12 Unusual Date Ideas To Try In Leeds

Whether you’re planning a special first date or you’ve been together for years, there’s so many options for romantic nights (or days) out in Leeds. We’ve rounded up 12 of the most unusual ideas for dates, considering something for everyone whether your date is competitive, loves absorbing themselves in culture or likes getting outdoors.

Roxy Ballroom

Bar

If you’re dating someone with a competitive streak, there’s no better place in Leeds to set them a challenge than Roxy Ballroom. Decide whether to play a game of ping pong, pool or a round of mini golf and take advantage of their well-stocked bar to lighten the mood.

Everyman Cinema

Cinema, Theater

If you love watching films but hate how uncomfortable and unromantic most cinemas are, Everyman is the perfect solution. Pick a cosy seat made for two to snuggle up in with, complete with a pile of cushions and a wine cooler built into the side of the chair. It’s the next best thing to watching a film in your own living room.

Headrow House

Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, British

On a summer’s evening, there’s no better place in Leeds to enjoy a drink than on the roof of Headrow House. The cocktails are phenomenal and the views over the city are pretty romantic. There’s also a beer hall and a restaurant inside, and there’s usually a band or DJ playing to liven things up.

Tropical World

Park

If your date is an animal lover, take them to Tropical World at Roundhay Park to come face to face with a variety of interesting wildlife. Their exotic animal exhibits cover everything from monkeys to crocodiles, providing plenty of talking points as you discuss your favourite animals.

Grand Theatre

If you’re trying to impress someone with a love of theatre, why not splash out and book a private box at the Grand Theatre? What could be more romantic than watching a play, musical or comedic performance from the comfort and luxury of your own private booth?

Kirkstall Flyboat

Take to the water with your date for a romantic trip down the waterways of Leeds. Embark at Granary Wharf and take in the sights along the canal, enjoying a delicious afternoon tea of scones, cakes and tiny sandwiches along the way.

The Man Behind the Curtain

Restaurant

Impress your date by opting for the most unusual dining experience in Leeds, The Man Behind the Curtain. The delicious dishes in this luxurious restaurant are more akin to works of art than your usual plate of food, with a great deal of care taken in the presentation. The décor of the restaurant itself is just as creative; diners enter through a closed clothing store to discover a space that looks more like an art gallery than a restaurant. A word of warning, book in advance as there is always a long waiting list for a table.

Hot air balloon ride

Providing your date isn’t scared of heights, take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride over the city and surrounding countryside. Taking off from Temple Newsam, book a sunset trip with champagne and chocolates for a special occasion when you don’t mind splashing out.

Visit the penguins at Harewood House

Animal lovers will be suitably impressed if you take them to help feed the penguins at Harewood House. The Humboldt penguins that live here are lovingly looked after and are incredibly friendly. You and your date can pop by just to watch the penguins, or you can opt to help the zookeepers feed them at lunchtime.

Holbeck Underground Ballroom

Pay what you like, dependent on how much you enjoyed the performance at Holbeck Underground Ballroom. This innovative theatre offers up a programme of intriguing performances from small theatre groups from across the country, making it the perfect choice to impress a culture-loving date.

ShuffleDog

Bar

Another great option if your date has a competitive streak, ShuffleDog has three huge shuffleboard tables that are great for challenging your date to a tournament. The bar also stocks an impressive array of beer, helping to ease nerves if this is a first date.

Lazy Lounge wine tasting

Anyone who enjoys a glass of wine will be impressed with the wine tasting experience at Lazy Lounge. For just £15 per person, their resident experts will teach you about wine while you sample six different bottles and nibble on cheese and biscuits.

About the author

Emma Lavelle

Based in the north of England, Emma Lavelle is a freelance writer and keen photographer with an endless wanderlust. Read about her latest travels on www.fieldandnest.com or on Instagram @fieldandnest