By Andy, founder
Winter in Glasgow can be dark and dreich, but it has its own charm: frosty mornings in the park, the city lit up for Christmas and a warm welcome by the fire. If you've been waiting for the right moment to meet someone, the quieter months are a good time to do it. Here are some easy winter dates to try.
Out in the weather
Take a frosty walk in the park
A bright, cold morning in Kelvingrove Park, Queen's Park or Pollok is one of the best things about a Glasgow winter. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and it's easy to extend if it's going well.
Warm up in the Kibble Palace
The glasshouses at the Botanic Gardens stay warm whatever the weather outside. Free, peaceful and a lovely place to talk.
Head out to Loch Lomond
Balloch is under an hour away by train or car. A short walk by the loch with snow on the hills, then a warm café, makes a lovely day date.
Warm and cosy
Find a fireside pub
From the West End to the towns around the city, there are plenty of pubs with a fire and a quiet corner. For a first date, a weekday afternoon is ideal: calm, unhurried and easy to leave after one drink if you'd like to.
Visit a museum or gallery
Kelvingrove, the Riverside Museum, the Burrell Collection and the Gallery of Modern Art are all free. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker.
Share a proper afternoon tea
A tearoom on a dreich afternoon is hard to beat. Add a scone or a slice of cake, and you've got something to talk about straight away.
Festive and seasonal
From late November, the city centre lights up for Christmas, with markets, carol concerts and late-night shopping. A stroll round the lights in George Square with a hot chocolate makes a lovely early date. And in January, the Celtic Connections music festival fills the city's venues, which is a great reason for a night out.
A few winter tips
- Check opening times. Many places keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you go.
- Plan for the dark. It's dark by four o'clock in December, so a lunchtime date is often easier.
- Check the trains and roads. Winter weather can disrupt travel, so have a plan B.
- Dress for the weather. Nobody is at their best cold and soaked.
- Stay safe. Meet somewhere public and make your own way there. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Looking for more ideas? Our first date ideas in Glasgow work all year round.
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- winter
- glasgow
