Gidea Park is a district in the London Borough of Havering and is a semi- rural area in East London. It is located in close proximity to Romford and Hornchurch and is served by Gidea Park station. It is an affluent area and boasts a variety of restaurants, pubs, and shops, although there are also several parks, riverside walks and woodland sites to explore.
1. Places for a walk on a first date
If your date prefers a more natural setting, Gidea Park is the perfect place to take a walk and take in some of the stunning views that it has to offer. Start off with a walk along the River Rom, which is a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The area is known for its wildlife, and you can spot a variety of birds and other creatures as you wander along the river. You can also explore one of the many parks in the Gidea Park area, such as Astley Park and Brookside Park, which offer a tranquil backdrop for your first date.
2. Places for a coffee date
For a more casual first date, why not take your date to one of the many coffee shops in Gidea Park? The area is home to some of the best coffee shops in London, such as Caffe Nero, which offers an inviting atmosphere and a great selection of coffees and teas. If you're feeling adventurous then you can try one of the independent coffee shops such as the Wellbeing Cafe, which prides itself on using organic and locally sourced ingredients.
3. Galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
If you and your date are culture vultures then there are plenty of galleries and museums to explore in Gidea Park. The area is home to the Gidea Park Art Gallery, which has some wonderful exhibitions from local and international artists. Then there is the Museum of Romford, which is located in the historic Parish Church and features collections from ancient times to the modern day. You can also take the short journey over to Romford, where you can visit the Thames Chase Community Farm which features a range of themed exhibitions and interactive displays.
4. Live music and entertainment
If you and your date are looking for some live music and entertainment then there is plenty to choose from in Gidea Park. There are regular music events at the Gidea Park Social Club, with some of the best local bands and DJs playing every week. For something a bit more intimate then you can head over to The Courtyard Theatre which hosts a range of theatrical performances, from classic dramas to music concerts.
5. Pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
In Gidea Park you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs, bars and restaurants. If you and your date are looking for a classic British pub experience then head over to The Cross Keys which has a great selection of ales and ciders on tap. If you're after something more refined then you can make your way to the Olive Tree which serves up Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. For something a bit more exotic then head to Kanza Indian Cuisine and enjoy some traditional Indian dishes with a contemporary twist.
6. Other date ideas to try in Gidea Park
If you and your date are looking for something a bit different then why not try one of the escape rooms in Gidea Park. Breakout Romford has a range of challenging and exciting puzzles for you to work through and you'll need to work together to make it out alive. If you're after something a bit more leisurely then you can take a trip down to Chigwell Road and enjoy a game of ten-pin bowling at Strike Bowling. If you'd rather stay out of the cold then you can always head to Anytime Fitness Gidea Park, which has a huge range of equipment and classes to choose from.
