Look, we’re just going to put it out there: if the last 3 years hasn't been tough enough for single folk then the cost of Sainsbury's and the heating bills have been. We’ve been forced to swap catching the eye of a gorgeous stranger across the bar for swiping through apps, our charming personalities reduced to a photo possibly taken 3 years ago.. before the wrinkles - caused by staring at your phone far too long.
It's time to stop talking to your sourdough and get on a London experience day from the Indytute. See and enjoy London at it’s very best with one of our incredible experience days.
Once you've swiped your way to a real life date, one worthy of a meet up, you can discover a brilliant way to woo your boo. London experience days with the Indytute host a whole load of off-piste outdoor activities that will knock their socks (and possibly their pants) off. After all London is unrivalled among the world’s travel destinations. It’s a city overflowing with culture, history and entertainment, not to mention unforgettable cuisine.
10 London date ideas: the outdoor edit
Cycle through Walthamstow Marshes
(image: Marathon)
On yer bike for a leisurely cycle through Walthamstow Marshes. Frolic in the river, laze in the long grass, bond over wild wees, and if you make it all the way to the Olympic Park (which isn’t actually all that far) you’ll be rewarded with fresh beers from Mother Kelly’s taproom. Bonus points if you hold hands while you pedal.
Paddleboading on the Canal
(image: Uwe Aranas)
... And tour the romantic waterways of Little Venice and the Paddington Basin on a paddleboard. Serious romantic kudos for this one. The ideal way to see if you float each other’s boats, right?
Watch the sunset on Waterloo Bridge
(image: Jwslubbock)
So there are heaps of places to watch the sunset, but one of our favourites is from Waterloo Bridge, when you can take in the London skyline and its shimmering reflection in all its glory. If this date is a keeper then before you take in the views you can discover local markets and gin distilleries by vintage bike on this brilliant Gin Safari experience.
Master table tennis at Bounce, Farringdon
To make sure you absolutely thrash your partner and show them your competitive edge (always goes down well on a first date ;). Join the indytute team for a table tennis masterclass
Eat your way ‘round Borough Market
(image: Malcolm Cartledge)
For serious foodies. Head over to Borough Market followed by a few glasses down at neighbouring and lesser known market Maltby Market (open Thursdays - Sundays).
Sip your way through this brilliant experience. A craft gin tasting in Bermondsey while learning about the spirit's 'crazy' history. To make this the best London Experience Day arrive at the gin distillery by classic Mini Cooper. You'll win major brownie points that (maybe one date number 3!).
Discover Bankside followed by the best Pancakes in London
Delicious, mouthwatering pancakes with a cocktails followed by a cultural itinerary for a perfect day around Bankside and Borough. Discover the ghost advertising signs of the area, markets to the Tate. This is a full on day of being an insider Londoner.
Go to Barnsbury Wood Nature Reserve
(main image: Dudley Miles)
Can you keep a secret? At 0.35 hectares, this wood is London’s smallest nature reserve. You’ll have explored every nook and cranny within minutes, but all the more time for chatting, right? Note: Only open Tuesdays and Saturdays 2-4pm.
Stroll through the Isabella Plantation, Richmond
(image: Diliff)
Richmond Park is old news, so up your cool credentials by taking your date to the Isabella Plantation, a park-within-a-park in, er, Richmond Park. The vibrant rhododendrons and peaceful ponds are bound to make an impression.
Go for a picnic
But not just any picnic: take The Indytute's brilliant Italian-inspired picnic. Impress with your kite-flying skills and spoon limoncello posset into each other's mouths. Saucy. Want to go somewhere a bit different? We've got London's best secret picnic spots, too. Why yes, we are great. We know.
FURTHER READING: Made it to date three? Here's how to recreate a romantic restaurant at home.
(main image: Free-Photos)
