Dating in the Lake District can be tricky… if you’ve ever been on an online dating app here, you’ll soon realise we’re a sparsely populated bunch and you may have to set your location to quite a wide search area in order to find someone who ticks all your boxes! But as few and far between as we are here, if you’re looking for fellow adventurers to explore and get outdoors with then you’ve come to the right place. The Lakes attracts outdoor enthusiasts of every kind, shape, age, and variety, and is also a magnet for creative types, entrepreneurs, and foodie gurus… we’re all about quality, not quantity! There are some quirky, classy, and downright crazy date ideas in here - you have been warned!

1. Row, row, row your boat…

If the weather permits, then an afternoon out on Derwent Water in one of the classic rowing boats (as used in the Harry Potter films) will be sure to create a special memory, and no doubt be a lot of fun too. Pack yourselves a picnic, head over to an island, snap some pics, and if things go well after being stuck on a boat together for a few hours then head out into Keswick for some drinks!

2. Rough It at Red Tarn

Cocooned by Helvellyn’s great cirque, laid under a blanket of stars, a night camping out by Red Tarn will be one you never forget. Make sure you take plenty of layers, and all the equipment you need for a hike and camp over, it can get pretty chilly after a night under the stars! Remember to take only pictures, leave only footprints...

3. Leisurely Lunch at Kysty

The sister restaurant of Michelin star, ‘The Old Stamp House’ in Ambleside, Kysty is a quality, friendly food destination… without the 3 month waiting game attached to it’s big sister down the street. The creative, locally-sourced menu and thoughtful wine pairings provide a perfect talking point, whilst the location, tucked away in the heart of Ambleside make it an easy meeting point. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and you get all the same quality of The Old Stamp House in a much more laid back atmosphere.

4. Stately Scrabble Tournament

If you are a proud National Trust Member, then there is a whole world of experiences open to you for free! For a fun and easy day out then make the most of Wordsworth’s open house party! Allan Bank, the old residence of the famous Lakeland Poet, is open to members to explore the grounds, the history, and relax in the Georgian National Trust property. Bring a picnic, help yourself to tea and coffee, and enjoy a board game in the tranquility and beauty of Grasmere.

5. Rydal Caves

Explore the old mining caves at Rydal, and test out your vocal chords with the beautiful acoustics of the echoing cave. Overlooking the lake below, this lovely two mile walk takes in the caves, some giant stepping stones and some lakeside stone skimming.

6. Spa Day at The Daffodil Hotel

If you’re looking to press pause on life, relax in luxury amongst the Grasmere fells, and give your mind and body some TLC, then a spa day at The Daffodil Hotel will be just the ticket. They offer some great couples packages including fizz, afternoon tea, massages, treatments, and downtime by the pool, and if you’ve got time on your side, then it’s well worth staying over to make the most of their restaurant and beautiful rooms.

7. Climbing and Cake

Whatever the weather, climbing and cake is always a good idea! If you’re an experienced climber then taking a new partner with you can be a great way to develop trust and create a sense of achievement together. If you are both new to climbing, then hiring an instructor will allow you both to learn something from scratch and enjoy a shared experience. When the weather is poor then head to Kendal Climbing Wall with its fantastically high walls, and extensive bouldering room, or over to the Carlisle Wall with routes designed for all abilities. Always remember to bring plenty of cake - climbing is extremely tiring!

Climbing on Great Gable - @tommcnallyphotography

8. Take a Llama for a Walk

Get outside, have a laugh, and share a memorable adventure with this quirky date idea! It is a well-known fact that llamas are the funniest animals around, and you’ll get to hang out with them for a two hour walk through woodlands, streams, hills and fields!

9. Scrub the decks and hoist the mainsail!

Sailing is an absolute must for your Lakeland bucket list, so why not book a sailing lesson for two and get a taste for life on the waves!? It’s a fantastic skill to learn and is a great way to see the Lakes from a new perspective, whizzing across Windermere with the wind in your hair and the spray on your cheeks! Sailing is also a speedy way of determining whether or not your potential partner in crime is made of sturdy stuff!

Sailing on Ullswater - @alexashtonphotography

10. Gourmet Gilpin

The Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is renowned for being one of the most prestigious destinations in Cumbria for its rooms, restaurants, beautiful gardens, spa experiences, and views. The famed restaurant ‘Gilpin Spice’ is an absolute must visit for any food-lovers out there, and while expensive, the quality of the dishes is off the scale. This is definitely somewhere to go if you want to impress, or celebrate an anniversary.

10 Awesome Date Ideas in the Lake District