Guest blog: 5 date ideas for under £20

Our guest blog today comes from Michelle of My Creative Photography. She set herself the challenge of coming up with 5 date ideas for under £20 – quite a challenge in London (but still eminently doable!). Have any more suggestions for us? Let us know in the comments! Happy Valentine’s Day!

February is the month of love, when flowers start budding, proposal numbers increase and hearts start making their appearance. But for some the post Christmas pinch is still a reality. Others are saving for something special so would prefer not to break the bank on date night. But heading out to spend time with a loved one doesn’t have to lead to financial strain. I’ve come up with five date ideas you can try out which come in under £20 (or a little more if you decide to have a second glass of wine). These aren’t limited to dates with your other half though either, these are also great options for a meet up with the girls or a day out with your Mum.

Brunch Date

Brunch is a great alternative to a dinner date which, with mains, dessert and a glass of wine can get rather expensive. A cinnamon bun and coffee from the Nordic Bakery (http://www.nordicbakery.com) is a favourite and their delicious baked goods will keep you going for most of the day. Or get one of their sandwiches and share the bun. Afterwards head to a museum for a wander around. The National Gallery has a selection of free printed trails (http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/printed-trails/) which you can follow rather than aimlessly meandering – though both have their charms.

Markets and Markets

Food markets offer a great selection of food without the hefty price tag. Borough or Broadway are great options. Grab a starter, main and dessert from different stalls to get the most variety. Local high street markets, like Camden Passage, and farmers’ markets are great if you don’t feel like heading into London or are further afield. If you aren’t after food try a carboot, Columbia Road flower market, Brick Lane or Brixton Market. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the atmosphere of these places.

An Evening Date

If you still want to go out in the evening head to a wine bar and have a nice glass of wine each with some bar snacks. Tuscanic in Soho has some great wine and reasonably priced small meals. Then head to the National Portrait Gallery for some free music on a Friday night.

A countryside ramble

Summer is always an easier option for heading outside – lazing in the park all day is absolutely delightful – but a clear blue winter day is perfect for rambling through the countryside. Pack some snacks to keep hunger at bay and direct yourself towards a pub so you can so once you’ve built up an appetite you can grab a half pint and chips in a local pub. The Mr and I spent the afternoon with friends wandering around Epping Forest. Make sure to have some sort of map (or friend which is as good as one).

Head to the theatre

Grab some dinner at home and then head to a local theatre. Am-dram groups and smaller theatres often have much more reasonable prices than a West End Show (although not necessarily under £20 for two) and can be as entertaining. In the summer you can get away with one of the big screen filmings from the Royal Opera House in Trafalgar Square or Somerset House.

I’d love to hear any more ideas you might have (and those for other cities). I’m saving for a wedding so any extra ways of saving would be very useful!

Guest blog from Michelle @ My Creative Photography

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