To not want to ‘sit in the park’ on a second date?

Sitting in the sunshine in the deck chairs in Green Park with an ice cream would make a great date.
Sitting in your local rec on a grafitti'ed bench avoiding the bird poo and the missing middle plank, not so much!

It's fine so long as he's bringing the Special Brew.

I'd go for it. Probably just wants to see if you get on in different environments.

If it's shit weather you can always suggest moving on to a cafe or pub.

I've had some great dates sitting a park with some snacks and drinks. It does sound like a suggestion rom a guy who's more lowkey rather than someone who's all bling and tries to get women into bed by flashing the cash, but tbh that's the type of person I tend to go for.

OP if you don't want him, feel free to send him my way...

For me, just ‘sitting in the park’ is something I’d do spontaneously on a hot day with someone I already knew very well, not on a first or second date with someone I’d only just met.

For a first date I’d have a couple of drinks somewhere, then for a second date I’d suggest either going for food or doing something where there’s something to look at/talk about, like going to an art exhibition or something.

I would also turn my nose up at ‘a coffee’ or a walk though, so I might not be that representative! It’s been many years since I was in the dating game.

No, not for me either op. I would suggest something else and see what he says. Sounds like he’s tight, or likes parks - neither are particularly appealing to me, tbh. But if he’s just trying to come up with something a bit less cliched than the usual, and is open to another (inside in the warm) suggestIon, then fine.

I mean DH and I used to "sit in the park" when we first met because we were skint students. It was a nice park with a pond etc and we usually had a walk then sit chatting, we also met in summer!
Maybe he's thinking it'll be nice to have a little walk and chat.
I agree rubbish in the rain though, you could suggest how about we get a drink /coffee instead seeing as it's raining

I'd infinitely prefer a walk in a {Good} park than sit in a restaurant- But coffee and cake would be good.

If the first date was drinks and went well then the second date should be more effortful I think. If we were in the midst of a heat wave, then a picnic date in the park with good food and wine could be lovely. Coffee and a walk around what'll probably be a wet park is pretty meh. It's more of a first date quick-and-cheap meet up isn't it? 3rd date at McDonalds??

I love the idea, I love nature and it's quiet and you can chat. Although I would suggest somewhere else if it's going to rain.

"All my successful relationships all started with a romantic meal" But they haven't lasted so maybe it's worth being open to someone who does things differently.

If it was somewhere like Richmond Park, it wouldn't be so bad, with a café where you can have coffee and cake- But a 'sit on the grass and snog'' type thing- not very enticing.

Does he mean a bench, or will he bring a picnic rug to sit on?..

This is exactly what I'd do.

I'd go for a walk in the park on a first or second date (especially if the guy had a dog, then that's all I'd want to do, with my dog too. Would need to know if the dogs gelled...!) Combine it with a sit down in a cafe, and things are all very good indeed.

If he really means sit in the park talking, no refreshments, etc. I'd say no. It would feel like a weird job interview.

Perhaps he doesnt like any of those. There is plenty of people who would still prefer a walk in the park.

I agree a man shouldnt have to impress by choosing a type of date. I dont get why that isnt generally a discussion between the two people.

That's awful, and he didn't even offer to bring the bread for the ducks?

I would be delighted by this suggestion and think it bodes well

exactly this

Very sensible post.

I'd be kind but honest - tell him you'd like to see him again, but would rather do something other than sit at the park. If he's gracious about it, and you go elsewhere then that's great. If he moans or makes passive aggressive comments, you've had a lucky escape. If he takes you somewhere else but then keeps suggesting other outings / dates which are not to your taste / focusing on doing things cheaply, he might be a nice guy but not the one for you, so I'd break things off then too. Dating is about finding these sorts of things out after all! But I wouldn't assume the worst yet. He could have just misjudged what a good date (for you) is and not checked the forecast.

He’ll need more than a fiver.

No.

God you think the absolute worst of people.

I'd be more comfortable in a park than in a restaurant for a second date. You don't have that awkwardness with what to say when the bill arrives. You can leave at any time if it isn't going well without any fuss. You don't have to just sit and stare at each other which is fine if things are going well but uncomfortable if not. I'd be pleased, especially if it was a lively park with lots going on and good coffee and cake.

What's the park like? For example, the one closest to me is populated by street drinkers and looks like the set for a dystopian film but there is another one further away which has beautiful gardens, a museum, a large lake and two cafes

😂