Mate Date Ideas; 11 fun things to do in London with friends

ZAPspace

ZAPspace offers unlimited access to its 3-storey trampoline park. Test out your skills on the Power Tower, take on the Battle Bean or challenge your mates to a game of Dodgeball. Leap into the weekend with ZAPspace’s Jump n' Jam sessions on Friday evenings from 7 pm. DJ's spin tunes while you bounce and boogie. 

Where? ZAPspace, Stratford, E15

Book via the website: https://zapspace.co.uk/

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10 am-6 pm

From: £12 per hour

Paintballing

It might appear like a set from a cold war film, but Bunker 51 is home to London's only indoor paintball, airsoft, and laser tag activity centre. The site has two fully immersive zones and offers a range of entertaining, fast-paced combat games to exert even the most energetic types. Perfect for a mate date with that friend who never knows when to quit!

Where? Bunker 51, North Greenwich, SE7

Book via the website: https://www.bunker-51.com/

Hours: Daily, times vary

From: £25 per person Tuesday-Friday. £37 at weekends (save 10% off your first adventure)

Cook up a storm

If you’re searching for unusual fun friend date ideas, look no further than a cooking course. Described as a "full-on culinary experience", Food at 52 is a cookery school like no other. The team offers a range of popular cooking courses, from Bao bun perfecting to step-by-step fish preparation. Learn how to cook world cuisine, or simply gain confidence under the watchful eye of their expert chefs. You'll learn enough to show off your skills to dinner guests for years to come. Friendly conversation and music accompany the experience. Their website lets you look around the kitchen and impressive professional cookery space.

Where? Food at 52, Old Street, EC1V

Book via the website: https://www.foodat52.co.uk/

Hours: Friday-Sunday. Various dates in 2022.

From: Half-day courses from £130

High Tea in Hampton

As American tea connoisseur, historian, and author Mary Lou Heiss once put it, “A simple cup of tea is far from a simple matter.” We couldn’t agree more. So why not relax, slip into an afternoon of pure indulgence, and let the good people at The Mitre Hotel serve you up a quintessential cream tea or full afternoon tea by the river. Revel in freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam, finger sandwiches and pastries – all washed down with a pot of tea from their Birchall range. Delicious! 

Where? The Mitre Hotel, Hampton Court

Book via the website: https://www.mitrehamptoncourt.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea/

Hours: Monday-Sunday between 12 pm-4 pm

From: £11

Totally Axe-ceptable

By now, you’ll almost certainly heard of the social phenomenon of axe throwing, still taking the city by storm. Fresh from the woods to the heart of London, the expert instructors at Whistle Punks will teach you how to 'sink the axe' before letting you sling your own against a target. Housed in a super cool venue, enjoy a soundtrack to suit the mood as you compete against your mates. The team will show you everything you need to know about the technique to get you throwing like a pro.

Where? Whistle Punks, Arch 25, Vauxhall, London, SW8

Book via the website: https://whistlepunks.com/

Hours: Monday-Friday, times vary

From: £29 per adult

Be a tourist

You might be asking yourself what you can do in London for free? London is best known for its landmarks, stunning skyline, and more free attractions than you can squeeze into a single day. There are boundless opportunities for sightseeing in the capital. From quirky museums like The Brunel Museum and Thames Tunnel near Rotherhithe, to cool spots like The White Cube in Bermondsey where you’ll see the most innovative and exciting new contemporary artists, there’s something to satisfy every taste. Many museums and galleries are free to enter, with prices for others ranging from £5 to £15 (costs apply for individual seasonal exhibits*). Here are a few classics you might've missed and some intriguing new favourites. Don’t forget to peruse the gift shop and bag a souvenir to commemorate your day!

• London Sewing Machine Museum, Balham
• British Museum, Russell Square
• Museum of Brands, Notting Hill
• National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
• Tate Britain, Pimlico & Tate Modern, Southbank
• Sherlock Holmes Museum, Baker Street
• The London Canal Museum, King’s Cross
• Grant Museum of Zoology, UCL London
• Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly 
• Welcome Collection, Euston
• Natural History Museum, Kensington
• V&A Museum, Kensington
• Science Museum, Kensington
• National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

_{* Check individual websites for details}