Sober date ideas in London

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South Western Railway August 12, 2026 8 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

London’s sober bars
The best London restaurants for date night
Plan your sober date night with SWR

If you’re searching for Dry January activities in London or year-round date ideas that doesn’t involve alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcohol date ideas in London for you to enjoy with your partner. Ranging from treasure hunts and cinema dates to alcohol-free drink tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read on to get inspired for your next sober date night.

London’s sober bars

Although a bar and pub might sound like the last place you’d consider for a sober date, there are an increasing number of sober bars in London. If you want to enjoy the cosy and romantic atmosphere these spaces offer without drinking alcohol, here are some great places to try:

The Lucky Saint

Situated in the centre of Marylebone, The Lucky Saint is a restored historic pub reimagined for the modern drinker. Refurbished by the alcohol-free beer brand Lucky Saint, it’s a space for drinkers and non-drinkers to come together in a classic pub setting. Head here to enjoy one of London’s welcoming date ideas without alcohol, with alcohol free drinks and a menu featuring pub classics.

How to get there: Hop on the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Regent’s Park, then walk 7 minutes to the pub.
Price: £6.50 per draft pint

Club Soda Tasting Room

The Club Soda Tasting Room offers a unique tasting experience with a curated collection of over 150 low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks. Whether you’d prefer alcohol-free beers, wine, spirits or premixed cocktails, there’s something to suit every taste. Striving to help people drink more mindfully, the Club Soda Tasting Room is a brilliant date night idea for sober couples. They also hold events, tailored tastings, and masterclasses in alcohol-free cocktails.

How to get there: Find Waterloo Station/Waterloo Road (stop F) outside London Waterloo and catch the 76, 341 or 172 bus to Aldwych. Then, it’s a 5-minute walk to the venue. Price: between £2.00 and £4.50 per bottle/can

Raven Records Metal Bar

Located in the heart of Camden Town, Raven Records is a heavy metal record shop, coffee shop and the world’s first alcohol-free metal bar. It’s one of London’s most distinctive non-alcohol date ideas, particularly for couples who share a love of alternative music. Music lovers can also discover more of the best record shops in London to extend their day out.

How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Camden Town, then walk approximately 2 minutes to Raven Records at 24 Camden Road.
Price: from £4

If you’d like a more creative date idea that doesn’t involve drinks, there are plenty of other sober things to do in London, from arcades to treasure hunts and cooking classes.

Sandbox VR

Looking for futuristic date ideas without alcohol? Sandbox VR lets you and your date become part of the action through full-body motion capture, haptic technology and free-roaming virtual reality. Work together to survive a zombie apocalypse, encounter dinosaurs or compete in virtual challenges inspired by popular Netflix shows. No previous gaming experience is required, making this an entertaining option for beginners and experienced players alike.

How to get there: Travel on the Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road. From there, it’s approximately a 7-minute walk to The Post Building on Museum Street.
Price: from £35 to £60 per person.

Studio Pottery London

For a relaxed date with a creative twist, book a pottery class at Studio Pottery London in Victoria. Suitable for beginners and more experienced makers, its intimate classes give you the opportunity to work with clay, learn new techniques and create something special together. If you’re searching for sober date ideas London couples can enjoy, this hands-on experience is a memorable alternative to drinks. You can also discover more creative workshops in London for your next date.

How to get there: Make your way from London Waterloo to Victoria, then walk to the studio at 29 Eccleston Place.
Price: from £140 per person

F1® Arcade

Head to F1® Arcade if you’re feeling competitive and looking for a unique date idea. With state-of-the-art bespoke F1 racing simulators, you can race head-to-head with your date on some of the world’s most iconic racetracks. They have an elegant bar offering non-alcoholic beverages, as well as an extensive menu featuring main meals and light bites.

How to get there: Hop on the Waterloo & City line from London Waterloo to Bank. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to the arcade.
Price: from £15.75

City Days Treasure Hunt

If you love problem-solving, City Days offers interactive treasure hunts across London to get your brain whirring. With a range of treasure hunts to choose from, varying from the Festive Light Hunt to the Return of Jack the Ripper, there’s something to suit all interests.

The experience lasts for 2 or 3 hours, and you’ll solve a trail of clues sent to your phone that reveal your path across London. There are pauses along the way for you to grab food or take a break, with optional recommendations included. It’s one of the most memorable non-alcohol date ideas for couples looking to try something different, combining quality time with a fun way to explore London and discover new places!

How to get there: Trails take place across London. Once you have purchased your ticket, you will find out where to start the trail.
Price: from £15 per person

Prince Charles Cinema

The Prince Charles Cinema shows a rotating programme of films across all genres, from cult classics to recent Hollywood releases. The theatre has a traditional style with red seats and lavish curtains covering the screen. It’s a romantic spot whether it’s your first or one-hundredth date.

How to get there: Hop on the Northern line from London Waterloo to Leicester Square, then walk 5 minutes to the cinema.
Price: from £8

Greenwich Pantry

Whether you’re the chef in your relationship or looking to improve your skills together, Greenwich Pantry is a great date idea. The cooking school offers lessons in a range of cuisines, from European to Asian. It hosts date night cooking classes at weekends alongside a range of workshops, courses and events for you both to enjoy.

How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf. Change for the Elizabeth line to Woolwich, then walk 4 minutes to Greenwich Pantry.
Price: £85 to £180 per person

Take a trip to the theatre

The Devil Wears Prada theatre production

London’s West End has a fantastic range of shows year-round, from musicals to stage adaptations of your favourite TV shows. Whether you’re looking for sober day date ideas or evening plans, take a trip to the theatre and be dazzled by showstopping performances. To plan your perfect theatre date, discover the best shows in London in our guide.

Plus, our customers can save money on London theatre tickets with SWR Rewards.

London Zoo

London Zoo lion
Are you both animal lovers? Home to over 15,000 species, London Zoo is the perfect day date idea. Take a romantic stroll through Regent’s Park to the zoo, where you’ll find a range of wildlife, from lions and tigers to penguins and gorillas. If you’re looking for more wildlife-inspired date ideas without alcohol, explore some of the best wildlife parks in the region.

How to get there: Hop on the Northern line from London Waterloo to Camden Town. Then, walk 20 minutes to London Zoo.
Price: from £27.70. SWR customers can enjoy 2FOR1 tickets at London Zoo.

The best London restaurants for date night

London is known for its fantastic restaurant scene. Whether you’re looking for a romantic, candlelit environment or a more casual setting with your partner, there will be somewhere to suit your date night preferences. Explore our London restaurant guides to find the perfect place for your next date night:

- The best sushi and Japanese restaurants in London
- The best Mexican food in London
- The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in London
- The best Chinese restaurants in central London

Plan your sober date night with SWR

Want to make sure your date night runs smoothly? Travelling by train makes things hassle-free, whether you live in London or are travelling from elsewhere in the South West. We offer a range of cheap train tickets, including advance tickets, GroupSave and Semi-Flex return tickets.

Our Evening Out tickets are an excellent choice for date nights, giving you extra flexibility on return journeys. Similarly, if you’re travelling on Sunday and want to make the most of your day in London, choose our Sunday Out tickets.

If you’re travelling into London and need a place to stay, SWR customers can take advantage of our discounted hotel options. Zedwell hotels have locations across the city, and you can enjoy 15% off your stay with SWR Rewards.

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