The best first dates in the South West are short, public and easy to leave: a walk by the water, a stroll through a park or a coffee somewhere busy with something to look at. Think Bath's Royal Crescent, Bristol harbourside, Exeter Quay, Plymouth Hoe or a stretch of coast path, in daylight, with your own way home.
What makes a good first date?
A first date only has one job: to find out whether you would like a second. That works best when there is something to do besides stare at each other across a table. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, the view gives you something to talk about, and if the conversation flows you can always find a café afterwards. Keep it to an hour or two and choose somewhere you both know how to get to.
The best spots for a date in Bath
Bath is made for walking dates. Meet near the Abbey, wander up to the Circus and on to the Royal Crescent, then drop down into Royal Victoria Park, where there is room to sit on the grass on a fine day. For something quieter, the towpath along the Kennet and Avon Canal heads east out of the city, flat and easy, with narrowboats for company. Pulteney Bridge and the weir below it make an obvious place to say "see you there". More on the city on our Bath dating page.
First date ideas in Bristol
The harbourside is the classic Bristol first date: a loop around the floating harbour takes in the boats, the old cranes and plenty of places to stop. If you want a view, walk up Brandon Hill to the tower, or cross the Downs to the Clifton Suspension Bridge and look down into the Avon Gorge. For a longer walk on a second date, Ashton Court's parkland is just over the river. See Bristol dating.
Where to go on a date in Exeter
Exeter Quay is busy enough to feel safe and calm enough to talk. From there the riverside path follows the Exe and the canal south, and you can walk as far as you like and turn back when the conversation needs a sit-down. In the centre, the cathedral green is a good meeting point, with the city walls and Rougemont Gardens close by. Our Exeter dating page covers the city.
Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican
Plymouth gives you a sea view without leaving the city. Meet on the Hoe, walk along the front above the Sound, then wander down to the Barbican, where the cobbled streets and the harbour full of boats keep the conversation going. On a clear day you can see across to Mount Edgcumbe and Drake's Island. See Plymouth dating.
Cornwall coast dates
In Cornwall the obvious first date is a walk, and the South West Coast Path is there whenever you want it. Pick a short, busy stretch near a town: the seafront at Falmouth, the harbour at St Ives or Padstow, or the beaches around Newquay. In Truro, the cathedral and the riverside are an easy meeting point. Keep the remote clifftop walks for later dates. Read Cornwall dating and Truro dating.
Dartmoor and Exmoor walks
For people who love the outdoors, nothing beats the moors. On Dartmoor, Haytor is easy to find and has enough people about at weekends, and the clapper bridge at Postbridge is a gentle short walk. On Exmoor, Tarr Steps and the riverside paths around it make a lovely meeting spot. Go in daylight, check the weather and stick to well-used paths. Our Devon dating page covers the moorland towns, and North Devon dating covers the Devon side of Exmoor.
Somerset first dates
Somerset has some of the best short climbs in the region. Glastonbury Tor gives you a view across the Levels for very little effort, Wells is a small, walkable city with its cathedral and moat, and Cheddar Gorge and the Quantock Hills suit people who want something wilder. See Somerset dating and Taunton dating.
The Dorset coast
Weymouth's long seafront and harbour are easy for a first meeting, and Lyme Regis has the Cobb and the beach, where people still hunt for fossils. Chesil Beach and West Bay are good for a blowy walk, and Durdle Door is worth saving for a date when you know each other a little better, as it gets busy and the path is steep. See Dorset dating.
Keep your first date safe
The best places above are lovely partly because they are public. Keep the first meeting that way:
- Meet somewhere busy, in daylight if you can, and save quiet walks on the moor for later.
- Make your own way there and back, so you can leave whenever you want.
- Tell a friend where you are going, who with, and when you expect to be home.
- Keep your home address to yourself until you know someone well.
- If something feels wrong, leave. You do not need a reason.
A short video call beforehand is a good way to check someone is who they say. Our safety advice has more, including how to report a profile.
Finding someone to take there
All of this needs someone to go with. Westcountry Singles is built around where you live, so you can find people close enough for a weeknight walk on the Hoe or a Sunday on the canal. If you would rather meet a room of people at once, read our guide to speed dating and singles nights in the South West.
First date questions
Where is the best place for a first date in Bath?
Somewhere central and easy to find: the Abbey, the Royal Crescent or Royal Victoria Park, with a walk between them. The canal towpath is good if you both like a quieter stroll.
Is a walk a good first date?
Yes, as long as it is somewhere public and busy. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and you can stop for a drink if it is going well. Save remote paths for later dates.
How long should a first date last?
An hour or two is plenty. Leave while you are still enjoying it, and you both have a reason to meet again.
Find someone to share the view with
Join Westcountry Singles and meet people who live close enough for a walk this weekend.
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