The aftermath of Fresher’s Week is among us and as you spend your days on campus making new course friends, joining sports teams and societies and scoping out the endless Aberdeen talent at the library we thought it was only fitting that we share with you the 10 best places for a successful date in Aberdeen.
At university there will always be someone you’ve never met before so don’t be afraid to take the plunge and ask him or her out. As statistics tell us, one fifth of us British students meet the love of their life on campus! Whether you’re looking for somewhere new to go with your loved one or need some inspirational ideas to impress that girl/guy you’ve seen around, these 10 date suggestions will be sure to catch their attention.
1. Books and Beans – Belmont Street
Books and Beans is a quirky second hand book and coffee shop and is the perfect place for a comfy and relaxed date where you can get to know your new ‘friend’. Venture upstairs to find ceiling to floor shelves of old books and big leather armchairs where you can chill while drinking a big cup of coffee and maybe even share a plate of their delicious pancakes. The perfect place if you don’t know your date that well and aren’t quite ready for something as full on as a meal!
2. Duthie Park – River Dee
Walk, take a taxi or hop on the number 68 bus at King Street to get to the banks of the beautiful River Dee. Once there you can take a stroll along the riverbank where there are plenty of grassy verges to stop and feed the ducks with your date. Right at the edge of the river is Duthie Park, a 44 acre park open to the public with plenty to see and do including a bandstand, fountains, ponds and of course, a tremendous outdoor play park. Why not bring out the playful side of your date and challenge them to a race on the swings? The park also provides a boating pond for you to show of your fabulous rowing skills after which you may wish to visit the café for a slice of cake to recover. To top it all off you can visit the Winter Gardens which holds the largest cacti collection in Britain as well as an abundance of turtles and lets face it, turtles make everybody happy. What a perfect way to get out of the city and show your date the true you!
3. Cocoa Ooze – Belmont Street
Back to where it’s all happening in Aberdeen – Belmont Street. Cocoa Ooze is a chocolate lovers heaven so if you know your date has a sweet tooth then this is the place for you! You can pop in for a quick homemade hot chocolate or have a lengthier stay while enjoying an afternoon tea – the best value for money afternoon tea in Aberdeen. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous Cocoa Ooze also run chocolate making workshops! These are a great way to get your hands dirty and bond with your date while making some delicious treats. The best part – you get to take them all home with you.
4. Stonehaven
If you feel like taking your date away from the city then Stonehaven is just for you. Only 20 minutes on the train and at a price of £6.40 return this is definitely not one to overlook. A small seaside town with a gorgeous seafront, this could be the perfect romantic afternoon. Walk along the beach hand in hand with your date where you can watch the fishing boats and practice your stone skimming skills. No trip to Stonehaven is complete without an ice cream. Aunt Betty’s is the most famous ice cream shop in the North (you’ll also get a high liking Instagram pic out of this!) where you can choose from a variety of flavours and toppings for a decent price and service with a smile.
5. Go Ape – Crathes Castle
This is one for the thrill seekers looking to impress their date by showing off some sick outdoor adventure skills. Go Ape is a tree top adventure course set in the grounds of Crathes Castle just outside Aberdeen. Perfect if you don’t know your date that well and are worried about a lack of conversation. Get in touch with your inner Tarzan as you swing through the trees for 2-3 hours and develop some team building skills with your newfound love. Take a risk and experience something new!
6. Josephines Restaurant – Holburn Street
A great little restaurant tucked away at the top of Union Street, Josephine’s is a great place to take your date for a meal with wonderful service, great food and BYOB! Josephine’s is a tapas restaurant, which gives you the opportunity to pick different dishes and share them with your other half. This is a great way to stimulate conversation and means you can even go full on Lady and the Tramp if you wish. Aside from the great food, this restaurant is BYOB, which means you don’t have to splash out on pricey drinks and instead can pop into Tesco for a £12.99 bottle of prosecco to impress your date.
7. Musa – Exchange Street
Alternatively, if you fancy something a little more formal, Musa is a restaurant that will take you away from the conformity of life. Based in a 19th century church Musa is a restaurant, art gallery and live music venue and is somewhere that never fails to disappoint. With an eclectic food menu which combines Scottish and global cuisine you’re date will definitely be impressed by this wacky place. The ambience of this restaurant is perfect for something light-hearted but intimate and having experienced a first date here myself, I highly recommend it.
8. Aberdeen Beach Boulevard
No relationship in Aberdeen is complete without at least one trip to Aberdeen Beach Boulevard. With a plethora of things to do and see down at the beach you and your date can have a whale of a time. To bring out the fun in your special chosen one why not visit the fun beach Codonas where you can try your turn at mini golf, bowling or maybe even a quickie (behave) on the Star Looper – a crazy loop the loop rollercoaster. Definitely a great way to make sure this guy or girl can have a bit of a laugh! There is of course an abundance of dining opportunities including TGI Friday’s and Chiquito’s where you can get a cheeky 25% discount with your student card. Afterwards a walk along the beach promenade is always a winner and you may even get splashed by some crazy North Sea waves. With the wind in your face and the salt in your hair, you’ll be irresistible.
9. The Tippling House – Belmont Street
The tippling house is a chic cellar bar and a perfect way to end a fun filled day with your date. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but once you descend the winding staircase you will find yourself in a cosy tavern with private booths meaning you can have a night of utmost intimacy. Serving hand-crafted cocktails and with casual dining options you won’t be complaining as the skilled bartenders work their magic and produce the perfect combination of flavours to send your senses wild. With a great atmosphere and not too pricey this busy bar is a must but reserving a table is recommended, as this place can get pretty busy!
10. Bike ride
Getting exercise and fresh air are both highly important as a student. To ensure your brain is working properly and to keep away the fresher’s 15 (lbs) taking that special someone on a bike ride could be the ideal date for a student. beCyCle on the High Street -AKA on campus- will allow you to rent a bike for the day and from there the world is your oyster. If you head towards Bridge of Don there is a great cycle path along the beach that will take you to the picturesque Balmedie Beach. Take a picnic or stop at one of the cute cafés along the way and enjoy the beauty of Scotland. Please note, it is still Aberdeen so warm clothes and a raincoat will be essential.