5 fun date ideas in Leeds that don’t involve drinking

So, you’ve been talking to that guy or gal for a few weeks now and are getting on great, but there’s a small problem – you still haven’t met. If you’re looking for date ideas in Leeds that don’t involve drinking, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a first date or you’re simply after something different, these Leeds date ideas are perfect for getting to know someone properly.

The most common date is to meet up for a drink. But if you aren’t a big drinker or don’t want to get tipsy and silly on your first meeting, a date that doesn’t involve drinking might be for you.

5 date ideas in Leeds that don’t involve drinking.

Axe throwing

I went axe throwing a couple of years ago with my friend Amy.

Fun story actually, I met Amy on Instagram. We spent months talking as we went to the same gym, then one day we actually spoke IN REAL LIFE. Turns out we get on really well! She moved back to Leeds a while ago, which was a bit sad but also an excuse to go axe throwing!

Don’t worry if you’ve never thrown an axe before. When you get there, they show you what you need to do and give you a few tips. I got a bullseye on my first shot! It was impressive, but I went downhill big time afterwards. It’s a lot of fun!

If you want to read my about our visit, see here.

Bouldering

If you’re a sporty pair, why not try bouldering! I went to the Climbing Lab in Leeds with my friend India.

India is another internet friend. She’s actually the first blogger I met. We used to live a couple of streets away from each other when we lived in Burley.

If you’ve never been before, then you will need to book an adult intro. But if you have been before, then you can sign the form to basically take responsibility if you die. There are a few rules you need to know about keeping yourself and others safe around you.

You need a lot of upper body strength for bordering. Also, you need to be a bit fearless with heights. So consider this when deciding if bouldering is for you. Also, take some liquid chalk and cut your nails!

There are different routes for different abilities. It’s a lot of fun because it’s a bit of problem-solving too. You pick a colour and have to get to the top only using that colour. Each colour has a difficulty rating.

It’s worth taking a drink and a snack. I’ve been here and also to Red Goats climbing in York with my partner and we tend to do about an hour, then stop for a coffee and snack and then do another 30 minutes or so before our arms are too tired to carry on.

A walk around Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is one of my favourite places in Leeds. It’s the place I fell in love with running. I used to live near it and my 10k and half marathon races involved Kirkstall Abbey.

It’s a stunning place to visit and you can even get inside the Abbey for free. You just need to walk through the shop and explore. It’s probably my favourite out of all the date ideas in Leeds!

You can also visit the Abbey House Museum across the road. It’s only £5.75 for entry – the price of a large glass of wine! It’s small, but it gives you a chance to experience what Leeds was like in Victorian times. It’s set up like streets and you can wander around the shops and houses. I spent a lovely afternoon there with my parents one day.

After exploring the Abbey, there are a few pubs close by if you do want to get a drink or something to eat. There’s Vesper Gate, West End House and Kirstkall Bridge in.

Leeds City Museum

In the heart of Leeds city centre you can find Leed city Museum. I’ve visited here about 3 times and have no idea where I don’t have a blog post on it!

Admission is free and it’s a great way to discover the history of Leeds in the called ‘Leeds Story’ section.

I love the Life on Earth exhibition which has over 800, 000 specimens. I also like the Ancient Worlds section which explores the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. There’s even a 3000-year-old mummy there. This would make such an interesting first date in Leeds!

An escape room

Double date? No problem. Ticktock unlock has your back. We have been again since the first time we did an escape room and it’s changed so much since. The rooms are amazing now, but you cannot take photos inside so I can’t show you.

It’s so much fun, I’ve been with friends both times we went.  Even in the old location where everything was a bit office like, rather than themed, we came out laughing and smiling. The escape room really surprised me. It was so much better than I expected and we couldn’t stop talking about it afterwards!

You can book as a team of two but it’s recommended to have between 3-6. More brains really help.

I hope these Leeds date ideas have inspired you! Whether you choose axe throwing, bouldering or an escape room, these first date ideas Leeds has to offer are brilliant for breaking the ice and actually getting to know someone.

You can also check out my 5 dating ideas for York!

Frequently Asked Questions About Date Ideas in Leeds

What are good first date ideas in Leeds? First date ideas Leeds offers include axe throwing, bouldering, visiting Kirkstall Abbey or exploring Leeds City Museum. These activities give you something to talk about and help break the ice.

Where can you go on a date in Leeds without drinking? There are loads of Leeds date ideas that don’t involve drinking, including escape rooms, bouldering at the Climbing Lab, axe throwing, walks around Kirkstall Abbey and visiting museums.

Is bouldering good for a first date? Yes! Bouldering is one of the best date ideas in Leeds for active couples. It’s fun, involves problem-solving together and gives you natural conversation starters.

How much does axe throwing cost in Leeds? Axe throwing sessions at venues like Timberjacks typically cost around £25-30 per person for an hour session.

What free date ideas are there in Leeds? Free Leeds date ideas include walking around Kirkstall Abbey and the surrounding parkland, visiting Leeds City Museum (free entry) and exploring the city centre.

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