7 date ideas in Leicester

Our list of ideas for day-time hangs and romantic nights out in and around the city.

No matter whether you've started seeing someone new and need a cool spot to impress, or you're looking for something fresh to do with your long-term partner, Leicester has plenty to offer.

We've assembled a list of some places and activities you might not know or haven't yet tried.

COFFEE SHOPS

If you need somewhere casual to meet during the day or early evening, Leicester has a variety of coffee shops to suit.

Jenno's is the coffee house at Everards Meadows. Slightly out of the way, but still within easy distance of Fosse Park or Meridian Leisure Park should you wish to go on somewhere else. Cool, modern, and with an in-door tree, there's plenty of seating, so you'll be able to hear each other speak. There's also another location in Blaby.

St Martin's Coffee Shop is closer to the city centre. Situated in Cank Street, it offers a bright, relaxed energy. There's ample outdoor seating if the weather is nice, and a good range of snack food or light bites should the conversation be going well.

200 Degrees has a more adult environment, with a darker colour scheme that might create a more intimate atmosphere.

&Kith is perhaps the most instagram-friendly option on this list. A bright space with neon signs, a long bar, and various seating options. Located right in the city centre in Granby Street, it leaves you well placed if you wish to go somewhere else after... or catch a train home!

Northern Cobbler has a more rustic feel, paired with a clear passion for what they do. Located in Clarendon Park (or Oakham/Billesdon), it's a nice option for somewhere out of the city centre, that can be followed by a walk along Queen's Road to look in the shops.

Cafe Two Ten is in Narborough Road, and has a great range of meal options (their breakfast menu is especially impressive, with really good quality at affordable prices). If the shop itself is full, there's extra seating in the garden sheds - that might not sound romantic, but it's actually quite cosy!

WALKS

A romantic walk can be a good option no matter how long you've been together, providing leafy views and fresh air. Especially useful if you need something casual for a first date that you can leave at any time, a walk could be ideal.

Abbey Park is on the edge of the city centre, but it's boating lake, Asian-inspired gardens, and winding footpaths make it very easy to feel like you're in a completely different world.

For a shorter walk on the south side of Leicester, Knighton Park is another great option. Again it feels quite self-contained, but it doesn't take long to complete the full circuit. Ideal for a quick half-hour meet up.

If you want something a little longer, a waterside walk along the River Soar can last as long you want it to. Dependent on which direction you walk, it will even lead you to or from Abbey Park.

If you're looking for more of a commitment, Bradgate Park requires a drive to get there, but the home of Old John can be a popular option for a country walk.

ACTIVITIES

If you're the sort of person who likes an activity-date, Leicester has plenty of options including bowling, golfing, escaping or organised bouncing.

Bowling

One of Leicester's hottest destination venues is Lane 7. The site combines bowling, mini-golf, games, bars and street food (seriously, elite-level street food), as well as a big screen ideal for watching sporting events with friends. It's very popular, so pre-booking is a must, but as a one-stop shop for date night, it's got everything. Other bowling options include East Street Lanes or Hollywood Bowl.

Mini-Golf

There are three great golf options that we think you should know about, and they all carry a different vibe.

Of the indoor options, Treetop Adventure Golf is the best playing experience, though it's undoubtedly aimed at families, so might not strike the date night atmosphere you were hoping for. That said, you can get cocktails and pizzas.

Caddyshackers has a more adult energy, and each hole certainly puts the crazy in crazy golf. Grab a cocktail and make your way around the greens, office furniture, toilets and motorbikes.

Congo River Adventure Golf at Blaby Golf Centre is perhaps the best pure golf experience. Though, as it's open-air, is not a viable year-round option. It also closes "just before dark", but could be a great mid-afternoon addition to a summer day-date.

Leaping & Bouncing

Still referred to locally as the Leicester Mercury building, Boost Trampoline Park is a great option for couples with plenty of energy and healthy knees. With things to jump on, off, and through, it's a unique experience within the city.

For a more challenging experience, Ninja Warrior UK's Adventure Park gives you the chance to test your agility, strength, and endurance. It sounds hard, but in reality, it's adult-friendly soft play, and who doesn't enjoy that?

Escape & Adventure

If you and your partner are in the mood for a mission, these options might appeal:

Escape Reality is one of Leicester's most popular escape rooms, with a range of difficulty levels to challenge both novices and escape veterans. Once you've completed those, there's also Clue HQ, Escapologic, and Escape Leicester to check out.

For a completely different adventure, Roam Dome invites you to step into the arena of virtual reality. If an evening of shooting at VR zombies or exploring ancient ruins is your idea of romance, Roam Dome may be for you.

BARS & RESTAURANTS

Leicester's multi-culturalism means there are restaurants to cater to all tastes. These are a few of our favourites.

Leicester is known for its Indian cuisine with plenty of options, though Mem-Saab is one of our favourites. A family run restaurant, established in the early 90s, it's an elegant venue that serves authentic Indian cuisine. The desserts are especially good.

Nine B is influenced by Leicester's Roman history, inspired by the mosaic that was excavated from beneath the building, but with a modern twist. The menu includes everything from steaks and burgers, to salads and charcuterie boards to share.

If you're interested in fine dining, Black Iron Social might be the place for you. The menu is served a la carte in a tapas style (though the food is not of a Spanish-influence), and they recommend 3-4 small plates per person. Their other location is at Winstanley House, and offers a different menu.

Bodega Cantina serves South American cuisine, with a superb mix of everything from Mexican-inspired burritos, to Argentinian-style steaks. Leave room for the nachos as starter, because they are magnificent.

Brick & Beam is a cool space, perfect for a date night. Located in the cultural quarter, it hosts live jazz music every Saturday, and either the loft or the garden room make for a very cosy date venue.

The Terrace is the opposite energy. Offering champagne and cocktails, as well as music and dancing, it serves as the perfect transition between bar and club for those going out-out.

At time of writing, Carousel isn't even open yet! It will combine a cocktail bar with retro arcade games, interactive darts and awesome food. It's coming to the Highcross soon.

All good dates involve ice cream. Gelato Village serves artisan Italian gelato, made with real, natural ingredients. With two locations (St Martin's in the city centre and Clarendon Park), they're a great last stop after a meal or coffee date.

ENTERTAINMENT

If you're interested in sharing a little culture, Leicester has a wide array of theatres and gig venues.

If you're in the mood to catch a play or musical on a budget, The Little Theatre is an affordable option, producing top quality shows with supremely talented amateur performers. There's a different in-house production every month, as well as touring shows and local society performances. Tickets are generally in the region of £15 per person.

Leicester's known for its comedy, with both the annual festival in February, and regular comedy nights throughout the year. For something a little different, The Same Faces are a great option, delivering some of the best improv comedy in the country. Two-time award finalists at Leicester Comedy Festival, the group perform monthly throughout the year, and every show is different.

If you're looking for live music, The Musician has gigs six nights a week, with "a supremely eclectic booking policy". The variety means that there's something for everyone, but you may need to choose the night that will best appeal to both of your tastes.

SPA DAYS

If you're looking to spend a relaxing day together, Leicester has a few great options in close range.

Located in Hinckley, Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa has a Roman baths-inspired spa, offering a pool, gym, light lunch in the terrace bar and range of treatments, without breaking the bank.

If you fancy a trip just outside of the county, The Spa at Breedon Priory is in Melbourne on the very edge of Derbyshire. A day here will set you back a pretty penny, but the quality that comes with it is undeniable.

It feels like a very private country escape, and with a range of saunas and steam rooms, outdoor pools, treatment rooms, and rest areas as well as a high-end restaurant, it's a day you won't forget. If you're really showing off, you can even hire the private hot-tub area.

Back within Leicestershire is Ragdale Hall Spa in Melton Mowbray. Visually stunning, and combining all the features we've already discussed (including the price tag), but there are a range of options as to when to attend - for a really romantic experience, the twilight taster or evening experience packages add that little extra something.

HOTELS

If it's going very well, you might be looking for somewhere you can stay the night.

St Martin's Lodge is a boutique hotel in the heart of the city, located beside the Cathedral and the King Richard III Visitor Centre. A modern design in the centre of the city's historic quarter, it's a beautiful, highly Instagramable hotel.

The Premier Inn is a more budget option, and also gives you a chance to check out the tallest art-work in Europe, following the recently added street art on the iconic Blue Tower.

If you fancy something more themed, Hotel Brooklyn brings a flavour of New York to the centre of Leicester. If you're splashing the cash, the terrace suits have rooftop hot tubs, but even the more modest rooms are very cool and comfortable.