8 winter date ideas. Winter is coming... It's easy to plan date nights and activities when the weather is easy and when daylight was still a thing, but creative date ideas are our 'thing' and we've done all sorts from sitting on the swings until midnight to driving over to the Luna Cinema, food-making to bowling championships. With the milder months here to play, here are some fun winter date ideas:
Indoor Picnics
Date nights from the comfort of your home are pretty ideal. Find a huge picnic blanket, fill up a picnic basket with chilled beers, little Scotch eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese and pineapple on sticks, Love Hearts, mini tacos and Ben & Jerry's, close the doors to a room in your flat or house, light some candles and have a picnic in the warmth.
Dessert Evenings
This is something my best friend and I do all the time. The concept is simple: have yourself an early lunch, head home and have a light bite to eat. Get dressed up and tour three restaurants of your choice, sampling a dessert to share at each establishment. Good for couples with a real sweet tooth and who can never decide on where to dine.
Weekend Food Markets
Who doesn't enjoy a sleepy Sunday meander through a market? And it's even better when food is involved. Of course for Londoners, Borough market springs to mind, but scout around your local area for food markets that'll be around before and after the classic Christmas markets.
Castle Explorations
The boyfriend and I are obsessed with exploring, seeing new and old places and especially with Game of Thrones, so this has been on our list forevermore. (Maybe when I'm back, eh?) In England, castles are surprisingly easy to visit and stake out for the day, but remember appropriate footwear and cosy jumpers. High on our list is Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, Hedingham Castle in Essex and Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire.
Bowling Double-Dates
A classic date idea that'll take you right back to your 13 y/o days - bowling. Questionable shoes that don't really give any extra grip and all. Call up your friends and see if they'll come for a double date and challenge them to a sudden death tournament - the loser buys the Slush Puppies and hot dogs.
Film Forte
One that is a little twee, but build a film forte. Pin up a plain bedsheet on a large wall, get a projector and play your favorite film (or cheesy classic, Grease), with your very own duvet forte at the other end of the room. Grab as many blankets, duvets, throws, cushions, fairy lights and bags of sweet and salty popcorn and cosy on up.
Cooking Classes
If you're a couple or a set of best friends that love to get out and do things, why not book in for a cooking class or a cooking course? There's probably plenty in your local area at community centres or smaller non-chain restaurants, and not only does it mean you can make him make you some darn good dinners, it's something fun, something productive and will help to make the most of precious weekday evenings.
Secret Cinema
I'm too much of a wimp to take a gamble on this, but if you or your other half are film obsessives, why not book Secret Cinema tickets? Tickets get you a hands-on experience related to the film as well as a viewing of the film.
