Even though all of my friends are single, Durham University retains its reputation as a hotspot for romance, with an astonishing 72% of Durham students supposedly marrying other Durham alumni. In honour of our shared legacy of love, here are 22 date ideas to tick off if you’re hoping to join the club. Bonus points if you combine multiple of these into one romantic evening!
Dinner spots:
When people ask me my big three, I say the Zen Group restaurants.
- The Rabbit Hole
The Rabbit Hole is genuinely sensational. My housemates and I went there for my 20th and their Cantonese-fusion food was honestly one of the best meals I’ve had in two years here. Whilst a little on the pricier side compared to some others on this list, this restaurant is absolutely a hidden gem. The waitresses were really lovely and the candlelit vibe is perfect for a date. And you have to knock on the door to get in – it’s all very cool.
- Tango
Situated perfectly in town, Tango has a fabulous range of burgers – in fact, they’re so good, I started making them at home. Tango walks the fine line between cute date night and chill meal, making it a brilliant option for dates at any point down the line. And bonus – the background music is usually really good too.
- Zen
Aside from having absolutely fabulous food, Zen is also gorgeous, with its ambient lighting and canopy of flowers. This is a perfect date spot, especially if you’re celebrating an anniversary or something special. Plus, I don’t think I will ever get over their mandarin mojito. I dream of her.
- La Spaghettata
Branching out from the Big Three, something about going to Spags is so quintessentially Durham. It unites us all. The atmosphere is lovely, its candlelit and intimate, and the food is both fair and affordable. This is a great pick for a first date. No notes.
- Little Sicily
The amount of people who don’t know what Little Sicily is actually really upsets me. The food is amazing, its super affordable, the menu is huge, and they even have live music sometimes. Win, win, win, win. This is undoubtedly an underrated date spot.
- Spice Lounge
This is another underrated spot! Spice Lounge has great food, brilliant service, a really friendly atmosphere, and is located in a really cool little building next to Market Place. Spice up your love life.
- Turtle Bay
As somebody who is extremely passionate about bottomless brunch, I wholeheartedly recommend Turtle Bay. Although it is a more expensive option, the food is good and the drinks are genuinely stellar (and I can personally confirm that is it possible to manage 12 rounds of cocktails in the allotted time if you’re committed enough). They probably have the biggest drinks menu in Durham. Bottomless brunches manage to be perfect for special occasions and yet more casual than a candlelit dinner – a perfect middle ground.
- Inshanghai
If you’re looking for another relatively chill option then this might be the place to go. Located on the river, Inshanghai has a great Chinese grand buffet with a large range of starters, mains, and desserts. This is another unsung spot for a filling plate (or three)!
- Treats
Having just relocated to a gorgeous new space, Treats is the perfect place for brunch or lunch, offering affordable pancakes, English breakfasts, burgers, teas, desserts, and more. In terms of dates, it’s perfect for a chill but still really cute outing.
Drink spots:
- Mixology
Perhaps one of the most criminally underrated places in Durham, Mixology has DIVINE (and affordable) cocktails. If it’s warm enough to sit outside, that’s even better as it can be a little loud indoors.
- Wetherspoon
Spoons will always reign supreme in my eyes. Admittedly, it may not be the most romantic first stop on a first date, but Spoons is always the place to go for affordable drinks, decent music, good atmosphere, and cheap food. Good vibes for chilling with your partner – or for easy conversation if you’ve already been to a few bars on a first date.
- The Library Bar
The Library Bar is a reliable favourite. Always busy, it’s a great place for chill, decently priced evening drinks – nothing says Durham romance like a Library date. Better yet, they have a surprisingly affordable student bottomless brunch that I will be attending again duly.
- The Boat Club
Great atmosphere, convenient location, and 2-for-1 cocktails. Not sure what else you need. In summer, it’s even better!
- The Swan and Three Cygnets
Although I was once erroneously served a beer here – much to my chagrin – The Swan has a warm, traditional pub vibe, fair prices, and lovely riverside seating. And hate me if you want, but the no phones rule is also actually really cute. Reconnect with nature (the apple in one of their ciders).
- Cafédral
A stone’s throw away from the Cathedral, the aptly named Cafédral is a great place for coffee – or award-winning hot chocolate. Cosy, nicely decorated, and great for having a good conversation, this is a lovely little café – even though you may have to wait a little while to be seated…
Activities:
- Lane7
Lane7 is great for a first date – and you don’t necessarily have to go bowling. There’s also beer, hooch, and cocktail pong, darts, and pool… Plus, the frozen cocktails are genuinely exquisite. Lane7 themselves say: “imagine breaking the ice over some casual (or competitive) beer pong, followed by some flirty darts.” What a heartwarming scene.
- Paint and Sip
Going to a paint and sip is one of my personal favourite date activities. There are loads of college and university societies which run them, so there are many to choose from – whether you fancy painting a coaster, canvas, or tote bag. Equally, you could plan your own. All you need is some cheap paint and brushes, your favourite drinks, and something to paint your own Girl with a Pearl Earring on.
- YuMe World – Arcade
I honestly never hear anyone talk about the arcade in Durham, but it’s actually really fun. The best game is undoubtedly Mario Kart, but it’s also extremely fun knocking down those devious light-up clowns. Indeed, nothing says romance like being attacked by massive VR fish.
- Karaoke
Everyone loves karaoke, right? So, if you like to sing (and whether you’re tone-deaf or Prince), why not make this activity into a date? P.S. if you haven’t been to Fowlers yet, you’re high-key missing out.
- Theatre and Film
This probably isn’t the best for a first date as you’re sort of … prohibited from speaking, but watching and (later) talking about a good movie or a brilliant performance can be a great way to bond with your partner. DST always has something great on, but if theatre isn’t your vibe, the Odeon and Gala cinemas are both great spots to spend an evening.
- Cooking and baking
Cooking together on a date can be a great way to build intimacy, connection, and communication with the added bonus of (maybe) decent food at the end. Lovely. Beef wellington and soufflé or pesto pasta and mug cake… you can be as extra or as low-effort as you fancy with this one.
- River walk
If weather permits, going on a walk can be an easy yet romantic date option. Some of the best spots to walk around include Baths Bridge / the racecourse, the Botanic Garden, Prebends Bridge, and north of Maiden Castle. It is not only free but also great for encouraging real conversation – and, bonus, you’ll probably be able to take some pretty photos.
In a city where 72% of students allegedly marry each other, the odds are either terrifying or inspiring depending on your outlook. Either way, you may as well enjoy the ride — ideally with noodles, a good cocktail, and a healthy dose of karaoke shame. Visit some of these spots and who knows — maybe you could end up part of your college’s hottest couple. Or maybe you’ll just have some new places to dramatically avoid for a while. Romantic either way.
