Since you’ve arrived at this article, can we assume that you’ve made it through lockdown as a couple in one piece? If so, congratulations! Being cooped up together over the past year certainly hasn’t been easy, and for so many relationships, things have, at times, become strained.
Now that lockdown restrictions are beginning to lift, so is our optimism, and with it, an enthusiasm to reignite that spark with our better halves. Summer’s long, balmy nights present the perfect backdrop, don’t you think?
That said, right now those spontaneous date nights, romantic weekends away and longer trips on the continent are just so difficult to conceptualise and even harder to realise. But if you’re looking for inspiration on date night ideas closer to home, then you’ve come to the right place.
Of course there are the cliches like shopping for provocative and sexy lingerie for your partner for a naughty night, or giving them flowers and cooking up a romantic meal. And these date night ideas have certainly stood the test of time for a reason and often get the sparks flying. This time, however, perhaps it’s time to think outside the box? We’ve been confined to it for so long, after all. With that in mind, here are 5 unique date night ideas for summer 2021.
HOME OPEN-AIR CINEMA
One of our favourite parts of summer is when the open-air cinema experiences come to town. This year is no exception with summer screens set to pop up in amazing venues all over the country.
However, the problem with these alfresco movies is that we’ve seen most of the ‘classics’ that these events favour, like Dirty Dancing, Ghost and Greece, a million times before. The answer? Create your own home open-air experience. Not only can you watch whatever movie you want, but you don’t have to worry about a little PDA, either.
It’s actually surprisingly easy to create your very own cinematic experience outdoors. First, you’ll need a projector. There are tons of affordable ones out there, but the APEMAN Portable Mini Projector 4500 at £79.99 on Amazon is often touted as one of the best budget projectors you can buy on a budget, and will give you a decent picture outdoors. For a screen, a white bed sheet pegged on the washing line with something to weigh it to the ground will suffice.
String up some fairy lights and pop a cold prosecco straight from the fridge and voila – you have yourself a great movie, a romantic ambience and a totally unique date night!
A WEEKEND AWAY ON THE CONTINENT, AT HOME?
One date night not enough? Things must have gotten bad, huh?
If you’re used to spending romantic weekends on the continent, then this year you’ll have to bring your favourite destination to your home instead.
How does a spot of escapism sound? Yep, you can pretend you’re sipping Sangria in Spain, slurping down a bowl of spaghetti alla vongole in Italy or dining on charcuterie in France; all you need is a little effort and a lot of imagination.
To pull off a holiday at home, you’ll need some country-specific props, of course. Start with the backdrop – use your TV to display images of your city or country of choice. Perhaps sling up some flags. Create a playlist with the very best music of that region and prepare country-specific dishes, and there you have it; a truly lovely way to spend a weekend!
CREATE A BACKYARD CAMPSITE RETREAT
Unless you have a booking for a romantic staycation already, it’s going to be hard to secure one now. The majority of holiday cottages and camping pitches have long been snapped up as Brits look to vacation at home this year.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some time away from the four walls of home this summer. Spark a little fire in your relationship (and in the back garden) by creating your own romantic campsite retreat out back.
There’s just something about gathering around a fire with your lover, staring into it enigmatically between gazing into each other’s eyes which feels very intense indeed. Oh wait, that feeling was an errant spark burning through our socks.
Anyway, the point remains. Go further and consider renting a hot tub and stringing some whimsical fairy lights up for maximum effect. A rendition of Wonderful Tonight on the acoustic guitar is optional, however.
A ROMANTIC STROLL AT NIGHT
Taking a stroll on a hazy summer night with your lover, perhaps stopping for some ice cream along the way…could there be anything more emblematic of young love?
For an activity that will cost you next to nothing, grant some excellent exercise and work up a little sweat – nope, not that – consider taking a nighttime walk with your loved one. Holding hands whilst strolling and shooting the breeze can represent remarkably valuable time together, as it’s a no-phones, no-distractions, and no-cost zone.
Should you be leaving the tech at home (really, you should) then of course remember to bring a map and torch, unless ‘getting lost’ is all part of the adventure for you.
Read: 4 IDEAL domestic date night ideas this autumn
A BIKE RIDE
If two wheels are more your thing, then why not head out on your bikes and cycle to nearby villages? There are so many incredible things to explore in the countryside – from churches to castles, lakes to woodlands, and often the areas closest to us remain those least familiar.
Alternatively, why not check out nearby pubs? A pub cycle-crawl, if you will. Pop in for a drink or two (remember your alcohol limits) and enjoy a change of scenery. Bliss.