{"id":2722,"date":"2026-10-27T11:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T11:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/?page_id=2722"},"modified":"2026-10-28T11:22:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T11:22:26","slug":"city-guides","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/city-guides\/","title":{"rendered":"UK City Dating Guides"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"shag-cg-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Chatting to someone near you and wondering where to actually meet? Each of these guides is written for one town or city: real caf\u00e9s, bars and activities, what a first date there is likely to cost for two, and how to get home afterwards. Every guide is checked against the venues&#8217; own websites, so you can plan something easy and low-pressure rather than guessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"shag-cg-intro wp-block-paragraph\">Find your region below, pick the nearest city, and decide together whether you want a quick coffee, something to do, or a proper dinner. 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New guides without coords still show up in text search.\n  var COORDS={'derby':[52.9225,-1.4746],'leicester':[52.6369,-1.1398],'northampton':[52.2405,-0.9027],'cambridge':[52.2053,0.1218],'ipswich':[52.0567,1.1482],'luton':[51.8787,-0.42],'norwich':[52.6309,1.2974],'peterborough':[52.5695,-0.2405],'southend on sea':[51.5459,0.7077],'watford':[51.6565,-0.3903],'london':[51.5074,-0.1278],'middlesbrough':[54.5742,-1.235],'newcastle':[54.9783,-1.6178],'sunderland':[54.9069,-1.3838],'blackburn':[53.748,-2.482],'blackpool':[53.8175,-3.0357],'bolton':[53.5769,-2.4282],'liverpool':[53.4084,-2.9916],'manchester':[53.4808,-2.2426],'preston':[53.7632,-2.7031],'stockport':[53.4106,-2.1575],'belfast':[54.5973,-5.9301],'aberdeen':[57.1497,-2.0943],'dundee':[56.462,-2.9707],'edinburgh':[55.9533,-3.1883],'glasgow':[55.8642,-4.2518],'brighton':[50.8225,-0.1372],'eastbourne':[50.7684,0.2905],'milton keynes':[52.0406,-0.7594],'oxford':[51.752,-1.2577],'portsmouth':[50.8198,-1.088],'reading':[51.4543,-0.9781],'slough':[51.5105,-0.595],'southampton':[50.9097,-1.4044],'bournemouth':[50.7192,-1.8808],'bristol':[51.4545,-2.5879],'exeter':[50.7184,-3.5339],'gloucester':[51.8642,-2.2382],'plymouth':[50.3755,-4.1427],'poole':[50.7151,-1.9873],'swindon':[51.5558,-1.7797],'cardiff':[51.4816,-3.1791],'swansea':[51.6214,-3.9436],'coventry':[52.4068,-1.5197],'dudley':[52.5087,-2.0877],'stoke on trent':[53.0027,-2.1794],'sutton coldfield':[52.5704,-1.8241],'telford':[52.6766,-2.4469],'walsall':[52.5862,-1.9829],'wolverhampton':[52.5862,-2.1288],'bradford':[53.796,-1.7594],'huddersfield':[53.6458,-1.785],'hull':[53.7676,-0.3274],'leeds':[53.8008,-1.5491],'rotherham':[53.4326,-1.3635],'sheffield':[53.3811,-1.4701],'york':[53.96,-1.0873]};\n  \/\/ Extra names people type for a guide\n  var ALIAS={'newcastle':'newcastle upon tyne toon geordie tyneside gateshead','stoke on trent':'stoke potteries hanley','hull':'kingston upon hull','southend on sea':'southend','milton keynes':'mk','brighton':'brighton and hove hove','manchester':'salford mancunian','london':'greater london','glasgow':'weegie','bournemouth':'bmth','middlesbrough':'boro teesside','york':'yorks'};\n  \/\/ Counties and areas the postcode API doesn't resolve well\n  var AREAS={'birmingham':[52.4862,-1.8904],'brum':[52.4862,-1.8904],'kent':[51.21,0.72],'essex':[51.77,0.6],'surrey':[51.27,-0.42],'sussex':[50.93,-0.2],'east sussex':[50.92,0.2],'west sussex':[50.93,-0.46],'hampshire':[51.06,-1.31],'dorset':[50.75,-2.33],'devon':[50.72,-3.8],'cornwall':[50.42,-4.9],'somerset':[51.1,-3.0],'wiltshire':[51.35,-1.95],'berkshire':[51.45,-1.1],'buckinghamshire':[51.8,-0.8],'hertfordshire':[51.8,-0.2],'herts':[51.8,-0.2],'bedfordshire':[52.05,-0.45],'oxfordshire':[51.77,-1.3],'gloucestershire':[51.85,-2.2],'cotswolds':[51.83,-1.8],'norfolk':[52.65,1.0],'suffolk':[52.2,1.0],'lincolnshire':[53.1,-0.2],'nottinghamshire':[53.1,-1.0],'nottingham':[52.9548,-1.1581],'derbyshire':[53.1,-1.6],'peak district':[53.33,-1.78],'leicestershire':[52.7,-1.1],'northamptonshire':[52.3,-0.9],'warwickshire':[52.3,-1.55],'staffordshire':[52.8,-2.0],'shropshire':[52.65,-2.75],'cheshire':[53.2,-2.55],'lancashire':[53.8,-2.6],'cumbria':[54.5,-3.0],'lake district':[54.46,-3.09],'merseyside':[53.42,-2.95],'greater manchester':[53.5,-2.3],'yorkshire':[53.9,-1.4],'west yorkshire':[53.75,-1.65],'south yorkshire':[53.5,-1.35],'north yorkshire':[54.1,-1.3],'east yorkshire':[53.9,-0.6],'county durham':[54.7,-1.75],'durham':[54.7761,-1.5733],'northumberland':[55.2,-2.0],'west midlands':[52.48,-1.9],'midlands':[52.6,-1.6],'east midlands':[52.95,-1.15],'scotland':[56.2,-3.9],'highlands':[57.4,-4.6],'inverness':[57.4778,-4.2247],'fife':[56.2,-3.1],'wales':[52.3,-3.7],'north wales':[53.1,-3.6],'south wales':[51.6,-3.4],'northern ireland':[54.6,-6.6],'isle of wight':[50.69,-1.3],'channel islands':[49.3,-2.3]};\n\n  var input=root.querySelector('.cgf-input'), clearBtn=root.querySelector('.cgf-clear'),\n      nearBtn=root.querySelector('.cgf-near'), chipsNav=root.querySelector('.cgf-chips'),\n      status=root.querySelector('.cgf-status'), box=root.querySelector('.cgf-near-box'),\n      slot=root.querySelector('.cgf-slot'), bar=root.querySelector('.cgf-bar');\n\n  function norm(s){return (s||'').toLowerCase().normalize('NFD').replace(\/[\\u0300-\\u036f]\/g,'').replace(\/&\/g,' and ').replace(\/[^a-z0-9]+\/g,' ').trim()}\n  function esc(s){return String(s).replace(\/[&<>\"]\/g,function(c){return {'&':'&amp;','<':'&lt;','>':'&gt;','\"':'&quot;'}[c]})}\n\n  \/\/ Index the existing guides straight from the page, so new cards are picked up automatically\n  var regions=[].slice.call(cg.querySelectorAll('.shag-cg-region')).map(function(sec,i){\n    var h=sec.querySelector('h2'); 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n.scrollTo({left:c.offsetLeft-n.offsetLeft-20,behavior:'smooth'});}\n    }\n  }\n\n  \/\/ Distance helpers\n  function miles(a,b){var R=3958.8,r=Math.PI\/180,dl=(b[0]-a[0])*r,dn=(b[1]-a[1])*r;\n    var x=Math.sin(dl\/2)*Math.sin(dl\/2)+Math.cos(a[0]*r)*Math.cos(b[0]*r)*Math.sin(dn\/2)*Math.sin(dn\/2);\n    return 2*R*Math.asin(Math.sqrt(x));}\n  function nearest(ll,n){return guides.filter(function(g){return g.ll}).map(function(g){return {g:g,d:miles(ll,g.ll)}}).sort(function(a,b){return a.d-b.d}).slice(0,n||3)}\n  function showNear(ll,label){\n    var list=nearest(ll,3);\n    if(!list.length) return;\n    var close=list[0].d<4;\n    box.innerHTML='<h2>'+(close?'Your closest guides':'Closest guides to '+esc(label))+'<\/h2><div class=\"cgf-near-list\">'+\n      list.map(function(x){var m=Math.round(x.d), d=x.d<2?'Right there':m+(m===1?' mile':' miles')+' away';\n        return '<a class=\"cgf-pick\" href=\"'+esc(x.g.href)+'\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>'+esc(x.g.name)+'<\/strong><span>'+esc(x.g.region.name)+'<\/span><em>'+d+' &rarr;<\/em><\/a>'}).join('')+'<\/div>';\n    box.hidden=false;\n  }\n  function hideNear(){box.hidden=true;box.innerHTML=''}\n\n  \/\/ Text filter\n  var reqId=0, timer=null;\n  function run(){\n    var raw=input.value.trim(), q=norm(raw);\n    clearBtn.hidden=!raw; hideNear(); clearTimeout(timer); reqId++;\n    var count=0;\n    guides.forEach(function(g){\n      var ok=!q||q.split(' ').every(function(t){return g.hay.indexOf(' '+t)>-1});\n      g.el.classList.toggle('cgf-hide',!ok); if(ok) count++;\n    });\n    regions.forEach(function(r){\n      var n=r.cards.filter(function(g){return !g.el.classList.contains('cgf-hide')}).length;\n      r.el.classList.toggle('cgf-hide',!n);\n      r.chip.classList.toggle('is-empty',!!q&&!n);\n      var b=r.chip.querySelector('b'); b.hidden=!q||!n; b.textContent=n;\n    });\n    if(!q){status.textContent='';spy();return}\n    if(count){\n      status.innerHTML=count===1?'1 guide for <mark>'+esc(raw)+'<\/mark>':count+' guides for <mark>'+esc(raw)+'<\/mark>';\n    } else if(q.length>=2){\n      status.innerHTML='No guide for <mark>'+esc(raw)+'<\/mark> yet. Looking for the nearest ones&hellip;';\n      timer=setTimeout(function(){locate(raw,q)},350);\n    } else status.textContent='';\n    spy();\n  }\n\n  function locate(raw,q){\n    var pc=raw.replace(\/\\s+\/g,'').toUpperCase(), url, isPc=\/^[A-Z]{1,2}\\d[A-Z\\d]?(\\d[A-Z]{2})?$\/.test(pc);\n    var id=reqId, done=function(ll,label){\n      if(id!==reqId) return;\n      if(ll){status.innerHTML=isPc?'Guides closest to <mark>'+esc(raw.toUpperCase())+'<\/mark>:':'No guide for <mark>'+esc(raw)+'<\/mark> yet, but these aren&rsquo;t far:';showNear(ll,isPc?raw.toUpperCase():label);track('cg_search_near',raw);}\n      else status.innerHTML=isPc?'That postcode didn&rsquo;t work. Try your town instead.':'Can&rsquo;t find <mark>'+esc(raw)+'<\/mark>. Try a nearby town or your postcode.';\n    };\n    if(AREAS[q]) return done(AREAS[q],raw);\n    if(\/^[A-Z]{1,2}\\d[A-Z\\d]?\\d[A-Z]{2}$\/.test(pc)) url='https:\/\/api.postcodes.io\/postcodes\/'+pc;\n    else if(\/^[A-Z]{1,2}\\d[A-Z\\d]?$\/.test(pc)) url='https:\/\/api.postcodes.io\/outcodes\/'+pc;\n    else url='https:\/\/api.postcodes.io\/places?limit=40&q='+encodeURIComponent(raw);\n    fetch(url).then(function(r){return r.json()}).then(function(j){\n      var res=j&&j.result; if(!res) return done(null);\n      if(!Array.isArray(res)) return done(res.latitude!=null?[res.latitude,res.longitude]:null, res.admin_district||raw.toUpperCase());\n      var rank={'City':0,'Town':1,'Suburban Area':2,'Village':3,'Hamlet':4};\n      res.sort(function(a,b){\n        var ea=norm(a.name_1)===q?0:1, eb=norm(b.name_1)===q?0:1;\n        if(ea!==eb) return ea-eb;\n        var ra=a.local_type in rank?rank[a.local_type]:5, rb=b.local_type in rank?rank[b.local_type]:5;\n        return ra-rb;\n      });\n      var p=res[0]; done(p?[p.latitude,p.longitude]:null,p?p.name_1:raw);\n    }).catch(function(){done(null)});\n  }\n\n  input.addEventListener('input',function(){ if(input.value.length===1) toResults(); run(); });\n  input.addEventListener('keydown',function(e){\n    if(e.key==='Enter'){e.preventDefault();\n      var vis=guides.filter(function(g){return !g.el.classList.contains('cgf-hide')});\n      track('cg_search',input.value.trim());\n      if(input.value.trim()&&vis.length===1){vis[0].el.click();return}\n      input.blur(); toResults();\n    }\n    if(e.key==='Escape'){input.value='';run()}\n  });\n  clearBtn.addEventListener('click',function(){input.value='';run();input.focus()});\n\n  \/\/ Near me\n  nearBtn.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    if(!navigator.geolocation){status.textContent='Your browser can\\u2019t share location. Type your town or postcode instead.';return}\n    nearBtn.classList.add('is-busy'); nearBtn.querySelector('span').textContent='Finding\\u2026';\n    input.value=''; run(); status.textContent='Finding where you are\\u2026';\n    navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition(function(p){\n      reset(); var ll=[p.coords.latitude,p.coords.longitude];\n      status.textContent=''; showNear(ll,'you'); toResults(); track('cg_near_me','ok');\n    },function(err){\n      reset(); status.textContent=err.code===1?'Location is switched off for this site. Type your town or postcode instead.':'Couldn\\u2019t get your location. Type your town or postcode instead.';\n      input.focus(); track('cg_near_me','fail');\n    },{enableHighAccuracy:false,timeout:10000,maximumAge:600000});\n    function reset(){nearBtn.classList.remove('is-busy');nearBtn.querySelector('span').textContent='Near me'}\n  });\n\n  function track(ev,val){try{(window.dataLayer=window.dataLayer||[]).push({event:ev,cg_value:val})}catch(e){}}\n\n  \/\/ Move the search right above the guides if it was pasted somewhere else\n  if(root.nextElementSibling!==cg && cg.parentNode) cg.parentNode.insertBefore(root,cg);\n  layout();\n})();\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<style>body.page-id-2722 .post-head h1.entry-title{margin:6px 0 18px;padding:0;border:0;color:#17211f;font:800 clamp(40px,5.4vw,70px)\/1.02 Poppins,Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:-3px;}body.page-id-2722 .post-head h1.entry-title:before{content:'PICK A CITY. MAKE A PLAN.';display:table;padding:8px 13px;margin:0 0 24px;background:#17211f;color:#fff;font:700 12px\/1.2 Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:2px;transform:rotate(-2deg);}body.page-id-2722 .shag-hl{color:#fc57a0;text-shadow:3px 3px 0 #17211f;}body.page-id-2722 .entry p.shag-cg-intro{max-width:680px;color:#17211f;font:500 18px\/1.65 Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif;font-style:normal;}body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr));gap:28px;margin:0 8px 0 0;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card{display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;box-sizing:border-box;height:100%;padding:24px 24px 22px;border:1.6px solid #17211f;background:#fff;box-shadow:5px 5px 0 #17211f;color:#3a3a3a;text-decoration:none;transition:box-shadow .18s,translate .18s;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card.shag-y{background:#fff4bd;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card.shag-p{background:#fce2ed;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card:hover,body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card:focus-visible{box-shadow:8px 8px 0 #17211f;translate:-2px -2px;outline:none;}body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg{margin:44px 0 30px;}body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-region{margin:0 0 46px;}body.page-id-2722 .entry .shag-cg-region>h2{display:inline-block;margin:0 0 22px;padding:0 6px;border:0;color:#17211f;font:800 30px\/1.15 Poppins,Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:-1px;background:linear-gradient(transparent 58%,#edff72 58%,#edff72 92%,transparent 92%);}body.page-id-2722 .entry .shag-cg-card h3{margin:4px 0 0;padding:0;border:0;color:#002044;font:800 27px\/1.12 Poppins,Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:-.6px;transition:color .18s;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card:hover h3{color:#fc57a0;}body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-desc{margin:0;color:#3a3a3a;font:400 16px\/1.6 Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif;}body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-go{margin-top:auto;padding-top:6px;color:#17211f;font:700 12px\/1.2 Poppins,Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;border-bottom:2px solid #ff7760;}body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-go i{display:inline-block;font-style:normal;transition:transform .18s;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card:hover .shag-cg-go i{transform:translateX(5px);}@media (max-width:700px){body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:22px;}body.page-id-2722 .post-head h1.entry-title{letter-spacing:-2px;}}@media (prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card,body.page-id-2722 .shag-cg-go i,body.page-id-2722 .entry .shag-cg-card h3{transition:none;}body.page-id-2722 .entry a.shag-cg-card:hover{translate:none;}}<\/style><script>(function(){var h=document.querySelector('body.page-id-2722 h1.entry-title');if(h&&!h.querySelector('.shag-hl')){h.innerHTML=h.innerHTML.replace('Dating','<span class=\"shag-hl\">Dating<\/span>');}})();<\/script><div class=\"shag-cg\"><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>East Midlands<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-derby\/\"><h3>Derby<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Cathedral Quarter coffee, pizza at QUAD or riverside plates for a longer evening.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-leicester\/\"><h3>Leicester<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Kerala food, rooftop drinks and a night at the cinema.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-northampton\/\"><h3>Northampton<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Pizza, an independent cinema and a dinner for a special night.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>East of England<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-cambridge\/\"><h3>Cambridge<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Punting, coffee, the theatre or a drink with rooftop views.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-ipswich\/\"><h3>Ipswich<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">First dates from St Peter&#8217;s Street down to the Waterfront.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-luton\/\"><h3>Luton<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Caf\u00e9 lunches, Thai food and an evening of live jazz.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-norwich\/\"><h3>Norwich<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">A deli coffee on St George&#8217;s Street, Pottergate pasta, bowling or the Plantation Garden.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-peterborough\/\"><h3>Peterborough<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Lakeside lunches, a cathedral visit or a proper night out.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-southend-on-sea\/\"><h3>Southend-on-Sea<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">A bit of seaside fun, or somewhere quiet enough to talk.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-watford\/\"><h3>Watford<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Coffee in Cassiobury Park, a meal on the High Street or a whole day out.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>London<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-london\/\"><h3>London<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Casual first dates across the capital, from cheap and quick to a proper night out.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>North East England<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/meet-women-in-middlesbrough\/\"><h3>Middlesbrough<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Free art, a parmo in Captain Cook Square and cocktails on Bedford Street.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-newcastle\/\"><h3>Newcastle<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Quayside or Ouseburn? Two very different ways to do a first date.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-sunderland\/\"><h3>Sunderland<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Pizza in Sunniside, food at Sheepfolds and a walk along Roker.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>North West England<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/meet-women-in-blackburn\/\"><h3>Blackburn<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Cathedral Quarter food and an easy, low-pressure first meeting.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-blackpool\/\"><h3>Blackpool<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Seaside food, Showtown and an evening out, without turning it into a pricey full day.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-bolton\/\"><h3>Bolton<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Food hall lunches, Smithills and local nights out.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-liverpool\/\"><h3>Liverpool<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Board games, Bold Street food and dinner in the Baltic Triangle.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-manchester\/\"><h3>Manchester<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Northern Quarter coffee, street food and a steak dinner.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-preston\/\"><h3>Preston<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">The Harris, food on Friargate and a dinner worth booking ahead.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-stockport\/\"><h3>Stockport<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Bakery nights, social games and a show at the Plaza.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>Northern Ireland<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/meeting-women-in-belfast\/\"><h3>Belfast<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Brunch on Hill Street, pasta at Coppi or a long lunch for a special date.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>Scotland<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-aberdeen\/\"><h3>Aberdeen<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Plant-based brunch, an art gallery or a six-course evening.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-dundee\/\"><h3>Dundee<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Waterfront design, a film night or dinner out in Broughty Ferry.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-edinburgh\/\"><h3>Edinburgh<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Museum lunches, bistro tables and an aperitivo before dinner.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-night-in-glasgow\/\"><h3>Glasgow<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Live music, Italian food and a night at Sebb&#8217;s.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>South East England<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-brighton\/\"><h3>Brighton<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Kemptown bakes, seafront food and sharing plates.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-eastbourne\/\"><h3>Eastbourne<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Seafront walks when it&#8217;s dry, art and local food when it isn&#8217;t.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hook-up-in-milton-keynes\/\"><h3>Milton Keynes<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Lunch near the station, The Hub or dinner with a skyline view.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/flirting-in-oxford\/\"><h3>Oxford<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">A market lunch, dinner in Jericho or a rooftop drink.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-portsmouth\/\"><h3>Portsmouth<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Coffee, art or a meal without any pressure.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-reading\/\"><h3>Reading<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Easy lunches, street food and dinner by the Kennet.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-slough\/\"><h3>Slough<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Chai, dinner and first dates beyond the High Street.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-southampton\/\"><h3>Southampton<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Coffee in the Cultural Quarter, lunch at the Wool House and dinner at the marina.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>South West England<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-bournemouth\/\"><h3>Bournemouth<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Good food and sea air, with a place to suit the kind of first meeting you want.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-bristol\/\"><h3>Bristol<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Harbourside art, a vegan lunch and handmade pasta.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-exeter\/\"><h3>Exeter<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Quayside drinks, caf\u00e9 dates and dinner budgets worked out for two.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-gloucester\/\"><h3>Gloucester<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Cathedral coffee, Food Dock finds and live music.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/get-a-date-in-plymouth\/\"><h3>Plymouth<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Brunch on Mayflower Street, board games at Twist or dinner in the Barbican.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-poole\/\"><h3>Poole<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Restaurants on the Quay, coffee at Kingland and a plan for rainy days.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-swindon\/\"><h3>Swindon<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Old Town food, a pottery session or a daytime walk in the park.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>Wales<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/flirt-in-cardiff\/\"><h3>Cardiff<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Warm Welshcakes, a burger on Church Street or lunch in Pontcanna.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-swansea\/\"><h3>Swansea<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Lunch at the market, a meal at the marina or a trip out to Mumbles.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>West Midlands<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-coventry\/\"><h3>Coventry<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Chai, the Cathedral Lanes and dinner on Spon Street.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/hooking-up-in-dudley\/\"><h3>Dudley<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Caf\u00e9 deals, pub dinners and Black Country days out.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-stoke-on-trent\/\"><h3>Stoke-on-Trent<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Slamwich lunches, pottery and a dinner to finish.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-ideas-in-sutton-coldfield\/\"><h3>Sutton Coldfield<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">A park lunch or an evening at the theatre.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-telford\/\"><h3>Telford<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">A simple meet-up at Southwater or a properly planned evening.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-walsall\/\"><h3>Walsall<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Free art, weekday food deals and a proper dinner plan.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-wolverhampton-we-will-tell-you-how-to-succeed\/\"><h3>Wolverhampton<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Art, real ale and a night at The Halls.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><section class=\"shag-cg-region\"><h2>Yorkshire &amp; the Humber<\/h2><div class=\"shag-cg-grid\"><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/meet-women-in-bradford\/\"><h3>Bradford<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Curry, a cream tea and an afternoon in Saltaire.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-huddersfield\/\"><h3>Huddersfield<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Coffee, the theatre and dinners beyond the town centre.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-kingston-upon-hull\/\"><h3>Hull<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Brunch at the Fruit Market, tapas by the marina and indoor plans for wet days.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-leeds\/\"><h3>Leeds<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Coffee at the station, street food and a live-fire dinner.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-y\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-rotherham\/\"><h3>Rotherham<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Twelve ideas, from the new cinema to country parks and Wentworth Woodhouse.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-p\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/date-in-sheffield\/\"><h3>Sheffield<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">Kiwi brunch, food halls and a film.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><a class=\"shag-cg-card shag-w\" href=\"https:\/\/shag.co.uk\/blog\/dating-in-york\/\"><h3>York<\/h3><p class=\"shag-cg-desc\">A short walk on the walls, good food and a drink.<\/p><span class=\"shag-cg-go\">Read the guide <i>&rarr;<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tmnf_excerpt clearfix\"><p>Chatting to someone near you and wondering where to actually meet? Each of these guides is written for one town or city: real caf\u00e9s, bars and activities, what a first date there is likely to cost for two, and how to get home afterwards. Every guide is checked against the venues&#8217; own websites, so you &hellip;<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2722","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>UK City Dating Guides: First Dates &amp; Where to Meet | Shag - Shag dating blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Local dating guides for towns and cities across the UK: where to meet, what a first date costs, getting home safely. 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