Perfect First Dates

So you’ve met someone you fancy, they seem to like you too… Now what? Don’t mumble the same old “Fancy a drink?” Instead, make yourself seem more windswept and exotic by suggesting an out-there first-date idea instead.

1. Extreme Dating
Research has shown again and again that fear is a turn-on. After being exposed to frightening stimuli, we all react more favourably to members of the opposite sex, and find them better-looking. So, cash in on the fear factor and take your date to a theme park. Going on the adrenaline rides will release all kinds of feel-good endorphins in both of you, making you seem more attractive to one another, and giving you a good excuse to cuddle up. After you prise your fingertips from your date’s arm, suggest a smoochy turn on the ghost train.

2. Date and Skate
There is something retro about an ice-skating first date – it’s straight out of Happy Days. But once you’ve tried it – with its perfect built-in excuse to hold hands all night – you’ll realise why Torville and Dean got together. This year, the most romantic open-air ice-skating rink has to be the one at the Natural History Museum. Open from 10am to 10pm daily until January 20th, the huge rink has already received celebrity guests including Posh Spice and Jonathan Ross. Whether you’re the type to stagger round the edge clutching at grannies to keep your balance, or a bit flash and good at the twiddly stuff, you and your date are bound to have fun., Afterwards, stay for a drink at the award-winning bar overlooking the rink and laugh at everyone else. For full details, visit the website or book tickets on 0844 847 1576. Prices start at £10.50 for adults.

3. Laugh at first sight
Worried you won’t think of anything funny to say on your date? Then get someone else to do the hard work for you, and take your beloved to a Comedy Club. You can either enjoy professional comedians at comedy venues like Jongleurs, or see your local talent try their luck at open-mike nights in your area. Check your local newspaper for details – many pubs run regular evenings where wannabe funny guys can strut their stuff. Or, to see the very best comedians in action, why not join the audience for the filming of a TV show or Radio programme? The BBC’s website always has tickets available for the filming of radio and TV shows and best of all, they’re free.

4. Beach babe Babylon
Don’t worry that it’s winter – take your date to the beach. In many ways, an off-season trip to the beach is more romantic than going there in the height of summer, as you can pack a Winter Picnic (think mulled wine, hot soup, Bouef Bourgignon in a flask) and snuggle up together under fifteen blankets. Stroll down the pier to play on the machines, and visit local attractions like Aquariums and Crazy Golf when they’re at their quietest.

5. Walk it Off
Finally, for a date where you can chat without distractions, try a walking date. Take your date to a nearby National Trust park where you can stroll through the grounds before retreating to the café for coffee and cake, or check out the Ramblers Association who regularly hold walks in your area. No, they’re not all octogenarians wearing red socks – the Association has a thriving Walking Group for people in their 20s and 30s that regularly meet for afternoon walks or rambles up mountains. Or you could treat your partner to a themed tour of your local area – very popular choices are Ghost Tours, where you meet in the evening and get led on a ghoulish tour of local haunted hotspots. Try the Enjoy England website for details of events near you.