Holly Loftus
22nd January 2024

Love is in the air... everywhere you look around...


Whether you're getting first-date butterflies, reconnecting with an evening away from the everyday or celebrating Valentine's Day, the wannabe Cupids here at Visit Herts have gathered our favourite date night locations for those dreamy memories to be made. Whether you're a classic movie-dinner-drinks kind of couple, or looking for an unforgettable way to make that first impression, we've got the spots we know you lovebirds will enjoy! 

The Grove

When the special occasion comes around, a birthday, an anniversary, or dare we say, an evening involving a special ring (Valentine's Day is right around the corner by the way!), you need luxury settings and specialist care to pull off the perfect date night. Enter The Grove hotel, host to celebrities and royalty alike, and the perfect option for your special night. Indulge in a delicious dinner in the luxurious settings of The Glasshouse restaurant or why not opt for a Couples Retreat with their luxury spa, Champagne and dining included.

Raise the bar

Drift Limits

Time to get sparks flying and hearts racing on the ultimate fun date! With Drift Limit's Supercar Experience for two, now really is the perfect time to test your partners driving ability and finally crown the better driver of the relationship. Or, you might be looking to impress a first date, so trust us, a date here will be full of thrills and laughter leaving you with plenty to talk about!

Off to a flying start

The Bricklayer's Arms

Gazing into each other’s eyes over a glass of red wine in a cosy corner under the glow of twinkling fairy lights… not just the stuff of movies, thanks to the charming gastro pub that is The Bricklayers Arms in Flaunden! Set within the stunning rolling hills of the Chess Valley, this 18th century pub is perfect setting for your cosy date night out. We could go on and on describing their delectable dinners, but instead we’ll just casually mention that they’ve won the Good Pub Guide’s Dining Pub of the Year 2020, and they’ve won every year for the past five years, and they hold an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence… so we think you get the (delicious) picture!

Doing date night right

The Gardens at Knebworth House

Like to pre plan your dates? Why not set a date with your significant other to explore the grounds at Knebworth House when they reopen this March? Knebworth House is the pretty perfect place to see flowers blossoming to the sound of nature and butterflies dancing in the air.

Feeling the butterflies?

Atria Watford

A classic cinema and dinner date? A bit of late night shopping?  Whatever your go-to date idea may be, Atria Watford has something for you and your lucky someone to enjoy, whether you’re heading out for an anniversary celebration or looking to woo someone special.

Popcorn at the ready...

Pendley Manor

It’s all about rural relaxation in classically beautiful Pendley Manor. Enjoy a date night away relaxing and reconnecting with their ideal staycation offers. Whether you're celebrating with their Celebrate & Pamper Package for two or fancy a little mid-week treat with their Mid-week Celebrate & Pamper for two, your perfect getaway awaits...

Romantic retreat

The Snow Centre

Adrenaline junkie couples, we’re not leaving you out! A date doesn’t have to be ‘romantic’ in the traditional sense. How about an evening of learning new skills and getting active as you ski and snowboard at The Snow Centre? Spend some time together slipping and sliding on the slopes at the biggest real snow centre outside of London - what a way to break the ice!

Ice breakers

Lee Valley White Water Centre

For the couple who enjoy all things adventure or the first daters looking to break the silence with an unforgettable experience. Lee Valley White Water Centre, might just sound like the ideal place to take your partner on a crazy fun outdoor dating experience. Choose from the many different water activities including, white water rafting, hydrospeeding, inflatable fun on the lake, canoeing and kayaking and much more! Get those sparks flying and hearts racing in this adrenaline rush of love experience.

Off to a sailing start

Verulamium Spa

Looking to add a bit of luxury to your ultimate date? Why not spend the day relaxing at Verulamium Spa and escape the world together in one of their 5 star luxury treatment rooms or couple suites. Receive a variety of treatments including, facials, massages, body treatments and more! It’s the perfect experience for those looking to add a little wellness to their lives...isn’t that all of us?

Spa dates are the best dates

Artshed Arts

Now, we’ve talked about the adventurous date, the traditional date and the relaxation date, so here’s one for the creative couple. It’s time to explore the artistic side of your partner at one of Artshed Arts Crafty Sessions involving beautiful fused glass, pottery painting, decoupage or button art. Let’s just say the recreation of the famous scene from Ghost may be on the table.

Paint the date away

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Treat yourself and your loved one this year with an evening to remember at Hanbury Manor! Book yourself in for a delicious meal, tantalising your tastebuds at the Cast Iron Grill with the added bonus of a complimentary bottle of house wine when you dine between half five and half six. For something that little bit extra special, why not enjoy an afternoon tea, soaking in the luxury of the food, drink, and spectacular views.

Hitchin Lavender Fields

Set a date for the summer and dig out those gingham picnic blankets and woven hampers, we’re taking you back to a more traditional, romantic setting. If you’re in the ‘getting to know each other stage’ or you’re already 1 of 2, living in your own little world, there’s nothing quite like a peaceful sit down in the fields of Hitchin Lavender, watching the world go by and enjoying the company of that special someone. Bring the strawberries and chocolate, finger sandwiches and bubbly and spend the day soaking in the scenery and romance at Hitchin Lavender.

A picnic in a field 

The Vault at Ashridge House

Show your love a little old school glamour at the romantic Ashridge House cocktail bar. Settle into the former Evidence Room within the manor house with glass or two, overlooking sunset views across the North Lawn. Local and seasonal ingredients go into their delectable cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a treat.