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.
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?
A date night in Maidstone
A romantic stay at Leeds Castle
A stay in a fairy-tale castle? Treat your king or queen to a night at the beautiful Leeds Castle and you'll have your pick of luxe castle stays, a room with a view in a Lakeside Lodge or a cosy stay in one of the holiday cottages in the castle grounds. Cap off your stay with a visit to the castle and discover the former home of Lady Baillie and decades of elegance and decadence.
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
Balfour Winery's Winemaker's Kitchen will be serving a Valentine's special of seasonal dishes paired with Balfour Winery's very own award-winning wines. Soak up views across the vineyard and the chance to sip and sample some of Kent's finest. Whether it's a first date or a night out with your forever Valentine, this will be an evening to remember.
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 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
Come 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.
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!
Or why not celebrate with an indulgent afternoon tea experience. Enjoy a selection of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and exquisite pastries, all perfectly paired with Chapel Down's award-winning English sparkling wine.
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.
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. 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 date night dinner with a variety of amazing starters, mains and deserts set to please any couple!
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.
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 2026 and the perfect location means you're spoilt for choice when it comes to dining beforehand.
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!
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 Dover
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.
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!
A stay for two
Love is in the air in Tunbridge Wells
Romance aboard the Spa Valley Railway
Celebrate Valentine's Day aboard the Spa Valley Railway with two romantic experiences. The Evening Dining package offers couples a four-course meal on the beautifully restored High Weald Belle dining train, complete with complimentary prosecco, departing at 19:00 for £80 per person. Alternatively, combine a scenic steam train journey with Birchden Vineyard's guided tour and wine tasting, perfect for families seeking countryside charm and locally-produced wines.
Let's travel sustainably!
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.
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.
