When it comes to dating, not all of us have the extra cash to splash out on lobster dinners and cocktails after dark. But fear not, there are plenty of places out there to take your date – for absolutely free! Once you’ve met someone at work, through friends or via an online dating website such as here, don’t be stuck for first date inspiration.
The town park 
Most (we say the word loosely) town parks feature well-kept gardens, benches to relax on and paths to walk around as you and your date chat away about everything and anything – or probably about how miserable the British weather is on that particular day.
The town centre
Once you’ve avoided the gangs of youths dominating the benches, you can probably find a nice spot to sit and people watch in your town centre. Grab a coffee first (we’re sure you can stretch to a couple of pounds) then sit and comment on people as they rush by.
Your house
The thought of inviting someone to your house for a first date might instill fear but more and more people are cooking dinner for their date at home and then watching a film together or just chatting on the sofa over a bottle of wine. It’s a free setting and a surrounding you might feel more comfortable in. Just be sure to tell friends and family about it first.
The playground
Start off with a stroll and finish up in a playground, if there are no children already playing there. Pushing each other on the swing or getting dizzy on the roundabout will ensure you are both laughing and experiencing some fun together. Positive vibes lead to second dates.
The tennis court
If you both love sport and there are open tennis courts in your town meet there with rackets and balls for a quick match.
The bookshop
At the opposite end of the spectrum, for those who would much prefer to curl up with a good book, meet in a bookshop and browse the titles together before each settling on a chair to read and comment on what you’ve chosen.
The picnic in the garden
Another first date taking place at home, but outside this time. Lay a picnic blanket out in the garden and have your first date on the lawn eating stacks of sandwiches, made using what you already had in the house.
The free festival
Around the country towns and cities put on free festivals for all to enjoy and are the perfect first date opportunity because there’s so much going on to keep you both entertained and talking.
The car boot sale
Bear with us on this one. You might have to get up early but car boot sales can be lots of fun, as you and your date walk around taking a look at what rubbish people are trying to push off on buyers and probably picking up some sort of tat to take home.
The Museum
We’re lucky enough in this country that many museums and galleries are open to the public for little or no charge. However, many of us haven’t even been to our local town museum, so convince your date you’re cultured and take them on your first date to have a nosy around.
