Romantic Date Ideas For Couples In Kent

Ah Kent, the land where romantic dreams are made and sold, a fairytale narrative of seaside towns, interwoven with retro delights and picturebook gardens. Couples kissing against a dreamy pink sunset, frolicking in sand dunes, while breathing in the air of love at Hever Castle and Gardens. From seaside walks across Whitstable to a night at the arcades, there is no shortage of quirky date ideas for couples in Kent.

Channel your inner child at Dreamland Margate, giggling with glee as you step back in time in the roller room, while your partner looks on with amusement. Bring out your competitive side at the Flamingo Arcade and Lost Island Golf, both you and your love in hysterics as you challenge each other to a game off. And what about a cheeky tipple at The Rum Clinic in Folkestone, a riot of beautific colour?

You and your partner waltz into a wonderland of romance, where the seagulls watch on bemused, as you make sand angels on the beaches of Kent, the sky deepening to a dusky pink. You crave an exploratory adventure which will help you find true love during a pandemic, amazed by the picturesque beauty of The White Cliffs of Dover, where the South Foreland Lighthouse glints in the nearby distance.

Whether you are newly weds, happily married or have recently got together, there are plenty of romantic date ideas for couples in Kent. For gentle, nature loving kindred souls, a date in Kent might come to a stunning conclusion at Wildwood Trust, a breathtaking wildlife park and conservation charity. Or if history is more your guy’s thang, grab a slice of the action at Hever Castle and Gardens.

No matter if you are quirky and eccentric, a food lover and drink critic or a flower enthusiast, Kent has something for everyone. If you are going on a first date, the calming lull of Whistable might be right up your street, while locals who are looking to score a date can try dating apps, like Mature Kent Dating, for a dating agency Kent locals can vouch for. After all, where better to find love than in Kent?

A Night At The Arcades Can Get You Feelin’ Lucky 

You and your love have always been dreamers, caught up in a whimsical fantasy where you and your gamer boyfriend would play retro games all night long. You would chortle at the penny slot machines in the arcade, caught up in a quest to win a cuddly toy, no matter how many tries it took you. It reminded you of D’s birthday surprise for you, a weekend in Margate that was subliminally magical.

The Flamingo Arcade was a riot for the senses, the epitome of date ideas for couples in Kent that you simply had to try. From the moment you and your partner walked in, you were embraced in colour, yellows and reds intermixed with deep blues and greens. The sounds of the penny slot machines were oddly reassuring, remembering whittling away the hours during childhood tirades. You loved how you both felt the same.

Happiness radiated from you both, as you competed against each other on the dance machine, battling it out to be crowned the ultimate champion. You had the ultimate edge over D, but it wouldn’t be long before he got his own back, hurtling pucks at your designated goal, during a game of Air Force Hockey. From VR bowling to fruit slot machines, before you knew it the night was over, but not for long.

You came back the next day, piqued by the Lost Island Golf, that claimed you would be on an adventure that you would never forget. It was time to find out, who would be the ultimate champ champ at crazy golf? Would it be you, the competive yet loveable weirdo or D the original retro gamer with a quirky personality? It was a nailbiting game, with laughs along the way but D had been crowned the overall winner.

*Arcade Prices Vary Depending On What You Play. Adventurers pay £7 each for Lost Island Golf Tickets *

Best For Retro Game Lovers 

Channel Your Inner Dreamer At Dreamland Margate 

D and A stepped back into time, where vintage rides sparkled with warmth and fun, and Dreamland Margate opened its welcoming arms in a cozy embrace. Though Dreamdland Margate might be closed due to the lockdown restrictions, Ana nevertheless thought ahead, giving her readers romantic and quirky date ideas for couples in Kent, when the government allowed it. There would be rides, food, and magic galore.

D & A would be screaming with laughter on the Dreamland Drop, an adrenaline-fuelled ‘shoot up and drop’ tower, overlooking the amusement park in a panoramic session. They would gallop on the gallopers, graceful swishy mares that begged to be ridden, coaxed with toffee apples during your romantic escapade. And who could forget the retro delight of the dodgems, one of the largest in the UK?

They would wait patiently by the scenic stage, looking forward to Chase & Status’s set in April, when socially distanced concerts could hopefully begin once more. But until then they dreamed a dream, savouring vegan candy floss from Naughty Floss, before visiting the nearby Cinque Ports, serving Mexican street food with a Kentish twist. Sated, they fell helplessly into each others arm, falling in love all over again.

It would be the Roller Room that would tickle their fancy, two clumsy cats craving a rock out session stepping outside their comfort zone. They put their roller skates on gingerily, wobbling around like penguins on ice. The latest tunes would croon as they skated out of time, falling over more times than they could remember and giggling each time. As far as date nights go, Dreamland was one of a kind.

*Prices Vary. Wristbands are from £8.55 per person, a pay as you go card is from £5 and memberships are from £50 per person. 

Best For Vintage Amusement Rides

A Stroll Along Whitstable Is A Textbook Perfect Romance

Nearby to Margate was the picture perfect Whistable, which as a moodboard would conjure tones of pink and blue. Evoking tranquility, serenity and hope, A felt calm here, strolling through a textbook perfect romance, with her love D in tow. There would be the pantone esque Wheelers Oysters Bar for D to enjoy, while A took photos outside in her matching fluffy blue jumper and pink pleather jumper, pleased as punch.

Together they would capture happy memories outside this pink paradise, A chomping heartily at a locally made cheeseboard, dipping chunks of cheese in homemade chutney. D on the other hand tried something new, gorging on caramelized scallops with gusto and relished, surprised at its gourmet taste. Bellies sated, they wandered around Whistable on an idyllic stroll, mesmerized by its beauty.

They would go on jaunty bike rides through The Crab and Winkle Way, a winding countryside excursion from Whistable to Canterbury in all its magnifience. Stopping for a break, they felt hungry once more, tucking into a homemade picnic of cheese ploughman sandwiches, with vegan sausage rolls, egg and tomato salads and some millionaire shortbreads, feeling the breath of the wind on their faces.

And who could forget Tankerton Beach in all its natural beauty, two lovers intertwined overlooking ‘the street’ a peninsula bought to life when the tide is low. This sandy outcropping is framed by rock pools, allowing you to see marine creatures up close and personal. As far as date ideas in Kent, Whistable was like a scene from a fairytale. Featuring sun, sea and sand, what more could you want?

Best For Seaside Eateries With Scenic Walks 

The White Cliffs Of Dover Is Ideal For Romantic Picnics 

A had grown up in the countryside, and loved the calmness of nature’s breeze ruffling horses manes as they trotted, while D was from a coastal city, paddleboarding his favourite childhood pastime. Together, their combined love of nature and coastal activities led A to The White Cliffs of Dover, dramatic sweeping chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. They held their breaths in simultaneous wonder.

It was a bittersweet reference, given that the ashes of her late friend G was scattered here, but she sought to honour G’s memory with joy, laughter and kindness, as her and D toasted to G with reverence and laughter, A recalling all the memories they had shared from early childhood until now.  They drank in their surroundings with rose tinted lens, fizzy prosecco coating their throats with warmth.

Still, no time to be melancholy, her date awaited her with a smile, as they strolled, hand in hand towards South Foreland Lighthouse. The chalky grassland was home to creatures of all sizes and varieties, the chalkhill blue butterfly fluttering by Exmoor Ponies, majestically proud. They marvelled at the creatures they passed, a Perigrine falcon standing as guardian of the cliffs, seagulls squawking for attention nearby.

An outstanding place of beauty, The Cliffs of Dover made for a stunning coastal walk. The cliffs of France’s neighbouring Caps et Marais d’Opale Natural Regional Park could be seen in the distance, as A & D hiked their way towards the lighthouse, a warming hot chocolate in hand. The frost was nipping at the air, but the romance was real as lo and behold the Victorian lighthouse became visible, a shining beacon.

Best For Coastal Cliff Walks 

Grab A Slice of History At Hever Castle And Gardens 

Growing up Ana was obsessed with Tudor History, with Anne Boleyn being her favourite historical figure of all time. She loved how she embodied strength, intelligence and willpower, a woman ahead of her times, and Hever Castle was her home for many, many years. Dating back to the 13th Century, Hever Castle became the backdrop to a series of events that had changed the face of history forever.

A & D wandered through the castle slowly, soaking up King Henry VIII’s Bedchamber, in its regal splendour, and pausing completatively at The Queen’s Chamber, surveying the impressive Tudor portraits that lay before them. They were entranced by the past, swept into a world of political intrigue, mystery and sensationalism, a modern day scandal that had stood the test of time. Could history bring them closer?

Ana convinced D to join her for a romantic stroll around Hever Gardens, set in 125 acres of glorious pristine grounds.  They kissed along Anne Boleyn’s walk, smiling at the impressive collection of trees that were planted more than 100 years ago. They danced in the quintessential English rose garden, inhaling the fragrances of over 4,000 rose bushes. And who could forget The Loggia, a 38 acre lake?

They took a peaceful walk by the Hever Lake, a kaleidoscope of rainbow colours in the flower meadows nearby, cornflowers dancing with poppies merrily. The lake itself was a paradise for wildlife, with Kingfishers, Swans, Owls and Herons bobbing about so say hello. As far as romance goes, Hever Castle had plenty of unique date ideas for couples in Kent to try this year, pandemic or not.

*Prices Vary Depending On The Attraction*

Best For Historic Castles And Gardens

Say Hello To The Animals at Wildwood 

Both Ana and D were huge animal lovers, counting down the months until they could move in together and have pets of their own. So imagine A’s delight at getting to say hello to the animals at Wildwood in Canterbury, Kent? She was beyond estatic that she could visit a wildlife park where over 200 animals, including red squirrels, wolves, boar and wild horses could be looked after and protected.

A was passionate about advocating for animal rights and as a staunch vegetarian who led a cruelty free lifestyle, getting a chance to see animals up close and personal was nothing short of perfection. They would embark on the Arctic Fox experience, marvelling at Flo and Teddy’s beauty, while you fed them their main meal of the day. A loved that you could even adopt the foxes, with your very own certificate.

They walked around the Wildwood Trust, losing track of time, lost in the selflessness of giving back to animals, you wiped a tear from your eye. These precious creatures, like the Wildcats had been persecuted, endangered and had habitats destroyed. Here they had a secure home, food and drink and plenty of love and cuddles to go round. A loved the work that Wildwood was doing to keep its animals safe.

Though the talks were not on due to COVID-19 restrictions, you were still able to see talks from the keepers on their Youtube channel. On their lunch break they took the time to educate themselves, watching videos on the Bison, Europe’s largest land mammal, a reindeer talk at Wildwood and even a reptile house tour and talk. They could have spent hours immersed in the animals, the cuties that they were.

Go Stargazing in St Margaret’s Bay

They danced under the celestial moon that clung to the dark folds of night. The dark skies of St Margaret’s Bay, a diamond tapestry of stars. Watching the constellations in a celestial ballet, overlooking the seafront. They paused, plunged into darkness that should have been unsettling but it wasn’t. Lit up with ethereal lanterns that were guardians of the skies. Hand in hand watching the tide ebb and flow. A tartan blanket on top of rough pebbles. As they gathered under the night’s enchanting veil, learning how to stargaze for the first time.

They would play a game where they would Name A Star. Their eyes wide open, the excitement running through their veins. Using a real time star locator to pinpoint and follow its location, long after they left Kent. Though their knowledge of the skies was limited, the young couple couldn’t think of a more fitting way to end their staycation. Imagining their own stars certificate and constellation chart. Their own twin stars that they could have for life.

Kent’s dark skies were mesmerizing, where poets and dreamers found their way. But for D and A, part of St Margaret’s Bay was how versatile it was. By day, wandering across the White Cliffs of Dover, the sea scattered with stormy gray. The tide out, small smatterings of sand wedged between pebbles. But night was when St Margaret’s came alive. Watching the moonbeams paint a silvery path, its shadow flickering over the sea. The crash of the waves on the shore, strangely hypnotic. Tangled seaweed bobbing in murky waters. Though their romantic evening had come to an end, the memory of stargazing would linger with them forever.

Best For Romantic Evenings Under The Stars 

 

Do You Have Any Quirky Date Ideas For Couples In Kent?

*Disclaimer

Please note this is a collaborative post but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation.