Barnes is an affluent area just south-west of Central London, located on the River Thames and known for its stunning views of the river and its rolling green parks. It’s a great place to explore with your new significant other, and there are plenty of activities to do and places to go. Whether it’s a romantic walk, a lively pub, a chic coffee shop, or an art gallery or museum, there’s something to keep every kind of couple entertained. Here’s a list of some of the best places to take a first date in Barnes.
1. Barnes parks and places for a walk on a first date
Barnes has plenty of beautiful parks and places to stroll. If the weather is nice, there’s the stunning Barnes Common, 55 acres of green grass and trees to explore, or else the nearby Putney Lower Common. Both of these parks offer stunning views of the river, and are perfect for a romantic walk. For more of an adventure, you can take your date to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, which is a few miles away but offers even more amazing views of the Thames.
2. Places for a coffee date in Barnes
For a cosy coffee date, Barnes has plenty of great places to choose from. The Coriander Tea Room can’t be beaten for its delicious homemade cakes and exceptional service, while Treats of Barnes is great if you’re after something a bit more original, like their Blueberry and Beetroot Cake. For a more relaxed atmosphere, try the local hangout The Duke of Cambridge, a pub that serves amazing coffee as well as delicious food.
3. Barnes galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
The Barnes area has some amazing art galleries and museums that you can explore with your date. The River and Rowing Museum offers a great selection of exhibitions, featuring everything from the history of rowing to the wildlife of the Thames. For those looking for a more modern experience, there’s the Pump House Gallery, which hosts a range of contemporary art exhibitions and events.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Barnes
If you want to introduce your date to some great live music, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Barnes. The Bull’s Head venue offers jazz, soul and blues in a relaxed atmosphere, while the Orange Tree is a great place to catch some acoustic acts. Alternatively, the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire is just a short tube journey away and offers a range of big-name acts.
5. Barnes pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For drinks, Barnes’s pubs and bars can’t be beaten. The Cock and Bottle is a great pub to grab a pint and a bite to eat, while the Rutland Arms offers local beers, wines and ales in a relaxed atmosphere. For those looking for a more intimate setting, there’s the quaint Victoria Inn, which serves a great selection of craft beers and ciders.
6. Other date ideas to try in Barnes
Barnes also offers plenty of other activities to enjoy with your date. Head to the Kew Bridge Steam Museum for a look around the steam engines, or take a tour of the local breweries and sample some of their beers. For those looking for something more active, why not rent a boat and take a trip down the Thames, or have a game of crazy golf at the local Putt in the Park? Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit more romantic, there’s always a walk down the riverbank or a picnic in one of the area’s beautiful parks.
