The city of dreaming spires truly is one of the most romantic places in England.
With its medieval architecture, meandering river, and many leafy green spaces, it’s no surprise that Oxford has inspired many writers and poets over the years.
If you’re looking to impress a first date or try something new with your partner, then these Oxford date ideas are here to help!
From crazy golf and board game cafes to romantic restaurants and rooftop bars, there’s something to suit every couple here.
So without further ado, scroll on for the 15 best date ideas in Oxford!
1. Junkyard Golf Club
Address: Castle St, Oxford OX1 1NU
Price: From £8.50 per person
Crazy golf may be a first-date cliche but for good reason!
Instead of having a conventional face-to-face conversation over dinner, it allows you to keep the chat going as there’s always something to talk about.
Plus, it’s really fun!
The best place to play crazy golf in Oxford is Junkyard Golf Club, which is famous the nation over for its crazy cocktails and even crazier courses.
Expect delicious drinks, throwback tunes, and a party atmosphere like no other!
Play a few rounds of crazy golf here and you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of the best date ideas in Oxford.
2. Thirsty Meeples
Address: 97-98, Oxford OX1 2DF
Phone number: 01865 244247
Price: From £6 per person
If you like the sound of healthy competition but would prefer to use your brain instead of doing something active, then look no further than Thirsty Meeples.
Thirsty Meeples is a super fun board game cafe that makes for one of the best date ideas in Oxford.
For £6 per person, you get three hours of gameplay (so long as you order food and drink), or you can pay £7.50 instead without ordering anything.
They have over 800 games to choose from, which you can enjoy while sipping on a cocktail or two.
Exploding Kittens, here you come!
3. The Ultimate Picture Palace
Address: Jeune St, Cowley Rd, Oxford OX4 1BN
Phone number: 01865 245288
Price: From £9 per person
While it may not be a good option for a first date, The Ultimate Picture Palace is a great date idea for couples who have been together for a while.
This independent art-deco-inspired cinema looks like it was plucked straight out of yesteryear, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing date ideas in Oxford.
Here you can watch all the new blockbusters while snacking on everything from locally-made cakes to G&Ds ice cream.
Pair your snacks with a locally made beer and you’re onto a winner with this one!
4. Quod Restaurant & Bar
Address: Old Bank Hotel, 92-94 High St, Oxford OX1 4BJ
Phone number: 01865 202505
Quod Restaurant & Bar is situated on Oxford’s bustling high street and it’s one of the most upmarket and stylish date venues in town.
Once an old bank building, it’s since been transformed into a contemporary city centre restaurant and one of the best cocktail bars in Oxford.
They offer a menu of European classics with a strong emphasis on British produce, as well as an afternoon tea that’s to die for.
Expect nothing but excellent service here too – nothing is too much trouble for them!
5. Escape Hunt
Address: Roof Terrace, Westgate Centre, Castle St, Oxford OX1 1TR
Phone number: 01865 244822
Price: From £22.50 per person
I can’t think of many dates more memorable than an escape room, and Escape Hunt is the place to do an escape room in Oxford.
They have five great adventures to choose from at any one time, so there will be something to suit every couple.
Get ready to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges before the time runs out.
Alternatively, Escape Hunt also has a City Hunt option where you can embark on a self-led treasure hunt on the streets of Oxford!
It’s a great way to see the sights while taking on a challenge and getting to know your date better.
6. Oxford River Cruises
Address: 1 Abingdon Rd, Oxford OX1 4JU
Phone number: 01865 987147
Price: From £22 per person
Oxford River Cruises is easily one of my favourite date ideas in Oxford!
There aren’t many activities more romantic than a river cruise, especially when they’re paired with delicious food and drink.
And that’s exactly what Oxford River Cruises offers!
From afternoon teas to gourmet picnics to three-course meals, they’ve got something to suit every couple and every time of day.
Get ready to sip on champagne while you take in the sights, or opt for a cheaper sightseeing tour without all the bells and whistles.
7. The Varsity Club
Address: 9 High St, Oxford OX1 4DB
Phone number: 01865 248777
The Varsity Club is one of the very best rooftop bars in Oxford.
The buzzing bar is located in the heart of the city, so it has stunning views of the skyline for you to enjoy while you enjoy a drink or two.
I mean, is there anything more romantic than sipping on wine while overlooking the city’s twinkling lights below?!
Across its four levels, you’ll find everything from a bar to a nightclub, so whether you want a chilled date or more of a party, The Varsity Club has got your back.
8. Punting on the River Cherwell
Name an activity more romantic than punting, I’ll wait…
Take to the water with your date to see the city’s winding ancient waterways from a unique perspective.
You can hire a chauffeur for an extra classy date or go punting by yourselves for a more private, fun, and active date!
However, if punting doesn’t take your fancy, you have the option of hiring rowing boats or pedalos too.
9. Dinner at Victors
Address: RU5, Westgate Shopping Centre 307 The Westgate, Queen St, Oxford OX1 1PG
Phone number: 01865 689064
Victors is a restaurant and bar that’s inspired by the Hamptons, and it’s so beautiful it will make your jaw drop.
They’ve got a delicious, modern menu with a mix of small and large plates, and some cocktails that are to die for.
They also serve a stunning afternoon tea and cook up a mean Sunday roast.
Get to know your date under their iconic wisteria trees, while you enjoy a showstopping cocktail or two!
10. Modern Art
Address: 30 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP
Phone number: 01865 722733
Price: Free
Whether you fancy yourself a bit of an art critic or you just want to try something new, Modern Art could be a great way to while away the hours with your date.
Modern Art is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art spaces, and there are loads of exhibitions and events for you to attend here.
They also have a lovely cafe serving fresh, seasonal food.
Check out their What’s On calendar and see which event seems the most up your and your date’s street!
11. Sandy’s Piano Bar
Address: 4 King Edward St, Oxford OX1 4HS
Sandy’s Piano Bar is one of Oxford’s very best live music venues and cocktail bars, open until late every night.
Live music is in the bar’s bloodstream, and they’re amazing at it, so check out their events calendar and see what takes your fancy for your next date in Oxford.
Whether it’s an open mic night or a professional performance, you’re sure to find something to liven up your date!
Their signature cocktail is the Breezy G, mixed up with refreshing cucumber gin and elderflower liquor.
Order it and thank me later!
12. Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
Address: University of Oxford, Rose Ln, Oxford OX1 4AZ
Phone number: 01865 610300
Price: £6.30 per person
There are few things more romantic than going for a stroll around a garden, and Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum is the place to do it in the city!
Founded in 1621, it’s the UK’s oldest botanic garden which is reason enough to visit, right?
No matter the season, the garden is always a delight and a calm oasis away from the city centre.
Whether you fancy walking with a coffee or grabbing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy a date here!
13. New Theatre
Address: 24-26 George St, Oxford OX1 2AG
For those who love live music, stand-up comedy, or theatre, the centuries-old New Theatre is a great spot for a romantic evening date.
Think West End shows like Dirty Dancing and Six, and comedy from the likes of Russell Howard and Jimmy Carr, and you’re on the right lines.
With a myriad of things on at any one time, you’re sure to find something to suit the vibe of your date.
And after watching an amazing performance, you can pop into one of the many nearby restaurants for a bite to eat!
14. Dinner at The Ivy
Address: 120-121 High St, Oxford OX1 4DF
The Ivy is without a doubt one of the most beautiful restaurants in Oxford.
It’s a classy and stylish space that features an eclectic mix of modern British comfort food and globally-inspired dishes.
They’re open from breakfast til late, so no matter what time of day your date is taking place, this is a great place to head!
Their cocktails are some of the best in town, and their décor is pretty much the prettiest you’ll find anywhere.
Whether you go for a meal or a cocktail, The Ivy is sure to win over your date!
15. Oxford Ice Rink
Address: Oxpens Rd, Oxford OX1 1RX
Phone number: 01865 305010
Price: £9.50 per person
If you’re looking for one of the more active date ideas in Oxford, then look no further than Oxford Ice Rink.
Throw on some cute comfy clothes and get ready to wobble it out on the ice together – there’s no need to even book ahead!
They’re open every day but if you fancy making your date extra fun, then head there on a Friday night for their general skate disco.
So that concludes the 15 best date ideas in Oxford!
Oxford is already a city that’s synonymous with romance but hopefully, after reading this article, you can see just how spoilt you are for date ideas in Oxford.
Whether it’s your 5th date or your 50th date, I’m sure you’ll have a great time here!