7 Low-key First Date Ideas
With the increasing cost of living, it could be you’d like to save money on socialising — if you’re going on a lot of dates, it can get expensive. Or maybe you want to keep your initial meeting super laid-back and are in need of some low-key first date ideas. If so, we have some cliche-free solutions for you.
Cheap first date ideas
Sometimes you have to meet a lot of people to find the person you click with. This can eat into your time, as well as your monthly budget. But, it doesn’t have to. There are plenty of things you can do and places you can go that are either completely free or cheap...
1 TEDx talks
If you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of TEDx’s YouTube channel, you’ll know how fascinating and varied these events are. But did you know you can attend some of these enlightening seminars in a town or city near you? They’re happening all across the UK, with free tickets available on Eventbrite. It’s the perfect way to combine your date with some philosophical learning provided by the brightest local minds.
2 App tours
Self-guided tours facilitated through an app became extremely popular during Covid. Post pandemic they’re here to stay, as a super method of seeing your local area through a different lens, on your terms, in your timing. Some require a payment, but if you browse your app store you’ll find some freebies to download.
3 Book launches
We’re not talking about the big names here — those events featuring famous authors will set you back a few bob. However, lesser-known writers’ launches happen throughout the year and are invariably free to members of the public. You usually have to book your place, with upcoming events listed on bookstores’ websites. It’s a great way for them (and the authors) to PR themselves, so there’s often a glass of wine and some nibbles thrown in. As it’ll include a talk and a reading, there’s a focal point to the evening. This takes the pressure right off the two of you and provides a talking point for the breaks and afterwards. Of course, it helps if both of you share a love of literature.
Low-pressure first date ideas
It’s wonderful to pull out all the stops when you’ve been seeing someone for a while. But if you don’t know what to expect, or how it’s going to pan out, it can be downright awkward if you go overboard. A casual, relaxed and fun choice of venue or activity will be much more effective in keeping nerves at bay and in putting you both at ease.
4 Meditation classes
A date won’t come much lower-key, than spending it in silence, with your eyes closed! It may not sound like the best way to get to know the other person, but it is a great way to share space with them, in the least confrontational way imaginable. This is especially ideal if you’ve never met them face to face before (perhaps you’ve connected on an app). You could ask if they want to chum you along to an organised session, some of which are free.
Afterwards, you’ll both be feeling uber-chilled, which is a great starting point to move the day or evening onto a stroll and a coffee. Equally, if you’re not keen, you can have a quick post-class chat and go your separate ways without feeling weird about it.
5 Speed dating events
One on one dating is by nature much more intense than meeting a range of people at a singles’event. Speed dating is set up to be straightforward for its participants. And, while you do have to pay a fee to book, it’s a bargain given how many dates you get in a single evening! Those who are nervous about mingling with strangers, especially those returning to the single scene after a long time away, will find speed dating to be a safe, easy-going, hassle-free experience.
6 Volunteering
Why not do some good while you date? You don’t need to be part of an existing group to take part, just have a browse of local Facebook groups to find out what’s suitable and happening near you. It could be something like helping sort/pack items to be shipped to those in need; joining a nearby park or beach clean-up; cooking for a homeless shelter; or helping to redecorate a community centre.
7 Comedy nights
Gigs outside of town and city centres, comedy nights focussing on news acts and experimental improv shows are often offered with free entry. There may be a collection at the end, but the performers will likely be glad of even your loose change and support if it’s not a busy event. Sit on the front row if you’re feeling daring and test out your date’s sense of humour.
If you’d like more date ideas that are specific to your own part of the UK, do check out some of the articles on our blog, where we have guides to places to go in cities including Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol, Nottingham, Bath, Cardiff and Newcastle.
Related Questions
How can I be romantic for free?
Romance doesn’t have to be costly. In fact, DIY touches like making your date a homemade gift, sending them a cute handwritten note instead of a PM and cooking them a meal, can be a very effective way to show you care. You can also be complimentary and surprise them with one of the date ideas in our article.
What kind of dates do introverts like?
A low key date that doesn’t revolve around lengthy and intense periods of direct interaction is ideal for an introvert. It’s also well worth trying speed dating. You may find meeting lots of people tiring, but it’s much less so in one fell swoop over the course of a couple of hours than via lots of different date nights.