7 Romantic Outdoor Dates for Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d come up with some ideas for those couples who don’t want to spend 14th February inside. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that you can’t get outside! Get wrapped up warm and head outdoors with some of my top ideas for the best romantic outdoor dates in the UK.

Watch the sunset

One of the best things about winter is that you don’t have to stay up late to catch a sunset. This is especially welcome if, like me, you’re up early with a boisterous toddler. Pack a thermos with your favourite hot drink, grab a blanket and choose your spot. There are some amazing places in the UK to watch a spectacular sunset-if the weather is clear! Great locations include the Humber Bridge, the Blackpool Tower, and the Seven Sisters Country Park on the Sussex Downs.

A couple in silhouette watch the sun go down

Watching the sun go down with your loved one is a great way to spend Valentines Day.

Explore your local town

Why not make like a tourist and look at your surroundings in a different light. Head out on a walking trail of your nearest town or village, grab your camera and appreciate the sights with a fresh perspective. Head to the local for a drink and a bite to eat, pretend you’re new in town and see where the day takes you.

Ice skating

There’s a reason that ice skating is often featured in rom coms and such like. It is super romantic (even if you’re as uncoordinated as me) and great fun. Options are limited in the UK this late in the year, although the rinks at Canary Wharf and the Eden Project are still open (if not strictly outdoors, it’s close enough)

Star gazing

Looking up to the skies is a great way to while away a few hours with your Valentine. Admire the beauty of the Milky Way and marvel at the vastness of our galaxy. Dark Sky Discovery has a list of all the designated dark sky areas of the UK and is a great source of information. You don’t need any equipment, as so much is visible to the naked eye, you do however need a clear night!

 

Star gazing is very romantic, just wrap up warm!

Canal boat ride

I love the idea of a canal boat ride and what’s not to like?! Chugging slowly through some of Britain’s most lovely countryside, with a plethora of waterside pubs for refreshment and your loved one for company, it’s a perfect date. A lovely relaxing way to get away from it all and enjoy 14th February in peace.

Visit a famous romantic location

The UK boasts some amazing romantic locations. My personal favourite is Lyme Park, setting for the 1995 tv adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and that lake scene. Or how about Holkham Beach in Norfolk which featured in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love, or a stroll around Notting Hill, as featured in, well, Notting Hill. Why not find out your partner’s favourite romantic book or film and use that as inspiration?

Glamping

If you’re looking for an overnight stay, or a short break away, glamping has opened up the outdoors to people who would never ever camp, or maybe not even consider themselves outdoorsy. The range of options available is staggering. From yurts, to shepherd huts, hobbit holes and gypsy wagons, the possibilities are as endless as they are romantic. The perfect get away from it all experience, where you can pretend that the two of you are the only people in the world.

What do you think of my ideas? Have you ever tried an outdoor date for Valentine’s Day?

The Helpful Hiker

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Comments

  • bellamonte bellamonte February 02, at 18:06

    Like the post, but can’t find the “like” button! My husband is not really into Valentine’s Day. It’s not something really German and he doesn’t want to pick up these American, commercialized tradition 😉 But I’ll remember your ideas for any other romantic date. Hope all is well!

    Reply
    • The Helpful Hiker The Helpful Hiker February 03, at 08:26

      I’ve changed my site, not sure there is a like button-still finding my feet! Thank you for your comment, we’re not exactly into Valentine’s Day either-it is a bit commercial-but any excuse to get people outside!

      Reply
  • Chelsea Louise Haden Chelsea Louise Haden February 03, at 10:00

    I know it’s not ‘outdoors’ but we’re going bouldering in a local center only because you never know if the weather is going to be suitable.

    Certainly love the sunsets, star gazing, think we may go for a night hike actually and do that with a hot pic!

    P.S Love the new site design!

    Reply
    • The Helpful Hiker The Helpful Hiker February 03, at 19:14

      Ah thanks, really happy with my new site! Bouldering sounds fab, have a great time!

      Reply
  • Maria Maria February 03, at 11:55

    I love the ideas here – I’m a sucker for star gazing and sunsets are wonderfully romantic! #thelinkylink
    Latest post: http://passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com/2017/02/70-small-things-that-inspire-me-the-most/

    Reply
  • Annette, Four Acorns Annette, Four Acorns February 03, at 15:51

    That’s a great list of suggestions, so far removed from the commercialized, sugar-coated tat peddled up and down the country. And yes, a box of chocolates wouldn’t be out of place for these Valentine suggestions! 🙂 xx
    #outdoorbloggers

    Reply
  • Katy Katy February 03, at 22:20

    My boyfriend and I went on a walk for our second date! I dragged him to find a trig point, which was rather more hidden than I’d expected – but he graciously put up with my faffing around, so it can’t have been that bad 🙂

    Reply
  • Zoe at Splodz Blogz Zoe at Splodz Blogz February 09, at 11:53

    We don’t “do” valentines because it’s so commercialised and just feels a little forced, but I like these outdoorsy suggestions that couples can do anytime together. Sound perfect.

    Reply
  • Squaredawaydad Squaredawaydad February 14, at 09:17

    Being outside is super romantic. I was supposed to propose to my wife at the top of Pen y Fan while camping on New Year’s Eve. It was the worst storm in about 20 years and we had to pitch by the Neuadd Resevoir. The dog was so cold he had to come in the sleeping bag and I had to burn the map to start a fire. We fell asleep and missed NYE. Fortunately it was a nice morning the next day (and she said yes) and now being outside is always romantic for us. #adventurecalling

    Reply
    • The Helpful Hiker The Helpful Hiker February 14, at 10:23

      That is an amazing story! Glad you managed to propose and bet you’ll never forget it 🙂

      Reply
  • Emma Hip2trek Emma Hip2trek February 14, at 10:44

    Lovely Valentine’s suggestions, just need to find the babysitter tree first! #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Kate Kate February 14, at 10:48

    I wish I could say I thought valentines was just another corporate day but I think any reason that encourages people to be nice to each other is a good thing – we just need to be able to encourage them to be nice outside 😉

    Reply
  • Ashley Beolens Ashley Beolens February 14, at 11:55

    As commercialised as it has become, these ideas to buck that trend and just get outside are very welcome 🙂 #Adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Kids of the Wild Kids of the Wild February 14, at 20:12

    I love these ideas! We had a family Valentine’s this year. Wild Daddy unexpectedly took the day off so we went tree planting at a local garden and then swimming with our 8 year old!! A canal boat trip is on our list for this year too. #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Annabel Annabel February 14, at 21:14

    What a refreshing post! My birthday is Valentine’s Day and I actually delay celebrating quite often until the next day as the commercialism means I can’t enjoy a nice birthday meal without a etine surcharge! The canal boat is a great idea, I might consider that for half term next year! #Adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Jenny- Rabbit Ideas Jenny- Rabbit Ideas February 15, at 16:57

    Love these ideas! Glamping and canals are my favourites from your list- such a lovely idea to spend time together talking and getting out in the fresh air. #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • Stories Of A Dad Stories Of A Dad February 15, at 17:45

    Some great ideas here! Especially a canal boat, just wish the evenings were a tad warmer! #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Stephanie Lane Stephanie Lane February 16, at 15:19

    I think being outside is so much more romantic than a dinner and movie. I love to sit by the firepit with my husband with a glass of wine and just talk or we like to hike to waterfalls and have a picnic. Being outside allows you to disconnect and reconnect with your spouse or loved one.And that just sexy! #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day much, but I like all the suggestions here. Particularly looking at your home town with fresh eyes!
    #AdventureCalling

    Reply
  • Misadventures with Megan Misadventures with Megan February 26, at 01:49

    Back when my husband and I had zero money we would often go on dates and stargaze. It was a nice way to connect. We haven’t gone since we had kids, but now I really want to again! #adventurecalling

    Reply
  • David - Potty Adventures David - Potty Adventures February 27, at 21:26

    These are great ideas for a romantic night. I’ve promised to take Mrs PA on a bivvy wild camp under the stars in the spring without the kids. Of course, we’ll spend all night talking about the kids haha. #adventurecalling

    Reply

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