26 alphabet dating ideas

Of course, there's a lot to be said for cuddling up on the sofa or heading out for dinner at your favourite pub or restaurant. But if you find yourselves having exactly the same date over and over again, it could be time to embrace a recent trend: alphabet dating.

The idea? You take it in turns to arrange a date themed around a letter of the alphabet, working your way from A to Z. If you're in the first throes of romance, it's a great way to get to know one another better. And if you've been together for a while, it can help dig you out of a rut and put the spark back into your relationship. Read on for some inspiration...

A is for... Afternoon tea

For a real test of your compatibility, you could indulge in that age-old debate: should the jam or cream go on first? Alternatively, visit an art gallery.

B is for... Boating

If you're feeling fit and the weather's fine, hire a rowing boat or pedalo at the park. Or let someone else do the work and take a boat trip – whether it's a speedboat ride along the Thames or a ferry across the Mersey. Pouring with rain? Go bowling instead.

C is for... Country walks

Find a scenic route near you at www.ramblers.org.uk. And remember, no country walk is complete without a stop-off at a country pub.

Try one of these romantic literary walks

D is for... Dancing

Or darts, of course. Or maybe a bit of both. But if you stick with the dancing, why not book some tuition to brush up your skills? Find a local dance class at www.dancenearyou.co.uk.

E is for... Eating out

Eat out but not in your usual haunt. Take the opportunity to try somewhere different, and sample a brand new cuisine – Ethiopian, for example...

F is for... Farmers' markets

Your mission? To pick up fresh, local ingredients to rustle up a romantic dinner at home – then settle back and watch your favourite film.

Visit our food section for recipe ideas and cooking tips

G is for... Ghost tours

Most big cities and some stately homes and castles have them – and being spooked can provide all the encouragement you need to cuddle up. Not convinced? You could play a round of golf instead.

H is for... Horses

Never tried horse riding? Now's the time! Find a stables near you at www.bhs.org.uk. Or if you prefer to stay out of the saddle, spend an afternoon at the races.

I is for... Ice-skating

Head to your local rink to embrace your inner Torvill & Dean. Or play it a little safer and hang out at an ice cream parlour instead.

J is for... Juggling

Well, why not? If your other half seems a bit of a clown, a circus skills workshop could be just the ticket. Or an evening at a jazz club might be more appealing.

K is for... Karaoke

Come on – you know you want to! No? Fair enough: go fly a kite...

L is for... Live music

From ukulele night at your local pub to Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall, the choice is yours...

M is for... Massage

Relax and unwind side-by-side as the therapists work their magic. Find a couples massage near you at www.spafinder.co.uk.

N is for... National Trust

Join a tour of a stately home or monument: take your pick at www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Or – whisper it – get naked!

O is for... Opera

Take your pick from live opera or check your local cinema for screenings from London's Royal Opera House and other venues.

Browse Saga's special offers on opera tickets

P is for... Picnics

Pack your hamper and head to the nearest park or beach – assuming the weather's suitable. Otherwise, stay home in your pyjamas and order a pizza.

Q is for... Quizzes

Everybody loves a pub quiz. A word to the wise, though: just make sure you're both on the same team.

R is for... Records

Still got your old collection hidden away in the loft? Dig it out and treat your date to the soundtrack of your teenage years. Or go for a stroll by the river.

S is for... Star-gazing

Download the free SkyView app (available on Apple) or Google Sky Map (on Android) to help you identify stars, constellations and satellites. Or go for a swim at the seaside – followed by a fish and chip supper, of course.

T is for... Tennis

You can find a court, contact a coach or – if you'd rather be a spectator – find out about upcoming events at www.lta.org.uk.

U is for... Underwater

If scuba diving isn't really your thing, visit an aquarium. Some, such as Sea Life London Aquarium (www.visitsealife.com), offer VIP experiences including behind-the-scenes tours and shark-feeding.

Buy tickets to Sealife London Aquarium

V is for... Video games

Dig out an old games console for some competitive or cooperative fun, or take a trip to the arcade at a traditional seaside town for some vintage fun.

W is for... Wine-tasting

For tours, tastings and even overnight stays, find a winery near you at www.englishwineproducers.co.uk.

X is for... X-rated

We'll leave it up to you to interpret that as you see fit. Assuming you'd prefer that to playing the xylophone...

Y is for... Yoga

Couples yoga can help strengthen your relationship, as well as your mind and body. Find a class at www.yogaclassnearyou.co.uk.

Z is for... Zoos

See the UK's only giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo or take the Zoofari Monorail for a giraffe's eye view at Chester Zoo.

Buy tickets to London Zoo

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