Unique Nottingham date ideas

Penny Lane is a great location for a first date

Dinner and a movie, it's a classic date night, right?

And while Nottingham has some incredible restaurants and a variety of cinemas to choose from, sometimes you want to step out of your comfort zone and go on a date that’s a bit more unusual.

From mini-golf and pottery painting to building a terrarium: here are six date ideas that are guaranteed to impress your other half (and keep things fresh!)

1. Ceramic painting at Pot-N-Kettle

If you and your special someone are looking for a more artsy date, Pot-N-Kettle in Beeston is a great choice.

Pot-N-Kettle offers a wide range of blank pots to choose from, including animals, plaques, tableware, picture frames, money boxes and we sell Christmas baubles, for you to decorate.

If you would prefer a date night at home, the studio offers takeaway kits containing a box, paintbrush, item of pottery, 6 colours of acrylic or underglaze paints and instructions.

2. Go to a secret concert through Sofar Sounds

Sofar Sounds is a concert company aiming to bring back the magic of live music, making it perfect for a more intimate musical date night.

With a focus on diverse acts in unusual venues, the model of Sofar Sounds means you never quite know what to expect. Venues can include anything from museums and boutiques to rooftops and homes.

3. Mini golf at Lost City Adventure Golf or Glory Holes

Nottingham is home to some great crazy golf venues with Lost City Adventure Golf and Glory Holes being the most popular.

With a jungle theme and atmospheric music, Lost City is a great, family-friendly venue with two courses to choose from.

If you are looking for a more comical and grown-up experience, Glory Holes, in Hockley, puts an adult spin on the classic game. Both venues serve alcohol, including cocktails, and let you drink as you progress around the course making them great for a date night out with a difference.

4. Build your own terrarium at The Watered Garden

While this date idea requires a bit more forethought and planning than the others on the list, it is perfect for plant lovers.

The Watered Garden, in Sneinton, offers two types of terrarium workshops: a corked jar terrarium workshop and a demijohn terrarium workshop.

Each workshop is 2 hours long and will take you through the process of how the shop makes its own terrariums, explaining the purpose of each step. All tools and equipment will be provided including light refreshments. This is a more expensive date priced at £55 per person and events run sporadically so keep an eye on the website if you want to book.

5. Play some arcade games at Penny Lane

Penny Lane is a bar, located in the heart of Lace Market, which is reminiscent of childhood seaside holidays, making it perfect for a chill evening out.

With a variety of pub foods on offer, a huge cocktail menu and an array of classic arcade games, including 2p penny pushers, Skee Ball, Basketball, Grabber Machines, and a ‘Donkey Derby’, there is plenty to provide the sense of nostalgia.

This isn’t the cheapest venue, but it is unique and a great way for your and your date to engage in a little bit of friendly competition.

6. Visit Wayne Manor at Wollaton Park

For many people, Nottingham is linked with the Batman franchise due to its connection with Wollaton Park. This iconic location, complete with local deer, greenery and the occasional ice-cream truck, makes for the perfect picnic date and a great stroll.

Wollaton Hall is also home to Nottingham’s Natural History Museum, and a ‘miniature masterpieces’ exhibition is currently on display until October 2023, both of which are free to attend.

*This article was originally published in 2023 but has been updated with new links.