By Andy, founder
Winter in Manchester is dark, damp and chilly, but it has its own charm: frosty mornings in the parks, the city lit up for Christmas and a warm welcome by the fire. If you've been waiting for the right moment to meet someone, the quieter months are a good time to do it. Here are some easy winter dates to try.
Out in the weather
Take a frosty walk in Heaton Park
A bright, cold morning in Heaton Park is one of the best things about a Manchester winter. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and it's easy to extend if it's going well.
Walk among the deer at Dunham Massey
The deer park near Altrincham is lovely on a crisp winter day. A walk under the old trees, then a warm drink, makes a peaceful afternoon together. Check opening times and prices first.
Blow away the cobwebs in Saddleworth
A walk round Dovestone Reservoir on a clear winter's day is bracing and beautiful. Follow it with a hot drink in Uppermill.
Warm and cosy
Find a fireside pub
From the city centre to the villages and towns around it, there are plenty of pubs with a fire and a quiet corner. For a first date, a weekday afternoon is ideal: calm, unhurried and easy to leave after one drink if you'd like to.
Visit a museum or gallery
Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth, Manchester Museum and the John Rylands Library are all free. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker, and it's warm and dry inside.
Share a proper afternoon tea
A tearoom on a wet afternoon is hard to beat. Add a scone or a slice of Manchester tart, and you've got something to talk about straight away.
Festive and seasonal
From mid-November, the Manchester Christmas Markets spread across the city centre, with food, gifts and hot drinks. A stroll round the stalls with a mulled wine or a hot chocolate makes a lovely early date. Go on a weekday if you can, when it's quieter.
A few winter tips
- Check opening times. Many places keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you go.
- Plan for the dark. It's dark by four o'clock in December, so a lunchtime date is often easier.
- Check the trams, trains and roads. Winter weather can disrupt travel, so have a plan B.
- Dress for the weather. Nobody is at their best cold and soaked, and in Manchester, bring a brolly.
- Stay safe. Meet somewhere public and make your own way there. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Looking for more ideas? Our first date ideas in Manchester work all year round.
- date-ideas
- winter
- manchester
