In time for February 14, we've found 14 restaurants in Kent with stunning views – so your Valentine’s meal can be extra special...

The Secret Garden

Ashford

Rating: 4

The Secret Garden is a secluded haven where you can savour some quality time with your partner. A huge conservatory overlooks the pristine gardens, with dainty flowers and perfectly-shaped hedges. Book in for brunch or afternoon tea in this classic English country house just outside Ashford at Mersham.

Olive Grove and the Green Room

Canterbury

Rating: 3

Directly overlooking the beautiful old buildings which stand proudly in the historic high street, Italian restaurant Olive Grove is a favoured retreat from the hustle and bustle below. Choose from a generous selection of authentic dishes including penne della casa or the classic spaghetti bolognese. The Marlowe theatre's in-house restaurant, the Green Room also offers some great views of the city from it's sweeping glass walls.

The Command House

Chatham

Rating: 3

An attractive red brick building, complete with original multi-pane windows and a staircase leading up to the entrance, the Command House also look out over the River Medway. Now under new ownership, diners have so far been impressed with the current management. Sit back and relax, tucking into simple, tasty pub classics such as steak, king prawn linguine or a veggie burger.

The Zetland Arms

Deal

Rating: 5

Sat on the shingle beach, the Zetland Arms boasts some awe-inspiring views of the English Channel to marvel at while digging into a sublime seafood meal with your partner. The pub is renowned for beautifully cooked food, with a menu that champions fresh fish caught just off the Kent coast.

Cullin's Yard

Dover

Rating: 4

An old converted shipyard in Dover Marina, Cullin's Yard is oozing in character as well as offering some fantastic scenery. Watch the sun set behind the iconic White Cliffs as you tuck into a pan-seared seabass or a chargrilled sirloin steak. And from March, Friday nights offer an extra special treat of live jazz music.

Rocksalt

Folkestone

Rating: 5

A striking piece of architecture right on Folkestone harbour, Rocksalt is a popular choice for couple’s looking to celebrate a special occasion. Built of black weatherboards - resembling the typical British seaside shacks dotted along the coastline - the seafood restaurant also boasts stunning views out to sea, vast windows curving round one side of the building - boats bobbing below. With an ethos built around seasonal, simple food, dishes include the Rye Bay gurnard, Hasting’s smoked mackerel and a Romney Marsh lamb shank tagine.

Castle View Restaurant

Leeds near Maidstone

Rating: 4

Overlooking the towers and turrets of the idyllic Leeds Castle, a meal at this restaurant is sure to give your date a true fairy tale feel. The oak-beamed Castle View Restaurant is nestled within the grounds so don't be surprised if you're greeted by a peacock or swan as you make your way inside. The castle is lit up at night, with the reflections glittering in the surrounding moat. Booking must be made in advanced and you could even extend your day with an overnight stay in the Maiden's Tower Bed and Breakfast.

Thai Orchid

Maidstone

Rating: 3

A unique building with hexagonal towers and large windows offering views of the River Medway, Thai Orchid is the perfect romantic spot to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine with your loved one. The venue is over two floors, with a cafe bar on the lower, open all day, and the main restaurant above.

Cafe on the Vine

Sevenoaks

Rating: 3

For a light bite in a peaceful setting, you could head to Cafe on the Vine. The pretty wooden pavillion-style building, freshly coated in cream paint, is perched on the grass beside Sevenoaks Vine Cricket Club. The cafe serves simple but tasty nibbles such as ham and chutney rolls and toasted teacakes.

The Ferry House Inn

Sheerness

Rating: 4

A beautiful 16th century country restaurant, sitting alongside the Swale Estuary in the peaceful hamlet of Harty, the Ferry House Inn provides a warm welcome and delicious, wholesome food. With its own kitchen garden and farm, this family-owned eatery prides itself on offering homegrown, homemade, quality food. Try the scallops with confit celeriac or the partridge breast with blackberry poached pear and let the countryside calm you.

The Eating House

Tunbridge Wells

Rating: 3

The Eating House is situated in the historic Pantiles of Tunbridge Wells - a popular, upmarket area filled with boutique shops, bars and restaurants. With framed vintage posters, little shaded lamps sat upon the polished ebony tables and a generous display of caramel coloured liqours, this is the height of Kentish sophistication. Tuck into a winter warmer of slow roasted pork belly or a Scottish hake fillet - and watch the world go by.

Finbar's of West Bay

Westgate

Rating: 5

With floor to ceiling glass walls, marvel at amazing sunsets without having to brave the cold at Finbar's. The restaurant overlooks the sandy plains of West Bay and serves fantastic food. If you want some privacy, you can head out on to the terrace with a blanket - courtesy of the staff.

The Boathouse

Yalding

Rating: 3

Tucked away in the quaint little village of Yalding, the Boathouse sits on the banks of the River Medway, so you can look out over the tranquil waters while tucking into a fresh, stone-baked pizza. It is next to Twyford Bridge, one of the finest medieval bridges in the south of England and just half a mile away from the centre of the village. If you want to leave the car at home, the mainline station is just a short walk in the other direction.

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