Fairy tale castles, winding streets, rose-filled gardens and romantic retreats…call us biased, but we happen to think our county has some perfect date night locations.
These dreamy settings are a far cry from a meal kit dinner – we’re talking Italian loggias and glistening moats, sparkling wine tasting in vineyards and divine dinner for two with a sea view. Whether you need to dispel first-date jitters, or you’re preparing to pop a very important question, let us sweep you off your feet with ways to bring the romance in Kent…
Table for two
One of the newest additions to the ever-growing Folkestone Harbour Arm is brought to you by the team who already operate one of FHA’s shining stars, the Lighthouse Champagne Bar, the stylish beacon at the end of the arm. Now, couples can dine all year round at the Lighthouse Tasting Rooms. Reminiscent of a classic French bistro - fitting as the English Channel crashes against the side of the spectacular Harbour – this spot allows you views of the iconic White Cliffs, and even doorstep views to Calais on a clear day. Cosy and candlelit when night falls, this spot has an atmosphere and views to match its exquisite menu of large platter charcuterie, cheeses, and of course, fresh oysters. Pick a night with live music, and this elegant and intimate spot is ideal for a romantic evening.
Fit for a Queen
With so many castles in Kent (30, to be exact!), we had to include one or two for your consideration. Historic Hever Castle, with its enchanting double-moated castle, gardens and boating lake, was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn - though, don’t take that cursed courtship as a bad omen! The 13th-century castle is set within magnificent gardens including the majestic Italian garden and loggia. The loggia fountain is even based on the Trevi Fountain, so it’s fitting that this feels like an ancient Roman palace than English countryside.
Meanwhile, winner of awards including Kent Wedding Awards, Penshurst Place is a grand historical setting and was once home to Sir Philip Sydney who penned the romantic sonnet sequence, Astrophel and Stella. Their formal gardens will reopen February 11, just in time for a Valentine’s Day stroll.
Railway romance
Ever since Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard graced the screen in Brief Encounter, railways have had a certain romantic air about them. While we won’t tell you Euston at rush hour holds quite that same appeal, we can guarantee afternoon tea in your very own compartment aboard the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway will recapture that old school glamour. Plus, with the coastal gem of the Hythe Imperial Hotel just a short drive away, we recommend making a break of it with a sea-view-filled staycation and a glass or two in their Moet and Chandon Champagne Bar. You can even treat your loved one to afternoon tea aboard the Spa Valley Railway as you pass through the Oast houses and famous sandstone rocks of West Kent. Then, hop off the train in Tunbridge Wells and head to the Pantiles promenade for drinks at Thackeray’s or Hotel du Vin.
Spirited fun
A unique date night for gin lovers at Maidstone Distillery is a real hidden gem in the centre of Maidstone. You’ll be guided from grain to glass through a hands-on gin distillery experience, learning the art of spirit making on your very own copper pot still. What’s more, with Maidstone Distillery’s award-winning sustainability pledge, which includes running on 100 per cent green energy, going for a drink will never have felt more virtuous – and this spot is easily accessible by train from Maidstone station.
Wine and dine
Ah, a real classic date, but in Kent we like to do things a little differently! Take on the Gusbourne Discovery Tour and you’ll be swept away among the vines. Wander the beautiful countryside and learn all about the grapes that make Gusbourne’s sensational wines, before enjoying a delicious locally produced spread that perfectly complements a glass or two of the vineyard’s finest. 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 on your list, but did you also know Chapel Down is home to the two AA Rosette Swan Restaurant? This spring, you can enjoy them together with Chapel Down's Winter Wine Indulgence. After your knowledgeable guide leads you on a tour of the winery, you’ll enjoy a tasting session of their finest sparkling wines, followed by a light lunch in The Swan restaurant. And if you find yourself off work on a weekday afternoon, have your date night at Simpsons with all the luxury at a bargain price. Meander down the Roman Road Vineyard and hear about winemaking in the state-of-the-art winery, before finishing with a flourish of food fresh from Macknade, and tastings of Simpsons’ latest releases.
Adventurous dates
Foodies, it's time to your roll up your sleeves and get stuck in the Couples Cooking course at Kent Cookery School in Ashford. Choose your role – head chef or sous chef – and try your hand at everything from East Asian Fusion, Intro to Patisserie, Pasta and Prosecco or even ‘Dude Food’ (… you need to book and find out!).
If your love is more Bear Grylls than Gordon Ramsey, it’s time to take the romance to the water with a Canoe Wild Valentine’s Canoe Paddle. You and your partner in crime have the chance to take in the peace and tranquillity of the River Stour and spot wildlife along the way between Fordwich and Grove Ferry.
Did someone say partner in crime? Clue-seeking couples, have we got your attention? Partner up, bring along a few friends and take on Escape in the Tower at One Pound Lane, and crack clues, conundrums and codes in their award-winning escape rooms, voted one of the top five in the UK. All set within Canterbury’s former jail, you’ll take on the Crime and Punishment Lab, air attacks in the Blitz or Magna Carta Murder! After all that excitement in our historic city, you’ll have earned an overnight stay, so book up a night at the luxurious ABode right in the heart of the action.
Disconnect to reconnect
Run away from the rest of the world at one of Kent’s most secluded spots. Shepherd Hut staycations are one of the hottest trends in travel, and luckily we have some of the chicest spots right on our doorstep – you can soak up spectacular sunsets or starry, starry nights among the sheep at one of Romney Marsh’s Shepherd Huts. Modest rustic décor with warm timber panelling and twinkling fairylights (think ‘Cottagecore’) with luxury Romney Marsh Wools amenities inside, this spot can take you right off the grid, without compromising on little luxuries at a good price.
Finally, for very special occasions, only very special locations will do, and Elmley Nature Reserve is the only nature reserve in the UK you can stay in overnight. Gather around the firepit with toasted marshmallows after an exhilarating outdoor shower (even in the February weather!) before cosying up in their spacious, luxurious huts. Choose The Saltbox hut and enjoy your morning coffees in bed with undisrupted views from the full window for a wall at the end of your king-sized bed, complete with a breakfast hamper full of local produce right to your door. The perfect chance to pop an all important question? We think so…
