Although the thought of a first date may be daunting to most of us, Leeds has some incredible places to help break the ice. However, you need to first ask yourself one not so simple question… activity or cuisine? Now both go hand in hand, but your first date has to be memorable, so what do you plan to focus on? I am more of an activity’s girl myself and from experience, I think doing an activity leaves more room for excitement and ongoing conversation, and hopefully maybe a surprising dose of competitiveness or embarrassment too (if you’re lucky)!
As it is the autumn season, my first suggestions are seasonal. With Halloween just around the corner, the Merrion Centre in Leeds is hosting an after-hours Zombie Experience. It takes place on October 26th and again on the 31st. Entry starts from 9:30pm until midnight and the experience lasts 60 minutes. Now you may wonder why I’m suggesting this as a date, well its simple: if you’re scared you’ll be pushed closer together, and being put in a ‘Black death Zombie Experience’ as a first date is unbelievably memorable to say the least. To put it simply, it’s funny, scary and an unusual option for a first date, however you can’t deny it stands out from the rest. The tickets do come at a cost of £25, so not ideal for a student on a budget but cheaper than a night out on Halloween in Leeds, and more unforgettable, being that you may be scarred for life…
If ghosts and ghouls aren’t your thing don’t worry, there are plenty more options that are less fearsome and much cosier. As we’re getting closer to Christmas, something to do with the holiday and the build-up for it is a great idea for a first date. It packs excitement and easy conversation to ask each other what you do for Christmas or even if you believe in the holiday at all. Leeds Christmas light switch on takes place on the 7th of November. The actual switch on is between 8:10 pm and 8:30pm. The main festivities are at Victoria Gardens which is just outside Leeds Art gallery from 6:45pm. So, get yourself a hot chocolate and, of course a date, and watch Leeds light up just in time for Christmas!
Whilst discussing the Christmas season, which is quickly approaching, it’s difficult to ignore the German Christmas markets. From November 8th to December 21st, you could take your date to a German inspired market which places itself in city centre. Why is this a top spot for a first date? Well, it has pretty much everything! So if you’re struggling to decide whether to go for food or drinks or to explore, the market has all of this rolled into one with various different tents selling mulled wine, Christmas cookies and little trinkets to place on the tree or to keep in remembrance of the date. They even have fire pits so you can keep warm and cosy up next to each other whilst having a Bratwurst hot dog.
If the seasonal spark doesn’t hit right with you, there’s plenty more Leeds has to offer. Firstly, the Comedy Cabaret which is situated in East Parade runs every Saturday night. Different stand up comedians perform weekly and tickets for students are only £5 – definitely a bargain! It’ll take the pressure off as you sit back and are entertained by some really great comedians; after the show you can talk about the best bits or who was the best act for you, leaving no room for those ungodly awkward pauses.
So much is going on in Leeds, such as the international film festival beginning November 6th, or the classic Junkyard golf in The Light, where everyone should go for a date at least once in their life. With the season changing from single summer-time to winter romance, hopefully, these ideas inspire you to take the leap of faith and ask that special someone out. The worst they can say is no, right?
Siobhan Dale