What to Do on a Date in Reading

Are you Berkshire based and dating, or hoping to find a partner near you? It can be tricky to know where to go and how to seek out a spot that’ll be conducive to blossoming romance. Whether you already know the town or are new to the area, read on to find out what to do on a date in Reading. 

Dinner or drinks at The Cunning Man

The charming scenery in and around Reading provides plenty of picturesque backdrops for your meet. This traditional pastoral thatched pub with stylish decor is found beside the Thames in the suburb of Burghfield. Sit outside in its extensive beer garden in summer, or cosy up inside by the roaring fire in winter. As it’s suitable for just drinks, as well as dinner, you won’t have to commit. See how the date goes and if you’re feeling the chemistry, stay longer into the evening for a hearty meal. 

See The Cunning Man’s menus

Create your own signature scent at Humos

What could be more romantic than creating your own high-end bespoke fragrance as a couple? Enjoy a sensory experience at this natural perfumier, as you learn about scents, accords and ingredients. Unlimited prosecco or non-alcoholic drink is included, as are all materials and a bottle of your newly created aroma. This date idea isn’t one of the cheapest on our list. But it is unusual, great value for money and will provide you with a high-quality, take-home memento of your time together. 

Buy a fragrance blending experience at Humos

Go laser clay pigeon shooting at Reload

Book a bay and test your skills for an hour and a quarter, with a range of shooting games and challenges. Receive instruction from the staff, then take aim at the moving targets as they’re launched into the fields and woods. You’ll be in a covered area (so there are no worries if it’s raining, but you’ll still get fresh air). Reload is found beside the Rivermead Leisure Complex 

Check out the activities at Reload

Speed dating in Reading 

Don’t stay home alone wishing you had someone to enjoy these activities with. Take a proactive decision to meet a bunch of singles in your area and have a really enjoyable night out in the process. We run regular events at popular, convenient venues in the town. It’s a ready-made evening - all you need to do is book your place and show up. If you’re nervous at the prospect, check out our dating blog, with lots of helpful hints and tips to help get you prepared. 

Book your place at speed dating in Reading

Listen to live music at Sub 89 

Reading has a buzzing nightlife, with several nightclubs, a number of comedy stores and an abundance of bars. Sub 89 is an underground venue bang in the centre of town. Here you can catch multiple genre tribute acts, local emergent musicians, top DJs, touring acts and stand-up comedy. Right in the centre of town, it’s the perfect place to party late into the night. 

See what’s on at Sub 89

Date Night in Reading

Casual date ideas in Reading

If you’d prefer something uber chill that’ll take the pressure off that very first meet, you might like to try some of these casual date ideas. It’ll be easy to get away from these activities after a polite period of time has passed if it’s not working. But you can always suggest one of the add on options if it’s going swimmingly and you want to explore more.  

Walk along the Kennet and Avon canal 

Dates don’t come much more laid back than a waterside stroll. And it can be as long or as brief as you desire. If it’s the first meet, it’s preferable to stay in the town or ensure you’re walking in a busyish stretch by daylight. Another benefit of wandering the canal’s urban towpaths is you’ll have plenty of places to stop for a drink or a cuppa if it rains or you want to spend more time together. Heritage Walk runs from the Oracle Shopping Centre, past a range of well-known bars and eateries. 

See the walking trails of the Kennet and Avon Canal

The Museum of English Rural Life

A favourite in the Trip Advisor community, this museum works well if you’re looking for a free, calm, easy-going meetup point in inclement weather. In addition to the evergreen collections, you’ll find pop up exhibitions throughout the year. Learn all about the history of farming, agriculture and countryside life across the ages. This will give you something to chat about, with the option to stay and enjoy a chat over a fairtrade tea or coffee in the museum’s cafe. Centrally located at the University of Reading, this is a handy lunch-break date idea. If rural life isn’t up your street, there’s also the Reading Museum and Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology to check out. 

Visit The Museum of English Rural Life

Wander around The Herb Farm

Venture to the edge of the town and the neighbourhood of Sonning Common, for this fragrant daytime date idea. The farm has its own Saxon Maze and display gardens, as well as an artisan barn shop with lots of interesting buys. If you’d like to linger longer, there’s the Barn Cafe with a greenhouse seating area and wholesome, home-cooked style menu. 

Find out more about The Herb Farm

Casual Date Ideas in Reading

Now you know what to do on a date in Reading, it’s time to find someone to do it with. Sign up for speed dating in Reading, or if you’re a capital commuter, consider one of our speed dating nights in London. Or you might like to try speed dating in a different Berkshire town, such as Windsor

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