Love on a budget: 33 cheap date ideas for couples

Have dates with your partner become a bit samey or are they burning a massive hole in your wallet? Or are you a new couple going on regular dates to get to know each other which you are struggling to afford? We’ve put together a list of cheap date ideas that will ignite a spark in your relationship while allowing you to save your money for a rainy day. 

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-fueled outdoor adventure or a cosy night in, you'll find plenty of inspiration to suit your budget. Explore our list of cheap dates and discover some fun ideas for your next rendezvous with your partner.

Free & cheap outdoorsy date ideas

There are plenty of outdoor date ideas that’ll be a breath of fresh air from the standard dinner date, not to mention they’ll be a lot cheaper. Get your shoes on and enjoy the great outdoors while making everlasting memories with your special someone.

1. Go for a walk

The mobile app AllTrails is a great way to discover 400,000+ walking trails nationwide. You can customise your search to your needs (for example, dog-friendly or pram-friendly routes).

If you live in an urban area, there’s also a large amount of free walking tours that run in most UK cities so you can discover the main sites in just a few hours.

If you and your partner are avid walkers, a National Trust membership might be a worthy investment. You can get a two-person joint membership for under £15 a month which gives you access to over 500 sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including stately homes, coasts and gardens. The membership also provides you with free parking at most National Trust locations, and you can even earn cashback on your membership through the TopCashback website.

3. Watching sunsets or sunrises

Watching sunsets or sunrises can be a romantic and memorable cheap date idea at night for you and your loved one. 

Hiking up somewhere high to get the perfect view of the sky is a great option. Or if walking isn't your thing, driving and parking somewhere safe can be a good alternative, especially during the colder months. You can bring snacks and play music while you look at the view.

4. Bike riding

If you and your better half own bikes, a bike ride could be the perfect date idea. Apps such as Bikemap give you access to 11 million bike trails worldwide so you can plan the perfect route for a bike riding date.

A lot of cities also have Pay as You Ride schemes that enable you to borrow a pedal bike or e-bike to ride around the city. In Manchester, pedal bikes cost 50p to unlock and are just 5p per minute to use. There are also e-scooter schemes in many other UK cities that run on the same pay-by-minute plan as the bike scheme.

5. Camping

In need of a night away without paying high hotel prices? Camping is an affordable way to spend a night together while feeling at one with nature. There are several designated zones across the UK that allow free wild camping, but most campsites have a charge for the pitch (usually starting at around £20). So, for a fraction of the price of a hotel room, you can have a camping date roasting marshmallows and snuggling in your sleeping bags. 

If sleeping in a tent isn’t your thing, booking a glamping pod or a night in a caravan is also an affordable alternative to steep hotel prices.

6. Outdoor sport

It’s time to dig out those old tennis shoes and a racket and head to a local tennis court to serve up a game-changing date. Find a local tennis court to hire (they’re often free) for a game or two that’ll score you love-love.

If tennis isn’t your thing, a basketball date might be a good way to slam-dunk yourself into your partner’s good books. Even a simple game of catch or frisbee is a great way to keep the ball rolling in your relationship.

Foodie date ideas

Fancy something a little different from the standard ‘wine and dine’ date that’ll cost you a fraction of the price? Explore our list of foodie dates for some new found inspiration that’ll unlock the key to your heart as well as your stomach. 

8. Picnic date

Is the weather saying outdoor pub lunch but your bank account telling you you’ve got food at home? Why not compromise and use the food you have in the cupboards to enjoy a picnic in the sunshine? Pack up a blanket and a picnic basket full of food to share with your loved one. 

To keep the cost down, make the most of lunch deals such as supermarket meal deals where you can get a sandwich, snack and drink for as little as £3. You can even earn cashback on your supermarket shop deliveries when you go through TopCashback at some major supermarkets — your picnic date will feel practically free!

9. Takeaway

In the mood for a curry? A chinese? A pizza? Whatever you fancy, be sure to check the deals on third-party delivery services like Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo to see if you can snap up any offers on a variety of restaurants, including up to 50% off your orders. Certain restaurants and takeaways also offer free things such as complimentary starters or ice cream when you spend a certain amount.

If you have a favourite restaurant or takeaway, keep a lookout on their site for their specific offers and deals — it’s common for restaurants to run offers where certain dishes are cheaper on certain days of the week.

Many pizza chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns also run their own deals and vouchers, making an at-home pizza night more affordable for those wanting a night off from cooking.

10. Loyalty scheme meal out

There are tons of restaurants and fast food chains offering loyalty schemes which give repeat customers access to free and cheap eats.

Here are our favourite chains that run loyalty schemes:

11. Early bird and set menu dinner date

Many restaurants offer cheaper, set menus at non-peak times (such as on weekdays before 5:30pm) for those who are happy to dine at a less popular time. Check your favourite restaurant’s website to see if they have any early bird menus or lunch deals. 

Keep your eye out for restaurants and bars that run happy hour drink prices where cocktails tend to be 2-for-1 to bag yourself a budget-friendly boozy date.

At-home date ideas

There’s an endless list of date ideas that you can do from the comfort of your own home (even in your PJs!). Whether you’re a competitive couple that loves a bit of friendly rivalry, food fanatics who want to share (or not share) some delicious snacks, or movie maestros that keep up to date on new releases, you’re bound to find something you can agree on in this list of cheap date ideas at home.

12. Cooking

Making dinner doesn’t always have to be a tedious job; it can be a great way to spend quality time with your partner. 

The internet has an endless supply of free recipe ideas, with supermarket websites and BBC Good Food offering delicious, simple and quick meals that almost anyone can make. Instagram also has countless amazing recipes to try too. 

You can also make cooking together more fun by having themed cuisine nights (Italian, Mexican, Thai etc). Set yourself a budget for your supermarket trip to buy ingredients, or try something creative like pizza decorating or making pasta from scratch. 

If you want to make life that little bit simpler, sign up to a meal-kit company like HelloFresh, Gousto, SimplyCook or Musclefood. Pick from an array or recipes and they will deliver fresh ingredients (and the recipe instructions) straight to your door. Easy, right?

13. Baking

You don’t have to be Mary Berry to rustle up some scrumptious sweet treats. Once again, the internet and Instagram are both gold mines for finding amazing baking recipes that don’t require any fancy kitchen appliances. You’ll often find you have a lot of the ingredients in the cupboard already.

Baking together is a great bonding activity, and who doesn’t love eating homemade baked goods when they’re still warm?

14. Cocktail making

Are you both partial to a drink or two? Whip out the cocktail shaker and have an at-home cocktail-making class. It’s sure to be a good laugh and you’ll be able to master some great cocktail recipes. There are sites where you can order a box and receive everything you need to make delicious cocktails right to your door. Explore Cocktail Crates, The Cocktail Man and Cocktail Life Boxes and shop through TopCashback to earn cashback on your next cocktail crafting date.

15. Karaoke

Pretend you’re one of the Spice Girls and enjoy a karaoke date without having to spend a penny on drinks. Simply put on a karaoke version of your go-to tunes on YouTube and work that stage (or your living room).

You can also make use of the film television channels. Although you won’t always be interested in what’s on, they often show classics (especially around Christmas time) which is a great, free way to enjoy a film date with your other half.

17. Crafts

You don’t have to be a pro-painter to enjoy a craft-based date. Whether you simply want to grab a pen and paper and have a fun drawing session or learn a new craft like crocheting together, at-home craft dates don’t have to involve lots of art supplies.

Independent sellers on Etsy sell affordable craft kits such as pottery making, paint by numbers and candle making to name a few. These can be a nice, cost-effective way to have a go at a new activity where everything you need is provided in one kit.

18. Yoga or workout

For the fitness fanatic duo, getting your pump on can be a fun date idea. Save money on a gym membership and opt for an at-home workout. There are lots of exercises that require little to no equipment, and an array of videos and websites online that can provide you with all the support you need to have a fulfilling workout. Working out alongside your partner will be sure to release those endorphins.

If you want to opt for something a bit less sweaty and more couple-focused, put on a free YouTube yoga class to follow along to. There are a lot of couple-based yoga moves to try out so you can discover your inner zen while spending quality time with your other half.

Games nights

If you’re a couple that loves to compete, a games night can be a great at-home date idea, especially if you make a bet so the loser has to wash the dishes.

19. Board games

Board games can provide hours of fun—most people will probably have a board game lying around but if you don’t, they can be ordered quickly online. If you purchase a game from The Entertainer, Argos or eBay, you can earn cashback savings by going through TopCashback. If you don’t have a board game, a pack of cards will provide you with hundreds of games to play together. There are websites that explain card game rules so you can try lots of different games and discover your favourites.

20. Jigsaws

If you’re less up for competing and more up for collaborating, completing a jigsaw together can be a great date idea. Once again, you can buy jigsaws on a range of sites and earn cashback in the process to save more money, or pick one up from your local charity shop.

21. Video games

Playing a video game together is another cosy date night option. As long as you have a console (whether that be an Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo device), you can have endless fun playing your favourite games together. Just be sure to check any games you purchase are two-player so you can enjoy them together.

If you both regularly want video game nights, it might be worth looking into subscription passes that give you access to hundreds of games, along with many other perks. Xbox Game Pass offers a 14-day trial for just £1 and subscriptions starting from £7.99 per month and PlayStation Plus can be bought for £6.99 a month, and even less if you buy a quarterly or yearly subscription.

22. Quizzes

If you want to put your general knowledge to the test (and outshine your partner), quizzes or trivia nights are a great free date idea. There are free online quizzes available for you, with a range of general knowledge and more specific topics. Some sites release new quizzes weekly so you can have your own pub quiz night every week, And there’s a variety of free mobile apps that provide quizzes too.

23. Phone games 

Isn't it so annoying when your partner is on their phone during your date? Well, it doesn’t always have to be. Have a mobile phone game date and compete against each other to become the champion. Whether it’s 8 ball pool, Scrabble, Heads Up or something else, you’ll be sure to have a laugh, and all for free.

Activity date ideas

If you want an activity date idea that’s fun, exciting and outside the box, you’re bound to find a good idea (or two) in this list.

24. Museum or gallery trip

There are lots of museums and art galleries to explore for free, so whether you’re interested in artwork, history, sculptures or even animals, enjoy a great date exploring a local exhibition and learning a thing or two with your partner. 

Many of the most famous museums such as The National History Museum, The Scottish National Gallery and The Royal Armouries are all free to enter and explore at your leisure.

25. Charity shop or vintage shopping

You can enjoy buying new clothes and furniture without it costing you the earth. Spend a day finding some steals at local vintage shops and charity shops as a budget-friendly date. 

26. Cinema trip

There’s a range of ways to get cheap (or even free) cinema tickets. Our favourite schemes to get cheap cinema tickets are: 

Tesco Clubcard

If you’re a regular Tesco shopper, you can cash your Clubcard vouchers for Cineworld or Picturehouse cinema tickets. Each Clubcard voucher doubles its value when used outside of the Tesco stores, meaning a £1 Clubcard voucher is worth £2 to put towards your cinema ticket.

Meerkat Movies

If you want 2-for-1 cinema tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a whole year, use Compare The Market and buy their cheapest product to qualify. When we looked on 29th December 2023, one night's travel insurance could be bought for £1.01, meaning buying this insurance is far cheaper than even one cinema ticket.

You also might qualify for free or discounted cinema tickets if you're a customer/member of any of the following places:

27. Visit tourist attractions for cheap when you buy train tickets

You can get access to 2-for-1 entry to a large range of famous tourist attractions when booking a train ticket as your mode of transport. 

28. Theatre lottery

Theatre lovers can enjoy theatre tickets for as little as £10 by entering the TodayTix theatre ticket lottery. Simply download the TodayTix app and enter your name and email into a draw for a chance to win tickets to London shows for between £10–£25. 

Seasonal date ideas

No matter the season, there’s always a festive holiday approaching that gives ample opportunities for a memorable date. Whether it’s a hot summer’s day or a brisk November evening, take advantage of events happening in your local area.

Many farms also offer rhubarb, potato and sunflower picking too. If you’re lucky, you might find some farm animals to pet — the perfect way to extend your date and bring a car full of fresh produce and serotonin home.

30. Maize maze

Throughout July to September, get lost in something other than your partner’s eyes at a maize maze. Tickets tend to cost around £10 per person and can provide hours of fun as you figure your way out of the labyrinth of corn on the cobs.

31. Pumpkin picking

During the run-up to Halloween, a pumpkin-picking date is a staple to get you in the spooky spirit. Entry is often cheap and sometimes includes a pumpkin, otherwise pumpkins and squashes will be priced on their size (and remember — sometimes the biggest isn’t always the best!).

What’s more, when you’re done pumpkin picking, you have another perfect date lined up for you at home as you carve your pumpkins ready for Halloween.

32. Christmas tree picking

As the pumpkins and ghouls retire for the year and it’s time for the angel to take her prime spot, why not head out to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out your festive fir tree? Trees are available for as little as £25 for a 4ft tree at Christmas tree farms and you’ll be sure to have a merry time decorating it once you’re home.

33. Christmas markets

Wrapping up like a pig in a blanket and having a crackin’ date at the Christmas markets is a fantastic cheap date idea in winter. It’s free to stroll along and soak up the festive spirit, and as long as you don’t get too jolly buying street food and drinks from the stalls, you can enjoy a cost-effective yet cheerful date. 

Simply have a mulled wine or a hot chocolate (or better — bring your own in a flask) and wander the craft stalls to get yourself feeling all merry and bright.

Extra money saving tips

Like the sound of some of these ideas and want to know if you can spend even less money on them? Here’s some extra money saving suggestions to guarantee a cent-sible romance.

Reward Wallet 

Using TopCashback Reward Wallet is a great way to save money on both meals out, takeaways and activities.

 You can get up to 20% bonus cashback on hundreds of food vendors and thousands of activities by logging into TopCashback, going on your account and pressing on Reward Wallet. This means if you cash in £50 of your cashback, you can get a voucher worth up to £60 so you can either feast on a budget or enjoy an activity for next to nothing. 

Some of our personal favourite activities available  on Reward Wallet through both Red Letter Days and Virgin Experience Days are:

Student discount

You can save big as a student on a huge range of restaurants and activities that’ll definitely light the spark with you and your partner. Explore the latest offers on UNiDAYS and Student Beans for the best student discount offers. 

There’s anything from 20% off at Toby Carvery to 50% off at Pizza Express, so don’t miss a chance to conserve your cash on your next date night.

Right now, these are the places offering the best student activity deals:

Voucher sites

Use voucher sites like Groupon and Wowcher to explore huge discounts on activities and tickets. Whether you’re in need of a couple’s spa day, want to take part in a dance class or fancy a two-course meal at a local restaurant, there are endless lavish date options to peruse at discounted prices.

Plus, stack your savings by earning cashback at TopCashback on your Groupon or Wowcher vouchers.

Off-peak dates and times

Rearrange that Friday night date to a midweek meet-up to save your pretty pennies. Many venues run off-peak prices, usually Sunday-Thursday and sometimes Fridays and Saturdays before a certain time. There are great off-peak (and sometimes super off-peak) prices at a large range of places so everyone can enjoy reduced rates on their favourite activities.

Here our some of our favourites:

Time to plan your next date

Hopefully you’ve been able to see that a memorable date doesn’t always have to involve dining in a Michelin-star restaurant, or buying expensive tickets to a concert. Sometimes the most perfect dates won’t even cost you a penny!

No matter what you and your partner’s interests are, there are countless creative date ideas that don't have an expensive price tag — but you will have a priceless time. 

Having at-home dates or enjoying a date in nature is the best way to save money while still spending quality time together.

And for the couples still wanting dates that involve eating out or buying tickets, save big on these lavish plans by earning cashback and using voucher sites. You can also eat out on a budget through Reward Wallet or take advantage of restaurant discounts on selected days and times.

Your next cheap date is calling your name, so get planning to spark that pocket-friendly passion.