The best things to do in Manchester for couples

Bridgewater Cruises is an acclaimed family-operated business that provides delightful opportunities to discover the scenic and historic Bridgewater Canal. Boats are available for private hire, or you can indulge in a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea cruise as you float down the canal on the restaurant boat, enjoying each other's company. Bridgewater Cruises also offers seasonal cruises throughout the year, which are perfect for fun and festive celebrations.

If you've ever wondered how long you and your partner would survive in a zombie apocalypse, get yourselves down to DNA VR and strap on a headset. This fun attraction immerses visitors in a virtual realm, providing an extensive collection of games to take on, including zombie shooters, virtual laser tag, musical instrument simulations, VR escape rooms, and more. If your relationship can survive wave after wave of ravenous undead, it can survive anything.

Food Sorcery is a popular culinary school in Manchester where anyone can learn to cook like a chef. Their extensive schedule includes lessons on a wide array of cuisines, from crafting Italian pasta to exploring Asian flavours such as Korean, Thai, and Japanese. Couples looking for a fun activity can book one of Food Sorcery's Cooking Together experiences. Food is the language of love, after all.

Urban Playground is a dynamic entertainment venue offering games, food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, making it one of Manchester's top spots for competitive socialising. There's loads of fun things to do for couples here, with the standout attraction being The Cube Live Experience, where you can team up with your partner to take on another couple in seven different games. The venue also features high-tech mini golf, stylish bars, and an on-site burger joint.

Couples who share a love of adrenaline can enjoy the thrills of indoor skydiving at iFly. Featuring a unique wind tunnel, wheelchair accessibility, and accommodations for flyers of all ages and skill levels, this venue ensures an inclusive experience. There is also a viewing area where spectators can watch the flyers in action. A range of flight packages are offered, and you can buy vouchers to gift this unforgettable adventure to someone special, too.

Going to the movies is a timeless date night option, and there are plenty of different cinemas to choose from in Manchester. We're highlighting The Savoy Cinema, however, thanks to its glamorous old-school feel, varied selection of films, and cosy sofa seats for two, where you can snuggle up to your partner or try your luck with the classic “arm over the shoulder” move.

The longest indoor snow slope in the UK might not sound like the most romantic spot around, but you'll understand why this makes our list of the best couples' attractions in Manchester once you're warming up by the fire with a mug of hot choc. Pay your dues with a fun snow day first at this year-round ski resort, with a wide range of activities such as skiing and sledging to choose from, then retire to a cosy booth in the Alpine lodge.

Plonking yourselves down on a lovely patch of grass to feed each other strawberries and clink champagne is another beloved rom-com cliché, and for a good reason. Crack out the old picnic basket and make your way to Heaton Park, the largest public park in the region. In addition to ample picnic room, the park features various historic landmarks and romantic attractions for couples, such as a boating lake.

Brooklyn Pottery in Stockport invites people of all ages to unleash their creativity. This charming and bustling spot provides pottery painting for everyone, regardless of skill level, and serves both hot and cold beverages while you work. During their monthly Brooklyn Nights events, you can even crack open a bottle while you and your significant other paint your masterpieces.

Relax in luxury at NiniSpa in Salford, one of Manchester's top spas, specialising in facial and body treatments to leave you refreshed in a cosy and serene environment. It's decorated with neutral tones, wood, and rattan, and the spa offers private treatment rooms and a homey feel enhanced by plants and dried flowers. Couples can book a pampering couple spa package with the works or opt just for a couples' massage.

At Immersive Gamebox Manchester, visitors can venture into the unique realm of immersive gaming. This venue offers a wide range of fun things to do for couples, with different immersive games suitable for date night to choose from. Using advanced technologies such as motion tracking, projection mapping, touchscreens, and surround sound to fully engage you in the experience, the games are suitable for all skill levels.

If you feel like you've got a bit of a Bonnie and Clyde thing going on with your S.O. or are looking for a way to even the footing on a first date, Alcotraz might be just the thing. At this unique prison-themed bar, you'll first don orange jumpsuits before passing through the metal detector and heading to your cell to enjoy cocktails made with the bootleg booze you smuggled in. Despite the unusual setting, this is a top attraction for couples in Manchester.

Climbing is all about confidence and trust, making it a great activity for couples looking to try out something new while strengthening their bond. The Rock Up climbing centre in Manchester features different climbing walls and challenges where anyone can have fun, regardless of age or skill level. It's especially fun on select evenings when they turn the overhead lights off, pump up the jams, and plug in the disco balls for a party on the walls.

Stockport's premier escape room attraction, MoviEscape, was developed by filmmakers with a passion for puzzles, cinema, and adventure. It's set in a charming Victorian cotton mill in Bredbury and provides a unique experience for a wide variety of groups, including couples. There are lots of different settings to choose from, including various fright-themed scenarios for daring duos.

Twenty Twenty Two is a vibrant venue with eye-catching wall art where you can challenge your partner to a round or two of ping pong. There's a variety of delicious drinks to explore while playing, including cocktails, and the venue also hosts an array of events to keep guests entertained, such as tournaments, darts nights, happy hours, and DJ sets.

The Liquor Store, a rock 'n' roll cocktail bar, remains open late into the night. This award-winning establishment crafts exclusive, imaginative cocktails and timeless favourites. Each menu cover showcases a staff-designed homage to a famous album. Couples can attend one of the regular masterclasses offered here for a fun and informative evening.

Home is a cultural hub in Manchester featuring a gallery, theatres, cinemas, and other spaces, making it a key destination for arts enthusiasts. It uniquely commissions, produces and presents works across film, theatre, and visual art, so there's always something for everyone here. The venue also includes a bookshop, a restaurant, and two bars – culture-loving couples will have no trouble finding interesting things to do here.

A wine tasting can be a fun way to learn something new and bond over a shared interest, and the fact that booze is involved can't hurt when breaking the ice, either. Manchester might not be known for its vast vineyards, but there are still plenty of wine-tasting events held in the city throughout the year. Our guide to the best wine tastings in Manchester spotlights the best places to book this fun couples' activity.

The Comedy Store hosts weekly comedy performances featuring top-tier comedians at multiple locations in Manchester. Each show boasts a diverse lineup of talented comics and delivers two hours of nonstop laughter. Gift vouchers are available for those who want to treat a comedy enthusiast in their life. Additionally, food and drinks are served during the shows.