day out, this is ideal.

Finding a date in Leicester city centre

Speed dating

Don’t have a date? That doesn’t mean you can’t go on a date in Leicester. Come to a speed dating night in Leicester and you can make a match with whom to try some of the date ideas in this article.

Remember, the key to a successful date is thoughtful planning and a focus on shared experiences. Consider the other person's interests and preferences to create a memorable day or evening that’s tailored to your unique connection.

Related Questions

Where can I meet singles in Leicester?
It can be tough to meet eligible people in your area, especially if you want to do it face-to-face rather than online. That’s why we’d always encourage you to come along to one of our local speed dating events and we’ll take the effort and the hard work out of your search.

What is a good first date idea after matching at speed dating?
So although it won’t be the first time you’ll be seeing each other and chatting in person, it will be the first time you’ve spent more than a few minutes in each others’ company. Choose something low-key but fun. Here are some great first date ideas that won’t break the bank.