By Andy, founder
A drink in the pub is fine. But you live in the Garden of England, and a first date with something to do takes the pressure off: you're side by side, there's always something to talk about, and it's easy to end early if the spark isn't there. Here are twelve ideas from around the county.
Out in the open
1. Walk the White Cliffs of Dover
The National Trust path along the cliffs east of Dover gives you big sea views, the port below and, on a clear day, France on the horizon. Walk as far as feels right and turn back for a cuppa at the visitor centre.
2. Cycle the Crab and Winkle Way
The traffic-free route between Canterbury and Whitstable follows an old railway line for about seven miles. Hire bikes, pedal at chatting pace, and finish by the harbour in Whitstable.
3. Whitstable harbour and Tankerton Slopes
Wander round the harbour huts, then along the grassy slopes at Tankerton. At low tide you can walk out along the Street, a strip of shingle that stretches into the sea.
4. A stretch of the North Downs Way
The long-distance path runs right across Kent along the chalk Downs. Pick a short section between two villages with a pub at the end, rather than an epic.
5. Dungeness
Shingle, lighthouses, fishing huts and a big sky. It's unlike anywhere else in the country, and you can get there on the little Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.
Culture and a bit of shelter
6. Leeds Castle
Just outside Maidstone, the castle sits on its own lake with gardens, a maze and plenty of benches for a proper chat.
7. Canterbury Cathedral and a punt on the Stour
Look round the cathedral, then let someone else do the work on a river punt through the city. A lovely way to see Canterbury from a different angle.
8. Turner Contemporary, Margate
The gallery on Margate's seafront is free, and the view out of its windows is as good as anything on the walls. Finish with a wander round the old town.
9. The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
Ships, ropes and centuries of naval history. There's plenty to see, which means plenty to talk about, and it's all under cover if the weather turns.
10. Sissinghurst Castle Garden
The famous gardens in the Weald are at their best from spring to autumn, and a slow walk round them is about as relaxed as a first date gets.
Keep it simple
11. Bat and trap in a pub garden
Kent's own pub game is played in gardens across east Kent in summer. It's easy to pick up, a bit silly, and a brilliant icebreaker.
12. Pick your own
From strawberries to cherries and apples, Kent's fruit farms open up for picking in season. Cheap, cheerful and very Garden of England.
A few tips before you go
- Choose somewhere public for the first meeting, and make your own way there.
- Let a friend know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check tide times, weather and opening times before you set off.
- Keep the first date short. If it goes well, you'll have a reason for a second.
For more on meeting safely, read our guide to dating safely. And if you haven't met anyone to take on these dates yet, see who's near you.
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