Love is in the air... everywhere you look around...
Whether you're getting first-date butterflies, reconnecting with an evening away from the everyday or celebrating Valentine's Day, the wannabe Cupids here at Visit Herts have gathered our favourite date night locations for those dreamy memories to be made. Whether you're a classic movie-dinner-drinks kind of couple, or looking for an unforgettable way to make that first impression, we've got the spots we know you lovebirds will enjoy!
For those foodies...
We know that dinner dates are always cliché but you haven’t tried these places that we recommend… with delicious tasting menus your date would be impressed with these restaurants.
Down Hall
Luxe interiors, beautiful gardens…we’re wooed just at the thought of a weekend away at gorgeous Down Hall, so you can imagine our delight at the thought of the Valentine’s dinner and pianist evening on 14th February. Let Down Hall take care of the romance for you with scattered rose petals, English sparking wine and a four-course Valentine’s menu. For the sweet-toothed love, the Valentine’s afternoon team from 8th-16th February provides a special treat for you and yours. For the cherry on top, celebrate romance with the Valentine’s Romance Package, which includes dinner, chilled wine and all the magic of a dreamy night away.
Lussmanns Fish and Grill Restaurants
Your date will be impressed with this one… Lussmanns is an award-winning independent brasserie group ‘doing Hertfordshire proud’ (The Good Food Guide 2017). This sustainable eatery offers a relaxed dining experience for all in their stylish restaurants. Choose from a variety of seasonal menus.
The Gatsby Berkhamsted
The doors for The Gatsby have been open since 2005 and since then it has become the premier destination for fine food and drink in Hertfordshire. Serving modern European cuisine, their well-balanced menu uses the finest ingredients. Bring your date to this perfect restaurant, whilst enjoying your meal, enjoy the glorious sounds of their resident pianist.
Roasanna's Sicilian Kitchen
Enjoy a taste of Sicily in Berkhamsted but with a contemporary twist. Whether you're on a breakfast date or dinner date this is the perfect place to stop. From breakfast to their daily-prepared fresh pasta and delicious cakes, their food is rooted in authenticity and inspired by those delicious Sicilian favourites.
The Akeman Tring
Looking for somewhere with Mediterranean-inspired food? Well open from 9am every Monday to Saturday is The Akeman, set in a beautiful Victorian building with a lovely warm atmosphere. Or if you would prefer, sit in the courtyard or decking area with comfortable seating. From steak and fish cooked on charcoal-fuelled Josper grill, as well as pizzas, pasta dishes and other home comforts. This is definitely the perfect spot for lunch before or after a visit to Tring’s Natural History Museum… which is just a few metres up the road.
Alford Arms Frithsden
In the quiet Chiltern hamlet of Frithsden is a lovely pub, The Alford Arms. Serving a wide range of classic dishes with a contemporary twist, and of course, they have Sunday roasts, too. All their dishes use locally sourced produce, and their food menu changes every two weeks making this the very best of seasonal local produce.
Nonna's Supper Club
Take your date to this beautiful family run business, showcasing some of the best produce Italy has to offer. Nonna’s Supper Club is a warm and happy place for you to bring your date and spend time over food the Italian way. Plus it is dog friendly too!
Looking for some activity based ideas?
Bethnal & Bec Luxury Stays
Bethnal & Bec’s award winning retreats provide that taste of luxury, rural living with sensational views and all the comforts of a stress-free getaway. Whether you choose Bethnal, Bec or the stunning Spa Cabin, The Foaling Box, you’ll be treated to a king size bed, deep soaking Jacuzzi bath, private garden, rainforest shower and even a personalised breakfast hamper so you and your Valentine can stay holed up and loved up for the weekend.
The Museum of the Moon
There’s more than love in the air at St Albans Cathedral as from 3rd January – 15th February, the Museum of the Moon artwork by artist Luke Jerram will be seen high above the nave. This seven meter wide installation features stunning NASA imagery to bring the wonder and awe of the moon to the cathedral. Look out for special moonlit events throughout January and February, with jazz, yoga, candlelit experiences and even a Pink Floyd tribute all providing a magical date night.
At Home Farm Glamping
There’s nothing quite as snuggly as being under canvas, whatever the season. At Home Farm Glamping in Elstree, they have thought of the small touches to set the mood, from twinkly fairy lights, to candle lanterns, to hot water bottles and even cosy blankets and those gorgeous evening sunsets. Even if there is a chill in the air, they have offer a beautiful candle-lit al fresco dinner under the stars. Come the morning, treat your partner to a nice hot cup of tea or coffee in bedut – and don’t forget to tie back the doors to your tent and enjoy those foggy sunrises over the meadow!
BEAM Hertford
After a massive four-year redevelopment, BEAM has reopened with live music and comedy nights throughout the year. Take your date to watch Little Shop of Horrors, A League of Their Own, their Opening Night Comedy Special plus so much more. Tickets for the events are selling fast so book that date and enjoy an evening with the big screens and spotlight stages.
The Grove
When the special occasion comes around, a birthday, an anniversary, or dare we say, an evening involving a special ring (Valentine's Day is right around the corner by the way!), you need luxury settings and specialist care to pull off the perfect date night. Enter The Grove hotel, host to celebrities and royalty alike, and the perfect option for your special night. Indulge in a delicious dinner in the luxurious settings of The Glasshouse restaurant or why not opt for a Couples Retreat with their luxury spa, Champagne and dining included.
Drift Limits
Time to get sparks flying and hearts racing on the ultimate fun date! With Drift Limit's Supercar Experience for two, now really is the perfect time to test your partners driving ability and finally crown the better driver of the relationship. Or, you might be looking to impress a first date, so trust us, a date here will be full of thrills and laughter leaving you with plenty to talk about!
The Bricklayer's Arms
Gazing into each other’s eyes over a glass of red wine in a cosy corner under the glow of twinkling fairy lights… not just the stuff of movies, thanks to the charming gastro pub that is The Bricklayers Arms in Flaunden! Set within the stunning rolling hills of the Chess Valley, this 18th century pub is perfect setting for your cosy date night out. We could go on and on describing their delectable dinners, but instead we’ll just casually mention that they’ve won the Good Pub Guide’s Dining Pub of the Year 2020, and they’ve won every year for the past five years, and they hold an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence… so we think you get the (delicious) picture!
The Gardens at Knebworth House
Like to pre plan your dates? Why not set a date with your significant other to explore the grounds at Knebworth House when they reopen this March? Knebworth House is the pretty perfect place to see flowers blossoming to the sound of nature and butterflies dancing in the air.
Atria Watford
A classic cinema and dinner date? A bit of late night shopping? Whatever your go-to date idea may be, Atria Watford has something for you and your lucky someone to enjoy, whether you’re heading out for an anniversary celebration or looking to woo someone special.
Pendley Manor
It’s all about rural relaxation in classically beautiful Pendley Manor. Enjoy a date night away relaxing and reconnecting with their ideal staycation offers. Whether you're celebrating with their Celebrate & Pamper Package for two or fancy a little mid-week treat with their Mid-week Celebrate & Pamper for two, your perfect getaway awaits...
The Snow Centre
Adrenaline junkie couples, we’re not leaving you out! A date doesn’t have to be ‘romantic’ in the traditional sense. How about an evening of learning new skills and getting active as you ski and snowboard at The Snow Centre? Spend some time together slipping and sliding on the slopes at the biggest real snow centre outside of London - what a way to break the ice!
Lee Valley White Water Centre
For the couple who enjoy all things adventure or the first daters looking to break the silence with an unforgettable experience. Lee Valley White Water Centre, might just sound like the ideal place to take your partner on a crazy fun outdoor dating experience. Choose from the many different water activities including, white water rafting, hydrospeeding, inflatable fun on the lake, canoeing and kayaking and much more! Get those sparks flying and hearts racing in this adrenaline rush of love experience.
Verulamium Spa
Looking to add a bit of luxury to your ultimate date? Why not spend the day relaxing at Verulamium Spa and escape the world together in one of their 5 star luxury treatment rooms or couple suites. Receive a variety of treatments including, facials, massages, body treatments and more! It’s the perfect experience for those looking to add a little wellness to their lives...isn’t that all of us?
Artshed Arts
Now, we’ve talked about the adventurous date, the traditional date and the relaxation date, so here’s one for the creative couple. It’s time to explore the artistic side of your partner at one of Artshed Arts Crafty Sessions involving beautiful fused glass, pottery painting, decoupage or button art. Let’s just say the recreation of the famous scene from Ghost may be on the table.
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Treat yourself and your loved one this year with an evening to remember at Hanbury Manor! Book yourself in for a delicious meal, tantalising your tastebuds at the Cast Iron Grill with the added bonus of a complimentary bottle of house wine when you dine between half five and half six. For something that little bit extra special, why not enjoy an afternoon tea, soaking in the luxury of the food, drink, and spectacular views.
Hitchin Lavender Fields
Set a date for the summer and dig out those gingham picnic blankets and woven hampers, we’re taking you back to a more traditional, romantic setting. If you’re in the ‘getting to know each other stage’ or you’re already 1 of 2, living in your own little world, there’s nothing quite like a peaceful sit down in the fields of Hitchin Lavender, watching the world go by and enjoying the company of that special someone. Bring the strawberries and chocolate, finger sandwiches and bubbly and spend the day soaking in the scenery and romance at Hitchin Lavender.
The Vault at Ashridge House
Show your love a little old school glamour at the romantic Ashridge House cocktail bar. Settle into the former Evidence Room within the manor house with glass or two, overlooking sunset views across the North Lawn. Local and seasonal ingredients go into their delectable cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a treat.
