First Date Ideas in Guildford: Fun, Relaxed, and Affordable

First dates don’t have to be expensive, formal or overly planned. For students in Guildford, there are plenty of simple ways to make a good impression and enjoy each other’s company without adding stress or pressure.

From scenic river walks to coffee shop games and street food lunches, this guide offers affordable ideas that are easy to organise and well suited to student life. Each suggestion helps you focus on what matters most—creating a comfortable, enjoyable space to connect.

Take a Walk Along the River Wey

The River Wey towpath is ideal for a relaxed date with no cost and no need for an itinerary. Starting near the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, the path leads past trees, bridges and wide open green spaces that are perfect for starting off some casual conversation.

Once you’ve broken the ice you can pick up a drink from Canopy Coffee or Krema on the way home. It’s a great plan for those that want to get to know each other away from the conventional setting of a bar or restaurant.

Cost: Free

Grab Lunch at North Street Market

Running every Friday and Saturday, Guildford’s North Street Market features a wide ranging selection of street food. If you’re looking to try something new, or are into adventurous eating, then this is the perfect place to start a new relationship.

Taking a short walk around, you can sample foods from various stalls and keep the atmosphere informal as you both stuff your faces with some of the best world foods in the city.

Cost: £5 and above depending on what you order.

👉 The market is just one of the great things for students to do in Guildford. Discover more of what the city can offer its students here. 

Play Board Games at a Local Café

There are several small establishments in Guildford that offer more than the usual coffee and a cake date. Both Komo and Esquires Coffee often have a selection of board games available for their customers to play. There are also regular events such as quizzes and relaxed live music sessions.

If you’ve never tried it before, board games are great way to ease the first date nerves. Both of you can forget the pressure to learn everything about each other on day one, and just focus on enjoying each others company.

You can also pick the right game for the type of people you are. If you’re particularly sociable and competitive, try a game of Monopoly. If you’re more into a strategic game that’ll take brains to win, take on your date at a game of Scrabble or Chess.

Cost: Around £4 for a coffee, board games are free for customers.

Explore Guildford Castle Grounds

Another quiet spot that’s ideal for those wanting to absorb some local history while also exploring a burgeoning relationship. Guildford Castle is a small but picturesque estate that features some wonderfully kept gardens, presenting an opportunity to get to know each other in a scenic environment.

If you’re up for some extra adventure, walk up to the castle itself for panoramic views of the town. It’ll make you feel at home in Guildford, but will be a view that’s hard to beat on your second date!

Cost: Free

Catch a Film at the Cinema

A true classic when it comes to first dates anywhere in the world, but it’s a tried and trusted way of enjoying a relaxed evening out.

In Guildford you can choose from either the Odeon or the Electric Theatre. Both present regular showings of the week’s blockbusters as well as a selection of indie films that’ll get you talking after the credits rolls.

You can meet up inside before heading for your tickets and some snacks, or keep things affordable by grabbing your sweets from a local supermarket before walking over together. It’s a reliable option if you’re stuck for ideas.

Cost: Around £5 to £10 per ticket with a student discount.

Attend a Campus Event

Guildford’s Student Union hosts regular events and society socials that are particularly interesting if you’ve met through a shared interest. If you’d rather not put a label on things from the beginning, enjoying a date within a group setting can take the pressure off having to spend every moment together.

It also means that neither of you will need to travel too far, or worry about dressing formally for a fancy dinner. Just arrive separately and meet up inside, this way you can see where things go and have fun while doing it.

Cost: Free or less than £10 for event tickets.

Try a Creative Date at G Live or The Boileroom

For something with a bit more liveliness, head to a local arts venue. G Live often hosts affordable live music shows and comedy nights that are a great way to connect over some local culture.

The Boileroom offers an even more casual vibe, featuring relaxed acoustic sets, exhibitions, and poetry readings. It’s the best space for couples that want to bask in a shared love of the arts, and maybe even learn a thing or two while out together.

Make sure to check the respective schedules of each venue to make sure you pick an event you’ll both enjoy to attend. It shows thought for what you both like without feeling like an over the top gesture.

Cost: Prices vary depending on the event, check out the G Live and Boileroom websites for more details.

Relax, and Enjoy

A successful first date doesn’t require you spending vast amounts on each other, or having a complex plan for the day. The most meaningful and memorable moments often happen in spaces where you both feel at ease and are able to be your true selves.

There are plenty of great first date ideas in Guildford that allow you to chat, eat, and share a few laughs. Start simple, and focus on building a genuine connection before planning some more elaborate dates.

👉 Read on for more tips for a fun student experience in Guildford.