From ping pong to lunch time concerts - a round up of alternative and FREE date ideas in Manchester
With an onslaught of dating apps and more people than ever going out multiple times with multiple people before they find the one - or at least think they have - before they are back doing it all over again.... well, dating can be an expensive game, especially when times are tough.
But romance doesn’t have to cost the earth and there are other ways to have fun that don’t include budget busting dinner, drinks, tickets and cabs.
Every week we are bringing our readers the best things to see and do on a budget and this week it’s how to date for free, without feeling like a cheapskate. And even if you are happily single, already coupled up or just in a dating slump - these are all fun things that can also be shared with a friend or enjoyed solo (except the ping pong - we accept that) Enjoy.
Visit the Animal sanctuary at Heaton Park
For a super cute date visit the animal sanctuary at Heaton Park for free - there’s something about animals that just helps to bring out the feel good vibes and there’s a big kid in all of us when we are trying to catch a glimpse of the snout of a cute little piglet or spot an elusive peacock strutting its stuff.
You can meet many common farmyard animals and there are also more exotic species such as alpacas, peacocks and Sulcata tortoise. Out in the park there is Highland cattle with their long horns and Shorthorned cattle in one of the fields along with horses and donkeys.
A fun date on a sunny day, giving plenty to chat about especially if followed by a stroll around the park and maybe a picnic.
If music be the food of love....try a free concert
Fancy a cultured date? The students at Chetham’s School of Music often put on free lunchtime concerts while practicing their skills. Check out the school’s website for listings and make sure you book in advance so as not to miss out. Even if its not your music of choice, it can still add a touch of romance and whimsy to your date - and talented youngsters working hard to get ahead always adds a glow of warmth to surroundings doesn’t it.
Discover the art of dating in more ways than one
Most of the exhibitions at the Whitworth Gallery are free of charge, making this award-winning art gallery a perfect choice. Spend a few hours wandering around the gallery chatting and pointing out your favourite pieces. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden for sunny days.
Go for a romantic walk in botanical beauty
Go for a romantic walk in the beautiful Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in all of its whimsical wonder – tucked South of Manchester in Didsbury, this stunning spot just a stone’s throw away from the lively, upmarket neighbourhood. Take in the array of colourful plants and trees, soak up the scents and maybe steal a snog in among the shrubs - who knows?
Play ball with your date
Head into the back room of Twenty Twenty Two to play free ping pong - but it’s only free on a Monday, so make sure that’s your date night of choice. It’s a good chance to have fun, see if your date is overly competitive and suss out if they are a sore or gracious loser - it could be handy to know that in the future....
Polish up your local knowledge
If you both like a spot of history then why not join the Free Manchester Walking Tours for a guided walk together - good one for people worried about keeping the chat going this one..
Guided tours are run daily at 11am from the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Park with no need to book. The tour will take you to some of the city’s iconic sights as well as revealing some of the lesser known ones and you will be given the low down by a knowledgeable Mancunian.