Top 14 date ideas in Liverpool that aren’t just food and drinks
I can’t count the number of times I’ve sat there, phone in hand, trying to plan a date and thinking, “What haven’t we already done?”
You want it to feel fun, a bit different, but not like you’re trying too hard. And let’s face it—dinner and drinks are easy, but they’re not always memorable.
Though, here’s the thing about Liverpool—it’s full of little surprises around every corner. Whether you’re dating someone new or keeping things fresh with your partner, it helps to have a few creative ideas up your sleeve.
So, I’ve pulled together my favourite date ideas in Liverpool. Hopefully, this list saves you some of the overthinking.
1. Try rooftop dining with a view at Panoramic 34
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Website: https://www.panoramic34.com/
Location: West Tower, Brook St.
Contact: +441512365534
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: £££
When you want a date that feels a bit elevated, Panoramic 34 is hard to beat. Sitting on the 34th floor of West Tower, it’s one of the UK’s highest restaurants. It features full-length windows that look out over the city, the Mersey, and even as far as Wales on a clear day.
The atmosphere is smart, but not stuffy, and the views do half the talking for you. It’s a popular pick for anniversaries, birthdays, or just when you want to show you’ve made an effort.
The set lunch is more budget-friendly, but if you’re going for the full effect, time your booking to coincide with sunset.
And if you’re up for a walk after dinner, the waterfront’s only a few minutes away. It’s a nice way to keep the night going without any extra planning.
Pro Tip:
Request a west-facing window seat when booking. Those catch the best sunsets over the Mersey. And if you’re going for lunch, weekdays are quieter and the views are just as stunning.
2. Go on a picnic at Sefton Park
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Website: https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/sefton-park/9032101/
Location: Sefton Park, L17
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: £
Not every date needs a booking. Sometimes the best ones start with just a blanket, a couple of snacks, and a walk through Sefton Park.
In fact, this park is one of the city’s biggest green spaces, and visiting here is honestly one of my favourite things to do in Liverpool. You can stroll past the boating lake, feed the ducks, or find a quiet spot under the trees.
On warmer days, you’ll see couples everywhere with picnic bags and iced coffees from Lark Lane just around the corner.
And if you feel like stretching the day out a bit, the Palm House is just a short walk away. It’s free to enter and often has exhibitions or live music.
Pro Tip:
Swing by Lark Lane first and grab pastries or takeaway from Love & Rockets or Maray. It makes your picnic feel curated without any prep.
3. Paint and sip at Arts Bar on Hope Street
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Website: https://www.liverpoolartsbar.com/
Location: 22 Hope St, L1 9BY
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Pricing: ££
After a relaxing stroll through Sefton Park, why not unleash your creative side with a paint and sip session at Arts Bar on Hope Street?
These events combine art with fun, creating a relaxed environment where you can try your hand at painting (no experience required) while sipping wine or cocktails. Some evenings even feature themed classes, like landscapes or pop culture portraits.
Sessions here typically last around two hours, providing you with just enough time to unwind and chat without feeling rushed. With tickets typically priced £20-£30 per person, each paint and sip session includes all materials—canvas, brushes, paints and a welcome drink.
Bonus is that you’ll get to take your finished canvas home. And if you’re not yet ready to end the night with your date, you can visit The Quarter. It’s a cafe that serves the best dessert and coffee around Hope Street.
Pro Tip:
These events sell out fast, especially on weekends. So, book early. For an extra touch, match your paint night theme with your outfit or drink order.
4. Have a healthy competition at The Escape Hunt
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Website: https://escapehunt.com/uk/liverpool/
Location: Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock
Contact: +441513189222
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
For a date that mixes adventure with a little healthy competition, Escape Hunt can be one of the thrilling ideas you and your date could try.
Located in the heart of Liverpool’s city centre, it offers immersive experiences where you and your date can work together to solve puzzles and escape within 60 minutes.
Inside, the rooms are filled with intriguing themes, such as crime-solving mysteries or historical challenges. Some of them include Alice in Puzzleland, Blackbeard’s Treasure, and the Last Vikings.
With clever clues, hidden keys, and interactive tech, these games are a brilliant test of communication and teamwork.
Pro Tip:
After cracking codes, keep the adrenaline going with a cheeky bite at Bundobust, just 2 minutes away from The Escape Hunt. It’s an all-Indian street food and craft beer in a laid-back basement vibe.
5. Immerse in a dining experience at Alcotraz
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Website: https://www.alcotraz.co.uk/
Location: 36 Seel St.
Contact: +442038355767
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 7:05 PM – 8:50 PM | Thursday: 7:05 PM – 11:15 PM | Friday: 4:40 PM – 11:15 PM | Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:15 PM | Sunday: 2:15 PM – 6:25 PM
Pricing: £££
If you’re after something totally different, Alcotraz is your go-to spot for an unforgettable evening. This jail-themed cocktail bar on Parliament Street flips the script of your typical night out.
Here, you and your date will get kitted out in orange prison jumpsuits before being “locked up” in your own cell. This is where the fun begins—guests become part of an unfolding narrative, interacting with characters like the notorious bootlegger, Clyde Cassidy, as the night progresses.
What truly makes it stand out is that there’s no set drinks menu. Instead, bartenders craft bespoke cocktails using the liquor you’ve “smuggled” in, tailored to your individual tastes and flavour preferences.
It means every visit is a one-off experience, full of surprises and personal touches. So, it’s ideal for couples who want something adventurous, playful, and just a bit mischievous.
Pro Tip:
When visiting Alcotraz, I recommend “smuggling” in a local spirit like Turncoat Gin (distilled right here in Liverpool). Bartenders love it when you bring something with a story.
6. Spend a quiet date at St. John’s Garden
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Website: https://liverpool.gov.uk/parks-and-greenspaces/local-parks-and-greenspaces/gardens/st-johns-gardens/
Location: St John’s Ln, St George’s Pl, William Brown St
Contact: +441512333000
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing: £
For a relaxed and budget-friendly date, St. John’s Gardens is a lovely little escape right behind St. George’s Hall, just minutes from Lime Street Station.
This green space is one of my favourite places to visit with my friends. You’ll find here well-kept lawns, flower beds, and sweeping views of the stunning neoclassical buildings around it. It’s especially lovely in the late afternoon when the sun casts a golden glow over the monuments.
Plus, strolling through the garden, you’ll spot the Queen Victoria statue and the hidden memorial plaques tucked among the flower beds. They make a great little conversation starter.
But if you want to stretch your legs after, the Walker Art Central Library is just around the corner and free to enter, so you’ve got options if the date goes well.
Pro Tip:
Before going for a walk at St. John’s Gardens, grab artisan pastries from Lovelocks Coffee, just a 5-minute walk from the gardens. If you’re feeling spontaneous, the World Museum Liverpool is just next door.
7. Visit the Liverpool Central Library
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Website: http://liverpool.gov.uk/libraries/find-a-library/central-library/
Location: William Brown St
Contact: +441512333069
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: £
Liverpool Central Library is just around the corner, and I would always recommend it for couples to visit, especially those with a love for books.
Set on William Brown Street, this library boasts a historic charm combined with modern design, making it feel more like a cultural hub than just a reading space. In fact, the Picton Reading Room is a must-see, with its grand dome and spiral bookcases.
Inside the library, you’ll enjoy its quiet and atmospheric vibe. There are also plenty of comfy corners to sit and chat or browse books together at your own pace. Plus, you might stumble on a free exhibition or even catch a local history display while you’re there.
Pro Tip:
I suggest you head straight to the rooftop terrace. It’s often overlooked by visitors and offers peaceful views over the city.
8. Try a competitive game at ArCains
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Website: http://www.arcains.co.uk/
Location: 31 Grafton Street, Cains Brewery Village
Contact: +441514599088
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: ££
ArCains is a massive arcade packed with everything from retro classics to modern multiplayer games and VR setups.
Here, you and your date could go head-to-head on air hockey, team up for a dance battle, or just hop between old-school favourites like Street Fighter or Time Crisis.
What’s also great about this place is that it has a buzzing atmosphere with music playing, colourful lights, and a fully-stocked bar with food if you want to settle in.
Plus, it’s in the heart of the Baltic Triangle, so after your gaming session, you can head to places like The Shipping Forecast or Brick Street Bar to keep the good times rolling.
Pro Tip:
Visit midweek for lower entry fees and shorter queues at popular machines. And don’t skip the hidden upstairs section; it’s got classic consoles and fewer crowds.
9. Head to PINS Social Club
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Website: http://www.pinssocialclub.co.uk/
Location: 45 – 61 Duke St
Contact: +441513700000
Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Pricing: ££
If there’s one place I keep coming back for casual dates, it’s PINS. It’s got that sweet spot for being fun without feeling forced. They even have karaoke if you’re feeling brave.
It’s also the kind of place where you can show a bit of a competitive side. Bowling starts from £9 per person, and shuffleboard or ping pong tables go for around £6-£12 per hour.
Plus, the vibe’s always lively but not chaotic, with upbeat music and neon-lit lanes giving it a retro-cool feel.
If you’re hungry, try their buttermilk chicken burger or the loaded fries—both solid crowd-pleasers. Drink-wise, their signature PINS Punch is a fruity favourite, and the espresso martini on tap is a win for later in the evening.
Pro Tip:
Reserve lanes or shuffleboard in advance online, especially if you’re going during peak hours. Plus, check their website for themed nights or happy hour deals before you go.
10. Go to the Cat Cafe on Bold Street
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Website: http://www.catcafe.co.uk/
Location: 10 Bold St
Contact: +441517099992
Hours: Monday, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: ££
If you’re both animal lovers, Cat Cafe on Bold Street makes for a quirky and heartwarming date spot. Instead of paying for individual items, visitors are charged based on time spent—£4 per 15 minutes. Good thing this also includes unlimited hot and cold drinks.
What makes this spot special is its emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of interacting with cats, aiming to make animal-assisted wellness more accessible. They also host events like cat yoga, film nights, and sensory-friendly sessions for those with autism or special education needs.
Even the cats themselves have stories. Some cats here come from ethical breeders or homes where previous owners could no longer care for them. Some even have disabilities like blindness or hearing loss, which the staff will happily tell you more about.
Pro Tip:
Book during quieter hours, such as weekday mornings or late afternoons, for more interaction time with the cats. And if one of you is allergic, ask about hypoallergenic-friendly areas.
11. Take a scenic date on The Mersey Ferries
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Website: http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/
Location: Pier Head, George Parade
Contact: +443001312881
Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:20 AM – 6:40 PM | Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
This one might sound like one for the tourists, but trust me, The Mersey Ferries make for a surprisingly great date, especially on a sunny afternoon.
You’ll hop on at Pier Head and cruise down the River Mersey with some seriously underrated views of Liverpool’s skyline.
There’s light commentary playing, but it doesn’t get in the way. Mostly it’s just a calm, easy ride with space to chat or snap a few photos. It’s simple, a bit different, and easy on the wallet, too.
The full trip lasts around 50 minutes, making it ideal for those looking to keep things relaxed. It’s not flashy, but it’s memorable, and that’s kind of the point.
Pro Tip:
Sit on the top deck, on the left-hand side, as you head out of the city for the best skyline views. Also, I suggest bringing a jacket. Even on sunny days, the river breeze can get brisk.
12. Watch a show at the Philharmonic Hall
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Website: https://www.liverpoolphil.com/plan-your-visit/
Location: Hope St, L1 9BP
Contact: +44 (0)151 709 3789
Pricing: £££
For a date that’s a bit more polished but still easygoing, the Philharmonic Hall is a great pick. It’s one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues, known for its stunning architecture and excellent acoustics.
While it’s home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the programme also includes film screenings with live scores, jazz performances, and comedy nights. Plus, visitors can enjoy the Grand Foyer Bar via lift, offering snacks and drinks from one hour prior to each performance.
After the performance, you can go to the Philharmonic Dining Rooms just across the road. It’s a Grade I-listed historic pub with ornate interiors and plenty of space to sit and chat.
Pro Tip:
Check their “Rush Tickets” an hour before some performances. Cheaper seats often go on sale late.
13. Try cheese and wine at Ropes & Twines
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Website: http://ropeslpl.co.uk/
Location: 70 Bold St
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
For a date that’s more relaxing than a full dinner, you could try heading into Ropes & Twines. It’s a wine bar and cafe with a really cosy atmosphere—dim lighting, exposed brick, and shelves of natural wine.
Their cheese boards are a must-try! Especially when paired with wines you probably haven’t tried before. What I loved was the one with truffle brie and aged manchego, paired with a glass of orange wine or their smooth Austrian Grüner Veltliner.
There’s also a speciality coffee called V60, a pour-over using locally roasted Neighbourhood Coffee Beans, if one of you isn’t drinking. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a slow evening, talk without shouting over music.
Pro Tip:
Go during early evening on Fridays for an unadvertised “first pour” of new wines. The staff love giving tastings if it’s quiet. Just ask nicely!
14. Take a walk at the Otterspool Promenade
Media credit: lpoolcitycouncil
Location: Otterspool Dr
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 AM – 11:58 PM
Pricing: £
Otterspool Promenade is one of Liverpool’s most underrated spots, especially in the evening. The wide riverside path gives you uninterrupted views of the Mersey. At sunset, the sky puts on a show that’s surprisingly romantic for such a simple setting.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of quiet benches tucked between the trees and a few stops like The Otters Café, which serves takeaway flat whites, bacon buns, and cones of New Forest ice cream on sunny afternoons.
For the most romantic route, start your walk near Jericho Lane and make your way south, timing it for sunset over the water. It’s peaceful and perfect for just walking and talking.
And if you’re not quite ready to end the night, Lark Lane is less than a 10-minute walk inland. It’s packed with indie bars, tapas joints like Esteban, and live music spots like Keith’s Wine Bar.
Pro Tip:
For a more romantic vibe after sunset, I recommend heading into Aigburth Road and warming up with tapas and wine at Penny Lane Wine Bar. You can also grab a cosy booth at The Little Taproom for proper local brews.