Fairy tale castles, winding streets, romantic retreats and luxury dining…call us biased, but we happen to think our county has some perfect date night locations.
Whether you feel as though you’ve spent rather a lot of time at home with your partner lately and are searching for a date night backdrop that isn’t your own dining room, or you’re looking for a first date location to woo someone special, we’re here to help.
A date night in Thanet
Turner Contemporary
There’s a reason J.M.W Turner was drawn to Margate – those sunsets are SENSATIONAL! Before strolling the beach to watch those colourful skies, we recommend checking out the new Turner Contemporary café, Louis on Sea, launching January 20th. Café by day and restaurant by night, this exciting new opening makes for the perfect date, whether you fancy a relaxing coffee and chit chat, or are looking to dance the night away to live music.
Dreamland
No matter what you say, we know everyone has a fun, childish side to them when it comes to fair rides and amusement games, so a date night at Dreamland is definitely on the cards, and with free entry, you can't really go wrong! Why not plan your date in the summer for one of their amazing events, or skate into the arms of your date with their Roller Disco - that would be a laugh for sure... or a way to break the ice (hopefully not a bone!)
No. 42, Margate by GuestHouse
Just a 10-minute stroll from Margate Station and you’ll come to find a beautiful Victorian beachfront building with glorious panoramic views from No.42, by GuestHouse. Offering 21 beautiful bedrooms including en-suites and decorated with a selection of pieces from talented local artists and designers, to reflect the art culture of this popular seaside town. Why not visit for a delicious meal at The Pearly Cow restaurant or enjoy a cocktail or two in the Lounge Bar?
Got the Love Festival
25th May 2024
Recapture your uni days and nights out back in the day at Got the Love Festival, a 90s and 00s celebration at Quex Park that's packed with iconic headliners, including Vengaboys, Blue, Peter Andre, Diversity, Basshunter, Ultrabeat and more. Dance the day away, feel the nostalgia and remember those hazy, rose-tinted days with fairground rides, retro shopping, VR gaming and more at this fun family festival.
Westwood Cross
Dinner and a movie – we love that classic combination, so you’ll find us heading to Westwood Cross for our next relaxed Saturday night out. Choose from Bella Italia, Frankie and Benny’s, Ask Italian or Nando’s for tastes from around the world. After your romantic meal, why not get cosy and snuggle down to watch the latest movie releases at The Vue Cinema.
The Old Bank House
Just in case you wanted to extend your stay in Thanet (which no doubt you will!) we had to mention The Old Bank House – the perfect holiday home located in the heart of Margate. This Keeper’s Cottages property is the ideal cosy home that you can retreat back to after your outing in Margate. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed a romantic dinner at Bottega Caruso followed by cocktails The Clockwork Cocktail Company? These two romantic spots are definitely worth the visit for your date night, before retreating back to The Old Bank House.
A date night in Maidstone
Valentine's Wine & Tasting Experience at Leeds Castle
Wine Tours of Kent and Leeds Castle or joining forces this Valentine’s to create a romantic evening for you and your lucky date. On February 17th you’ll dine a dreamy six-course tasting meal at The Grand Salon, crafted by The Curious chefs. Of course, you can expect to enjoy your courses with exquisite Kentish wines, before spending the night in a luxurious castle room. Your magical Valentine’s evening awaits…
Maidstone Distillery
Maidstone Distillery makes for the perfect date, especially if you're looking for something a little different. With experiences sure to get sparks flying and the conversation flowing, from their Cocktail Masterclass to Distillery Tour & Tasting - you're spoilt for choice! It's one for the gin-loving couple that's for sure!
Balfour Winery Winemakers' Kitchen
Dining with a loved one is always a popular date idea. The chance to reconnect or maybe learn a thing or two about someone. So, to set the scene on your perfect evening meal, taking your lucky date to Winemakers' Kitchen at Balfour Winery sounds like just place. With seasonal dishes crafted using local produce, a meal here accompanied by their award-winning wines whilst overlooking the vines... it doesn't get more perfect than this.
Chilston Park Hotel
A country house hotel with a stylish and modern feel, a date night here will be sure to impress. Whether you're looking to stay the night in their luxury suits or dine in the Culpeper's Restaurant, there's a reason Chilston Park is an award-winning 4 Red Star hotel. Looking for something extra special? Plan your date night around one of the hotel's wonderful events, from jazz nights to afternoon tea.
A date night in Ashford
Ashford Designer Outlet
Shoppers listen up, because a date over at Ashford Designer Outlet is calling! With over 100 stores to browse from and pick your favourite items, perhaps you're looking to treat your date to a thing or two, because who doesn’t love a bit of designer wear, especially at these great prices. Feeling the hunger after a busy few hours shopping? We feel ya! It’s a good thing the outlet is home to 14 cafes and restaurants. So, whether a cheeky Nando's or Wagas is top of your list or the Italian dishes at Pizza Express are calling your name, we know a recharge and a good meal is much needed after all that shopping.
Gusbourne Estate Tour
Going all out for your date? Why not! Let’s not deny it, we’ve all wanted to visit a vineyard on a date, right? Or perhaps you already have and can’t wait for your next visit? There’s just something about the romantic setting and picturesque views that make it so special, and over at Gusbourne, you’ll get to experience just that. But to make your date extra special, why not book an Estate Tour where you’ll learn about the process of their winemaking before cosying up in the tasting rooms to enjoy a range of exquisite wines accompanied by a sumptuous three-course lunch.
Chapel Down
You’ll no doubt have heard of Chapel Down and their exceptional wines, so we don’t need to tell you that a tour and tasting at this beautiful vineyard should be top of your list. But you can also enjoy a luxury dining experience, a sharing platter for two or a walk in the vines. So don't miss out on an unmissable experience at Chapel Down, whatever you and your partner go for, you'll be sure to feel the love!
Coachworks
It’s of no surprise that we are BIG fans of The Coachworks Ashford. With wood-fired pizzas, cocktails, burritos, BBQ, live music and more, all under the twinkling lights of The Yard, we can’t think of a better spot to enjoy a bit of quality time with your partner. This is definitely one to put on your list of summer date nights.
Kent Cookery School
Foodies, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the Couples Cooking course at Kent Cookery School. With the chance to cook together and craft a delicious two course meal to enjoy in the candlelit pantry, this has to be the perfect food-filled date night.
Curious Brewery
A date a Curious Brewery in Ashford is definitely on the cards. Whether you and your partner are looking to learn a thing or two about the brewing process in a Brewery Tour where you’ll hear about their history, story and what goes into making their award-winning beers & ciders, or you’re simply looking to chill out and have a chit chat over beer (or your favourite tipple) and some yummy food in their restaurant. We’ve seen the menu, and trust us, it looks tempting!
A date night in Medway
Bridgewood Manor
We’ve got a treat in mind that sounds like just the thing you and your other half are in need of, and that’s Bridgewood Manor's Luxury Overnight Spa Break. With two treatments, a light lunch accompanied by a delicious glass of bubbly followed by dinner in Squires Restaurant and an overnight stay, this package contains everything you need for a relaxing, luxurious date.
Copper Rivet Distillery
A date night at Copper Rivet Distillery will certainly be one to remember! From Signature Cocktail Masterclasses to Masthouse Whisky Blending Experiences, try something different and treat your other half this Valentine’s Day. Oh, there something else we’d recommend doing with Copper Rivet Distillery, and that’s their Tours & Restaurant Experience. After your Gin or Masthouse Whisky tour, you’ll take part in a tasting of their crafted spirits and end with a complimentary drink in The Pumproom cocktail bar and restaurant. Feeling hungry? Finish off your date with a delicious meal in The Pumproom restaurant. What more could you want?
A date night in Canterbury
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Valentine's four-Course Dinner
The special day where we celebrate love is coming up, so we know a date night is on the table. Luckily for you, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge are hosting a romantic 4-course dinner with pianist and you're invited, but there's limited availability be sure to book now! You're probably thinking it can't get anymore special than that? But just to prove you wrong, you can also stay the night and make the most of the Valentine’s overnight package.
Corkk
Voted the top 45 hippest bars in the UK by The Times and best independent retailer in England and Wales 2023 by Decanter this gem is sure to be on your date night list. Located in the heart of Canterbury, Corkk offers amazing wine experiences, like their Thursday special wine tasting experience and a wine sampling experience. You'll also be tempted by one of their delicious locally sourced platters, from charcuterie to vegetarian and of course cheese, because nothing complements wine better than cheese!
The Foundry Brewpub
Why not take your other half to the historic Foundry Brewpub in Canterbury where they distil local favourite, Canterbury Gin, along with a range of brewed beers. Feeling hungry? Then you'll be tempted into a delicious meal from a variety of pub favourites.
Photo Credit: Marlowe Theatre
The Marlowe Theatre
Oh yes, we had to get at least one theatre in our date night list, after all, dinner and a show, it's a classic date night idea. Over at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury you'll find some amazing upcoming productions for 2024 and the perfect location means you're spoilt for choice when it comes to dining beforehand.
Little Sail Loft, Whitstable
Moving out of the city and over to the local seaside town of Whitstable, we thought you might like to hear about this gem if you're looking to stay in the area a little longer. Little Sail Loft is the ideal romantic home-from-home, located in the surroundings of a vibrant town where romantic walks, local restaurants, and stunning sunsets can all be found. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, this cosy cottage is ready to welcome those coastal loving couples for a romantic weekend getaway.
A date night in Folkestone & Hythe
Bear Lodge Restaurant at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Another restaurant that we just had to mention is Bear Lodge Restaurant at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. From Curry Nights to Sunday Roasts, it’s the perfect way to make your Valentine’s week a special one. Not only that, but how do you fancy enjoying your delicious meal overlooking the bear habitat? It is called Bear Lodge after all!
Battle of Britain Memorial Trust
Not your usual dinner and drinks date, instead, a wonderfully unique experience with Battle of Britain Memorial Trust combining delicious cream tea with an insight in the Battle that changed history. The experience package features a personal guided tour of the site, tickets to The Scramble Experience and tea for two with a glass of Prosecco each (oh go on then, as it’s a special occasion!).
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Valentine's Dinner
Love is most definitely in the air and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the list of amazing things to do with your special someone continues, and we have a feeling you’re going to want to hear more about this one. Travel by steam train from New Romney down to the End of the Line Restaurant at Dungeness. You and your date will be greeted with your choice of welcome drink before being seated at your reserved table for your sumptuous three-course meal before your return train.
Discover the Kent Downs
Hello walkers, we’ve got something for you both! A romantic walk with stunning panoramic views, who doesn’t want to do that for a date? Whether you’re getting to know each other on a first date, or you’re already a pair of hikers who love to explore, a walk discovering the Kent Downs certainly won’t fail to disappoint as a date idea. Don't forget, in the warmer months, bring some snacks and some fizz and turn your walking date into a picnic for two.
Let's travel sustainably!
Stagecoach
For low-cost travel around Kent, try Stagecoach’s bus services. Stagecoach makes it easy to get to and from main towns and attractions including the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, blue flag beaches in Thanet, several nature reserves and the historical Dover Castle on the White Cliffs of Dover.
Southeastern
Travelling around the Garden of England couldn’t be easier by train – just sit back, relax and enjoy the Kent countryside as you travel. With date night locations in walking distance from local stations travelling with Southeastern is the way to go for your date night plans.
