The best unique date ideas for couples in Swindon in 2024

While classic cinema trips and restaurant meals will always remain a staple for dates, this year many locals in Swindon have been searching for new and exciting places to go with their partner.

With over 100 ideas put forward by members of the Swindon Community Facebook group, we’ve compiled the five best unique date ideas for you to try in 2024.

Swindon's five best unique date ideas

Pottery throwing and painting at Eastcott Studios

Pottery throwing is a great way to try your hand at something messy. (Image: Getty Images)

Located on Eastcott Hill in Swindon, this hidden pottery studio is the perfect place to make memories with a loved one while trying something new, and you’ll even walk away with a memento to remember the day by.

Eastcott Studios offers a range of experiences, including pottery throwing tasters, glass fusion workshops, and ‘prosecco and paint’ experiences for those just looking to paint premade pottery.

The studio offers pre-booked experiences, drop-in sessions, and takeaway packs to do at home.

Experiences are priced at £15 for a painting session, £25 for a pottery throwing taster, and £25 for the paint and prosecco experience, and these prices include the pottery that you will take home with you to keep.

Nature walks through Savernake Forest

The forest has been described as “among the best in the country for a beautiful scenic walk. (Image: Newsquest)

For couples looking for a free way to spend some quality time together this year, Savernake Forest is a must-see beauty spot.

The 3,000-acre ancient forest just a short drive from Swindon was named as one of the top five UK autumn hikes in 2023 by outdoor experts Blacks, but can be enjoyed all year round.

The forest near Marlborough was described by Blacks as “among the best in the country for a beautiful scenic walk".

Highlights within the forest include the Grand Avenue, a long corridor of orange and red beech trees, and the Big Belly Oak, an ancient tree older than William the Conqueror that visitors travel far and wide to see.

The nature spot is perfect for a romantic picnic, or just spending some quality time exploring nature and spending time together.

Arcade excitement at Boom Battle Bar

Boom Battle Bar is a great way to bring out your competitive side. (Image: Newsquest)

If you and your partner like to get competitive over a pint, Boom Battle Bar in Regent Circus is the place to go.

The Swindon ‘battleground’ offers a range of arcade games and experiences such as shuffleboard, electric darts, American pool, crazy golf, beer pong and even axe throwing, meaning you can choose your level of excitement.

These games take tradition and add a bit more crazy, with the crazy golf course involving “a combination of steering, firing and pulling just to get round the course”.

As the name suggests, Boom Battle Bar is also kitted out with a bar so you can keep the drinks flowing while you challenge one another to endless games.

The bar also offers food, and is conveniently located opposite the cinema, so why not make a whole night of it?

Comedy clubs and pubs

There's no shortage of comedy in Swindon. (Image: Getty Images)

There’s no shortage of laughs to be had in Swindon with the town’s comedy nights at local clubs and pubs.

When it’s been a long, hard week and all you want is a relaxing date night full of laughs, look no further than The Victoria, The Meca, and The Hop.

At The Meca, you can enjoy a comedy show and dinner for just £12 per person, choosing from three dishes supplied by The Ridge Bar & Grill.

All of these venues hold various comedy events throughout the year, so you will have to check their websites in advance.

Inventive art trail at Cotswold Sculpture Park

The sculptures are made by artists from around the world. (Image: Newsquest)

If you’re looking to venture slightly further than Swindon, Cotswold Sculpture Park is a hidden gem that’s located just a 28-minute drive from Swindon.

The park is perfect for a romantic walk with a difference, and the chance to view some jaw-dropping inventive art with tea and cake to round it all off.

The 10-acre site of ponds, gardens and glades consists of a route that takes you around contemporary art from all over the world that has been built into the landscape.

You could easily spend hours exploring the hidden Cotswold beauty, and The Poppin Tearoom provides the perfect small café with ice cream, hot and cold drinks and cake.