Whether you’re doing your best to impress on a first date or adding a little spark into your relationship with a date night, you can do better than going to see the latest blockbuster. 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. A visit to Manchester doesn’t have to be just for the evening; why not turn your date night into a romantic weekend in one the UK’s most vibrant cities? Check out our blogs on Manchester to help you plan a couples’ weekend.
Ice Cream at Ginger’s Comfort Emporium
Located on the top floor of Affleck’s shopping centre, you’ll find Ginger’s Comfort Emporium. This exquisite ice cream parlour boasts some of the most unusual and delicious flavours you’ll ever taste. From marmalade on toast to olive oil & sea salt, these unique ice cream flavours will be unlike anything you’ve tried before. Those who love 1950s nostalgia and classic romance will love sharing an ice-cream sundae on this daytime date.
Enjoy Live Music
From the Happy Mondays and Aitch to the 1975 and Oasis, Manchester is widely known for the incredible music it produces. With such amazing musicians, its no surprise that there are tonnes of places to check out live music in Manchester! Try venues like the Manchester Arena or the O2 Apollo if you want to see big acts. The Albert Hall has a calendar of music and acts throughout the year, so whenever you’re planning your date, you can find a great spot for music. If you’re a big music lover, find more information on the best music venues around the UK.
Hop on a Canal Cruise
See the city from another angle and 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, and this cruise makes a real treat for a brand-new couple or to celebrate a longtime love. The City Centre cruise takes you past Manchester, Trafford Park, and Salford – as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal, and River Irwell. If you’ve got extra time, you could alternatively experience the Mersey Ferries Manchester Ship Canal Cruise which takes you all the way to Liverpool.
Explore the Northern Quarter
Known for being the trendiest area of Manchester, and visited by locals and tourists alike, the Northern Quarter is an eclectic, fun, and welcoming area of the city. You’ll find independent fashion stores, record shops, cafés, bars and restaurants, all perfect for browsing with your date whilst you get to know one another. The laid-back bohemian daytime vibe transforms at night into teeming pavements of people in search of good food, craft beer, pop-up events, and live music. You could easily explore for an entire day – and if the date goes well, the nightlife is fantastic too!
Axe Throwing at Whistle Punks
Some of the best dates start with unusual activities, and axe throwing is one of the best ways to get to know each other! If you love a first date somewhere unusual,Whistle Punks is the perfect place to take your date – it’s so much fun and it can be a great way to bond as you both learn a new skill. The instructors teach you how to throw your axes, and when you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be entered into a tournament against your date. A little bit of competition can be good – and trust us, it’s a whole lot of fun.
Eat at a Michelin Starred Restaurant
Maybe you’re celebrating a big anniversary, or maybe you’re aiming to really impress someone you’ve just started dating. Either way, nothing can be better than dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant, and Manchester has thirteen of them to choose from.Mana is an informal dining experience showcasing the best of Britain’s produce, with a menu changing regularly to evolve creatively and to make the most of seasonality. With 16 courses (if not more!), make sure to set aside three hours for your meal and £100+ per person.
If you’re planning a date in Manchester, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best historical places in the UK,the best forests in the UK, or the best cinemas in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.
Written by Julia