Leicester is a city brimming with charm, creativity, and a plethora of exciting spots perfect for a memorable date. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed evening with craft cocktails, an adventurous activity to break the ice, or a scenic stroll with stunning views, Leicester offers a diverse array of date ideas to suit every couple.
From quirky bars and independent cinemas to fun activities like mini golf and escape rooms, this vibrant city has no shortage of things to do. Whether it’s your first date or a special night out with your partner, these 15 date ideas in Leicester will help you plan the perfect outing.
1. 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 provides 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.
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.
3. Treetop Adventure Golf
For a fun and interactive date, visit Treetop Adventure Golf. This indoor mini-golf venue offers two 18-hole courses set in a tropical rainforest theme. It’s a perfect spot for couples who enjoy a bit of friendly competition in a lively atmosphere. After your game, you can grab a drink or a bite to eat at the on-site café.
4. Veeno Leicester
If you’re looking for a cosy and intimate date night, Veeno Leicester is the perfect spot. This stylish Italian wine café offers an authentic taste of Italy with a carefully curated selection of wines, delicious charcuterie boards, and small plates. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking to enjoy a relaxed evening together, Veeno’s warm atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for great conversation.
5. Escape Leicester
After a date full of excitement and teamwork? Escape Leicester is the perfect challenge. Step into an immersive escape room experience where you and your partner will have to work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and beat the clock before time runs out. With a variety of themed adventures, from historical mysteries to action-packed missions, there’s something for every type of duo.
6. East Street Lanes
Bowling is a classic date idea, and East Street Lanes offers the perfect mix of nostalgia and fun. Whether you’re aiming for a strike or just hoping to avoid the gutter, a little friendly competition makes for a great date. The venue features modern lanes, an arcade area, and a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for a relaxed and entertaining evening. After your game, you can grab a drink at the bar or enjoy some food from the American-style diner.
7. Cocoa Amore Chocolate Workshop
Chocolate and romance go hand in hand, and Cocoa Amore takes it up a notch with hands-on chocolate-making workshops. Learn the ins and outs of truffle crafting, decorate your own treats, and—best of all—take home your sweet creations. It’s a delicious, interactive date that’s both memorable and indulgent.
8. The Golden Mile & Belgrave Road Food Crawl
Leicester’s famous Golden Mile is a haven for lovers of Indian cuisine. Take your tastebuds on a journey with a food crawl through authentic sweet shops, street food stalls, and curry houses along Belgrave Road. Whether you’re sampling samosas or trying gulab jamun for the first time, it’s a sensory date that’s sure to delight.
9. Lane7 Leicester
New to the city, Lane7 offers bowling, mini-golf, beer pong, karaoke, and more—all under one roof. With stylish décor, upbeat music, and a solid food and drink menu, it’s perfect for couples who like to mix and match activities throughout the night.
10. Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
Finish with a touch of culture at the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. This beautifully curated space offers everything from natural history and ancient Egypt to modern art. Quiet, free to enter, and packed with conversation starters, it’s an ideal low-key date with depth and charm.
11. Paint and Sip Classes
Explore your creative side with a laid-back painting session while sipping your favourite tipple. Paint and Sip classes are beginner-friendly and often hosted in local bars or studios across Leicester. With music, drinks, and step-by-step guidance, this artsy date idea is as fun as it is personal—plus, you’ll leave with a unique piece of art to remember the night.
12. Retro Computer Museum
Located just outside the city centre, the Retro Computer Museum is a quirky and nostalgic spot housing hundreds of classic consoles, computers, and arcade machines. If you and your date are into gaming or just love retro culture, you can easily spend hours reliving pixelated childhood favourites together.
13. 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 recently 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.
14. 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 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.
15. Abbey Park
For a peaceful and picturesque date, visit Abbey Park. This beautiful park features formal gardens, a boating lake, and the ruins of the 12th-century Leicester Abbey. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic, or rent a boat for a romantic ride on the lake. It’s a lovely spot to relax and enjoy each other’s company amidst nature.
Enjoy Your Date in Leicester!
There’s no shortage of date ideas in Leicester, whether you’re looking for something fun, romantic, or completely out of the ordinary. From exciting activities like mini-golf and escape rooms to more relaxed experiences like wine bars and museum visits, the city has something to suit every couple’s vibe.
Exploring new places and trying different activities together is a great way to make lasting memories. With so many brilliant date ideas in Leicester, you’ll never run out of inspiration for a fun and unique time with your partner. couples who appreciate film, art, and a chilled vibe. Phoenix shows an eclectic mix of independent films, documentaries, and classics, with occasional Q&A events. The venue also hosts contemporary art exhibitions and has a trendy café bar, making it a great place to chat before or after your screening. It’s an ideal setting for those who prefer low-pressure, creative dates.