16 Valentine's Day ideas for couples in Kent
Published: 05:40, 12 February 2020
Updated: 08:58, 12 February 2020
It's the day we try to forget all the annoying habits of our partner and instead prove our undying love and adoration. Yes, Valentine's Day has come round once again.
If you fancy doing something different this year - whether that's bubbly under the moonlight or swinging through the trees on an adventure course - there's plenty going on in Kent.
1. A day of luxury at Eastwell Manor
Let your worries drift away and just focus on spending some quality time with your partner on a luxurious spa day at one of the county's many hotels.
A pamper day at the Eastwell Manor in Ashford includes full access to the spa and relaxation facilities, a 25-minute treatment, breakfast and lunch.
Or you could even spend the night. Spa days start at £89 per person. Click here to book.
2. Seafood and champagne by the sea
Take a relaxed stroll along Folkestone's seafront with your loved one, look out at the gentle waves lapping the shore and let the calm wash over you.
Afterwards, share a steaming hot portion of fish and chips sat on the cobbled harbour wall, or book a table at award-winning seafood restaurant Rocksalt.
Try to bag a seat next to the huge glass windows offering stunning views.
Finish off the evening by wandering to the very end of the harbour arm and enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Lighthouse Champagne Bar.
3. Watch the Russian State Ballet in Coppélia
A trip to the ballet is sure to get your heart yearning for love.
Delight in the breathtaking performance of the Russian State Ballet of Siberia in Coppélia at the Marlowe theatre in Canterbury.
This charming, light-hearted tale set in a doll maker's is brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes.
The two-hour show starts at 7.30pm with tickets between £15 and £49. Click here to book.
4. Gin-tasting at Frederic's
For the gin-lovers out there, head to the tasting-evening at one of Kent's most romantic restaurants.
Tucked within Market Buildings in Maidstone, Frederic Bistro serves French-inspired cuisine and oozes in ambiance, complete with red and white checked table cloths and dripping candles.
A gin-tasting evening is running on Thursday, February 13 in the wine bar from 7pm.
It includes 10 gins and eight cheeses for £25 per person. Call 01622 297414 to book.
5. Cuddle up and watch Ghost
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of an Oscar-winning drama while simultaneously ticking off Valentine's Day with a trip to see Ghost.
Cuddle up at Showcase cinema, Bluewater and watch Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in this heart-wrenching romance.
The film will be showing at 7pm of Friday, February 14 and 5pm on February 17. Tickets are £14.50 - click here to book.
6. A date for adventurers
If the soppy, lovey-dovey stuff just makes you cringe, you can still show your partner you care, but just maybe in a less conventional way.
Leeds Castle near Maidstone is home to Go Ape - a tree-top assort course sure to get the adrenaline pumping.
You also get the satisfaction of seeing your partner scream as they shoot off down the 250m-long zip wire. There are no spaces left on Valentine's Day but you can go on Saturday, February 15 or Sunday, February 16. Tickets start at £25 from here.
Or you could explore the castle grounds on two wheels on the twilight Segway tour, winding along the paths as the sun sets from £59 each. Click here to book.
7. Get your cocktail mixers shaking
Shake up a storm at Banks bar couple's cocktail-making night in Maidstone.
Guests will get exclusive access the the cocktail bar for the evening and will create two delicious, Valentine's Day-themed drinks before sitting down to enjoy them, followed by a bottle of Prosecco to share.
The experience will cost £60 per couple.
There are limited spaces available - email enquiries@banksmaidstone.co.uk to book.
8. Prosecco by moonlight
A secret meeting under the moonlight is undoubtedly romantic. But with it being rather chilly this time of year, there is an alternative option.
A seven-metre-wide replica of the glowing sphere will soon be suspended in the medieval nave of Rochester Cathedral.
And on Valentine's Day, couples can enjoy a glass of Prosecco under this awe-inspiring sculpture designed by Luke Jerram.
Doors open at 7pm, last admissions are at 8.30pm and entry is £8, which includes a glass of bubbly.
9. Give in to Tango temptation
German Cornejo's passionate Tango Fire will transport you all the way to the streets of Buenos Aires, where locals dance in the streets until the early hours.
With Cornejo's choreography and the unforgettable music of great Tango masters, this show at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells is sure to get your pulse racing.
Doors open at 7.30pm on Friday, February 14. Tickets are £24.75 - click here to book.
10. A beer-lover's dream date
The way to a man's heart... through his beer belly?
If your spouse agrees that ale is indeed an effective method of seduction, a tour of Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham is perhaps the perfect Valentine's Day treat.
There are two sessions on Friday, February 14 - one at 11am and the other at 2pm - complete with tutored tasting after weaving among the great vessels which hold the golden liquid.
Tours are £18 per person and can be booked here.
11. Coastal views and cosy drinks
Vera Lynn sang about them and the bluebirds love them, so why not head up onto the beautiful, iconic White Cliffs of Dover for a quintessentially Kentish date.
Look out to sea and reminisce all the good times you've shared. Or watch the sunset sat on Deal pier.
There are also lots of cosy bars and restaurants in both these seaside towns.
Head to Deal's dimly-lit Le Pinardier for a vintage rouge or the Allotment in Dover for a wild boar bourguignon.
12. Gareth Gates live
The famous runner-up on the first ever series of Pop Idol, Gareth Gates will be performing for diners at Pizza Express in Maidstone.
The pop singer has sold 3.5 million records in the UK alone.
A VIP package will get you premium seating as well as the chance to meet Gareth for photos and autographs.
Valentine's Day tickets have sold out but you can still see Gareth on Saturday, February 15.
Standard tickets are £30 with the performance set to kick off at 8.30pm. Click here to book.
13. A tour of the vineyards
Discover all about the world of wine with a private guided tour of Biddenden Vineyards.
Your personal guide will escort you between the vines, into the winery, explaining the full process from grape to bottle.
Then, taste a selection of the company's refined beverages and enjoy a sharing platter of Kentish cheeses, chutney crackers and more.
The tour is £75 for up to three people with the platter costing £21 or £28 with local charcuterie. Call 01580 291726 to book.
14. Rave in the caves
If your more into raving than romance, head to Margate Caves where a silent disco will get you groovin' underground. Choose from three channels as you explore the tunnels at this unique event.
The caves are a steady 10-12C so wrap up warm and it's probably best to trade in heels for trainers.
Everyone gets a welcome drink on arrival and there will be a cash bar to keep your topped up throughout the night.
Running from 7pm to 11pm, tickets start at £16.76 from eventbrite.co.uk.
15. Get your skates on
A classic date at a reasonable price, ice-skating is sure to provide plenty of laughter as you watch your loved one resemble Bambi as they slip and slide over on the ice.
Or if you're a pro, here's your chance to show off your skills.
At Planet Ice in Gillingham prices range from £10.30 to £11.30 each, which includes skate hire.
The last session on Fridays starting at 8.15pm.
16. Smooth jazz and dinner
For an evening of luxury, Hempstead House hotel and spa is offering a four-course meal, a glass of bubbly and the silky smooth vocals of Jason Allen, bringing Michael Bublé jazz classics to the dining room.
Tickets for the Sittingbourne event are £59 with doors opening at 7.30pm. Click here to book.
If you miss out on love...
kmfm is celebrating the most romantic day of the year by giving Kent couples the chance to have a special dinner at some of the best restaurants in the county.
Daytime presenter Andy Walker will be giving away a meal for two every day between Monday, February 4 to Friday, February 8.
He will be asking listeners to get in touch if they've 'missed out on love' and their other half 'forgot' to do something special.
And a select few of these listeners will then have their luck turned around and be sent on a slap-up meal, with everything paid for.
To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here
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Rebecca Tuffin