By Andy, founder
Once the summer crowds have gone, Kent belongs to the people who live here. The beaches empty, the car parks are easy and there's always a table by the fire. If you've been waiting for the right moment to meet someone, the quieter months are a good time to do it. Here are some easy winter dates to try.
Out in the weather
Take a crisp walk on the Downs or the coast
A bright, frosty morning on the North Downs, or a blustery walk along the seafront at Deal or Herne Bay, is one of the best things about a Kent winter. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and it's easy to extend if it's going well.
Watch the sunset over the sea at Margate
Turner loved the skies over Thanet, and winter sunsets come early enough to fit in after work. Find a spot on the seafront and bring a flask.
Wander a castle or garden in its quiet season
Kent's castles and gardens are worth a winter visit, with frost on the lawns and far fewer people. It's a relaxed way to spend a couple of hours together.
Warm and cosy
Find a fireside pub
Every corner of Kent has a village pub with a log fire and a quiet corner. For a first date, a weekday afternoon is ideal: calm, unhurried and easy to leave after one drink if you'd like to.
Visit a gallery or museum
From the Turner Contemporary in Margate to the Beaney in Canterbury and the Historic Dockyard in Chatham, there's plenty to see indoors when the rain sets in. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker.
Share a proper afternoon tea
A tearoom on a wet afternoon is hard to beat. Add a slice of gypsy tart if you see one, and you've got something to talk about straight away.
Festive and seasonal
From late November, towns across Kent light up for Christmas, with markets, carol concerts and, in Rochester, a Dickensian Christmas festival. A stroll round the lights with a hot chocolate makes a lovely early date. Local events are worth keeping an eye out for, too.
A few winter tips
- Check opening times. Many places keep shorter hours out of season, so check before you go.
- Plan for the dark. It's dark by late afternoon, so a lunchtime date is often easier.
- Pick somewhere easy to reach. Kent is a big county, so meet halfway if you live at opposite ends.
- Dress for the weather. Nobody is at their best cold and soaked.
- Stay safe. Meet somewhere public and make your own way there. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Looking for more ideas? Our first date ideas in Kent work all year round.
- date-ideas
- winter
- kent
