Visit a pumpkin patch

It feels like visiting a pumpkin patch is becoming more and more popular each year.

Although you tend to see long-standing couples going pumpkin picking to celebrate a bit of autumnal whimsy, it’s a great first date option too. You’ll be meeting in the daytime, which is safer and makes it easier to travel home afterwards.  
Plus, it’s a short and sweet date idea, which I think can be the best option for a first date. If you like them, you can leave them wanting more; but if you don’t feel a connection, you don’t have to worry about finding an excuse to end the date early.

Here are the best pumpkin farms to visit if you’re in London, according to Condé Nast and since they own Vogue, their recommendations are good enough for me!

Pumpkin carving

If sparks were flying at the pumpkin patch, you could suggest meeting up a few days later to carve your pumpkins. Or this could be a fun way to extend your first date, if you feel comfortable.

You could also just buy pumpkins from the supermarket if you’re on a budget (I promise no one will tell the difference).

This date idea works for new couples as it’s a creative-messy-activity, meaning you have something to focus on besides just small talk.

If you’re feeling ambitious (or maybe you’re actually a skilled pumpkin carver - couldn’t be me though), use Pinterest for inspo.

Ghost photoshoot

You’ve probably seen friends and couples taking part in this Halloween trend for the past few years, and I get excited to see it on my FYP every October.

All you need is a bedsheet, sunglasses, a phone or camera, and some killer poses.

This is probably a better activity idea if you’ve already been on a few dates, but it would also work as a cute double date too!

Snuggle up with a horror film

Whether it’s a slasher with special effects that didn’t age well or a chilling psychological horror that makes you want to sleep with the big light on, having a Halloween movie night is arguably one of the most well-known autumnal date ideas.

Whether you’re watching a film at home, cosying up under a blanket with spooky sweet treats, or meeting at the cinema for a safer first meet, it’s a great way to answer an all-important question: will my potential partner protect me in a zombie apocalypse?

Matching outfits

And lastly, some might say this is a greater mark of commitment than a diamond ring; wearing matching Halloween costumes.

If you’re ready to hard-launch a new relationship, why not do it in style?

These are some of the best couple costumes I’ve seen:

• Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf;
• Fred and Daphne/Shaggy and Velma from Scooby Doo;
• Fireboy and Watergirl;
• Colin the Caterpillar and Percy Pig (ok I’ve NEVER seen this but I have a vision).

Once you’re dressed up, there are so many things you could do for your evening to celebrate, whether that’s attending a party or going on a hunt for London’s most haunted spots - if you dare!

Credits:

• CN Traveller: https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/pumpkin-patches-near-london 
• Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=pumpkin%20carving%20ideas&rs=ac&len=12&source_id=ac_Hy4KPrhz&eq=pumpkin%20carv&etslf=8670
• London Pass: https://londonpass.com/en/things-to-do/10-most-haunted-places-in-london