10 Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

Looking to have a romantic dinner or night away this Valentine’s Day in Essex? Treat yourself and your partner to some much-deserved time alone this February. We’ve got great date ideas in Essex as well as overnight stays that are guaranteed to make this Valentine’s Day a special one.

Romantic Stay at The Pier at Harwich Hotel

Escape the world with your loved one and enjoy a dreamy Valentine’s getaway at The Pier at Harwich, situated on the seafront overlooking the beautiful harbour. The Pier was built back in 1862 in the style of a Venetian palazzo and provided a place to stay for those travelling by train and ship to the Continent. Today, you can book one of 14 ensuite bedrooms for a memorable stay in this historic seaside town - half of the rooms are located in the main building, whilst the other 7 are in the adjacent Angel building. All rooms boast panoramic sea views and attractive interiors. The hotel is dog-friendly, so if the second love of your life is your furry friend, then you’re welcome to bring them along for your romantic stay in Essex. Their restaurant is open all day, every day, serving local fish and shellfish for you to enjoy a delicious, romantic meal during your stay.

Gin School & Distillery Tour Experience

For gin lovers looking for date ideas in Essex this Valentine’s Day, an experience with Meadow Oak Distillery is definitely one to consider! This award-winning distillery is based in Stebbing and produce a range of amazing spirits that not only taste great, but promote and support bio-diversity on their organic family farm. Meadow Oak host tours, tastings and a gin school at the distillery that make a great date or gift for Valentine’s Day. Make sure to pre-book your visit in advance so that you don’t miss out!

Alpaca Trekking

Have you ever wanted to take a trek through some orchards with an alpaca? Of course you have! All Things Alpaca are based at Lathcoats Farm in Chelmsford and is probably one of our more unique date ideas in Essex. All year round, visitors come to the farm to enjoy the Alpaca Trekking experience – walk your own alpaca around the stunning orchards whilst learning all about the wonderful creatures and their history. It’s a great photo opportunity, and definitely a change from your standard coffee date! There are several other experiences available to book with other farmyard animals, including a Pygmy Goat Meet and Greet.

Catch a movie at the Electric Palace Cinema

Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic movie date – but what if you switched it up just a little bit, and enjoyed a flick at the Electric Palace Cinema, one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas standing today! Dating back to 1911, and having recently undergone a £1m restoration, the cinema screens the latest blockbusters as well as West End streamings and live music shows. The cinema is so beautiful it was used as a filming location in the film ‘Downtown Abbey: A New Era’. Although in the past admission was one shilling, today an adult ticket for their main weekend film programme is £8.

Aphrodisiac Oysters at The Victory

There’s no better way to spend Valentine’s Day than indulging in aphrodisiacs like chocolate and oysters. Enjoy a delicious meal at family-owned pub The Victory at Mersea, where you can treat your taste buds to freshly shucked Mersea Oysters this Valentine’s Day. Finish your meal with a decadent chocolate brownie – if you’re not feeling the love in the air this February, you will after this delicious meal! Explore the local area before or after your meal – a romantic stroll along West Mersea Beach is always a good idea.

Spa Day at Potters Resort Five Lakes

A spa day can make a great gift or date for Valentine’s Day, and The Spa at Five Lakes is set in the beautiful Essex countryside just a short drive from Tiptree and Colchester. Treat yourself and your significant other to a wide range of rejuvenating treatments from a hot stone back massage to microneedling, mani-pedis and facials. Make the most of your access to their wonderful facilities such as the relaxation room, pool, sauna, and steam room during your visit. Top it all off with a delicious afternoon tea – it’ll go down as one of the best Valentine’s Days you’ve ever had!

Art Lovers Gallery Date

A simple yet enjoyable date; appreciating art with the person you love to spend time with the most. Essex has many wonderful art galleries that make ideal settings for your Valentine’s Day date. Check out the Beecroft Art Gallery in Southend-on-Sea, where you’ll find work from local artists as well as semi-permanent displays of fine art from the Beecroft collection. This collection consists of over 2000 works that range from 17^th century Dutch masterpieces to more contemporary art. The art is accompanied by an ongoing programme of wonderful fashion and textile exhibitions. 

Pizza at Lucca Enoteca

‘When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie, that's amore’. If you’re stuck for date ideas in Essex, you can’t go wrong with pizza. Lucca Enoteca is a restaurant based in Manningtree, open every day from 12pm – 9:30pm, serving outstanding wood-fired pizzas. Other items on their extensive menu include a wide range of mouth-watering pasta dishes, calzone, and salads. If you would rather stay comfy at home on Valentine’s Day, you can order your meal to takeaway – be sure to prebook to avoid any disappointment. Don’t forget to come back and visit during the warmer months so that you can experience their delicious Italian cuisine al fresco.

Thai Food at Giggling Squid

With branches in Billericay, Chelmsford, Brentwood and Hornchurch, there’s always an opportunity for a Thai food date at Giggling Squid in Essex. Each restaurant is decorated beautifully with floral backdrops, making the perfect scenery for an Instagram-worthy snap with your partner this Valentine’s Day. Their extensive menu features Thai food classics and a variety of fish, meat and vegetarian and vegan options – there’s a dish to be enjoyed by everyone. Accompany your meal with one of their perfect pairing wines, or a delicious cocktail with a Thai twist! If you’re stuck for Valentine’s Day gift ideas, they also do vouchers.

Adventure Awaits at Go Ape Chelmsford

Are you and your partner adrenaline junkies? In that case, skip the classy dinners and movie dates this Valentine’s Day and opt for something that will get your hearts racing. Go Ape Chelmsford, found in Hylands Park, has three high ropes courses amongst the beautiful 574 acre estate. If you’re looking for a fun challenge, why not fly down ziplines and tackle the crossings amongst the forest canopy this Valentine’s Day? A great day out in Essex for those who love to be active and try new things – you’re bound to make fun memories that you will always treasure with your loved one.

Wishing you a very love-filled Valentine’s Day! To stay up to date with events, things to do, and more in Essex, subscribe to our newsletter.