This date is about doing something active together with a bit of friendly competition. That might be a silly round of crazy golf, an hour hitting balls at a driving range or a full 18-hole course if one of you is keener on golf. You do not need to be good at it – the aim is to have a laugh, get outside and share something different.
Decide what feels most “you” right now: fun and light-hearted, a practice session, or a proper game. You can keep score, set a small prize, or simply play for the fun of it and finish with a drink in the clubhouse or nearby café.
Lucy loves…
“There is only one place I recommend for this – The Flower Bowl, Garstang. Filled with lots of activities from crazy golf, crazy pool to curling and a golf simulator. It is the perfect place for a date day!”
From a Lancashire Lass tips: Lucy Baxter is the host of the From a Lancashire Lass podcast that shares stories from Lancashire businesses and inspirational people. The aim of the podcast is to support businesses, whilst supporting Lancashire and celebrating the county’s heritage. Lucy is also a broadcast journalist who works on a range of national and international TV and radio programmes.
Crazy golf and adventure golf
If you want something relaxed and playful, look for crazy golf or adventure golf, either indoors or outside.
On the Fylde coast there are several options in and around Blackpool, from themed indoor mini golf like The Hole in Wand and Dino Mini Golf to outdoor Adventure Golf at Blackpool Pleasure Beach with water hazards and quirky obstacles.
Elsewhere in Lancashire, venues such as the Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre at Brock and Jurassic Village at Prairie Sports Village in Burnley offer imaginative adventure golf experiences that are easy to book and suitable for mixed abilities.
You can search “crazy golf Lancashire” or check local leisure centres and parks – you will often find a course much closer than you expect.
Driving ranges
Driving ranges are ideal if you want to try golf without committing to a full round. You pay for a bucket of balls, take turns hitting and see who improves the most by the end.
At Preston Golf Club, the Toptracer driving range has ball-tracking screens in each bay so you can see how far and how straight your shots go, and play simple games against each other.
Bluebird Golf Centre at Samlesbury Hall and the Toptracer range at Prairie Sports Village in Burnley follow a similar idea: modern bays, targets to aim at and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for couples.
There are also other ranges and practice facilities dotted across the county, including sites in Rossendale and at some larger golf clubs.
This option works in all weathers if you choose a covered or floodlit range, so it is good for winter or darker evenings too.
Full 18-hole golf courses
If one or both of you already play, or you fancy giving it a proper go, choose a full course and book a tee time.
Lancashire is home to some excellent coastal courses such as Royal Lytham & St Annes, Fairhaven and Fleetwood, plus many friendly parkland clubs inland.
Around Lancaster, Preston, the Ribble Valley and East Lancashire you will find plenty of 9-hole and 18-hole clubs listed on Visit Lancashire’s golf pages, from traditional members’ clubs to more relaxed pay-and-play courses.
You do not have to be serious golfers: you can hire clubs or take a lesson if you want to learn more! It is up to you – play a shorter 9-hole loop if that is available, or treat it as a walk with a purpose and enjoy the views.
Why not make things interesting – loser buys the ice creams!
But really the focus here is less on the scorecard and more on sharing a bit of fun, fresh air… and gentle competition, Lancashire-style.
