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Leicester dating life: a breakdown

by eharmony Editorial Team - May 3, 2023

Diverse, picturesque and filled with opportunity, Leicester is one of Britain’s most liveable and fastest-growing cities.

The Leicester dating scene reflects these qualities in its vibrant activity, wealth of possibilities and diverse dating pool. So let’s explore dating culture in the city, where online is taking it and even some exciting date ideas in Leicester.  

Opportunities in the Leicester dating scene

The Office for National Statistics puts the number of single people in the city at over 160,0001. While this makes for an active dating scene, Leicester isn’t famous for its nightlife, which may stymie some in terms of finding Leicester dating opportunities unless they’re willing to broaden their efforts.

Leicester is more culturally diverse than many English cities and has a youthful population. This means quite a large and varied dating pool to explore.   

Good spots to meet singles in Leicester

Before we look at the best date ideas in Leicester, we should probably start with the best venues to meet singles.

Meeting singles for free

  • Spark up a conversation at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
  • Leicester Comedy Festival hosts many free events
  • Meet people while walking your dog at Watermead Park
  • City Market is always swelling with dating opportunities
  • Volunteer for a local cause to meet like-minded singles

Find love while exploring your city

  • The street food event LastFriday at LCB Depot attracts a broad range of singles
  • Leicester Social Club is a popular and open-minded place to meet up
  • Join activities groups like Leicestershire and Rutland Walking Group
  • Workshops are good for picking up skills and interesting conversations
  • Looking for a singles night in Leicester? Many venues like Manhattan34 host events

Best bars for Leicester dating

  • Club Republic nightclub has a big turnout on weekends
  • Firebug Bar attracts a more alternative crowd
  • 200 Degrees cafe is one of the better date ideas in Leicester
  • The Marquis Wellington pub is a favourite with single professionals
  • The Case Restaurant and Champagne Bar is a nice upmarket alternative

How online dating has changed Leicester dating culture

Online dating has had a profound effect on British dating culture, particularly in cities like Leicester where using a dating app gives you a more complete picture of singles in your city.

Using a Leicester dating site also offers quite a step up in convenience. Rather than wasting weekends at bars and social activities in hopes of meeting someone, you can connect, flirt and date from any place, at any time.  

But what is a good Leicester dating site? It depends on your goals. Services vary from casual dating apps to services aimed at people seeking long-term relationships, such as eharmony.

eharmony works for you to find compatible singles


What sets eharmony apart is our commitment to helping each member find their ideal partner. In our 20 years in the industry, we’ve found the happiest and most genuine relationships are built on compatibility. Not just physical compatibility but also on a deeper level. One that speaks to your personality and the passions you fill your life with.

Using our Compatibility Matching System, we find eligible Leicester dating opportunities with whom you have a high chance of building an authentic, lasting relationship. The efficiency and comprehensiveness of these services have led us to be rated as one of the most trusted dating apps in the world.  

Getting started is the work of a moment

  • Download our app or sign up on-site
  • Complete our Compatibility Quiz. This is the most crucial step as the Personality Profile this quiz generates will be how our system knows exactly the right members to suggest to you
  • Fill out your profile. This will be simple as our profiles are designed to be light on text yet rich in dating-pertinent details
  • Then check out your most compatible singles in your Discover section
  • Then the best part, getting in touch. We have a variety of communication features. You can send them a text, compliment something on their profile or use our Icebreaker feature to get things started, to list a few.   

That’s it.

Date ideas in Leicester for creating special moments

After you’ve found someone on eharmony, you’ll be looking for the ideal first date. One that’s fun but also gives you space to get to know each other. Here are a few ideas:

  • Enjoy a picnic at Knighton Park and take a walk through the famous sensory garden
  • Show off your bowling skills at East Street Lanes
  • Grab a coffee and a romantic swing chair at The Merchant of Venice
  • The National Space Centre often hosts entertaining night events
  • A list of date ideas in Leicester wouldn’t be complete without Gelato Village in St Martin’s Square
  • Located in a former knitwear factory, The Cosy Club restaurant has stunning decor
  • Get your date’s pulse racing at TeamSport Karting
  • The Après Lounge is a hip ski-lodge-inspired bar with a buzzing atmosphere
  • Get active together with the range of activities at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre
  • The Gadabout is an upmarket cocktail bar guaranteed to impress your date

Find the right journey for you

It’s time to get out there and experience all the diversity and energy the Leicester dating scene has to offer. 

Let eharmony put you on the right track to start your journey towards a great relationship. Sign up and start today.

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