Barnes is a beautiful and vibrant suburb in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, which is located in South West London. The area is rich in history and culture and is a great place to start a first date with its picturesque landscapes, quaint houses and beautiful parks. Whether you’re looking for a walk in the park, a relaxed coffee date, a cultural outing or a night out, there’s something to suit all tastes. Here are some suggestions to help you plan the perfect first date in Barnes.
1. Barnes Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
Barnes has many lovely parks and open spaces that would be ideal for a date. The Pope’s Walk, along the Thames towpath, is a peaceful, tranquil walk that stretches from Barnes Bridge all the way to Ravenscourt Park. You can also explore the grounds of the historic London Wetland Centre, stroll around the Barnes Common, or check out the beautiful gardens at Lonsdale Road.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Barnes
For a relaxed coffee date, there are plenty of places to choose from in Barnes. The nearby Barnes Village provides a good range of independent and chain cafés, while the Lemon Tree Café at Half Moon Lane offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food. Other choices include Twickenham’s One Twickenham café and the Mothership Bakery.
3. Barnes Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Barnes has its fair share of cultural attractions that make for interesting dates. The Wetlands centre has an immersive and interactive exhibition exploring the diverse wildlife of the Thames Valley, while the Barnes museum displays artefacts and artefacts showing the history of the local area. For art lovers, the Salt Art Gallery hosts regular exhibitions and you can also visit the local branch of the National Portrait Gallery.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Barnes
Barnes has plenty of live music and entertainment to choose from. For a more relaxed date, you could attend a jazz night at the Half Moon pub or try a live open mic night at the Bull’s Head. For something more upbeat, head to the White Horse for some live music, or for a night of laughs, check out the comedy club at the Riverside Studios.
5. Barnes Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
Barnes is home to many great pubs, bars and restaurants, making it an ideal place to take your date for a drink or a bite to eat. The Half Moon is a popular pub with a great selection of ales and pub grub, while the Bull’s Head serves up delicious food and live music. For something a bit more fancy, head to the White Horse which serves some of the best pizzas in London. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, try the Oakleaf restaurant, which offers a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Barnes
There are plenty of other fun date ideas in Barnes too. For something different, try a yoga class at the Barnes Yoga studio, or take a boat ride on the River Thames. The area is also known for its good selection of independent shops, so take a stroll around and see what you can find. If you’re an outdoorsy couple, you could hire bikes and explore the local area, or if you’re more adventurous, visit the Shooting Star Adventure park for a go at some fun activities.
