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The problem of how to find the perfect place for a special date in London may be eased by a new website.
The Great Date Guide is the brainchild of interior designer Mary Higgs, 29. She came up with it after being pestered for ideas by her brother John when he moved to the capital and found himself newly single again.
"Every time he was meeting a girl, he would call me up and I would try to come up with nice ideas," she said. "Eventually I thought I would write them down in a guide.
"It was only when I had a look online that I realised there were all these dating websites, but nothing at all to recommend where to go or what to do once you have a date."
The website suggests locations based on the stage of the relationship - from first date to a special occasion for established couples - and in categories such as romance, culture and action.
Among activities it suggests are boating on the Serpentine, open-air movie screenings at Somerset House, late-night viewings at Tate Britain, urban golf, dinner at the Oxo Tower, a trip by Eurostar to Paris, a picnic on Hampstead Heath or a simple bicycle ride. And Ms Higgs, from Battersea, said: "My approach was from the perspective of a woman advising a man, but the recommendations work just as well either way.
She added: "I've also added dating advice for married couples or people in long-term relationships."
Ms Higgs, who was single when she began writing the guide but is now in a relationship, road tests all the dates, which include ideas from her friends.
Reader views (7)
Great idea! Can't believe no-one has thought of this before. Just checked out the website and love the ideas.....watch out ladies!!
- John, London
I loved the Paris entries- there's nothing like a weekend in the City of Light and the Great Date recommendations are spot on!
- Dorelia, Paris, France
This is such a great website I can't stop telling people about it - Off to input a date myself that I went on last week!
- Nicole, Wandsworth
What a great idea; you know you live in a city with so much to offer but so often things are difficult to think of and find out about.
- Sophie, Battersea
It's a great idea and I have used the Guide when in London and had some 'inspired ideas' which I pass off as my own!
- Richard, Leeds
What a cool idea! There's so much choice on where to go in London - I find myself taking dates to the same places again and again. This could be pretty useful!
- Charles, London
I've used this website in the past - it's a great help and fun to use too. Well done ES for featuring this.
- Sam, London
