Whether you want to spend a couple of hours one afternoon or a whole weekend devoted to books, there is a literary date to suit every book lover.

If you are dating a book lover but are not that keen yourself then combine your date.

If you are both book lovers then spending time together quietly reading can be a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Whether you want to share war and peace together or just each grab a section of the Sunday Times, reading is a relaxing way to spend together without the usual pressures of the dating world.

Here are 5 Great Literary Date Ideas

Literary Festivals

From an evening to a whole weekend, literary festivals offer more than just books and are great if one of the dating duo are not that keen on books. You can see and meet fiction writers, dramatists, storytellers, poets, comedians, musicians to name but a few. Whether you are a reader, writer or just dating a literary type you can find a book festival to suit you both. For the best book festivals in the UK check out Literary Festivals UK where you will find regularly updated lists of festivals around the country.

Book Hunting

Visit second hand book stores and have a good hunt around for either a book you love or find a new author you will enjoy. Add a bit of fun by competing to see who can find the oldest book in the shop or strangest book title. Not only do you get to enjoy dating in a relaxed atmosphere but you may also find a treasure or two.

Museums & Libraries

It’s not only book shops that have books, if you are dating someone with a specific interest, for example war time literature, then pop along to a museum or library. The Imperial War Museum has a printed book collection, as do many museums and libraries. They often have wonderful literary treasures hidden away but if you show your enthusiasm for books they may let you have a look.

Reading Session

Whether you go to the park for a picnic, visit a historic location or snuggle up and read by candlelight at home, reading together can be a great way of just being comfortable in each others company, without the need to entertain each other. Rather than both quietly reading you could read to each other, take it in turns to read a chapter of your favourite books.

Book Signings & Readings

Search on the internet for a favourite authors website and see if they are having any book signings or readings in a city you would enjoy seeing. You can also look on the websites of large book stores like Waterstones Events to see which authors are holding events. Pack your bags, combine a weekend trip with a visit to the book signing or reading and bring back a book you can cherish.

Here are 4 ideas for outdoor dates but they all have a twist to make the date more enjoyable.

1. Treasure Hunting

Not a boring day on the beach with a metal detector or a night sticking clues to trees. This is a a more fun way to have a bike ride, walk or even roller skating afternoon. Just make up a few envelopes with clues and number the envelopes. Give your date the first envelope and let them find the first location, each time they solve a clue just hand them the next envelope. Have a small gift for when they solve the final clue, whether it’s an expensive piece of jewellery, your last rolo or just a big kiss, your partner will have fun solving the clues and you will have the pleasure of watching them.

2. Fruit Frenzy

Whether you can get out into a field to pick your own fresh fruit or just visit a city fruit market together, spend a Saturday afternoon outdoors picking or buying fruit. Try something new, whatever is in season that you usually wouldn’t cook with. Whether you make desserts, wines or jams make up small gift baskets and spend Sunday afternoon together delivering them to friends. Try something like the BBC food website, where you can type in up to three ingredients and it will list top chefs recipes they have for that fruit.

3. Watch the Sunrise

Just before sunrise is one of the best times of day, it’s peaceful and you can watch mother nature in all her glory but who goes a date at sunrise?! Well you can, it will be such a surprise for your date. Prepare a flask of your favourite hot drink and some nibbles to munch on. Arrange to pick your date up so you will be at your chosen location about an hour before sunrise (whether your location is a scenic spot, a park or just the back garden).  Wrap up together in the same blanket, sip your hot drink, eat your nibbles and star gaze as the night fades, then watch the sun change the world around you … so romantic.

4. Get Snapping

We all have a camera but few of us ever use them. Go for a walk, ride or drive whether it’s to a forest, lake or the local park and take photos of anything intersesting you spot. If you get any good pictures upload them to a website that offers free images, like stock xchng then you will have the pleasure of a day outdoors taking the photos but also fun indoors seeing where your photos are used.

Nothing there that takes your fancy? Then check out this long list of activities for outdoors and see if anything gets the little grey cells going.

Where you take a shy date will depend upon just how shy they are, the more shy they are the quieter the location should be.

Don’t plan long dates unless there is an activity involved which will take the focus off the date and put it on to the activity, then your date will hopefully feel less shy about the date itself.

Most of the usual rules for date ideas do not apply to shy people, here are 5 date ideas for shy people:

1. Coffee

It’s the easiest date in the world for shy people if you pick your location well and the best choice for a first date. Try to find an olde worlde coffee shop or tea room, somewhere with soft lighting and nooks and crannies you can hide in to sip your coffee. Keep the date short to avoid long shy silences.

Before your date find something in the local paper you would like to see or do. Take the paper to your date, if you would like to see them again show the event to your date, ask them if they fancy going along with you. If you don’t want to see them again then just leave the paper on the table when you leave.

2. A Concert, Theatre or Cinema

You can get the best tickets in town or the local church production of Oliver, it doesn’t matter. Your date has time to get comfortable around you without having to feel shy. After the concert, film or play you can go for a coffee somewhere quiet and hopefully chat about the event you just saw together.

3. Architecture

Strange title but this one is all about what you both enjoy. Could be a cathedral, castle, museum, modern art gallery, etc but somewhere you can go to look at that allows you both to talk if you feel able or just look at the surroundings if you are feeling too shy to talk. The more interested your date is in the location the more likely they are to start talking about your surroundings

4. The Zoo

It doesn’t have to be a zoo, a falconry centre, aquarium, animal sanctuary or city petting farm/zoo, in fact anything with animals. Shy people often feel less anxiety if they are around animals, particularly if they can touch the animals. Take a camera along but only take pictures of the animals, unless your date opens up a little and you ask permission.

5. A Long Drive

Shy people often like to drive or be a passanger in a car on a long drive, they can see the world pass by but don’t feel intimidated by it. The radio can mask any long silences and you can point out passing landmarks to give them the opportunity to talk if they feel able. It doesn’t matter if you drive 200 miles to buy an ice cream or roll of toilet paper, it’s the quality time you can spend together without making your date feel shy and uncomfortable.

One idea for driving is to geta tape or cd of a comedy show, laughter can often bring a shy person out of their shell a little but let them come out at their own pace and don’t force things.

My thanks go to Karen, my very shy friend, for her help with date ideas for shy people.

Here are my top 5 winter date ideas to really bring the romance into your next date, whether that is with someone new or a long term partner.

1. Go Ghost Hunting

Winter is the best time for a ghost hunt. The dark nights, the quiet, wrapped in thick clothes, you can see your breath and your date will grab you even tighter than usual when they hear that bump in the night (the girls might be scared too). Just type into your search engine ‘ghost hunting+uk+town name’ to find a ghost hunt near you.

2. Visit a Christmas Market

German style Christmas markets are now very popular in the UK and can’t be beaten for Christmassy atmosphere. Grab a mug of mulled wine and a warm mince pie as you wander around the stalls, hand in hand. Not only will you enjoy each others company but may pick up a few unique gifts for your family instead of the usual socks and bubble bath.

If you want to push the boat out and are feeling adventurous why not visit the real thing and have a weekend in Germany at the Christmas markets, sipping gluhwein, munching on lebkuchen biscuits and making special memories.

3. Have a Romantic Film Night

Leave the cold outside, dim the lights, grab a blanket, some pop-corn, a glass of wine and snuggle together on the sofa for a movie marathon. Choose four or five films to watch and see how many you can see before the smooching takes over.

Guys this does not mean watching Terminator films all night … here are some top romantic films to rent that are bound to get your lady feeling romantic but you may need a box of tissues and a hug ready. You can even rent films online and have them posted to you.

4. Go Window Shopping

This is rarely fun for men but Christmas is a magical time so give it a try. Wrap up warm and go window shopping in town, see the Christmas windows in department stores, the lights in the town streets or be really silly and visit Santa’s grotto. Stop for hot chocolate and a cuddle in a nice cafe. You can even do some of your Christmas shopping while you are there.

5. Go Ice Skating

Look in your local press to see if there is a temporary ice rink in a town near you. It is surprising how many there are these days, even in rural towns. It may not be very graceful, as you slide around the ice on your bum but it will be a laugh and a great excuse to cling tightly to each other. When you are battered, bruised and cold go for a hot chocolate together and giggle about your aches and pains.

For us ladies it really needs to be a romantic “chick flick” for us to get that snuggle in feeling, which let’s be honest guys is what you are trying to achieve.

So bite the bullet, leave the terminator films at home and rent one of these if you want your date to cuddle in close and get all romantic with you.

Trust me guys, some are actually worth a watch even if you aren’t a “chick”, I have chosen films I think are watchable for men as well as favourites for us women.

Dim the lights, throw some popcorn in the microwave and grab a warm blanket to snuggle under on the sofa, then press play and watch your date melt in your arms.

No 10 – Dr Zhivago

Tells the tale of love found and lost in the turbulent Russian Revolution. Watchable for men because it deals with the choices a man must make between duty, his morals and love. Watchable for women because of the depth of love and passion portrayed.

No 9 – An Officer and a Gentleman

Watchable for men because it has a story to it outside the romantic falling in love scenes, with a look at the angst of a young man trying to better himself by joining the air force.

No 8 – Titanic

Anyone can watch this, it has the true story of that fateful ship and the tragic events that led to so many deaths. It also has the romantic story of two young people falling in love on the cruise then losing each other … keep the tissues handy.

No 7 – Sliding Doors

An unusual film in that you see it twice, each time depending on whether the main character (Gwyneth Paltrow) decides to catch a London train or not. It is a look at fate and how a simple choice can lead us to love and happiness or not.

No 6 – Ladyhawke

One of my all time favourite romantic films, I can watch it again and again. The story is set in the medieval city of Aquila. It has knights and swordfights to keep the guys interested but tells the tale of a knight and his lover that were cursed by a Bishop so they can never see each other in human form. By day the knight travels with his hawk (his cursed lover) and by night she becomes human and he becomes a wolf. Will they ever find a way to lift the curse and be together again?

No 5 – Shrek

It may seem a strange choice but the comedy is fantastic and the fairy tale romance makes us girls long for a big strong man to protect us. We also love the idea that beauty is not paramount when falling in love. It is an animated film about an ogre that reluctantly saves the Princess and of course wins her heart. The donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) is where the comedy comes to life.

No 4 – Chocolat

A quirky tale of a woman and her daughter opening a chocolate shop in France and the rigid morality within the village that opposses her. Love arrives in the form of Johnny Depp as a roguish traveller. Not the usual sloppy romantic stuff so easily watchable for men.

No 3 – The Last of the Mohicans

Ask any woman who has seen the film what Daniel Day Lewis says to Madeleine Stowe under the waterfall and she will reply “I will find you”, no matter how long ago she saw the film. There is enough violence and adrenaline to keep the men happy as three trappers try to defend a Colonels daughter but plenty of heart wrenching romance for the girls.

No 2 – When Harry Met Sally

Now come on who hasn’t seen that famous cafe scene where Sally proves how easy it is to fake it?! Men can enjoy this film for it’s comedy but women love the romance. It is the story of two people who have been friends for years and are scared to get involved in case it ruins their friendship. A must see for men and women.

No 1 – Four Weddings and a Funeral

A typical British film, packed with comedy and drama. The title says it all really, it’s about a group of friends that attend four weddings and a funeral. Down to earth look at friendhip, love and that one love that can never be. An absolute must see for everyone.

Everyone is worried about the current economic climate and what this will mean for our spending power. Dating can be expensive, a meal out for two can set you back £50-100 or even just a night at the cinema can cost £40 plus.

If you are paying for a first date there is simply no reason to spend a lot of money, a series of first dates can leave you seriously out of pocket with nothing to show for it if they don’t lead to second dates.

It is possible to arrange frugal dates without looking like a penny pincher and let’s be honest if you splash out your entire monthly budget on a first date then the lady in question may well be disappointed when she discovers you can only go out once a month.

Here are 10 cheap date suggestions that will not make you look cheap but will save the pounds.

1. Be Cultured

Visit a museum, cathedral, a book reading at a book shop or library, an art gallery, a local amateur drama, a photo exhibition, discover the town of a famous author …. find something cultured you and your date will be interested in. There are still many free outings like museums around the country just look online for tourist attractions in your area. Remember to look what is on at your local University, they often have productions and shows and need the publics support. If you are in the UK then Britain Express will give you some great ideas in your areas of places to visit.

2. Go to the Park

Be kids again, fly a kite, try roller blading, go boating on the lake or have a snow ball fight. The park is a very romantic place to meet so this suggestion for a date doesn’t seem cheap but of course your date will need to have a sense of adventure and fun.

3. Have a Picnic

So a few soggy sandwiches and a packet of crisps doesn’t seem very romantic but what about a travel rug, a book of poetry, a red rose and some of your favourite cheese and crackers? Picnics can be very romantic and cost very little. Not into poetry … no worries read her a chapter of your favourite book or tell funny childhood stories.

4. Discover Nature

Whether it’s a walk on a beach, a hike through a forest or a stroll down a leafy park lane, nature is a frugal but romatic way to get to know each other. Find out what unusual wildlife is in your area and try to find it. Work with the seasons, collect acorns for Christmas wreaths or shells in summer on a beach.

5. Farmers Market or Flea Market

Do you live within travelling distance of a farmers market, flea market, craft fair or country fair? Suggest meeting up and having a look round. Such dates are far more relaxed than staring at each other over a coffee and wondering what to say next. An afternoon will fly by as you look round the stalls and perhaps a nik-nak or two that will give you an idea of your dates taste.

6. Be Sporty

Are you and your date into health and fitness? Then go for a jog, meet for a bike ride, go wind surfing or play tennis in the local park. Whatever you decide to do don’t make it too strenuous your date may not be as fit as you and you don’t want to embarrass them.

7. Home Cooked Meal

Always a favourite, it cost little more than it would to feed yourself and shows off your culinary skills. Make sure you find out if your date is allergic to or simply dislikes any food and rent a video to watch after the meal. Don’t go overboard and cook for ten people, keep it light with a fondue or starter, salad and sweet. dMake an effort setting the table, a few flowers will be romantic, use insense in the room and don’t forget to get the cork screw ready.

8. Photo Shoot Day

Pick an area that interests you both, be that urban architecture, people in work environments or rural views and go to take photos together. It is not only a way to share a passion but also a great way to record your date. Never taken a decent photo before? No time like the present to learn! You can find tips on how to take good pictures at the Easy Photography website.

9. Buy Books

If like me you and your date are avid readers then visit some charity shops and buy some books of interest, they only cost pennies. Not only will you enjoy your time digging out books that interest you both but you will also be helping the charity. Why not take along some old books you have finished with to leave for the charity to sell.

10. Charity Event

Do you have a local charity that needs some funds raised? Show your date that you care and ask them to join you on at a charity fund raiser. Whether you go round town rattling a tin or dress like a chicken at the local supermarket, your date is bound to be impressed with your philanthropic nature even if they don’t like your chicken suit.

You may also like to read my tips for 5 ways to be a great date and romantic gift ideas that dont break the bank

A first date is not a job interview so avoid questions to do with money, previous relationships and ‘prospects’ (eg where will you be in 5 years). So many dating tips sites suggest you delve into their relationship past but this is not a fun way to get to know someone, first dates should be fun so try to keep it that way and don’t make your date feel uncomfortable.

Also avoid closed questions, where only a yes or no answer is appropriate or where you are obviously looking for a certain answer. An example would be changing the question “do you prefer sun or snow holidays” to “what sort of holiday do you prefer”.

Try to stick to open questions that allow your date to speak freely, believe me you will learn more about them this way.

Here are 10 questions that would be appropriate and fun for a first date:

1. Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that has changed your outlook on life?

2. Where is the best place you have been and why was it the best?

3. What would you do if you won the lottery jackpot?

4. If you could have a superpower what superpower would you choose?

5. How would you like to change your lifestyle if you could?

6. If you could invent a new dish for a restaurant what would it be?

7. What made the worst kiss you’ve ever had the worst?

8. What’s your favourite hobby/activity and why?

9. Are there any causes in life you are passionate about?

10. What’s the funniest joke you’ve ever heard?