Tonbridge Bean

If you’re based in Tonbridge and looking for easy, relaxed date ideas that don’t involve trekking to London or splashing loads of cash, this list is for you. Whether you’re on date one or a few years in, there’s plenty to do around here that’s low-key but genuinely enjoyable.

Here are 27 date ideas to try, from riverside strolls to wild swimming, pizza walks to board games in the pub.

1. Driving Range

Swing by the driving range at American Golf and hire a bucket of balls. You don’t need to know what you’re doing — in fact, it’s better if you don’t. A bit of gentle competition, some light heckling, and a good laugh. They’ve also got mini golf nearby if that’s more your pace.

2. Play Padel or Tennis in the Park

Padel has just landed in Tonbridge and it’s a fun, fast-paced option even if you’re both beginners. Or pay for a tennis court in the park and bring a couple of rackets for a relaxed hit-about. You can grab an ice cream or coffee nearby afterwards.

3. Walk to The Plough at Leigh

Take the public footpath from Tonbridge to Leigh – it’s about an hour each way through quite paths and woodland. Reward yourself with a pint or a lime and soda in the garden at The Plough before heading back. You can also do this as a nice welly walk in winter, enjoy a pint of local beer Copper Knob and some chips by the fire.

4. Hike a Section of the Wealdway

Pick up the Wealdway from Tonbridge Castle and follow it out into the countryside. You can walk as far as you fancy — even a short section will take you into peaceful, green spaces. You can even turn it into a two day hike, with a camping stop. Find our guide to the Wealdway from Tonbridge here.

5. Pottery Class Together

Get your hands dirty with a pottery class — there are options nearby in Southborough or Tunbridge Wells. What says “romance” more than a good pottery wheel. Find our guide to the best pottery classes nearby here.

6. Beach Day Trip

Hop in the car or grab the train and head to the coast. Camber Sands is great for a sandy walk and a bag of chips, or Whitstable if you fancy oysters and poking around independent shops. If you want to take the train, Hastings is very accessible on a direct train. Hastings gets a bad rep sometimes, but the Old Town is quirky and the country park very beautiful.

7. Play Table Tennis

There’s a free outdoor ping pong in the park (near to the games hut.) Bring your own bats and ball and have a knockabout. Something easy to do if you want to get a bit active, but you’re not feeling super-energetic.

8. Join a Paddleboarding Group

Paddle boarding is a fun way to spend time together. If you don’t own a paddle board, join either Epic Life or Sup wit Ana. Both companies offer beginners classes and social paddles, with board hire. It can be fun to do something totally out of your comfort zone together.

9. Try a Yoga Class Together

Yoga can be a fun way to relax and unwind together. No pressure to hit all the poses right! In Tonbridge, we have loads of wonderful yoga teachers offering classes at different times of the day – you can find our guide to the best yoga classes locally here.

10. Drinks at Verdigris Terrace

The riverside terrace at Verdigris is a great little spot for an evening drink. Watch the sun go down over the river and order a cocktail or two — it’s relaxed but feels a bit special. Ideal for a special date night. Book tables ahead of time for the weekend.

11. Dinner at The Ivy House

The Ivy House is a local fave for a casual dinner. Think low key burgers in a casual setting. The garden space is ideal throughout the year as they have patio heaters.

12. Coffee at The Market House

A go-to for a slow weekend coffee. Nab a window seat, share a pastry, and watch the world go by. Also a solid rainy day date option.

13. Walk to Penshurst Place

Dig out your walking boots and take the long scenic route to Penshurst via the park, woods and fields. Penshurst Place has beautiful gardens, and there’s a tea room for post-walk treats. The walk takes a couple of hours each way, plus you’ll want time at Penshurst Place. So it’s a full day out!

14. Go Wild Swimming

For active dates with a twist, why not try wild swimming? There are organised open water swims at Haysden Water and Penshurst Place (both within walking distance.) You can find our full guide here.

Pick up a few treats from town (or go full M&S) and set up near the lake. The walk there is lovely too, especially in spring and early autumn. There’s something really romantic about organising a proper picnic with a blanket and basket.

15. Picnic at Haysden Water

16. Fizz at Barden Lake

Bring a bottle of prosecco and some cups, and settle in at one of the lakeside benches. It’s simple, a bit romantic, and a great way to spend a golden hour evening. If fizz isn’t your thing, you can get ice-cream or a nice cup of coffee at the café in the park (just by the carpark.)

17. Catch Free Events at Tonbridge Castle

In summer, Tonbridge Castle hosts events like Big Band Sundays — free live music, a friendly crowd and an excuse to lie on the grass with a blanket and snacks. Ideal for impromptu romance, and totally free.

18. Pub Quiz at Fuggles

Fuggles puts on a good quiz night (once a month on a Tuesday), and it’s a great way to test how well you work as a team (or how gracefully you handle losing). The beer list is excellent too.

19. Roast or Pie Night at The Nelson Arms

A proper pub with real food. Go on a Sunday for one of the best roasts in town, or visit midweek for pie and a pint. And of course, the Nelson Arms is famous for their ale selection. The Telegraph recently named the Nelson Arms one of the best 500 pubs in England.

20. Go Charity Shopping Together

Head to the High Street and browse the charity shops. Set a small budget and pick something out for each other — or see who can find the most ridiculous item under a fiver.

21. Join Tonbridge Park Run

If you’re both into running (or fancy giving it a go), Park Run is a cheerful, no-pressure way to start your Saturday. Reward yourselves with a good breakfast afterwards. 09:00 sharp in the park.

22. Day Trip to Tunbridge Wells + Corkk Wine Bar

Catch the train to Tunbridge Wells and have a wander through the Pantiles. Stop at Corkk, a wine bar focused on English wines, for a glass or two before heading home. You can also walk in one of the lovely parks, like Calverley or browse the shops.

23. Visit a Local Vineyard

You don’t need a car to visit vineyards like Hush Heath, Mereworth Wines, or Yotes Court — all accessible with a bit of planning on public transport. Book a tasting or just enjoy a glass in their wine gardens. Find our guide to the best vineyards, distilleries and breweries near to Tonbridge here.

24. Pizza Walk to The Poacher & Partridge

Walk the footpaths west out of Tonbridge and end up at the Poacher & Partridge — they serve great pizza in a relaxed country pub setting. Ideal for a mid week wander, or a quiet Sunday stroll.

25. Browse the Farmers’ Market & Cook Dinner

On Sundays when the farmers’ market is in town (once a month), go together, pick up some fresh produce, and cook dinner at home. Or grab some good bread, cheese and fruit and make up a cheese board to share.

26. Play Board Games in a Pub

Fuggles and The Foresters Arms both have board games you can borrow — grab a drink and settle in for a few rounds of cards or Scrabble. Or pick up a bottle from Lidl and do a puzzle together at home.

27. Paws Cat Café

If one or both of you are cat lovers, head to Paws Cat Café in Tonbridge. Book a session and spend an hour having coffee surrounded by snoozing (or chaotic) rescue cats. A super relaxing experience.

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