Pottery class or escape room? Unusual date ideas

Tired of going for dinner and drinks? Experts have looked into some of the most unconventional date ideas that are suitable for all, whether you’re already in a relationship or you’re looking for fun first date ideas.

Ethical jewellers Ingle & Rhode have found some fun activities that would make an exciting date and don’t cost the earth.

Couples who have been together for some time may be looking for fun things to do as opposed to going on normal dates, and doing things like taking a cooking class or going rock climbing are a great way to make memories together. Just think about how much fun Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore had whilst doing pottery in Ghost.

Focusing on an activity means that there is always something to talk about which is why all of these ideas are great options if you’re newly dating someone or even if you’re heading out of a first date!

A spokesperson for Ingle & Rhode said: “Going on unconventional dates can be really fun! People probably wouldn’t think of going on a rock climbing date or spending a date in an escape room but the truth is they can be really fun!

“Going with your partner is a great way to make new memories by trying new things together. There’s only so many dinner and drinks dates you can go on together.

“A lot of the time these unconventional ideas are also really good for first dates too. You might think that you should be doing these with someone you’re closer to but actually they help ease any awkwardness.

“Focusing on an activity gives you lots to talk about and is a great way to open up conversations. And if the date doesn’t go great, at least you’ve spent some time doing something fun rather than just going out for dinner.”

Ingle & Rhode’s unusual date ideas:

Wine tasting
Trying loads of different wines can be really fun. Wine tasting experiences often teach us all about different wines, the way they’re made and what food they’re best accompanied with.

Booking wine tasting in a beautiful location makes for a really great day out.

Take a cooking class
Whether you’re a pro or an amateur when it comes to the kitchen, cooking classes can be a great way to have fun and create some funny memories! Work together or separately and find out who’s the better cook in the relationship.

Go to a pottery class
Pottery is another fun way to challenge your partner. You could make something for each other or even something for your own home. If you’re going on a first date and all goes well, at least you’ll have a keepsake from this fun day out.

Rock climbing
You may not get a lot of time for talking but rock climbing can be a fun ice breaker activity if you’re going out with someone for the first time. Why not head for a bite to eat after to catch up on the activity and chat about how you found it!

Go to an escape room
If you both like a bit of a challenge why not go to an escape room? Work together to solve clues and puzzles to try to get out within the hour. This idea is even more fun in a group, so get another couple on board for a fun day. These can get a little frustrating so perhaps this is a date for couples who have been together for some time – the last thing you want to be doing is wishing you were escaping from your actual date.

Take a painting class
Another great activity to get stuck into is a painting class. You don’t have to be an artist to attend one of these. Don’t take it too seriously, just go and have fun!

Visit an art gallery
Even if you’re not into art, there are plenty of galleries out there that aren’t too obscure. You don’t have to analyse the art, just simply take in it’s beauty and talk about your favourite pieces.