Romantic castles open late for twilight walks, cosy pubs with roaring fires and live music, or breaking the ice over trying a new skill. There's plenty of ways to do a date night, and when the cold winter comes crashing in, we want to make sure you know where to head for romantic outings that are worth leaving the house for! With ideas to keep the costs down but the romance alight, here's where to head for your winter date night in Kent...
Love at first bite
The Bear Lodge at Port Lympne
For the feeling of a getaway right on your doorstep, a romantic dinner at Port Lympne's brand-new Bear Lodge Restaurant in the surroundings of the bear habitats is a must. This makes for the perfect Friday night date night with their delicious Curry Nights to add a little spice to your romantic evening...
Balfour Winery: Winemakers’ Kitchen
A menu beautifully crafted to pair with Balfour’s award-winning wines. This brand-new experience will bring delicious seasonal produce from local producers so you and your date can wine and dine overlooking the very vines which inspired the dishes. It’s the ultimate dining experience for that foodie couple who love a delicious treat every now and then.
Canterbury Date Night is Calling
Fancy heading into the city for your next date night? We’ve got the perfect combo for the foodie couple. Try the brand-new Pan Asian Restaurant and Bar, Sekkoya (trust us this screams date vibes!) at Riverside before heading to the Curzon to catch the latest films. Or if you’ve had your food and you’re after a tipple, The Foundry is ideal for a casual drink of gin and beer and a chit chat. More of a wine drinking kind of couple? We’ve got you covered. Corkk offer amazing wine tasting sessions or just simply head there for a drink of your favourite wine, and it would be rude to not have some cheese to go with it! For something a little more active we suggest taking to One Pound Land for an escape room in the towers - a great way to break the ice on a first date and test the competitive side of your partner.
For those looking for a cosy night away, treat your other half to a romantic getaway at The Abode and choose from one of their luxurious bedrooms or venture out of the city to arrive at The Cave Hotel – the place to go for luxury, good vibes, and delicious food.
Kent Cookery School
Tired of that ‘who’s cooking?’ conversation? A perfect alternative to the usual date night, a date at Kent Cookery School means you’ll both be rolling up your sleeves and cooking fresh authentic recipes from scratch. With demonstrations by the tutor, you’ll be connecting and laughing while cooking up a storm together – book their Couples Cooking classes while you can! Psst, there won't be any arguing about who's doing the washing up!
Chapel Down
Just because we couldn’t leave out the wine-loving couples. But combine that with an amazing educational experience with Chapel Down, and you have the ultimate date on the table! Their Wine and Dine Experience will see you touring the vineyard and winery, followed by a tutored tasting of five wines, finishing up with a three-course set lunch at The Swan...our mouths are watering at just the thought of it!
The Butchers Block
Warm your belly as you warm your heart at The Butchers Block in Burham, where delicious dishes are waiting to be enjoyed. This country style pub brings not only fantastic, locally sourced meals – it’s also got an amazing atmosphere, meaning the date vibes are ticked and to perfection. Pull up a chair, tuck into your favourite comfort meal, and sip on a glass of wine from a vineyard just down the road.
Marc Pierre Kitchen
Venturing over to Ramsgate? Another foodie spot for your next date night is Marc Pierre Kitchen. With a menu boasting with home-made, and local produce featuring fresh local fish, seafood and free-range award-winning meats, trust us when we say you’re in for a delicious treat here – there’s a reason they won silver in the Taste of Kent Awards 2023.
Tunes & Tipples in Thanet
Margate has to make the list for coolest date night spots, with music venues and bars to get the drinks flowing and sparks flying. Cocktail night is always a good idea for a date night, so we suggest checking out The Glass Jar for cocktails with a seafront view, then why not head to GB Pizza, because let's face it, you can't go wrong with a pizza.
Fancy dinner and a show? Just down the road in Broadstairs, you'll find The Yarrow, a stunning hotel with a line up of events to remember. So whether you and that special someone want to relax with a Sunday Jazz Lunch, or to get stuck into a Students' Cocktail Night, you can find it here. Cut straight to the dining and tuck in at the Jetty - sea views, fresh seafood, and a brilliant atmosphere. What more could you want?
Get the Drinks Flowing in Maidstone
Looking for a date night in Maidstone? The Black Horse Inn, nestled in the North Downs is a cosy pub that offers quality food, drink, and accommodation. Their menu is crafted using ingredients sourced from local suppliers, creating delicious seasonal dishes to be enjoyed by their guests. This is definitely one for the couple looking for a chilled, relaxed evening, surrounded by a warm and friendly atmosphere. The Harrow at Stockbury is another relaxing Kentish pub, loved by the locals and surrounded by the stunning countryside. Their menu also boasts with local produce suggesting a great spot for a hearty Kentish meal.
Rocksalt, Folkestone
If you’ve visited Folkestone lately, you’ll definitely have seen Rocksalt, where the concept of “food with a view” truly comes to life. It’s safe to say this two AA rosette restaurant has long been a favourite in Kent, offering a delectable range of local produce, including the freshest fish and seafood, served up as you overlook the Kent coast. Oh, and did we mention their Wine Bar Happy Hour also runs from Wednesday to Friday evenings? We’re making our travel plans as we speak…
Magic moments
Betteshanger Park
Nothing creates those magic sparks like some festive wonder. This year, Betteshanger Park are top of our list for a wintry date night as they introduce their enchanting Christmas trail. Wander the grounds, following the shining pathways, and why not treat yourselves with a delicious meal at The Lamp Room? Bring the cameras, empty bellies, and you're in for a fantastic evening...
Gad's Hill Place
For one weekend only, join the Dickens Theatre Company in the unique setting of Gad's Hill Place, the former home of Charles Dickens, for their joyously authentic staging of this Victorian classic. The perfect addition to your winter date night, get stuck into the entertainment, and enter a whole new world as the beloved story of A Christmas Carol unfolds before you.
Leas Cliff Hall
What better way to escape that wintry chill than with some fantastic entertainment? Lucky for us, the Leas Cliff Hall is the perfect venue to do just that. Their lineup boasts a wide range of shows, so every couple in Kent will have something to choose from and enjoy on those cold, blustery evenings when you’re searching for something to do. Enjoy the timeless hits of Elton John, dive into festive magic, or be inspired by talks from icons. All of this (and more!) awaits, so have a look for yourself and get booked in!
Ashford Designer Outlet
With over 100 brands on site and up to 60% off RRP, date night doesn't have to break the bank thanks to Ashford Designer Outlet. Shopping, dinner, drinks is a classic formula for the ideal relaxed date night (we're thinking First Date vibes!) so head to one of their staple food chains like Pizza Express, Yo Sushi! and Nandos for a relaxing way to unwind after nabbing those bargains.
Love under lights
Magical, yes, Instagrammable, most definitely – the light trails in Kent are one to add to your list for the magical Christmas season. Walking hand in hand with a loved one at night while millions of lights twinkle around you, and food stalls and hot chocolate nearby has to be up there with the ultimate date night outing! Choose from the magical surroundings of Bedgebury Pinetum or the grand splendour of Leeds Castle illuminated.
Romance at the Castle
Home to the backdrop of an extremely famous courtship, Hever Castle, as they play host to a magical Christmas Lights experience from 4pm, when you can wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars to explore the grounds. Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas. Inside the Castle you will be met with beautiful traditionally decorated rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees to cosy up under... this date night is certainly fit for royalty.
Nights in shining amour
Keepers Cottages
Date night or date retreat? Let’s make it extra special and have a romantic getaway with Keeper’s Cottages. If you’re out and about in Deal, there’s some amazing cottages awaiting your arrival. Rosewood Cottage and The Drift both have a bright and colourful interior, with a cosy feel throughout. While you find yourself in Deal, you might just want to check out Coop's Landing, a charming cottage just minutes from the sea, fit with a gas fire, perfect for those cosy evenings together.
One for those exploring the beautiful coastal town of Whitstable. With so much to discover, we’re not surprised you’d like to hang around and stay longer! Peace Cottage and West Cliff are two beautiful properties both with a log burner, private garden, and a stone’s throw away from the beach. Bring your furry friend too and explore the town, or why not make it a couples retreat as Peace Cottage sleeps 6 guests and West Cliff can host 8!
Hythe Imperial
A night away on the seafront is calling to us, and the Hythe Imperial Hotel has packaged up a couple of extra special stays that we just can’t resist. Why not treat yourself and a loved one to the Sea, Sparkle and Stay break, bringing a touch of magic to your winter? That invigorating sea air will refresh your senses, waking up the mind and body, before you settle into your itinerary of sauna visits, indoor pool swimming, and tucking into some fantastic fishes at their award-winning AA Rosette Coast Restaurant.
Getaway together
For the ultimate romantic getaway, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offers some luxurious and unique options across its stunning 600-acre parkland. A magical night under the stars awaits you in the reserve’s 180-degree, panoramic bubble pod. A secluded natural sanctuary for those seeking a night away in nature, The Bubble creates an immersive experience where guests can enjoy the sounds of the safari from the private balcony, watching the glittering constellations. Imagine spending the night sleeping with the lions! Well you can do just that at Port Lympne's most luxurious retreat, Lion Lodge. This amazing experience offers you the chance to immerse yourselves in the lives of Kamari and Hasani, two truly majestic African lions.
No.42 Guesthouse Margate
No.42 Guesthouse in Margate is sprinkling the festive magic amongst the couples this winter with their brand-new festive packages and winter/Sunday roast menus at their restaurant, Pearly Cow. Indulge in a delicious feast of mouth-watering dishes, overlooking the beautiful Kent coastline with your special date – it doesn’t get more romantic than that!
Why not spend the night? This boutique hotel reflects the town’s character with dreamy views across the bay and 21 Victorian-style bedrooms some with balconies, making for the perfect romantic stay in this popular seaside town.
Leeds Castle Luxury Lakeside Lodges
Perfect for this winter getaways, Leeds Castle hits the nail on the head with their Lakeside Lodges, creating a peaceful experience for their guests, with views overlooking the Great Water. The lodges boast modern amenities, providing a comfortable and charming stay with picturesque surroundings. If this isn't the perfect idea for a date night, then we don’t know what is!
Travel with Southeastern
Why not head to your winter date night by train and travel sustainably with Southeastern? You can now grab an e-ticket, for a more convenient digital alternative to paper tickets.
