Romantic date ideas for Valentine’s Day in Kent in 2023
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and that can only mean one thing - finding the perfect present to show that special someone that you care.
If your other half is expecting more than a box of chocolates and a bunch of carnations from the local garage, we’ve got some great ideas to help you celebrate the most romantic day of the year.
Catch a romantic movie
A trip to the cinema is a classic date idea, and you really can’t go wrong with a romantic film and a shared bucket of popcorn. This Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of films showing across the county that you and your other half might enjoy. You can see ‘90s blockbuster Notting Hill at Showcase Cinema de Lux in Bluewater, a special 3D version of Titanic at Cineworld in Ashford, Dover and Rochester, and the final film in Channing Tatum’s smash hit franchise, Magic Mike’s Last Dance, at Curzon Riverside in Canterbury - to name just a few.
Buy a beautiful bouquet
Flowers might not be the most out-of-the-box idea, but many people still love (and expect!) to receive a blooming bouquet from their other half. If you’re not sure where to buy the best bouquet this year, Floom can help you out. The online retailer brings together a selection of florists selling special arrangements for Valentine’s Day that are either based in Kent, such as Flo and the Foxglove in Folkestone or Lady Penelope's in Canterbury, or can all be delivered to the county. Find a bouquet online here.
Raise a glass under the Peace Doves
Visit Rochester Cathedral and marvel at the latest art installation to call this historic building home. Take a seat beneath Peter Walker’s Peace Doves exhibition, which features a flock of paper doves adorned with messages of love and hope, and see this unique piece of art after dark. Your ticket will include a glass of prosecco each, and there will also be a bar open throughout the evening. Book online here.
Spend some time on Love Lane
The aptly-named Love Lane is a quiet street in Canterbury that is full of options for Valentine’s Day. At the end of the lane are two great places to enjoy food and drink, from a traditional Kentish pub to a cosy coffee house. The Two Sawyers offers real ale, an extensive gin list and a daily food menu of burgers, pies and baguettes, while Phoebes is a warm and welcoming cafe serving hot drinks, sandwiches and homemade cake.
Shop ‘til you drop
We all deserve a treat every now and then, and a unique shopping experience at one of Kent’s top retail destinations is a great way to do just that. You can book a personal shopping experience, where a stylist will take you on a three-hour trip to the Greenhithe shopping centre and help you overhaul your wardrobe and find something special to wear on date night. Or, you can choose one of the mall’s department stores, such as House of Fraser or John Lewis, and book yourself some time with their personal shoppers.
Visit a vineyard
If you and your partner enjoy sharing a nice bottle of wine, you might want to book a visit to Chapel Down. The Tenterden vineyard is offering an exclusive Sparkling Lovers tour, which invites couples to explore the beautiful countryside location with a vineyard tour, learn about the process of making award-winning sparkling wine, take part in a tutored tasting session and leave with a complimentary bottle of English Rose Sparkling between you. Book online here.
Share oysters by the sea
Whitstable’s oysters have become world-famous, with visitors flocking to the seaside town just to taste them. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this much-loved seafood dish, also known for being an aphrodisiac, could be the perfect meal to set the tone for your evening. There are a number of restaurants in town serving fresh oysters, such as the Whitstable Oyster Company in Horsebridge, the Oyster Bed at Thanet Way, the Lobster Shack in the East Quay of Whitstable Harbour and Wheelers Oyster Bar on the High Street.