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Great Ideas for Dates
Meeting someone for the first time on a date can be a stressful experience. You will be conscious of wanting to make a good impression,
and nervous that you might not meet your date's expectations. Your choice of dating venue can have a big impact on the success or
failure of your date,
Bad Dates
The aim of your date is to allow you to get to know each other better. Anywhere which means you are unable to chat is likely to result in
a bad experience. Avoid meeting for first dates in busy clubs with loud music where you will both have to shout to be heard. The traditional
cinema and dinner date is also a poor idea for an early date as you will spend your time watching the movie, rather than talking to each other.
Good Dates
The ideal
date provides you with something to do, or some experience to share together, and which can help you
feel comfortable, and also find something to talk
about in those awkward moments when conversation might otherwise dry up.
Here are a number of suggestions for great dates - that will allow you to feel relaxed, get to know your date better, and allow you both
to have a great time, and potentially a great memory to look back on.
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Pub Lunch
Choosing to meet at a quiet pub for lunch or early dinner is a popular option. Choosing a quieter venue, or a quieter time of day means that you can
converse with each other.
Due to the wide range of pubs and restaurants available, there is a wide range and quality of foods on offer covering a broad range of budgets so this could be
a good date for those with limited budgets or an opportunity to impress for those looking to push the boat out and enjoy top quality nosh in a gastro pub.
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Restaurant
For a more formal dining experience you might choose to eat at a restaurant or bistro. Select somewhere you are familiar
with which you know has a warm, inviting ambiance and serves good quality food and wine. Dining by candlelight with soothing
atmospheric music will be far more pleasant than eating in a noisy restaurant under the harsh glare of bright lights.
There is certainly a wide range of venues, and foods to experience and select from - from spicy Indian and Mexican food,
to Turkish and Greek dishes and Italian. Be sure to check what kind of foods your date likes to eat, and avoid anything
that they have expressed a particular dislike for. You do not want to make the mistake of dining in a sushi bar if your date
does not like fish and seafoods. Some themed restaurants might also offer entertainment to liven the evening such as belly dancing,
live folk music or jazz. It is worth checking when making your booking as this can add greatly to the enjoyment of the evening and give
your date and yourself something to talk about.
Costs can vary greatly depending on the venue, quality and particular dishes that you select from the menu. You should
expect to split the cost of your meal with your date - approximately 50/50. Do not calculate
your bill to the last penny as you will appear selfish and miserly - remember you want to create a good impression.
You should also leave a tip for your waiting staff if appropriate.
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Museum or Art Gallery
If you are worried about having something to talk about with your date, and conversation drying up, you could try visiting a museum or
art gallery. Conversation will flow naturally as you discuss the art exhibits, and find things you agree and disagree on.
Since many
museums are run or sponsored by public bodies, they are often free of charge. For a more cultured date you could follow your museum or art
gallery visit with a chat over cappuccino in a coffee shop, or sharing a glass of wine in a wine bar.
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Parks and Gardens
At the right time of year, an outdoors date could be a winner. Parks, gardens and sculpture parks provide the opportunity to enjoy landscaped gardens, and art in
an outdoor environment.
You could impress by preparing a picnic and sharing a bottle of wine with strawberries and cream beside a lake or pond. If your
park has rowing boats then a gentle circuit of the lake could provide an exciting and fun experience.
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Zoo
Who does not go all gooey over little furry animals? A day out at the zoo will allow you to get to know your date in an interesting and
varied environment, and give you plenty to look at and talk about as you roam the zoo grounds and look at the animals. For men, you can show
your tender side and win points with your date for showing sensitivity.
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Amusement Park
Museums, art galleries and parks might seem a bit sedate. If you prefer a more energetic, frenetic date you could consider a theme park. Daring to
ride rollercoasters, log flumes, water rapids and white knuckle rides together can help break down inhibitions with an adrenaline rush.
Entry to theme parks can be quite costly, and often they are closed outside of the Summer season. Be sure to check ticket prices and opening times
in advance to avoid disappointment. Some parks also offer special events - Alton Towers, for example, has Halloween nights offering the opportunity to experience
their major rides in the dark, or spectacular firework displays at the end of season in October.
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Miniature Golf
If the thought of rollercoasters is a little too much, you could enjoy a competitive game of mini golf. Pitch and putt and miniature golf courses
can be found at various locations, local parks and coastal resorts around the country, and might make for a fun experience at relatively low cost.
For more serious and competitive people, or those expressing an interest in golf, a game at on a full sized course might prove a rewarding alternative.
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Seaside Resort
Oh we do like to be beside the sea side - so the song goes.
Sun, sea, fish and chips, hot dog stalls and kiss me quick hats. Whether you are looking to take in the sea air with a quiet stroll along the beach,
or losing yourself amongst the candy floss stalls and amusement arcades, a day out to a seaside resort can be real treat for you and your date.
Imagine the romance of winning (or being won) a cuddly toy from a grabber machine, of taking a speedboat ride around the bay or a more leisurely pleasure
cruise along the coast, dinner overlooking the harbour, and watching the sun go down over the water.
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Ghost Hunting
For a completely different experience, the particularly brave might choose to try a ghost hunting vigil.
With the popularity of such television programmes as Most Haunted, and Ghost Hunting, numerous companies have
established themselves around the country offering the opportunity to stalk round various haunted pubs, castles
and other historical buildings.
These events are usually conducted overnight and often start out with a seanse, and are then followed by breaking
into groups to explore using night vision cameras and motion detection equipment. Some organisers provide a buffet
or meal in the cost of the event.
Even if you do not hit it off with your date you may make new friends with other attendees, and you will certainly
have something interesting and unusual to talk about with your friends.
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Murder Mystery Night
Another great idea for an alternative date is a murder mystery evening. These can be hosted by friends or professional
event organisers.
The night often takes the form of a dinner over several courses. At a point early in proceedings a body
is found and the investigation begins - over the duration of the evening actors mingle with the group, in character giving
clues as to potential motives for the murder - and diners are free to question them and probe further. By the end of the
evening the dinner guests are invited to single out the murderer, and sometimes there is a prize for those who have deduced
correctly.
These events are often themed, giving guests an opportunity to dress up in period or themed costume, adding to the fun. Prices can vary depending on whether
hosted by friends and family, or a professional acting group, and also depending on the nature of the food and refreshments on offer
over the evening.
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