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Fun Things for Couples to Do: 50 Couple Activities

Ditch the takeaways and comfort TV – we’ve got plenty of fun and fresh activities to inspire your next date day or night

A man giving a woman a piggy back, they are both laughing and smiling.
Look Studio/Unsplash

A man giving a woman a piggy back, they are both laughing and smiling.
Look Studio/Unsplash

There’s no way around it. It doesn’t matter how long you and your partner have been together, it can be all too easy to fall into the same routine. Even if you manage to schedule in a regular date night, how many of us actually veer away from punching in the exact same order on UberEats or binging on yet another box set? That’s why we’ve listed a ton of fun things for couples to do to help shake up your next date day or night together.

From craft activities to brewery hopping, under-the-radar cultural hotspots to walking trails, we’ve got couples activities and cute date ideas (have you heard of alphabet dating?!) for every kind of pair. And if you’ve found yourself searching for “fun things for couples to do near me”, you can jump straight into our UK city guides below to find what you need. 

Not planning on venturing out? We’ve even included some couple activities to do at home. Yep, we’ve really thought of everything.

Ready to be inspired? Let’s go!

Fun Things to Do in Manchester for Couples

A woman eating from a Chinese takeaway box in the street using chopsticks.
RDNE Stock/Pexels

1. Take a Cooking Class

Watch out, Master Chef. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pair of novice chefs or you consider yourselves a dab hand in the kitchen – there’s always something new to learn when you enrol on a cooking class. And the best part is, you’ll get a delicious meal to enjoy together at the end of it. From pizza making to Vietnamese cookery, Mexican street food to sushi masterclasses, there’s a wealth of options for couples in and around Manchester – check out Virgin Experience Days for more inspiration.

2. Brave Wild Swimming

Feeling brave? While a quick Google will likely tell you the best spots to enjoy this fun activity, wild swimming at the Secret Lake at Levenshulme comes highly recommended. Who doesn’t want to be at one with nature and soak up the dreamy scenery? It’s also likely there’ll be very few fellow swimmers, giving you plenty of time and space for romantic photo ops.  

3. Head to the Theatre

One of the biggest perks of living in and around Manchester is the brilliant Royal Exchange Theatre in St Ann’s Square and its vast array of live shows. You could even make a night of it by treating yourselves to some pre- or post-theatre dinner. The Rivals Bar & Café inside the Exchange is a bustling spot that’s perfect for a cocktail or two.

4. Go Gaming

Are you a competitive pair? Then there's tons of fun to be had at Immersive Gamebox in the Arndale. The hyper-interactive rooms use motion tracking, projection mapping and touch-screen technology so you get to control all the action. You don’t even need to be a tech whizz – from escape room games to Angry Birds and the Floor is Lava, the only difficult bit will be choosing which game to play.

5. Devour Dumplings in Chinatown

Sometimes the simplest of couple activities make the most fun and we couldn’t think of a more joyful afternoon spent wandering the city’s iconic Chinatown devouring dumplings, drinking bubble tea and hitting up one of the bars for a spot of karaoke.

Fun Things to Do in Liverpool for Couples

An image of the Maritime Museum on Liverpool Dock.
Jiamin Huang/Unsplash

6. Paint and Sip

This idea has the potential to be real comedy gold, depending on how good (read: terrible) either of you are with a paintbrush, but it makes a really fun thing to do on a date. You could set this up at home and choose to paint a portrait of each other while you sip on your favourite tipple, or you could book a session with the likes of Pinot & Picasso, which has locations in four UK cities, including Liverpool.

7. Plan a Picnic in the Park

From Wirral Country Park to Festival Gardens and the ever-beautiful Sefton Park, there’s a wealth of great picnic spots to choose from in and around Merseyside. Picnics make the most perfect fun yet budget-friendly couple activity – all you need is a blanket, a smorgasbord of snacks, a bottle of wine, maybe a pack of cards to pass the time and some sunshine (OK, four out of five isn’t bad…)

8. Tackle an Escape Room

If you’re feeling up to the challenge, have a go at taking on one of Liverpool’s head-scratching escape rooms. It’s even more fun if there’s a few of you to work through the clues, so why not coax in another couple and make it a double date? Check out Escape Live, The Escaporium, Breakout Liverpool and more.

9. Fill Up at a Street Food Market

Name a better Saturday morning than one spent grazing at one of the best street food markets in Liverpool. We’ll wait. Head to the industrial-chic Duke Street Food and Drink Market for Korean bibimbap and stacked Cuban sandwiches brimming with pork shoulder, pickle, mustard and gouda cheese, while Baltic Market is filled with global street food vendors serving everything from wood-fired pizzas and souvlaki to drunken noodles. Once your stomach is well and truly lined, visit one of the nearby taprooms, such as Black Lodge, to try some of the ales and craft beers.

10. Go Wine Bar Hopping

Forgo your local for one afternoon and hit up the city’s slew of vibrant wine bars instead for a glass of vino in each and compare notes along the way. The scene is at its best on the likes of Castle Street and Lark Lane, with its independent bars, cafes and restaurants. Much classier than your average pub crawl – and way more fun, too. 

Fun Things to Do in London for Couples

A couple taking a selfie on a bridge in London in the rain.
Lucas Favre/Unsplash

11. Do an Architecture Tour

Thousands of us wander through the capital every day, but how many of us actually look up at the buildings that surround us? The architecture tours at the Barbican take you across the Barbican Centre and its surrounding Brutalist estate, venturing across criss-crossing high-walks, leafy courts and the ruins of the original London Wall.

Afterwards, soak up the hidden tropical oasis that is the Barbican Conservatory with its assortment of flora from around the world. It really is one of the coolest things to do in London as a couple.

12. Go 10-Pin Bowling

With the likes of Rowans in Finsbury Park and Bloomsbury Lanes in Soho, where you’ll also find buzzing cocktail bars, American retro-style games and karaoke rooms, bowling is way cooler than it used to be, trust us.

13. Enjoy a Couples Massage

When was the last time you treated yourselves to the ultimate pamper? With a wealth of luxury hotel spas on your doorstep, London is the ideal spot to go in search of some we-time.

Tucked amongst the vaults of the former Midland Bank headquarters, The Ned Club Spa is something of a hidden gem. Book in for the couples massage (choose between the signature, Balinese or deep tissue) for 60 to 90 minutes of uninterrupted bliss before heading back upstairs for dinner, drinks and live music aplenty.  

14. Head High to a Rooftop Bar

The capital is blessed with myriad open-air spaces to drink and dine all year round, from cosy heated terraces with fire pits, blankets and candlelight to spacious summer rooftops overflowing with Aperol and fun games like mini golf and shuffleboard. If you find yourself looking for things to do in London for couples, a hidden rooftop is perfect place to escape the crowds and soak up those sunsets.

15. Get Crafty

From scented candle making to glassblowing, rug tufting (yes, really) to making your own skincare, the London-based workshops from Wecandoo are the perfect way to test out your creative side. It’s also a great way to meet local artisans, learn a new skill and you get to take home your product at the end of it. There are plenty of options for foodies, too, including gelato and pasta making. Sign us up!

Fun Things to Do in Glasgow for Couples

Exterior image of House For An Art Lover.
 

16. Hike a Local Trail

Enjoying the great outdoors together is one of the most budget-friendly couple activities you can do – and you don’t even need to travel far to do it. Get the endorphins going, soak up the surroundings and enjoy a low-impact wander around a trail path close to home, or explore popular walks like the Kelvin Walkway and the Pollock Country Park Circular. Or, if you’re really up for a challenge, the five-hour Ben Lomond Mountain Path.

17. Go Trampolining

Time to be big kids! Whether you partake in the trampoline-based games or just spend an hour practicing your flips (and cracking up in the process), we promise you’ll leave with a smile on your face. There are trampoline parks all over the city of Glasgow, including Gravity Active, Flip Out and AirThrill.

18. Explore Botanic Gardens

Love visiting museums but prefer to be outside? Heading to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens is the perfect compromise. Don’t miss the beautifully designed Kibble Place greenhouse which features the most breath-taking tropical palms and vivid, colourful flowers before stopping for coffee and cake in the tea rooms.

19. Visit a Historic House

House for an Art Lover may be one of Glasgow’s most popular wedding venues, but it’s also a beautifully designed building designed by one of the world’s most renowned architects that's filled with fine art. The house regularly hosts art exhibitions in its restaurant, where you can also enjoy a romantic dinner for two al fresco in the summer months.

20. Grab a Beer and Bratwurst

Part of the iconic Templeton on the Green, a former carpet factory, West Brewery is a must visit for couples looking for things to do in Glasgow. If you don’t fancy one of its dedicated brewery tours, you’ll have just as much fun sampling its German-inspired, locally produced pints while tucking into currywurst and wiener schnitzels in the restaurant.

Fun Things to Do in Cardiff for Couples

A couple laughing in a bar and holding drinks.
Our Whisky Foundation/Unsplash

21. See a Comedy Show

Couples who laugh together, stay together – right? And a trip to your local comedy club is a great way to laugh off the daily grind. Check out the happenings and upcoming talent at venues such as The Glee Club, Dolly Chicken Comedy and more.

22. Treasure Hunt in an Antiques Market

We’re pretty sure you’ll find more than enough conversation starters while mooching around a local antiques market. And with three storeys of vintage, retro and collectable items and beautiful and bizarre antiques, Jacobs Antiques on West Canal Wharf could even be the perfect place to find a bargain or two.  

23. Frolic Among the Bluebells

Has it been a while since you captured some cute snaps for the ‘gram? Make the carpet of bluebells in Coed Y Wenallt your backdrop. These beautiful woods are also home to an incredible array of birds and wildlife to look out for – pack up a picnic for a date that strikes the perfect balance between fun and romantic.

24. Visit a Farmers’ Market

Couple activities don’t come more wholesome than a trip to your local farmers’ market. If you’re forever undecided on what to cook each night (honestly, same), this is a great place to get inspired. Load up on fresh produce and homemade bread before going home, cracking open a bottle of wine and preparing dinner together. (Ripping into said homemade bread and cheese while you cook, optional). Try Pontcanna Market on Kings Road.

25. Catch a Ride on a Water Taxi

Leave the car at home and be tourists in your own city by taking a water taxi instead. Cardiff is a city that was once teeming with canals, and now locals and tourists alike have the option to swap the usual public transport options for the aqua-bus or indulge in a dedicated boat tour. It’s by far the best way to see the sights!

Fun Things to Do in Nottingham for Couples

Interior image of Bromley House Library, including its beautiful staircase.
Claire Jones/Visit Nottinghamshire

26. Play Crazy Golf

Once reserved for summer dates, now there are tons of places where you can play crazy golf indoors served with a side of cocktails and street food. Glory Holes is one such Nottingham hotspot. It’s adults-only, with drinks aplenty to energise your swing. Loser buys ice cream!

27. Take to the Lake

If you’ve ever seen a film involving a love story of any kind, you’ll know that rowing across a boating lake with your love is, in fact, the number-one cute couple activity. From around Easter to October, Highfields Park Boating Lake has everything from canoes and row boats to kayaks and paddleboards for you to get to grips with. Reading poetry optional…

28.  Get Competitive in an Arcade

Looking to level up your couple activities with a bit of healthy competition? Arcades and amusement parks filled with retro games are a brilliant option and will have you feeling like kids again. In the heart of the Lace Market is Penny Lane – a bar-meets-arcade with everything from penny pushers and air hockey to table football and grabber machines. Order a Calippo cocktail and sip and play your way through a seriously fun afternoon. 

29. Visit a Second-Hand Bookshop

Charity shop dates are so much fun – and if you both love to read, second-hand bookshops even more so. If you want to take your love for reading one step further, the astoundingly beautiful Bromley House Library on Angel Row offers tours for non-members to enjoy.

30. Visit a Walled Garden

Steeped in tradition, beauty and charm, flower-filled walled gardens ooze romance and are the perfect place to take a stroll with your love. The Secret Walled Garden at Wollaton Hall offers dedicated tours where you can peek behind the 12ft walls and see the work that’s been done over the last few years – then pack up a picnic, head down to the lake and see if you can catch sight of some wild deer.

Fun Things to Do in Birmingham for Couples

 

Exterior image of The Belfry manor house and part of the golf course.
The Belfry Resort

31. Visit a Museum

Much like going out for dinner, museums are always a cute thing to do on a date. Thankfully the West Midlands is brimming with unusual and exciting options that make perfect couple activities – from the lesser-known Coffin Works Museum to the popular Black Country Museum where Peaky Blinders fans will know much of the series was filmed.

32. Catch a Film

OK, so the cinema is hardly a ground-breaking couples activity – it's just one of those things that couples do. But cute, independent ones like Birmingham’s Mockingbird Cinema will instantly elevate your date night at the movies to something quite special. Soak up the ambience with beers and snacks pre- or post-show, too.

33. Have a Wine and Cheese Night

Wine and cheese are indeed one of life’s ultimate combinations – and it makes a really low-stress date night to enjoy at home. Or you could amp up the romance – and the fun – at Grace + James in Kings Heath where you’ll find a wide array of cheese and charcuterie to pair with its selection of organic and natural wines. Yum! 

34. Practice Your Golf Swing

With three world-class golf courses and having previously hosted the Ryder Cup more than any other venue in the world, it’s safe to say The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield knows a thing or two about golf. But you don’t need to be the next Tiger Woods to practice your swing at its Topracer Range over on the PGA Academy. If you're looking for fun things to do on a date, make it this.

35. Get Back to Nature

If you’re an animal-loving pair looking for couples activities, a trip to the zoo might not cut it. Instead, look inwards to city farms and country parks where you can get up close and cuddly with everything from donkeys and sheep to ponies, chickens and goats. You'll find all these and more at Sheldon Country Park, while being able to enjoy the delights of the community orchard. Finish up with a hot chocolate from the on-site café.  

Fun Things to Do in Bristol for Couples

Image of a Banksy painting on a wall in Bristol.
Annie Spratt/Unsplash

36. Try Your Hand at Darts

Whether you're an expert or a beginner, practicing your aim at Bristol's Flight Club is a great idea if you're looking for things to do on a date. And, with an extensive drinks menu, a great selection of sharing boards and even better ambience, you'll probably find yourself sticking around for the vibes long after your game's finished. 

37. Go Street Art Spotting

Bristol is home to some of the world's most impressive street art – wander the narrow alleyways and side streets of this much loved city and you'll find cutting-edge graffiti art on almost every corner. It's also where graffiti artist extraordinaire Banksy hails from, and is home to an enormous collection of his works. If you're looking for budget-friendly couple activities and want to do your own tour, wrap up, make a coffee pitstop and download the Banksy Bristol Trail App to guide you. Or sign up to a formal walking tour instead. 

38. Go Roller Skating

If you both love ice skating during the festive season, roller skating could be the perfect alternative for the rest of the year. It's such a fun thing to do together if you're looking to take up a new hobby. You might choose to cover some ground in your local park, or maybe you're feeling more of a roller disco vibe – either way, be prepared to break a serious sweat (and laugh a lot).

39. Volunteer Together

How about a couples activity that gives back? A quick Google search will tell you all the local animal charities, soup kitchens, food banks and homeless charities that need an extra hand. This is an especially great thing to do in the winter months when they're usually at their busiest. 

40. Do a Scavenger Hunt

Do you or your partner love a bit of problem solving? This one's for you. An outdoor scavenger hunt is not only a great way to get your step count up, but you'll have lots of fun doing it, too. Sign yourselves up to a local one in the city or, if you're feeling creative, have a go at designing your own. Come up with a list of places and clues that relate to your relationship (that wall where you had your first kiss, for example) and see how long it takes your other half navigate them.

Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples

A same sex couple having cocktails at a pop up in Edinburgh.
Forever Edinburgh

41. Go Brewery Hopping

Is there anywhere more perfectly suited to spending a date day (or night) sampling the delights of locally produced tipples than Edinburgh? We think not. With an abundance of brilliant taprooms – not to mention gin and whiskey distilleries, if that's more your thing – you'll unlikely ever have to visit the same place twice. Or why not sign up yourselves for a tour and tasting for two?

42. Brave it on the Beach

Since the Scottish capital isn't quite blessed when it comes to sunshine, the chances of it being brisk (shall we say) are quite high, but we guarantee you'll still be charmed by the beauty of Portobello, the seaside suburb that's located just a few miles from the city centre. You'll find a two-mile stretch of sand that's perfect for swimming and soaking up the sea views. Grab yourselves a hot chocolate and duck into The Portobello Bookshop afterwards to warm up. 

43. Eat Your Way Around the City

Whether you live in Edinburgh and already know the best places to go or not, spending a day walking and eating your way around the city like tourists is such a fun thing for couples to do together. You won't be short of tasty gems here, either. Go for sushi in Kanpai and try the gorgonzola ice cream at the legendary Mary's Milk Bar.  

44. Discover a Secret Garden

If you're anything like us, you may well find yourself visiting the same parks over and over, so why not seek out one of the city's hidden green spaces? Cue Dr Neil's Garden, a lush and meditative space in the historic village of Duddingston, that's perfect for escaping the crowds. The immaculately kept gardens are right next to the loch, a stone's throw from Arthur's Seat, and are dotted with beautiful trees, shrubs and walkways, as well as the historic Thomson's Tower. 

45. Visit an Art Gallery 

When was the last time you took some time out to explore your local art scene? Edinburgh is home to a number of art galleries – some of which are free – not to mention three National Galleries. Have fun getting lost in the latest exhibits and discussing your favourite pieces. 

Fun Things for Couples to Do at Home

A couple lying on their balcony stargazing with wine.
Joszef Csegedi/Pexels

46. Try Stargazing

Anyone who lives outside the city only needs to go outside their front door on a clear night to do this. But you could also wrap up, hop in the car and find a place to park up and get spotting. There are some great apps available that can help you find what you’re looking for. Or, if you’d rather venture further afield to admire the beautiful solar system in all its glory, the National Trust has a list of the best properties to go stargazing with your love.

47. Cook a Course Each 

Cooking together is one of those classic at-home couple activities, but why not mix it up by taking charge of a course each? Agree on a cuisine or theme – or mix it up! It's completely up to you. Or, if you'd rather do it together, upgrade your usual takeaway with a meal kit box from one of your favourite restaurants. 

48. Spa at Home

Bubble bath? Check. Candles? Check. Spa music? Check. Check. Check. Slipping into your bath robes and slippers and creating your very own spa-like space at home is the perfect way to amp up the romance – and we're pretty sure you'll have lots of fun, too. Mini facials and killer back rubs? They're couples activities we can get on board with. But no arguing over the CurrentBody now…

49. Have a Tasting Party 

Pick your poison – ice cream, gin, chocolate, whisky… whatever takes your fancy. Purchase an array of different varieties and learn how to taste the flavour notes of each one together. 

50. Write a Travel Bucket List

Last – but certainly not least – is the bucket list activity and one of the most fun things a couple can do together. Discussing your goals and aspirations is not only incredibly bonding, but writing a list of places you want to visit in the world will get you feeling excited for what's to come, too. Come prepared with your ideas and dreams for the year ahead and discuss ways in which you can support each other to get those goals ticked off. The future's never looked so bright. 

What Activities Can Couples Do Together?

Sometimes even the simplest of couple activities make fun date ideas – anything from planning a picnic to trying new foods at a street food market. Even visiting a museum or National Trust attraction, or simply going for coffee in that new place that’s opened up down the street can all be turned into a mini adventure.

Our ideas above should give you plenty of inspiration. Whatever you choose, just make sure the focus is on spending quality time together.

What Are Fun Things For Couples to Do at Home?

If you have no plans to leave the house, you can still enjoy plenty of couple activities at home. Love nothing more than cuddling up in front of the TV? Why not play along with a gameshow or indulge in some comedy. If you really want to connect with some downtime, set up your very own at-home spa and give each other a massage.

You could even get creative by painting a portrait of each other, bake a dessert, or design your own game like DIY bowling (sure, Prosecco pong counts too!).