Whether you're planning a surprise for your partner, or hoping to impress someone new, arranging the perfect date can be tricky!
If you’ve exhausted all of the traditional options, why not take a look at some of our more unique date ideas in Lincoln?
1. Let off some steam at The No Work Club
If you’re looking for exhilarating date ideas in Lincoln, we suggest booking an axe throwing sesh at The No Work Club. Situated in the Vulcan Park Warehouse, this exciting attraction will provide you with plenty of laughs – and plenty of chances to impress your date!
A great activity to get your adrenaline pumping, the team at The No Work Club describe axe-throwing as “like darts…but more fun”. If you don’t mind revealing your competitive side early on, this popular indoor sport is perfect for a first date. You’ll have plenty of chances to impress each other with your aim - or at least have a laugh at how bad you are!
If you’re a single thrower, or on a date, you can book a 60-minute session; larger groups can book a lane for 90 minutes. Before you start, one of the resident axe-perts will give you a safety briefing, and some tips on technique. After that, you will be let loose on your lane to throw, accompanied by a banging playlist.
2. Take your romance to new heights on a Cathedral Rooftop Tour
If you want to impress your date with something unforgettable, we suggest taking part in a rooftop tour of Lincoln Cathedral. A great choice for fans of history and architecture, there’s nothing more memorable than being able to share a unique experience like this – especially when there’s an amazing view involved!
Led by an expert guide, this tour will allow you to explore the fascinating structures that hold up the cathedral roof and get an insight into the workmanship required to build and maintain this iconic structure. As well as experiencing never-before-seen views across Lincoln, you will also get the chance to get up close to the incredible stained-glass windows in the cathedral and spend time in one of the bell chambers.
3. Stay up late at Stokes
On Friday and Saturday nights, Stokes Coffee transform their café at the Lawn into a sophisticated cocktail bar. ‘Late at the Lawn’ is the perfect spot for a romantic night out; the relaxed atmosphere here is sure to ease any nerves, whilst the stylish vibe is sure to impress.
Dinner at a bar might not seem like a unique idea, but it’s the cocktails here that will take your date to the next level. Alongside the classic cocktails you would expect to find at a trendy bar, Stokes have added their own twist to a number of drinks. The Long Island Iced Tea features Stokes’ own blend of tea, whilst the Espresso Martini is made using Stokes’ famous coffee beans - which are roasted right next door.
If this is one of your first dates, you don’t have to worry about sitting through an awkward meal. The Late at the Lawn menu features a great variety of small plates, so you can order a selection of different dishes and get stuck in together. After all, sharing is caring.
4. Make waves on the Brayford Belle
The obvious choice for an outdoor date in Lincoln would be to plan a romantic stroll around the city. If you’re looking for something a bit more special, why not explore the sights by boat?
The Brayford Belle will take you on a 50-minute tour along the Fossdyke Canal, accompanied by beautiful views of the Lincolnshire countryside - and some entertaining commentary. Available from Easter until October, this popular boat trip will give you both the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the city from a different perspective. You don’t even need to worry about the unpredictable English weather ruining your date, the lower deck of the Brayford Belle is fully heated, and the top deck has a canopy to protect you from any unexpected rain showers! (Boat trips run from March - September)
5. Dive into love headfirst at Jump Inc.
If action-packed dates are more your thing, Jump Inc. in Lincoln is a must-visit. Featuring an exhilarating combination of trampolines and inflatables, Jump Inc is the ultimate urban playground. Be prepared to leave your inhibitions at the door, this high-octane park was made for carefree fun!
Perfect for thrill seekers, you can jump, leap and swing your way through a ninja course, bounce around a series of tracks, or simply launch yourself down the enormous inflatable slide. Even if you don’t manage to impress your date with your somersaulting skills, we guarantee you will have plenty of fun trying!
6. Test your teamwork at Escape Lincoln
If you want to get to know what someone’s really like, an Escape Room is certainly a good test of character and compatibility. If you’re heading on a first date, this is a great activity to break the ice, as you’ll have no time for awkward silences. For those in a relationship, it’s a great opportunity to learn how to work better together!
If you’re up for the challenge, Escape Lincoln have a range of mysterious rooms to try, each varying in difficulty. When you choose the game you want to play, you’ll be locked in the room with only 60 minutes to escape. To help you find your way out, you will find a variety of clues hidden around the room. If you are able to work together creatively and solve the puzzles, you should be able to escape!
7. Get cosy on the Lincoln Ghost Walk
There’s nothing more romantic than a stroll under the stars, even if you happen to be on the lookout for ghosts at the same time.
When it comes to unique date ideas in Lincoln, the award-winning Lincoln Ghost Walk is one of our top choices. As long as you don’t scare too easily, going on a ghost walk around the city will give you the perfect excuse to cuddle up to your date.
Led by an experienced guide, this walking tour will take you around the historic Cathedral Quarter, past the city’s most iconic landmarks. You will get the chance to hear haunting stories of Lincoln’s bloody past, and learn more about the infamous ghosts that haunt the city’s cobbled streets after dark. If you need to calm your nerves, we suggest ending the date with a stiff drink…
8. Embrace your inner child at Carousel
The real key to a successful first date is to have fun! If you’re up for a laugh, why not try Carousel? Located on the high street in Lincoln, this arcade-style bar serves up their Insta-worthy cocktails with a side of nostalgia. As well as offering an impressive drinks menu, the bar has a variety of fun experience zones to play in.
Book a space at this busy bar and you can try your hand at shuffleboard, challenge your date to a darts tournament, or join forces on one of the many retro arcade machines. As most games can accommodate up to 6 guests, Carousel is also a great spot for a group date.
If you manage to work up an appetite, the bar also has an innovative menu of street food-inspired dishes. Served as small plates, these are perfect for sharing – plus it means you can avoid the pressure of a sit down meal!
9. Explore the great outdoors on an Alpaca Trek
If you’d prefer an outdoor adventure, why not take part in an alpaca trek? Situated in Newark, J&J Alpacas offer a range of amazing hands-on experiences. Although having an alpaca tagging along on your date might not scream romance to you – it will definitely make for a memorable day.
Take part in a trek and you will get the chance to walk with a friendly alpaca through the scenic countryside. Each walk lasts for around an hour, and there will be a trained guide on hand to help with any questions you may have along the way.
As well as bonding with your date during the trek, you will also get the opportunity to bond with your alpaca! You will get the chance to feed it, stroke it and, of course, get some great photos together to commemorate the date.
10. Show off your moves at the Lincoln Jazz Café
The Lincoln Jazz Café is the perfect spot for a sophisticated date. One of the city’s best kept secrets, this beautiful bar has a wonderfully relaxed and romantic vibe.
Showcasing a fantastic selection of wines, whisky and spirits, the drinks menu here is extremely impressive. Order one of the bar’s delicious cocktails and it will be crafted by an expert mixologist – and served with a splash of showmanship.
The Jazz Café is only open from Thursday – Sunday, so it’s a good idea to book a table in advance. If you want to make your date even more special, the bar hosts local musicians on selected Sundays, so you can savour your drinks to a soundtrack of live jazz.
11. Feel a spark at Electric Bar
Going for cocktails on a date may not be entirely original – but this location definitely is! The Electric Bar is Lincoln’s first ever sky bar.
Situated on the rooftop of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, this stylish cocktail bar boasts unparalleled views of the city. If you’re planning a day date, we suggest popping up here for a coffee - the inspiring surroundings will give you plenty to talk about! Time your date right and you will be rewarded with the most incredible views of the sun setting over the Brayford.
By night, The Electric Bar boasts an extensive menu of cocktails, beers and wine. If you really want to impress, head outside to the balcony, where you will be able to enjoy a brilliant view of the city’s sparkling skyline.
