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Holly Loftus
11th February 2025

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

Chapel House Estate

Treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day to a fantastic dining experience at number nine located at Chapel House Estate. Delve into their Valentines sharing specials perfectly created to be enjoyed together filled with divine flavours to impress any guest you bring! Let’s make it a romantic weekend to remember! Book a cosy weekend away at Chapel House Estate where you can experience the luxurious hideaway lodges where comfort and romance await.

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 Turner Contemporary café, Louis on Sea. Café by day and restaurant by night, perfect for a 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 

24th May 2025

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, yet to be released! 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 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

A Valentine's Day to remember

Enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner with atmospheric music in the elegant rooms of Leeds Castle. 

This one to remember Valentine's experience will create unforgettable memories treating your loved one to the most perfect staycation!

Leave the cosy getaway planning to Leeds Castle as they have prepared an incredible package offer with dinner and a romantic retreat. 

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

What better time to drink wine than on Valentines Day? Head over to Balfour Winery for a romantic evening with live music and a delicious curate menu is awaiting you and your partner paired with their award-winning wines surrounded by the beautiful views of the vineyard. 

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

Join Gusbourne on Saturday 22nd February and explore what Gusbourne has to offer! Taste a variety of vintages side-by=side and discover the impact of growing season and cellar ageing. On the tour you will be able to take a look at their Single Vineyard Blanc de Blancs and then delve into a delicious late-disgorged bottling plus a tasty three-course lunch.

Come and celebrate 10-years in the bottle at Gusbourne on their 10 years on – 2015 vintage masterclass and lunch tour. Take a deep dive around the cellar finding out about the rare and exclusive world of bottle-aged English sparkling wine. Taste the delicious flavour profiles and how they have developed over the 10 years through a hosted masterclass tasting, followed by an amazing three-course lunch with wine pairings.

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

Mars: War & Peace

Mars has arrived to Rochester Cathedral this valentines, a touring artwork by artist Luke Jerram following from his other artworks Museum of the Moon and Gaia. Discover the history behind Mars and listen to the newly created sound composition by Dan Jones, a BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer. Close your eyes are listen to the beautiful sounds of seas, deserts and clips from NASA missions to Mars. Mars is free of charge during the day but why not book Mars after Dark where you will see the Cathedral bathed in the light of the red planet or take a look at their music and concerts that have been inspired by Mars itself.

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

Canoe Wild

Come to Canterbury and Canoe for two at Canoe Wild. Now that the winter is fading Canoe Wild will be reopening in March and are offering 15% off all their 2025 bookings and 20& off all bookings over £100. So book a kayak, canoe or even a stand up paddleboard with your loved one for a fun-filled experience. Make sure to take a look at their variety of experiences that are on offer from sea kayaking seal tours, to beaver tour and talk, or paddle into the sunset.

The Dog Wingham –

Head over to The Dog, an award-winning gastro pub in the beautiful village of Wingham. Book a valentines day celebration dinner with a variety of amazing starters, mains and deserts set to please any couple!

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 2025 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.

A date night in Tunbridge Wells

Valentines concerts in Tunbridge Wells –

Looking for that magical romantic concert to take you valentine to? Royal Tunbridge Wells has got you covered! On Saturday 15th February at the historic King Charles the Martyr Church you will be able to enjoy performances of timeless classical music with a beautiful romantic glow form candlelight’s truly creating a memorable experience. From 6pm to 7pm enjoy the first concert, Valentines Classics by Candlelight transporting the audience into a world of romance and beauty. Then from 8pm – 9pm the second concert, Valentines Vivaldi by Candlelight will be on promising to be an unforgettable celebration of classical music.

A date night in Dover

Holiday Inn Dover –

Not everyone likes to do the typical dinner date with their partner so why not book a delicious Afternoon Tea at the Holiday Inn Dover filled with a selection of tasty sweet treats and savoury bites.

Now if you are looking for that special place to take your loved one out for dinner then come to Holiday Inn Dover where you can enjoy a fantastic 5-course dinner where you will start your evening with a complimentary drink followed by a romantic dinner and live entertainment.

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.

Rest your head...

Now we know that comfort is in everyone’s minds when booking a stay away so make sure to take a look at Keepers Cottages who offer beautiful, cosy properties available in many locations around Kent.

Folkestone Terrace

After your fun-filled day out in Folkestone, come and rest your head at Folkestone Terrace, just a short walk from the famous Harbour Arm, this cosy accommodation is the perfect place to curl up!

Willow Tree Lodge

Located just outside of Canterbury is the Willow Tree Lodge. This idyllic retreat is perfect for a couple weekend away overlooking the beautiful bank of Little Stour and views of a huge Willow Tree just outside!

Coops Landing

Are you looking for somewhere to stay in the Deal area? Well Coops Landing is the place to book! This accommodation is deal for couples plus you can bring your little fur baby too and is just seconds from the beach!

Star Cottage

Star Cottage is a classic pretty coastal cottage and is just a short walk to the beach or high street! Sleeping up to four guests, this is a perfect place to stay plus this is another property where your fur babies are welcome to join!

Greenhill Glamping

Are you looking for a quirky and romantic place to stay in the Dover area? Located in the beautiful Alkham Valley is Greenhill Glamping with two renovated Shepherd’s Huts with a vintage look like is an excellent glamping experience to bring your loved one.

Peverells Tower at Dover Castle

There is a huge variety of self-catering properties in the White Cliffs Country but did you know that you could stay in Peverell’s Tower at Dover Castle? This is a one-bedroom holiday cottage with a private rooftop terrace overlooking beautiful views across the Channel!

 

Dutch barge

Here’s something completely different! Stay on a Dutch barge, moored in the medieval town of Sandwich! With two single bunk beds, sofa bed and a separate master bedroom  this is truly a staycation your loved one will cherish!

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.