It’s all too easy to let day to day life get in the way of spending real quality time with your other half. When wedding planning feels like it’s taking over it’s time to take a moment and spend an evening out with your partner. Local wedding photographer Becky Harley has put together a list of her 13 favourite Hertfordshire date night ideas to inspire you. So take a look through… and then get some dates in your diary!
1. Film night at the Odyssey Cinema, St Albans
Do you love to watch films? If you want to catch the latest release in style then head to the Odyssey Cinema in St Albans. This cinema is something special. Dating back to the 1900’s this Art Deco cinema in the centre of St Albans will give you a totally different viewing experience. With the option to sit around a table whilst enjoying a glass of wine, or even the option to view the movie from a sofa – this will be a night to remember. If you prefer the classic cinema seating then that is still an option, but personally for a date night the table sounds like a great idea!
2. Hitchin Lavender
Have you ever taken a walk around the gorgeous fields at Hitchin Lavender? It’s such a romantic setting and the entrance fee is only £6 which also includes being able to pick your own lavender to take home. There is a lovely tea room on site where you can enjoy some tea and cake too. On selected evenings during the summer months you can also catch outdoor films and music events as the sun goes down.
3. Enjoy a romantic meal for two
You’re definitely spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Hertfordshire, with so many great places to choose from. I’m sure you have some favourites, but some of my favourite are:
– The Old Cross Tavern, Hertford
4. Lea Valley Water Sports
Perhaps not quite so romantic but just as fun, why not splash out on a trip down the rapids at Lea Valley White Water Centre. The water sports centre was home to the 2012 Olympics and now you can try the course out for yourselves.
You can choose from a selection of activities, from hydrospeeding, white water rafting and tubing to slightly more sedate paddle boarding. You can follow up your watery adventure with a drink in the Terrace bar and cafe overlooking the water, and finish the afternoon with a stroll around Lea Valley Country Park.
5. Top golf
Whether you’re great at golf or it’s your first time picking up a club, Top Golf in Watford is brilliant fun and a great way to spend a date day! Imagine a bowling alley combined with a driving range and you are half way to knowing how much fun a night out at Top Golf is. Have a few drinks and nibbles as you perfect your swing, just try not to let your competitive side lead to any arguments!
6. Picnic and history at Verulamium Park
Verulamium Park in St Albans is beautiful and is a great place to spend the day and indulge your inner history nerd. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful park and lakes to the West of St Albans, and learn about the history of the town at the Verulamium museum and the Roman wall.
7. Paradise Wildlife Park
If you love animals then take a day trip to Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne. You will enjoy seeing all sorts of big cats, primates, birds and more. You can also take a walk through the woodland trail to see the World of Dinosaurs! If you want to make the trip extra special you can book onto special experiences and get the chance to be up close and personal with the animals. From feeding meerkats to getting up close with a wolf, it will be a day you will never forget.
8. Hatfield House
There’s a huge variety of open air events at Hatfield House throughout the year, from festivals, to cinema! My personal favourite is the Classic Ibiza at the end of August – with top Ibiza tunes performed by an orchestra! You can also pay to spend a day exploring the house and the beautiful gardens throughout the year. Why not pack a picnic to enjoy while you are there.
9. Spa day at Champneys
When you need to get away from it all, there is no better way than with a spa day! Relax and indulge at the Champneys spa in Henlow, just over the border in Bedfordshire. This idyllic countryside spa has a swimming pool, steam room, sauna and a gym with classes. There are also an extensive range of treatments to choose from if you want pure luxury. Tickets are available for evening spa entry for only £40.
10. Pick your own Fruit and veg
In the summer months, take a stroll through the grounds of Parkside Farm near Enfield and pick your own fruit and vegetables. There’s a wide variety of crops to choose from, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants, and veg like onions, courgettes, beans and squash. There is no need to book, so just turn up and pay for what you pick. Why not take it home and turn it into something delicious for dinner that evening.
11. Go Ape Cockfosters
If you are more of an adrenaline seeker then head for the trees. Admittedly slightly out of Hertfordshire but within easy reach is Go Ape, in Trent Park. The high ropes course takes you through the trees and will test you nerves and see how you work together! With obstacles and zip wires this really is a fun day out for anyone seeking adventure.
12. Escape Room
Put your brain to work and work as a team to escape the Bishop Stortford Escape Rooms. If you have never tried an escape room experience before then add it to your bucket list immediately as they are SO much fun. Use logic and common sense to try and crack all of the puzzles and get out of the locked room within 60 minutes! A great opportunity to see how your partner responds under pressure!
13. Henry Moore Foundation
Get in touch with your artistic side and enjoy a day soaking up the culture at the Henry Moore Foundation, in Perry Green near Bishop’s Stortford. Henry Moore was a famous modern art sculptor in the twentieth century, and you can see his work situated in his old house and gardens. Take a look around his workshop and marvel at the giant sculptures nestled in the grounds. There’s also a lovely café with some delicious cake to enjoy!
Hopefully this gives you lots of options to choose from, to ensure you have regular date nights throughout your wedding planning and newly married life. Do you have any date night ideas that haven’t made the list? Let me know your favourites in the comments below.
Blog written by Becky Harley Photography
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