Whether you’re doing your best to impress on a first date or adding a little spark to your relationship, you can do better than dinner at home. Manchester is a wonderfully varied city, with so much to offer. So, if you live locally or are travelling from further afield, we’ve picked out the best date ideas in Manchester to get you in the mood for love.
Live Music in the Northern Quarter
From the Happy Mondays and Joy Division to the 1975 and Oasis, Manchester is widely known for the incredible music it produces. With such amazing musicians, it's no surprise that there are tonnes of places to check out live music in Manchester. A walk through the Northern Quarter will lead you and your date to some legendary independent venues, including Band on the Wall, Night & Day Café, and the Castle Hotel. What better way to test your chemistry than hitting the dance floor together?
The Northern Quarter is a ten-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station, and it’s ideal for a relaxed shopping date too.
Book Browsing in South Manchester
If you’re dating a bookworm, they’ll like nothing more than to while away the afternoon flicking through literature. South Manchester is home to some lovely areas where bookshops flourish just as much as the green spaces. Browse the latest fiction at Chorlton Bookshop, an adorably traditional nook found on Wilbraham Road. Alternatively, head to East Didsbury and spend your date discussing your favourite literary passages at The Art of Tea – they have scores of second-hand books and a darling little café.
Dinner at a Michelin Star Restaurant
If you’re aiming to really impress someone, a Michelin Star restaurant is a sure-fire way to success. Manchester has two delectable options to choose from. The first is Mana, a modern restaurant in Ancoats that focuses on creating culinary magic with quality British produce. Made using Asian techniques, the seafood served here is utterly unforgettable.
The second option is Skof, found in a refurbished Victorian textile warehouse. The atmosphere here is relaxed and intimate, setting the scene for a gorgeously crafted tasting menu accented perfectly with Barney’s Tiramisu - a tribute to the owner’s late father.
A Cruise Along the Canal
Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of sailing along Manchester’s waterways by hopping on board a canal cruise. Cruises operate down the Manchester Ship Canal, beginning at the Castlefield Basin docks. This is the perfect way to see Manchester from a new angle – a real treat for loved-up couples. City Centre Cruises take you past Manchester, Trafford Park, and Salford as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal, and River Irwell.
You can reach City Centre Cruises from Manchester Piccadilly by tram. You can either get on the Blue line or the Purple line and get off at Deansgate-Castlefield.
Comedy at the Frog & Bucket
There’s no better feeling than a full-on side-splitting belly laugh, and those are plentiful at the Frog and Bucket comedy club. This gem has launched some of the country’s favourite comedians during their early days, think Peter Kay, John Bishop, Johnny Vegas, Ross Noble, Jack Whitehall, Sarah Millican, and countless others. Comedy is the perfect way to connect, tap into your sillier side, and break the ice with someone new!
Frog and Bucket is a fourteen-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.
Pottery Throwing in Ancoats
Pottery building requires patience and care – important qualities in a potential partner! Head to New Dawn Pottery in Ancoats for a range of wheel-thrown or hand-building classes that will help you get closer to your date. New Dawn is perfect for both beginners and more experienced ceramists. Drop-in sessions are available, or, if the date is going really well, you can try out a 4 or 6-week course!
Interested in trying pottery throwing with your partner? Explore our favourite pottery classes for couples in the UK. To reach New Dawn Pottery from Manchester Piccadilly, hop on the blue line tram to Holt Town, and it’s a four-minute walk from there.
Karaoke at a Manchester Bar
Feeling brave? If you and your date have a shared love of music (and singing at the top of your lungs), karaoke House of Fu is an ideal couples activity in Manchester. Enjoy a steaming bowl of ramen in their stylish restaurant, then head downstairs to a private room for cocktails and karaoke. House of Fu’s smallest karaoke rooms can fit up to 8 people, so why not plan a double date?
If you’d both prefer to perform to a crowd, then Bunny’s in the Northern Quarter will be more up your street. Take to the stage free of charge and belt out your favourite love ballads. They’ve also got amazing chicken wings and a pool table.
If you’re planning some fun date ideas in Manchester, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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