Autumn date ideas in Liverpool

I think autumn is the perfect time to meet someone new. The summer crowds have gone, the light is soft and golden, and there's a good excuse to wrap up warm and finish with something hot to drink. If you've been putting off that first date, here are some easy, local ideas to try before the clocks and the weather turn.

Leafy walks

A walk is the classic low pressure first date, and autumn is when Liverpool's parks look their best.

• Sefton Park. The lake, the wide paths and the trees turning colour make it easy to chat as you go. Check opening times if you'd like to look inside the Palm House.
• Calderstones Park. Big old trees, open lawns and plenty of benches, so it's simple to keep the walk short or stretch it out.
• Croxteth Hall and Country Park. More space to wander, with woodland paths and a grand old house. Check what's open before you set off.
• Otterspool Promenade. A breezy stroll beside the Mersey with big skies, ideal for a clear autumn afternoon.

A little further out

If you'd like a bit more of an outing, the Formby pinewoods are lovely in autumn, and Crosby Beach is quieter now than in summer. Wear sensible shoes, check the tide times and the weather, and think about parking before you go. For something gentler, Port Sunlight on the Wirral has tree lined streets and the Lady Lever Art Gallery. Check opening times before you travel.

When the weather turns

Autumn in Liverpool means showers, so have a plan B. The Walker Art Gallery, the World Museum and the Museum of Liverpool are free to enter, and Tate Liverpool sits on the Albert Dock. Wandering round a gallery gives you something to talk about straight away. You could also pick a show at the Everyman, the Playhouse or the Philharmonic Hall for a second date.

Somewhere warm afterwards

Whatever you do, plan a place to warm up. A coffee on Bold Street or Lark Lane is easy and relaxed, and a quiet pub on a weekday afternoon works well too. Aim for a spot where you can hear each other, and where it's easy to say goodbye after an hour or stay longer if it's going well.

A few tips for autumn dates

• Check the daylight. It gets dark earlier each week, so a lunchtime or early afternoon date is often best.
• Dress for the weather. A waterproof and comfy shoes beat looking smart and being cold.
• Keep it short. An hour or two is plenty for a first meeting.
• Stay safe. Meet somewhere public, make your own way there and tell a friend your plans. Our guide to dating safely has more.

Want more ideas? Our first date ideas in Liverpool work all year round, and the cosy winter date ideas are ready for when it gets colder. If you haven't met anyone to share these with yet, see who's near you on Go Liverpool Dating.

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