Autumn Date Ideas

As September rolls in and we wave goodbye to summer and its rooftop bar, picnic in the park dates, we've got a whole new selection of autumn appropriate dates planned out for you. Whatever romance vibes take your fancy, here are a variety of suggestions for the next couple of months: 

Free Films at the Scoop

Whoever said open-air cinema was contingent on a balmy evening? Chillier weather is all the better for snuggling closer to your date anyway. Already underway over by London Bridge, there are three films a week playing at 19.30 until September 24th - and it's FREE to attend. Cheap daters rejoice! Features that will be playing include The Theory Of Everything, Still Alice and Zoolander (aka catering to all tastes); food and comfy cushions are  available to buy there. For full details, click here.

V&A

The beautiful building that houses the vast collection of the V&A is enough to qualify for a brilliant date destination in itself. Whether you and your date share an interest in the artistic histories of the museum's autumn exhibitions on Indian Storytelling or the History of Shoes (not just for ladies; this is a collection that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!) or you just want to check out one of London's most famous institutions, the V&A is a brilliant place to spend a date. Follow up your culture with a slice of cake in its incredibly ornate cafe downstairs. 

Deer-Spotting in Richmond Park

While Richmond Park can feel a little too off the beaten track for those of us who aren't Sheen locals, it's certainly worth travelling out to for a crispy leafed, snugly jacketed stroll one weekend.

If that's not a tempting view I don't know what is. Whether it's sunny and cold or plain old cloudy and cold, the huge expanses of space in Richmond are so unique in London that they inevitably make for a backdrop to truly lovely days out, especially when they feature the herds of deer that roam within the park. Treat your date to coffee and cake at nearby Petersham Nurseries afterwards.  

Merge Festival

This is another option for those of you looking to get out and about and make the most of London. Merge is an annual festival running from 18th September-18th October, that involves performances, installations and general happenings in the Bankside that draw their inspiration from the rich heritage and contemporary culture of the area. Details of individual events can be found on the festival website. And if the idea of a funky filled month of art and creativity doesn't draw you in, could I tempt you by the fact that most of the events are free? 

Inhale your drink at Alcoholic Architecture

Step back in time/ into a literal cloud of alcohol at notoriously wacky bar Bombas and Parr's latest installation; a walk-in cloud of breathable cocktail. As the bar itself is located on the site of an ancient monastery, the drinks list is comprised entirely of spirits and beers created by monks; Chartreuse, Benedictine and Buckfast - a fortified wine against which Scotland's parliament is allegedly passing laws to stop it entering their country - to name a few. Don't worry about becoming too intoxicated - you're only allowed to be inside for 50 minutes, and breathing in the cloud is only equivalent to one drink. I might not recommend this one for a first date (unless you're feeling particularly adventurous) but it's a very unique and fun place to try at some point.

The Thames Festival

Totally Thames brings the river to life with a month-long season of river-related events: art, music, open days, talks, walks and boats galore. Browse the events on their website - there are literally too many great ones on offer to know what to recommend, although TimeOut has given it a go! There are discounts and deals for riverside dining and 2 for 1 tickets on river transport - i.e. a romantic river cruise followed by dinner overlooking the twinkling city lights... Is there anything more romantic? 

Open House London

London's annual nosy-parker dream weekend is happening on September 19th and 20th: the chance to go into some of the city's most intriguing and iconic buildings that are usually closed to the public. Most destinations are free; all you need to do is show up. Browse their website to choose which buildings you'd most love to go into and plan your day by location or type of building. This is a fun and unique way to spend a date, and offers loads of conversation topics between you and your date. 

Pop Art at the Tate Modern

Last art feature I promise, but the highly anticipated World Goes Pop exhibition is another one not to be missed. Won't your date be impressed by your vast artistic intrigue and knowledge?! Celebrating Western consumer culture with its bright, bold displays, the exhibition also highlights the role that this art movement played in political dissent across the world in the 1960s and 70s. Plus, after a whizz round the exhibition you'll find yourselves wonderfully close to the buzzing Southbank and its endless riverside happenings. The perfect chance for you to get involved in the Thames festival! 

Alice in Wonderland Inspired Drinks

QUICKLY - the quirkiest of summer pop-ups comes in the form of Chambord Chapter Eight Games, which will be in full swing from 10th-13th September in Dalston. Find the special door and emerge into a world of curious delights, highlights of which include delicious cocktails, scrumptious French-American burgers from Le Bun and, naturally, flamingo croquet. A game that few can play well but most of us can take an optimistic crack at, an evening of croquet is surprisingly enjoyable when spend sipping on a raspberry liqueur cocktail. 

So with that diverse selection of date ideas to keep you busy for the next few months, make sure you've signed up to HelloYou to find yourself a special someone to enjoy them with!

Active Date Ideas

Table Tennis

If you’re wondering whether table tennis can be counted as ‘active’, you’re in need of a trip to one of London’s dedicated ping-pong bars. Although it will reveal your carefully masked competitive side that should arguably remain hidden until marriage, it’s worth the risk for the pizza-fuelled fun you can find at locations like Bounce or The Game. Besides, if you make it to the next date after mercilessly defeating your partner in a tournament you’ll know that they must be a keeper.

Pedalo

Pedalo-ing is the perfect activity, placing you side by side with your date as you work together to power your boat up and down the Serpentine. Combining many opportunities for people watching on the riverbanks with the entertaining challenge of syncing your pedalling speed with that of your date’s, it’s an entertaining and romantic way to spend a summer afternoon – especially if your boat has one of those flat bathing platforms (although this is better suited for a picnic than taking a dip). Regent’s Park is another lovely location to rent boats, where you can also choose to do rowing if you reckon your coordination and biceps are up to it!

Punting in Oxbridge

For those of you who want to get out on the water in even more of a rural oasis, take the one hour train ride out to Oxford or Cambridge to go punting. Tours are available to join, such as Cambridge’s 45 minute College Backs Tour, that guides you along a one mile stretch of the Cam past some of the university’s palatial colleges, but you can also take a punt at renting your own punt. Beginners will probably bounce from ‘bank to bank’ through Oxford’s Botanic Gardens, but these gondola-length boats provide an idyllic day out regardless of your captain’s skill. Nab a cheap picnic from a local Sainsbury’s and even take a dip in the water if you’re feeling brave.

Bikram Yoga

Bear with me! This isn’t completely insane. To those in the know, Bikram Yoga is a yoga class in forty-five degree heat that leaves you unimaginably sweaty but (hopefully) feeling pretty amazing. Sharing that experience and the natural high that follows it with your date is a great way to connect and build a positive energy between you. If you’re worried about the red-faced, drenched-in-sweat aspect of it, just think of it as pre-empting the inevitable. Every couple eventually has to reach that ‘this is what I really look like’ milestone; why not get it over with early on? Fierce Grace has studios across London, there’s Hot Bikram Yoga at London Bridge and Sohot Bikram in Victoria.

Bowling

Bowling is another active date idea that’s well worth the risk of revealing your competitive streak. At All Star Lanes, which is in four locations across London, you can settle yourself down on diner booth sofas with chips and a beer between strikes as you smugly watch your date bowl straight down the gutter. Alternatively, hold out for a well-earned meal of BBQ ribs/pizza/burgers after your game. Bloomsbury Bowling even has karaoke rooms… Bowling is fun and (mostly) everyone can do it – what’s not to love?

Mini-golf

Another one with that sweet element of competition… Mini golf can be a hole load of fun, and there are plenty of opportunities for it in the capital. Test your skills at Plonk! In Dalston, where you can drown your sorrows in cocktails if your date wins, or hold out for Swingers London in Shoreditch that’s opening in December. Housed in a two storey clubhouse from December 2015, it will feature two 9-hole crazy golf courses alongside street food outlets, MULTIPLE cocktail bars, a terrace overlooking the golfing mayhem and other games to keep you busy while you’re off the course. Complete your date by taking advantage of the various golfing euphemism opportunities and you’ll be in for a real treat.

Cycling

Cycling in London is a revelation. Especially when you’re central, biking rarely takes longer than the tube and even if you’re a true London local it will reveal secrets of the city that you were previously blind to. Tally Ho! Cycle tours are a lovely way to see the sights, but opt for their Gin & Food Tour to avoid the crowds and get a snack/G&T in during your ride. If you’re looking for a more romantic experience they also offer private tours, but if it’s quality time with you’re date that you’re after just grab a couple of Boris Bikes (although we’re calling them Santander Bikes now…) and seek out a cosy coffee shop or pub at the end of your journey. The Attendant in Fitzrovia, located in a former Victorian toilet (funky not gross), is an interesting choice for coffee, and Hampstead’s Spaniard’s Inn or Brixton’s Grand Union feature just two of London’s many beer gardens for romantic sundown drinks.