Dating can be expensive, but you don’t have to spend lots of money to have a good time.

So whether you’re planning a first date, or are celebrating many happy years together, here are a host of reasonably-priced date ideas for Sale.

Take in an exhibition

Sale’s Waterside is a cultural hub, offering a packed schedule of theatre, comedy, music and exhibitions. For those on a budget, many of the exhibitions are often free, so you can have a stroll around without spending a penny.

Perfect for: A couple who love the arts

Worthington Park is one of Sale’s best green spaces © Life in Sale

Enjoy a picnic in the park

An oldie, but a goodie. Pack up a picnic and head for one of Sale’s great green spaces, including Worthington Park and Walkden Gardens.

Perfect for: Couple who love some good old-fashioned romance

Listen to live music

Many of Sale’s bars and pubs showcase free live music throughout the week. With a bit of research, you can hopefully find something you will both enjoy. Popular live music venues in Sale include The Steamhouse and The Block and Gasket.

Perfect for: Couples who consider themselves too old to stand at gigs anymore

Enjoy a wine flight at Cork of the North © Cork of the North Sale

Pretend to be sommeliers with a wine flight

Independent wine bar Cork of the North serves up some delicious wines in a flight, allowing you to pretend you know which wine you like the most, by trying more than one at the same time. The staff will be happy to guide you through the different types of wine available, to ensure you get a selection that suits your personal tastes.

Perfect for: Couples who want to impress at their next dinner party

Kayak down the canal

If you’re local to Sale, chances are you’ve seen the kayaks on the canal. Thanks to Grip Adventure, you can hire a canoe or kayak from just £10 per person for two hours. A paddle down the Bridgewater Canal will really allow you to spend some quality time with your date. Plus, it’s a date with a bit of a difference.

Perfect for: Couples who love an adventure

Get quizzical

A number of venues across Sale host quizzes, with our favourites including independent bar, Hops & Boogie in Stanley Square. If it’s a first date, you might want to check just how competitive you both are before agreeing to it though, because a quiz will quickly reveal your true colours!

Pick up a brew and a slice of cake at Walton Perk - Sale’s only narrowboat cafe

Take a stroll down the Bridgewater Canal and grab a coffee

The Canal is always bustling with activity, so it’s great for people-watching (especially good if you’re on an early date and in need of a topic of conversation!)

Head towards Sale’s only narrowboat cafe, Walton Perk, just by Walton Park, for a hot coffee and perhaps a slice of cake – if the date’s going well.

Perfect for: Couples who love to be active

Shop at the Makers Market

Taking place on the third Sunday of every month, the Makers Market is a great place to pick up fresh bread, produce and baked goods, meaning you can head home and create some culinary masterpieces in the kitchen.

Perfect for: Couples who love to support independent businesses

Make it burger night

Yard Burgers Mcr serves up some of the most succulent beef patties in town. Highlights include the ‘Snobby Cow’, a 4oz patty with caramelised onion chutney, cheese, bacon and truffle mayo, or for those with a larger appetite, you can’t go wrong with ‘Dirty Manc’ burger – two patties, dirty Manc sauce, cheese, pickles and lettuce.

Yard Burgers is open for takeaway Tuesday - Saturday 12-8pm, or if you’re passing and the weather’s nice, you can eat in their outside area.

Perfect for: Couples who really, really fancy a burger

Date going well and you want it to last longer? There are loads of terrific places to eat and drink in Sale.

Budget-friendly dates in Sale (that don't feel cheap)