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Whether it’s dry January or you’re looking for a date idea that doesn’t involve alcohol, there are plenty of sober activities in London for you to enjoy with your partner. Ranging from treasure hunts and cinema dates to alcohol-free drink tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read on to get inspired for your next sober date night.
London’s sober bars
Although a bar and pub might sound like the last place you’d consider for a sober date, there are an increasing number of sober bars in London. If you want to enjoy the cosy and romantic atmosphere these spaces offer without drinking alcohol, here are some great places to try:
The Lucky Saint
Situated in the centre of Marylebone, The Lucky Saint is a restored historic pub reimagined for the modern drinker. Refurbished by the alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint, it’s a space for drinkers and non-drinkers to come together in a classic pub setting. Head here to enjoy a range of alcohol-free and alcoholic drinks and a menu featuring pub classics.
How to get there: Hop on the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Regent’s Park, then walk 7 minutes to the pub.
Price: £-££
Club Soda Tasting Room
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The Club Soda Tasting Room offers a unique tasting experience with a curated collection of over 150 low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks. Whether you’d prefer alcohol-free beers, wine, spirits or premixed cocktails, there’s something to suit every taste.
Striving to help people drink more mindfully, the Club Soda Tasting Room is a brilliant date night idea for sober couples. They also hold events, tailored tastings, and masterclasses in alcohol-free cocktails.
How to get there: Find Waterloo Station/Waterloo Road (stop F) outside London Waterloo and catch the 76, 341 or 172 bus to Aldwych. Then, it’s a 5-minute walk to the venue.
Price: ££-£££
Sober date activities in London
If you’d like a more creative date idea that doesn’t involve drinks, there are plenty of other sober things to do in London, from arcades to treasure hunts and cooking classes.
F1® Arcade
Head to F1® Arcade if you’re feeling competitive and looking for a unique date idea. With state-of-the-art bespoke F1 racing simulators, you can race head-to-head with your date on some of the world’s most iconic racetracks. They have an elegant bar offering non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an extensive menu featuring main meals and light bites.
How to get there: Hop on the Waterloo & City line from London Waterloo to Bank. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to the arcade.
Price: £££
City Days Treasure Hunt
If you love problem-solving, City Days offers interactive treasure hunts across London to get your brain whirring. With a range of treasure hunts to choose from, varying from the Festive Light Hunt to the Return of Jack the Ripper, there’s something to suit all interests.
The experience lasts for 2 or 3 hours, and you’ll solve a trail of clues sent to your phone that reveal your path across London. There are pauses along the way for you to grab food or take a break, with optional recommendations included. It’s a fun way to explore London and discover new places!
How to get there: Trails take place across London. Once you have purchased your ticket, you will find out where to start the trail.
Price: £-££
Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles Cinema shows a rotating programme of films across all genres, from cult classics to recent Hollywood releases. The theatre has a traditional style with red seats and lavish curtains covering the screen. It’s a romantic spot whether it’s your first or one-hundredth date.
How to get there: Hop on the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 5 minutes to the cinema.
Price: £-££
Greenwich Pantry
Whether you’re the chef in your relationship or looking to improve your skills together, Greenwich Pantry is a great date idea. The cooking school offers lessons in a range of cuisines, from European to Asian. It hosts date night cooking classes at weekends alongside a range of workshops, courses and events for you both to enjoy.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf. Change for the Elizabeth line to Woolwich, then walk 4 minutes to Greenwich Pantry.
Price: ££-£££
Take a trip to the theatre
London’s West End has a fantastic range of shows year-round, from musicals to stage adaptations of your favourite TV shows. Whether you’re looking for sober day date ideas or evening plans, take a trip to the theatre and be dazzled by showstopping performances. To plan your perfect theatre date, discover the best shows in London in our guide.
Plus, our customers can save money on London theatre tickets with SWR Rewards.
London Zoo
Credit: ©LondonZoo
Are you both animal lovers? Home to over 15,000 species, London Zoo is the perfect day date idea. Take a romantic stroll through Regent’s Park to the zoo, where you’ll find a range of wildlife, from lions and tigers to penguins and gorillas.
How to get there: Hop on the Northern line from London Waterloo to Camden Town. Then, walk 20 minutes to London Zoo.
Price: SWR customers can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets at London Zoo.
The best London restaurants for date night
London is known for its fantastic restaurant scene. Whether you’re looking for a romantic, candlelit environment or a more casual setting with your partner, there will be somewhere to suit your date night preferences. Explore our London restaurant guides to find the perfect place for your next date night:
- The best sushi and Japanese restaurants in London
- The best Mexican food in London
- The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London
- The best Chinese restaurants in central London
Plan your sober date night with SWR
Want to make sure your date night runs smoothly? Travelling by train makes things hassle-free, whether you live in London or are travelling from elsewhere in the South West. We offer a range of cheap train tickets, including advance tickets, GroupSave and Semi-Flex return tickets.
Our Evening Out tickets are an excellent choice for date nights, giving you extra flexibility on return journeys. Similarly, if you’re travelling on Sunday and want to make the most of your day in London, choose our Sunday Out tickets.
If you’re travelling into London and need a place to stay, SWR customers can take advantage of our discounted hotel options. Zedwell hotels have locations across the city, and you can enjoy 15% off your stay with SWR Rewards.
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