5 spring dates in London she won’t expect

The whole dating game is trouble enough – when to ask her out, how to ask her out and the biggest worry of all: where on earth to take here? If you’re fed up with predictable dinner dates or nights at the cinema, then take some inspiration from these 5 spring date ideas that she won’t expect…

1. PLAY TOURISTS IN YOUR OWN CITY

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Almost every Londoner will tell you that despite passing many of our fair city’s tourist attractions on a near daily basis, there are still so many landmarks that we have yet to visit ourselves. So, why not bite the bullet and plan a day of touristy delights for you and your date to explore – think London Dungeons, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds, before finishing things off with tea at the Ritz! Because, you know, that’s what the tourists do, right?

2. TAKE A COCKTAIL COURSE AT MILK & HONEY

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Why go to a bar when you can play mixologist for yourselves? The speakeasy style bar Milk & Honey is a long time favourite date venue, but why not take it one step further and head to the basement bar for a 90-minute class? The relaxed classes take place from 6:30 to 8pm, and once you’ve mastered (and sampled) the 4 cocktails you can head upstairs to let the professionals do it for you.

Milk and Honey, 61 Poland Street, W1. £40 per person .mlkhny.com

3. INDULGE IN A SPA DAY FOR 2 AT THE BERKLEY

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It might not be one of the most affordable options, but she certainly won’t expect this. Book in for a luxurious spa day for 2 overlooking the beautiful Hyde Park. Bamford Haybarn Spa recently took over, with the desire to bring ‘the essence of the English countryside to the heart of the city’ with a secret scented garden. Whatever the weather, there’s nothing quite like ascending to the 7th floor and taking a dip in the rooftop pool, open to the skies and sunshine.

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL the-berkeley.co.uk

4. SAMPLE YOUR LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET

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Do something completely different one weekend and head to any one of London’s amazing farmers’ markets on a fresh sun-filled morning. Have fun wondering around the stalls sampling all that’s on offer before buying a selection of fresh breads, cheeses and deli dishes and heading to a park for your own romantic picnic à deux. One of our favourites is Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market, which although relatively small, has an impressive selection of unique stalls and produce, from Popina for its seasonal tarts, to Kingcup Farm, where you can sample edible flowers and unusual vegetables. (Every Saturday 9am-1pm.)

Orange Square, corner of Pimlico Road and Ebury Street, SW1W 8UT – lfm.org.uk

5. GO BOATING ON THE SERPENTINE

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With thoughts of warmer climes just around the corner, we can’t help fantasising about lazy days spent in Hyde Park – it may be an obvious choice, but there’s just something about it that we refuse to tire of and luckily for you, your date won’t either. With boating on the Serpentine starting up again in April and running through until October 31, it’s time to get booking. We’re not sure if it’s the old movies or just an attachment to the cliché, but there’s just something so romantic about a day on the water with someone.

£12 for 1 hour or £10 for 30 minutes – royalparks.org.uk

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