You certainly don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fun and romantic time, whether it’s your first date or the 101st. There are lots of things you can do that are either free or won’t break the bank. 1. Take the plunge The benefits of cold water swimming have been well-documented, with evidence that it boosts everything from immunity to mental health. Advocates also suggest that the shared sense of euphoria you get once you re-emerge can help foster new connections and create a bond. Warm up afterwards by surprising your date with a flask of hot chocolate. Remember: if you’re going wild swimming rather than heading to your local pool or lido, check The Rivers Trust sewage map or the Surfers Against Sewage website and app. Nothing kills an amorous mood quicker than a floating turd … 2. Have a winter picnic Embrace the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (“free-air life”) and dine outside regardless of the weather. Bundle up in your best “gorpcore” attire (where outdoor gear is incorporated into everyday fashion) and head to your nearest picnic spot - your local park is fine. Bring a flask of homemade soup and warm savoury pastries, and a blanket to snuggle under. 3. Head to a pier Watching the sunset from a seaside pier is always romantic. And even better on a cold winter’s day while sharing a box of hot, salty chips. There are about 55 piers in the UK, most of which were built by the Victorians, so you can admire pretty ironwork detailing and ornate pavilions. At 155 years old, Clevedon in Somerset is Britain’s only Grade I-listed surviving pier and overlooks the Severn estuary. In Norfolk, Cromer’s pier opened in 1901, while Bangor Pier in Wales, which first opened in 1886, boasts vintage penny slot machines. One pound buys five old penny tokens – enough to give you ample turns to hook a duck. 4. Go ‘leaf peeping’ Admire the seasonal colour changes of foliage as you take a long walk. If you want to venture further than your local green space, websites such as Walking in England and Ordnance Survey have plenty of suggestions for free routes. Download the Woodland Trust’s free tree identification app to help distinguish your crack willow from your white willow, and a birdsong app such as Warblr for some competitive sound-spotting. 5. Swoon over art For centuries, artists have been creating paintings, sculptures and drawings to try to capture the complexity of love. You can visit some of the most romantic, erotic and heartbreaking artworks for free. Swoon in front of John Gibson’s marble sculpture depicting Cupid and Psyche at London’s Royal Academy, or feel all the feels as you stand in front of Rossetti’s Dante’s Dream that imagines him beside the deathbed of his unrequited love at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. 6. Upgrade your TV night Turn a TV binge into an at-home spa session by picking up a couple of sheet face masks for cheap online or at your local pharmacy. Let them sink in as you enjoy a homemade cocktail such as a picante, which requires just three ingredients: tequila, coriander and chilli. Tie a ribbon around the stem of the glass to feel like you’re sitting in a fancy bar rather than lounging on your sofa. 7. Visit a historic site History is hot. Just think of all those passionate Viking courtships and illicit affairs during the Age of Enlightenment. English Heritage’s website has a list of historical sites that are free to explore, including the standing stones at Avebury, an 18th-century English baroque country house on the Isle of Wight, and lots of castles and abbeys. 8. Check out a cemetery A wander around a cemetery is definitely going to be more memorable than your standard dinner and drinks. Although on paper it might sound a little morbid, where else is better to prompt a deep discussion of the big things like life and death? Sure, you’ve got famous burial grounds such as London’s Highgate cemetery where Karl Marx and Catherine Dickens lie (adult tickets cost £10), but a free visit to your local graveyard could prove just as fruitful for inspiring conversation. From unmarked headstones to declarations of devotion, prepare to go deep. 9. Free lectures It may not sound very sexy, but a heated political debate or energising sociological discussion could add some much-needed stimulation to a long-term relationship or, for those in the early days of dating, help suss out if your values align. The British Academy runs a series of free lectures delivered by academics around the country. Or check out your nearest university, as it is likely to run events, some of which may be free to attend.