12 Great Winter Date Ideas

Trying to plan some winter dates on the calendar is, we admit, a tougher job than in summer. But our best tip is to embrace the cold evenings and plan around it. We’ve rounded up a few ideas perfect for either a first date or a fiftieth, from new exhibitions and light shows to jazz festivals and a sushi-making masterclass.

Head to this art competition
In collaboration with Influence Gallery, Andaz London presents the November art Competition exhibition, highlighting works from talented artists around the world.
Influence Gallery is a global platform for arts and digital arts, offering artists around the globe life-changing opportunities. The platform helps artists boost their visibility and recognition, while also providing the chance to win prestigious awards.
where: 40 Liverpool St, City of London, London EC2M 7QN
website: www.hyatt.com

Watch a rom-com favourite at the cinema
Winter is always the best time for the cinema. For one, it’s the perfect way to spend a dark and sober evening, with the added benefit of all the Oscar-hopeful films being out. There’s so much good stuff out at the moment, but Bridget Jones’ latest adventure is our pick.
Winter is always the best time for the cinema
Where: Across London

Catch a London exhibition
London’s galleries are the envy of almost every city in the world, and January presents a host of great exhibitions to see, from those on their last run to ones that have just opened.
Ones we especially recommend are the Silk Roads exhibit at The British Museum, Japanese Art History à la Takashi Murakami at the Gagosian, and Portrait of America at The Observatory Photography Gallery, which documents the wildly varied landscapes of one of the world’s largest countries.
where: across London

Go for an affordable yet luxe romantic meal
London restaurant prices might get a bad wrap, but there are deals to be had. Those in the know can get themselves a reservation for two at some of the city’s best spots and leave just £50 poorer (but soulfully richer).
From a hidden Greek gem to Soho’s romantic hideout, check out our guide for the best affordable date nights in London.

Take in the Battersea Light Festival
In January we need all the respite from the darkness we can get, and the Battersea Power Stationʼs annual Light Festival is returning brighter and more interactive than ever before to illuminate the winter nights from 23rd January. A free interactive art trail for all to enjoy, explore seven must-see light installations from British and international artists, a number of which are making their UK or London debut.
when: January 23rd – February 23rd
website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Try London’s most famous martini
Not that it really needed it, being one of London’s most revered five-star hotels, but over the last two years The Connaught has also become hip to go with historic. Bolstered by partnerships with Stanley Tucci and social media hype, getting a martini from the legendary trolley is a must for any Londoner. A cocktail may set you back upwards of twenty pounds, but there’s nowhere in the capital equally as luxurious and fashionable.
There’s nowhere in the capital equally as luxurious and fashionable
where: The Connaught, Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
website: the-connaught.co.uk
Try out the Chinatown challenge
A bit of competition is always fun on a date, especially when there’s food involved. Here’s the game – each take £20, and see who can make it go the furthest and to the most delicious places in Chinatown. And if you’re looking for inspiration, watch our video.
Each take £20, and see who can make it go the furthest and to the most delicious places in Chinatown

Take a couple’s spa
At the Hyatt, step into a world of unparalleled relaxation and rejuvenation. Try the “Tea and Tonic Couples Zen and Breathe”, a new approach to de-stressing to be enjoyed together. Your expert therapist will treat your ongoing stress needs to naturally power sleep, energy, mood and mind starting with mindful breathing and a salt therapy foot bath ahead of a face and body de-stress massage, using aromatherapy blends with adaptogen superherb and British-grown botanicals.
Afterwards, unwind in the riverside relaxation room or take a dip in the stunning 20 by 8-metre heated indoor pool, bathed in natural daylight.
where: 7 Nine Elms Ln, Nine Elms, London SW8 5PH
website: www.hyatt.com

Book a winter getaway
A UK winter break is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together sipping mulled wine, curling up with cake in a traditional tea room, or rambling the beautifully frosty countryside before retreating to a cosy hotel room. What could be more romantic?
Wondering where to go this winter? These are the best places for you and your date to visit and stay for a winter’s escape.
A UK winter break is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together

Head out to an afternoon tea
If there is one thing London does well, it’s afternoon tea. There’s a host of great options that make a fun and glamorous date, from Corinthia at its Crystal Moon Lounge and the Stafford to The Sanderson’s Mad Hatter-themed experience.
If there is one thing London does well, it’s afternoon tea.
Where: Across London

Try a sushi-making masterclass
Embark on a culinary adventure with an immersive Sushi Masterclass at Tokii Restaurant, hosted in the Prince Akatoki Hotel. Learn the ancient and delicate art of sushi-making from one of their skilled chefs.
Learn the ancient and delicate art of sushi-making from one of their skilled chefs.
where: 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
website: www.tokii.com

Try this immersive experience
One of London’s most unique immersive cocktail experiences, Avora allows you to discover a brand-new world engulfed in mystery and wonder, brought to life through awe-inspiring theatrical sets, sensory experiences and a cast of talented actors. With inventive drinks and a stunning set design that brings to mind the world of Avatar, this is one experience that will be forever etched both in your memory and on your Insta grid.
where: 5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
website: www.avora-experience.co.uk