7 ways to date on a budget

Dating doesn't have to be expensive. Nor do you have to ditch the fun or look like a cheapskate in order to make your date more affordable.

With the right know-how, you can have an amazing time with your love interest, without breaking the bank and leaving yourself skint.

For men in particular, dating can cost a lot of money, usually as they are expected to pay for the first date.

However, with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can sweep your partner off their feet, and make it a night – or day – to remember.

But how?

Follow our top tips below to make your romance more affordable.

Take a stroll

One of the best ways to have a highly relaxing and chilled out time with your partner, is to take a stroll while you are on a date.

Going to a natural park, or even taking a walk around a lake or pond in your local park is a great way of enjoying the natural world, and getting to know one another, without spending a penny!

Head to a museum or art gallery

A number of museums and art galleries across the country offer free entry, and regularly change their exhibits.

Many also run free workshops or events from time to time, so it is worth keeping an eye out for these.

In the vast majority of museums and galleries, you can also find café areas, where you can sit and talk, and grab a cup of tea.

Not only is it a slightly different way of spending your time on a date, the busy environment of the gallery also takes the pressure off of you both, while the displays give you both something to talk about.

Go for a picnic

Why spend lots of money in a fancy restaurant, when you can head to your local park or canal and go for a picnic instead?

Rather than spending lots of money unnecessarily on expensive buffets, overpriced drinks and food, cook up your own dishes and head somewhere special instead!

Go to the beach

If you are lucky enough to live in a coastal area, why not make the most of your natural environment and go to the beach for your date instead?

There is hardly anything better than soaking up the sun, sea and sand on a beach, and it is something that the vast majority of people would happily pay for.

So if you happen to be one of the lucky ones who live nearby to a beach or a seaside, why not head down there on a date with your partner?

Happy hours

Many restaurants and nightclubs offer happy hours or early bird deals, where you can get discounts, if you head out at a certain time of day.

This is a great way to save money and get discounts on your favourite meals.

Ice skating

Ice skating is a great way to spend your time together. It is cheap, fun and gives you an excuse to hold onto each other while you glide across the ice.

If your town doesn't have an ice rink – why not summon your inner child and try rollerblading instead?

It is bound to be lots of fun, and is likely to get a laugh out of your partner.

Cycling

If you are a keen cycling, why not head away on a cycle trip. This kind of date is more suitable for people who know each other a little bit.

The great thing about cycling is it is free – and there are lots of parks, canals and cycle paths where you can spend time with each other doing what you love best!