Let’s be real — when you're parenting without regular childcare, finding time for each other can feel impossible. Traditional date nights might be impossible, but that doesn’t mean your relationship has to be on pause. Enter the magic of day dates — little pockets of time while the kids are at school or glued to Netflix for an hour — where you can just be you two again.
To keep things fun and fresh? Try alphabet dating: 26 themed date ideas, A to Z, in Stoke-on-Trent and nearby. From pottery to pub quizzes, it’s all about creating memories without needing a babysitter.
A – Art Museum
Visit the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and explore Stoke’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Quiet, creative, and inspiring — perfect for a slow afternoon date.
B – Brewery Tour
Take a daytime tour of the Titanic Brewery and sample some local brews. A little education, a little beer… what’s not to love?
C – Coffee Date
This is something we do quite regular, at least once a week we try and get a coffee date in. Starbacks pastry and coffee breakfast date is something i look forward to the most every week :)
D – Drive-in Movie
Can’t go out at night? Create a DIY drive-in at home during the day — set up a laptop in the car, make snacks, and cosy up in the front seat. we have done this a few times. Drove up to Mow Cop and watched a few episodes of our favourite series :)
E – Escape Room
Work together to beat the clock at Break Free Stoke. It's thrilling, different, and way more fun than discussing what’s for dinner (again).
F – Forest Walk
Take a breather with a nature walk through Trentham Gardens or Parkhall Country Park. A calm stroll, good coffee, and even better conversation.
G – Go Karting
Need a rush? Race each other at TeamSport Go Karting Stoke — it’s surprisingly fun to see who’s got the faster reflexes!
H – Hot Chocolate & Chill
Cosy café vibes? Yes please. Head to The Quarter or Café No.5 for warm drinks and relaxed conversation without the background noise of cartoons.
I – Ice Skating
Make a morning of it at Planet Ice Uttoxeter. Even if you’re wobbly on skates, you’ll leave laughing — and probably holding hands.
J – Junkyard Adventure
Explore Burslem Sunday Market, charity shops, or antique stalls. Set a budget and see who can find the weirdest item.
K – Karaoke Day
Turn your living room into a stage with YouTube karaoke or head to a local bar for an early session. Bonus points for duet power ballads.
L – Lake Picnic
Pack up some easy bites and head to Westport Lake. Feed the swans, lay in the grass, and enjoy some rare grown-up peace.
M – Mini Golf
Keep it light and playful with mini golf at Waterworld Adventure Golf or Trentham Treetop Adventure Golf — easy, affordable fun.
N – Night Out (But During the Day)
Who says fun has to start after 7pm? Grab lunch and cocktails in Hanley — try Bloom, Boston Brothers, or Gin Rummy for a lively midday treat.
O – Open air Cinema
I have wanted to experience an actual open-air cinema for years. This would be such a cute little date, the perfect summer afternoon together.
P – Pottery Class
Get messy and make memories with a pottery session at Gladstone Pottery Museum or the Emma Bridgewater Factory. Stoke is famous for it — get hands-on!
Q – Quiz Time
Test your brainpower with a local pub quiz (some offer daytime or early evening slots), or make your own at home. The loser does the washing up!
R – Road Trip
Hop in the car and take a spontaneous drive to somewhere cute nearby — Bakewell, Ashbourne, or The Roaches are all gorgeous spots for a short escape. We love a road trip together!.
S – Spa Morning
Treat yourselves to a morning spa session at Moddershall Oaks or The Spa at Hoar Cross Hall. Even just a few hours can work wonders. This one is on my day date list for sure this summer!.
T – Trentham Monkey Forest
Walk among monkeys and feel like you’re miles from home — all before school pick-up. A unique daytime date and we have been a few times and love it.
U – Underground Tour
Explore the underground mine tour at Apedale Heritage Centre. History, adventure, and hard hats — if that is your cup of tea.
V – Vintage Shopping
Hit Cobridge Market or browse through quirky stores in Leek. Pick something random for each other and make a memory out of it.
W – Waterworld
Feel like kids again at Waterworld Stoke. Waterslides, wave pools, and zero responsibilities (at least for a few hours).
X – X-treme Sports
Try something out of your comfort zone — paintballing, trampolining at AirSpace, or even indoor skydiving (if you’re feeling extra brave).
Y – Yoga Together
Relax and reconnect with a couple’s yoga session. Whether it's in a studio or a YouTube flow in the living room, it's a great way to stretch and slow down.
Z – Zoo Day
Spend a morning at Peak Wildlife Park — it’s compact, adorable, and perfect for a little wild time before heading back to reality.
Whether it’s a hot chocolate in a café or a hike through the trees, the goal is simple: carve out time for just you two — even if it’s only a couple hours a week.
So, go ahead. Pick a letter, book it in, and fall in love again — alphabetically.
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