#RelationshipRambles | Throwback Date Nights on a Budget

When you meet a new sweet one (or you may already have one), ideally you want to take them out on a date. To be fair, I’m real simple and I’d rather sit in a car with you and have a lowkey therapy session while sipping on a McDonald’s Berry Burst, however, I also like to go out so I can show out and be shown off.

The problem I often have when being asked out on a date, is the location. Frankly, I don’t want to watch you, watch a film for 2 hours or eat and barely talk to you. I like those dates where you get to see different sides to a person, or where you can just be yourself with no worries of what you’ll look like to them.

I mean we all like to have fun and try new things, but I know the biggest problem is funds (especially when your Student Finance runs out). Now, I am a sucker for deals, so Wowcher is my best friend when it comes to grabbing the best ones. However, there are still some places where you can have a very cost-effective, yet enjoyable time.

So, here are a few of my top date choices, in order of expense..

1. Museums 

This may seem super boring at first, but when you realise that you haven’t actually taken in a museum properly, it becomes way more fun. Like me, the majority of you probably only visited museums for school trips and so you never really got the full experience.

In London, the Science Museum, V&A Museum and the National History Museum are literally all next to each other, which makes visiting them so much easier. The best bit is that the majority, if not all, museums are free. Some do require a ‘small donation’, but since small doesn’t have a quantity, that change you’ve been trying to get rid off will do.

It also allows you to get to know more about the person you’re on a date with. What are their interests? Can they hold a conversation? Most importantly, do they make you laugh?

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

2. Galleries

Now, I haven’t been to many galleries, but I plan to change that. However, with London

so full of galleries, it’s such a shame to miss out on the beauty of art captured in them. Like museums, most galleries are free and only a few require memberships in order to get into certain sections.

The best gallery I’ve been to was Van Gogh in Amsterdam and I highly recommend it to everyone if you ever find yourself in Dam.

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

3. My Old Dutch Pancake House

Now I know I said eating for a date is a little whack, but a pancake date is totally acceptable. With both sweet and savoury pancakes, you can definitely try something you’ve never had, especially if for some reason you don’t have a sweet tooth.

The best thing about My Old Dutch is that on Monday’s it is £5.25 all day, regardless of what time you go.

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

 

4. Parks

This one might be a bit too basic for some, but it is one of my favourite places to go. With the weather somewhat picking up, it is one of the cheapest dates you could go on. I know it seems childish, but the nostalgia of sitting on a swing or trying to fit down the slide never surpasses me. Then to end it all, you grab a bench or a big blanket and sit and talk and eat whatever snacks you bring along.

To be fair, if planned properly this date can be such a romantic gesture and it can show your partner just how much you actually listen when it comes to buying the snacks.

Now, you’re probably wondering what parks could this girl be on about in this UK.. Well have you been to Crystal Palace Park? They have such a great maze there. Better yet, Alexandra Palace Park? The view there is literally everything!

There are also some beautiful nature reserves/wetlands popping up around London too and they are totally worth the visit.

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

5. Bowling

This can seem really expensive, but trust me you’re just going to the wrong bowling alleys. This is such a great date that can bring out the real side of whoever you’re with and you’ll be surprised at how quick the time goes when you’re having fun.

My favourite bowling date was at All Star Lanes in Holborn. With only 4 lanes, you can definitely keep the intimacy levels up there while keeping the competition at an all time high. Plus, bowling is always cheaper on a weekday. Also if you go to Namco in Romford, the arcade is always a great way to cool down (and get great pictures too!).

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

6. The Aquarium 

I get that this one may seem a little childish, but the Aquarium is such a nice place to visit and there’s so much to see. With all the various species of fish, the adorable penguins and the beautiful tunnel with the sharks and turtles swimming around you, I promise that this is definitely a date to be had.

I know that exploring London sights aren’t the cheapest but the last time I checked, the cereal boxes still had Two for One deals on entry to the Aquarium (this ridiculously reduces how much you have to spend!).

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

7. The Zoo

This may seem real weird, but if you like animals (especially from a distance) this is definitely a great date idea. There is so much to see and you can always get the opportunity to get up close and feed some of the animals that they have.

Like the aquarium, this can be really expensive, but as-long as you book online you can definitely enjoy for a more reasonable price.

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

8. The Fun Fair

I definitely saved this one till last because the fun fair is the biggest bump known to man, however, it is such a great excuse to get out of the house. I know you’ve seen how the fun fair always takes over your local park during any given school holiday so why not take advantage of it? (Plus it’s a great location for pictures!)

I really hope you try at least one of these dates, I know you’ll enjoy them as much as I did..

love,

S♡