By Jane Hoskyn | Friday 18 April | 12:46
How do you impress an adrenaline junkie? Where should you take an outdoor type? If you want to make an impression on a new lover or put the spark back into your relationship, another night down the pub just won't cut it. Think about the things that your other half loves to do, and give them a day to remember. Here are a few ideas.
The adrenaline junkie: Indoor skydiving
Test your lover’s mettle by dressing them up in a flight suit and sending them into a wind tunnel for a free-fall indoor “flight” with an instructor. Cameras in the tunnel allow you to watch the whole thing.
Romantic tip: When you’re snuggled up at home watching the DVD, reassure your amour that you fancy them even when their face is being flattened by extreme g-force. They’ll love you forever.
The small print: £48; book through www.exhilaration.co.uk
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The outdoor type: Kew Gardens
Richmond’s glorious park comes alive at this time of year, with five million bulbs flowering during April and May. Tiptoe together through the tulips… and through the spring-time lilacs, flowering cherries, crab apples and magnolias.
Romantic tip: When the park closes at 6.30, have a drink at the Greyhound on Kew Green and wander hand-in-hand down the Thames path.
The small print: £13 admission; www.kew.org
The tea snob: Afternoon tea at the Ritz
Cosy up over tea for two in the spectacular Palm Court of London’s classy Ritz Hotel. As well as various types of tea, you can choose from “finely cut sandwiches,” (bad luck, crust fans), freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and a range of “delicate pastries”. Yum.
Romantic tip: Impress each other with your best bib n’ tucker. Gents must wear a jacket and tie, and jeans and trainers are banned.
The small print: Book at www.theritzlondon.com/tea
The movie lover: Electric cinema
This old-school picturehouse in London’s swanky Notting Hill must be the most romantic cinema in the country. Not only does it have classy leather seats, footstools and tables for food and drink – there are two 2-seater sofa “loveseats” in the back row next to the bar.
Romantic tip: Book both loveseats so you get the whole back row to yourselves.
The small print: Sofa seats cost £25-£30; www.electriccinema.co.uk
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The petrol head: Grand Prix karting experience
Race your motor maniac around the course, and compete with other karters for the day’s Champions Trophy.
Romantic tip: Let them win.
The small print: various venues around the country.
The TV nostalgic: Portmeirion
This bizarre Welsh village was the setting for cult 60s TV classic The Prisoner, and it’s a fantastic place to visit even if you’ve never seen the programme. The village was built on a private peninsula at the head of Cardigan Bay by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis.
Romantic tip: Hold onto your date’s hand nice and tight. This place is as creepy is it gets.
The small print: Admission £7; www.portmeirion-village.com
The big kid: Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Forget Eurodisney – there are 125 rides at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach, including the tummy-bothering Pepsi Max Big One and the classic Grand National rollercoaster. When you’re peckish, grab a hot dog or splash the cash at the White Tower restaurant.
Romantic tip: Lure your date into the Pasaje Del Terror, a terrifying twist on the traditional haunted house. Top spot for a snog in the dark.
The small print: A wristband pass costs from £30 per couple per day in May; www.pleasurebeachblackpool.com
The double dater: Lucky Voice karaoke
Book a booth for four, order some cocktails and croon your heart out. Choose from over 5,000 songs and a tantalising cocktail menu – there’s even a ‘thirsty’ button for ordering more drinks while you carry on caterwauling... I mean singing.
Romantic tip: A double date is not especially romantic, so whisk your lover off afterwards for a private singalong at home.
The small print: Branches in London and Manchester; www.luckyvoice.co.uk
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The Londoner: Dinner on the bus
Rootmaster veggie restaurant is located in a refurbished classic bus in East London – the perfect nosh venue for a lover of the city. It’s not exactly posh, but the food is great quality, with an emphasis on Asian-inspired grub such as noodles and tempura. Twinkling tea lights lend the perfect date touch.
Romantic tip: Order vegan champagne with your dinner (from £30 for the bubbly, from £9 for grub).
The small print: www.root-master.co.uk
The star-gazer: South Downs planetarium
You’re too late for love-seats in Nasa’s Phoenix probe to Mars, but here’s the next best thing: snuggle up in the plush 100-seat theatre at this fantastic date venue in Chichester.
Romantic tip: Follow the show with a night-time star-gazey picnic on the gorgeous South Downs, an official area of outstanding natural beauty.
The small print: £6 per show, www.southdowns.org.uk/sdpt