This Saturday is the 14th February – and that can only mean one thing… Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a grand-gesture romantic or more of a “coffee and a walk” kind of person, the good news is you don’t need to go far for a really lovely day. Tonbridge (and its surrounding area) are full of quietly brilliant date ideas – if you know where to look.
1/ Cook something fabulous
Go shopping together the old fashioned way – buying a few things at different shops. Head to The Bridge Deli for inspiration, then to Ian Chatfield Butchers or Sankey’s fishmongers, choose a few special ingredients and make a proper event of dinner at home. Put some music on and open a good bottle of wine.
2/ Head for a wine tasting
Kent is officially wine country now, and we’re spoilt for choice. You might have to get in quick, but you could still book a tasting at Mereworth Wines, Yotes Court or Balfour and spend the afternoon sipping English wine, learning something new and pretending you’re on a vineyard holiday.
Find our guide to the best vineyards, breweries and distilleries near Tonbridge here.
3/ Book a table at the Never Say Never
The new pub, the Never Say Never, near the Oast Theatre is perfect for a relaxed Valentine’s date. Ideal if you want something special without anything too formal. And best of all, Valentines Day tables are still available at time of writing!
4/ Visit a National Trust
For a romantic wander, you can’t beat a National Trust property. Ightham Mote, Knole and Scotney Castle are all close to Tonbridge and beautiful at any time of year. Think long walks, historic houses and finishing with tea and cake.
Find our guide to the best National Trust properties near Tonbridge here.
5/ Walk to a pub
The forecast is sunny and bright (if a little chilly), which makes it perfect walking weather. Try Tonbridge to Penshurst for the Leicester Arms, head towards Tudeley and the Poacher and Partridge, or walk to Leigh for the Plough. There’s something very satisfying about earning your lunch with a long walk.
6/ Valentines Jazz
For evening plans, The Market House is hosting Valentine’s jazz. Live music, cocktails and a warm, romantic atmosphere – an easy win for a grown-up night out. Book your table here.
7/ Active dates
If sitting still isn’t your thing, make it an active date. Park Run together, hit the American Golf driving range, play crazy golf or book a padel or badminton court (you can find the latter at the Angel Centre). Or, if you want something totally different – you can try Axe Throwing together in Tunbridge Wells!
8/ Head to the coast
Sometimes the best dates involve getting out of town. Margate, Deal, Whitstable or Hastings are all perfect for a day trip – sea air, fish and chips, arcades and long windy walks along the beach.
9/ A romantic treasure hunt
Set up a little treasure hunt for your loved one, either around town or at home. Leave clues, inside jokes and small surprises along the way, with something special at the end. It’s thoughtful, personal and surprisingly romantic.
10/ Leisurely coffee morning
One of the simplest (and nicest) ways to spend Valentine’s Day is just slowing down. Grab a newspaper or a good book, take a seat in 65mm Coffee, Verdigris or The Market House and enjoy a long, lazy coffee together with no plans at all.
11/ Do something creative
Buy some art supplies and paint together, try a local pottery or craft class. You’ll probably end up with something to keep – even if it’s terrible.
12/ A little trip to Tunbridge Wells
Hop on the train or take a short drive to Tunbridge Wells, start with a glass of English wine at Corkk Wine Bar, then wander hand in hand along The Pantiles. It’s effortlessly romantic and easy, and as much as we love Tonbridge, it’s always nice to have a change of scene.
13/ See a movie
Go full old-school romance and see a film at the Odeon in Tunbridge Wells. Popcorn, sharing sweets, sitting in the dark holding hands – it’s basically like being teenagers again.
14/ Go charity shopping for gifts
Head to the charity shops in Tonbridge and set each other a budget to buy a Valentine’s gift. It could be something genuinely lovely, like a book or a jumper, a puzzle you can do together, a board game for future date nights… or a completely ridiculous outfit that the other person has to wear for the rest of your date.
Do you have something you want to tell the Tonbridge Bean about our town? Write to us at tonbridgebean@gmail.com with your thoughts and photos!
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