We can all agree a winter date night can be a cosy night in front of the tv, watching your all-time favourite Christmas movie, demolishing a box of Quality Street and fighting over the best ones! But we’re here to give you a bit of inspo for when you’re looking to venture out of your lounge, in search for the ultimate date night experience, that might be right on your doorstep.
So, whether you’re a foodie couple, a Christmas crazy kind of couple or an adventurous couple, you’ll be sure to have your next date night booked in the by the time you’ve finished this… Unless you’re the indecisive kind of couple, in which case it may take you a little longer.
Let’s get into it with a a number of deliciously foodie options for your next date night…
The Cowshed at Tewinbury
With a modern, yet cosy countryside decor, the newly refurbished Cowshed at Tewinbury was where the farm once stored their herd. While the cows no longer roam this area (and its tables!), the emphasis on keeping things local remains, as the menus here include fresh and locally sourced produce - think Tewin Lamb Barnsley Chop, Braised Artichokes Barigoule to a Sqaush and Plantain Curry. Once you've both devoured the winter menu, take a wander around the area where you can also stay the night - from their lakeside huts to rooms with log burning hot tubs.
Hanbury Manor - and its New Years Eve Party
Stepping out in the countryside and immersing yourself into the low signal, low noise environments is often the simplest way to be romantic, as it gives you the chance to reconnect as a couple. Step in Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, just north of Ware. This stunning Jacobean-style manor house has grounds of over 200 acres, which means whether you want to simply wander the countryside, sit in the wood-panelled libraries and by the cosy fireplaces or enjoy an incredible 1920s New Years Eve party, this is the place! Included in the ticket for NYE is a three-course festive menu, a welcome drink, a glass of champagne at midnight to ring in the new year, and half a bottle of house wine per person. Also running across the festive season is their Festive Afternoon Tea - from 31st October to 7th January 2024, you'll be able to indulge in finger sandwiches, pastries and Jenier World of Teas - bliss!
Say Yes to a Date at Sopwell House
Sopwell House. A beautiful 4-star hotel in St Albans, offering luxury stays to their guests, nestles in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. So, what’s the date night suggestion at this gorgeous accommodation? Omboo! Omboo is Sopwell House’s Asian dining experience, inspired by the spice routes of Asia and the Far East. The foodie in you won’t be able to resist the delicious Asian flavours throughout their menu, along with a cocktail (or two) to enjoy with your food. It’s new, it’s exciting, it's definitely worth adding to the date night list, that’s for sure.
Festive Afternoon Tea at Down Hall Hotel & Spa
If you love treating yourself to an afternoon tea and can’t get enough of Christmas, then this might just be the perfect date night for you. Down Hall Hotel and Spa are offering a festive afternoon tea this Christmas, bringing festive treats including delicious cakes and mouth-watering finger sandwiches. Because you’re on a date, you might want to make it a little extra special and add a glass of champagne to your afternoon tea experience, it is Christmas after all, well, almost.
Christmas at The Grove
The Grove has a whole host of Christmas festivities happening over the coming months into January, that most certainly deserve a mention in our list of date night ideas. From Festive Dining in the lead up to Christmas Day to discounted stays during Twixmas, it's the perfect chance to experience the romantic winter magic with your lucky date. Or, if you prefer to be a little warmer, then Dining at The Grove is always an option.
Xmas Tipples at Puddingstone Distillery
All of this food is making us hungry. But first, let’s talk about Puddingstone Distillery. If a date is on the cards, then keep an eye on their events page which during the festive period includes the likes of Christmas Cocktail demonstrations. If you'd like to just have a relaxed evening at home, we'd recommend grabbing a bottle of their gin to accompany it - and perhaps keep it themed with the Cherry Christmas Gin! A cute Christmassy date for the gin lovin’ couple.
Welcome to the Waffle House
Moving on to our next foodie date night idea…the Waffle House. Do we even need to say much more! Waffles, waffles and more waffles! Savoury waffles, sweet waffles, even breakfast waffles. Although you’re probably eyeing up that banana split (we don’t blame you) they also have a variety of savoury options too, which means whether you’re the sweet tooth in the relationship or prefer the savoury option, they’ve got it all in one place. Anyway, we don’t want to waffle on about it (partially because it’s making us hungry), so see for yourself!
Winter Wanders at Hatfield Park
Who doesn’t love a good old winter in some classic surroundings? It’s the perfect romantic setting for your next winter date and Hatfield Park is definitely feeling the love. This winter season, take a date to the likes of a Wreath Making Workshop, Christmas Wine Fair or Wax Melting Workshop - who wouldn't love that?
It’s party time at Knebworth House
Date night or party time? Combine the two and you’ve got yourself the ultimate date for the Christmas boogiers (that’s not a word but you know what we mean. We could have said “groovers”, but it just doesn’t sound as good). Anyway, Knebworth House is bringing a Christmas night to remember set in the Knebworth Barns making the perfect festive romantic backdrop for the evening. Indulge in a three-course meal before rocking around the dance floor with an evening DJ.
Romance on Ice at The Snow Centre
Remember when we said about the adventurous couple, well this one’s for you. And the one below, but let’s start with The Snow Centre. Now there’s no need to show off, well actually a little competitiveness never hurt, so maybe it is time to show your significant other what you can do on a snow board or pair of skis. But don't worry, if you’re a little on edge about diving in at the deep end (not literally, this isn’t swimming) then the Ringo Slide Session may be your choice of fun. Either way, this is the perfect idea if you’re looking for a fun date, or a way to break the ice on a first date ;)
Get Hearts Racing at TeamSport Go Karting
Okay, are you and your partner up for even more competitiveness? Now now, we don’t want to be the cause of any domestics, so don’t blame us if you start arguing over who’s faster. So, leave us out of it and put it to the test to find out the answer for yourself. Their exhilarating course – with speeds reaching up to 40mph will have you and your partner whizzing round the tracks. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro, they facilitate for you slow coaches too!
Saturday Night at the Movies
Our last idea on the list of winter date nights is heading to your local cinema. We all love a trip to the cinema. It’s the chance to unwind, relax and kick your feet up if you’re feeling fancy and opting for the VIP seats. After all, Hertfordshire is known for its popular filming locations. Some may say it’s the UK’s Hollywood, so it’s only right we add movie night into this feature. So, if you really are just wanting a simple, relaxed getting lost in the movie kind of date, then check out what’s coming to the big screen near you.
