12 Unusual Date Ideas to Try in Leeds

If you’re dating someone with a competitive streak, there’s no better place in Leeds to set them a challenge than Roxy Ballroom. Decide whether to play a game of ping pong, pool or a round of mini golf and take advantage of their well-stocked bar to lighten the mood.

Roxy Ballroom, 58 Boar Ln, Leeds, +44 113 467 2200

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If you love watching films but hate how uncomfortable and unromantic most cinemas are, Everyman is the perfect solution. Pick a cosy seat made for two to snuggle up in with, complete with a pile of cushions and a wine cooler built into the side of the chair. It’s the next best thing to watching a film in your own living room.

On a summer’s evening, there’s no better place in Leeds to enjoy a drink than on the roof of Headrow House. The cocktails are phenomenal and the views over the city are pretty romantic. There’s also a beer hall and a restaurant inside, and there’s usually a band or DJ playing to liven things up.

If your date is an animal lover, take them to Tropical World at Roundhay Park to come face to face with a variety of interesting wildlife. Their exotic animal exhibits cover everything from monkeys to crocodiles, providing plenty of talking points as you discuss your favourite animals.

Tropical World, Princes Ave, Roundhay Park, Leeds, +44 113 237 0754

If you’re trying to impress someone with a love of theatre, why not splash out and book a private box at the Grand Theatre? What could be more romantic than watching a play, musical or comedic performance from the comfort and luxury of your own private booth?

Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds, +44 844 848 2700

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Spontaneous Night at the Opera #nightattheopera #operanorth #leedsgrandtheatre #leeds #opera

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Take to the water with your date for a romantic trip down the waterways of Leeds. Embark at Granary Wharf and take in the sights along the canal, enjoying a delicious afternoon tea of scones, cakes and tiny sandwiches along the way.

Kirkstall Flyboat, 26 Canal Wharf, Leeds, +44 113 245 6195

Impress your date by opting for the most unusual dining experience in Leeds, The Man Behind the Curtain. The delicious dishes in this luxurious restaurant are more akin to works of art than your usual plate of food, with a great deal of care taken in the presentation. The décor of the restaurant itself is just as creative; diners enter through a closed clothing store to discover a space that looks more like an art gallery than a restaurant. A word of warning, book in advance as there is always a long waiting list for a table.

The Man Behind the Curtain, Top Floor Flannels, 68-78 Vicar Lane, Leeds, +44 113 243 2376

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Animal lovers will be suitably impressed if you take them to help feed the penguins at Harewood House. The Humboldt penguins that live here are lovingly looked after and are incredibly friendly. You and your date can pop by just to watch the penguins, or you can opt to help the zookeepers feed them at lunchtime.

Harewood House, Harewood Estate Office, Sandy Gate, Harewood, Leeds, +44 113 218 1010

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Ivy on the garden walls #ivy #garden #harewoodhouse

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Pay what you like, dependent on how much you enjoyed the performance at Holbeck Underground Ballroom. This innovative theatre offers up a programme of intriguing performances from small theatre groups from across the country, making it the perfect choice to impress a culture-loving date.

Holbeck Underground Ballroom, 67-71 Bath Rd, Leeds

Another great option if your date has a competitive streak, ShuffleDog has three huge shuffleboard tables that are great for challenging your date to a tournament. The bar also stocks an impressive array of beer, helping to ease nerves if this is a first date.

ShuffleDog, Crispin House, New York Rd, Leeds, +44 113 391 2950

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Shuffle Board is literally awesome #brewdog #shuffledogleeds

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Anyone who enjoys a glass of wine will be impressed with the wine tasting experience at Lazy Lounge. For just £15 per person, their resident experts will teach you about wine while you sample six different bottles and nibble on cheese and biscuits.

Lazy Lounge, 102 Wellington St, Leeds, +44 113 244 6055