Let’s be honest, the perfect date idea in Manchester is likely to be a very subjective topic. From a great meal in the Corn Exchange to a night playing Mario Kart in a bar, whatever you decide to do, you’ll have a fantastic time getting to know your date amid the famous Mancunian nightlife.
But if you’ve still not decided on what you want to do, we’ve cherry picked some fun date ideas in Manchester to give you a place to start.
Play mini golf in the Printworks
The Printworks is one of Manchester’s main hotspots for gathering, dining and having fun. While it has its own indoor avenue, restaurants, a bowling alley and a cinema, it’s also home to a great date spot: Treetop Golf. Travel through an Aztec jungle mini golf course as you compete your way towards the nineteenth hole, where you can score a hole-in-one for a completely free replay. But don’t worry, because even if you fail, you can always sit down together at the Jungle Buzz Café to carry on the evening.
Compete for a high score in axe throwing
Still in the Printworks, but on the other side of the building to Treetop Golf awaits a new axe-throwing champion. The sport has been brought back into pop culture by the UK’s Boom Battle Bars, where you can throw axes at targets as long as you’re sober, but you and your date can always celebrate with alcohol after the competition. You can even jump on the opportunity to play augmented reality darts, beer pong and shuffleboard, or pressure each other into singing in a karaoke booth.
Visit a gaming bar in the city centre
Just down the road from the Boom Battle Bar, you’ll find its retro neighbour: Pixel Bar. This is the place to go if you and your date love video games, whether you’re into Mario Kart or something a bit more strategic. The bar is designed around gaming, with bookable booths that come with their own console and plenty of arcade machines to try out together. Even the drinks are video game themed, with a freshly inspired menu rotating every few months. Down colourful potion shots while you and your date compete at Boomerang Fu or try out a character-themed cocktail while you test out the retro machines. It’s the perfect quirky date idea in Manchester, especially if you’d like to try out each other’s favourite games.
Dine inside the Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange is a stunning old building in the centre of Manchester. Constructed in 1903 with a beautiful glass roof and several fancy restaurants perfect for the dating crowd. Wander down to the tram stop at Exchange Square to get inside, where you’ll find almost every cuisine under the sun - whether you’re looking for Indian tapas, Vietnamese pho, American burgers or Greek meze, you’ll find what you’re looking for under the dome. But If you’re in the market for traditional things to do in Manchester for couples, a dinner at Mowgli’s really takes the cake.
Watch a performance at the Palace Theatre
If you’re after something more traditional, why not try our glitziest first date idea: an evening at Manchester’s Palace Theatre. As a global touring venue, the theatre sees almost every popular play under the sun, including the household names of Hamilton and Six. However, that’s not the only thing that makes the Palace Theatre romantic, as the stage has showbiz hammered into every detail, from its gilded galleries to fully dynamic stage lights. It’s a luxurious setting to get to know your date a little better, although you should hold back debates about the stage performance until you’re relaxing at the interlude bar.
Ski on an indoor dry slope at the Snow Centre
Most people don’t go to Manchester to ski, but if you’re looking for unusual things for couples to do, the Snow Centre is the place to go. Located behind the bustling Trafford Centre, the building provides a 180-metre dry slope to carve your way down as a team. If you don’t fancy a holiday to the Alps for your first date, taking your partner out to the Snow Centre is a very viable alternative! A couple of hours in the cold is guaranteed to break the ice, especially if you’re at a similar skill level. Just remember that this is a date to talk about in advance: skiing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Paint and Sip
Searching for cute date ideas in Manchester? Then look no further than the many, many paint and sip events the town has to offer through Paint Away Events. Whether you want to paint a puppy or decorate some personalised baubles ahead of the festive season, they have plenty to choose from. So, grab a glass of your favourite drink, get those palettes out and let your inner Bob Ross or Jackson Pollock take over to create something you’ll be able to look back on fondly to commemorate a great night in Manchester.
Thinking of taking your next steps in Manchester?
If you and your partner are getting serious, it might be time to consider settling down, and if you’ve made your memories in Manchester, there’s nothing wrong with staying close by! Our brand new homes in Manchester are perfect for couples and young families, with convenient transport links to all of your favourite date night activities.
