15 Date Ideas in Hertfordshire

If you’re looking for your next date idea, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s my top 15 date ideas in Hertfordshire, including 5 free date ideas, 5 unusual date ideas and my top 5 restaurants for date night.

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Free date ideas in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire has plenty to offer when it comes to free, romantic date ideas. If you’re bored of simply popping to the pub, or you’re trying to reduce your spending in this tough economy, here’s 5 date ideas that will give you the perfect setting to get to know your match that are completely free.

1) St Albans Cathedral

St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain and at 84 metres, its nave is the longest of any cathedral in England.

I was lucky enough to go there with a date when a choir were rehearsing for a performance later that evening and can vividly remember the goose bumps from the acoustics, echoing around the stunning nave.

I recommend grabbing coffees from one of the many independents in the St Albans City Centre, literally a stone’s throw from the cathedral, and then taking a short stroll down to Verulamium Park where you can walk along the lake and enjoy 100 acres of beautiful parkland.

If you’re feeling peckish, I can’t rate the Waffle House highly enough. It is situated just a couple of minutes walk from the park. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve eaten in there!

2) Natural History Museum, Tring

Tring museum has one of the finest collections of animals in the UK with 4900 specimens. It’s set over an impressive 4 floors, across 6 galleries, with a little something for everyone.

Will you be taking your date to see the Polar bears, the lower jaw of a Sperm whale or penguins first?

Beyond the museum, just a 10 minute walk away is Tring Park, where there’s woodland walks to enjoy.

3) Ashridge Estate

The Ashridge Estate is home of the Bridgewater monument, set within 5000 acres of woodland, chalk downlands, in the beautiful Chiltern Hills.

Make sure you and your date are wearing suitable footwear to make the most of the walking trails, and be sure to grab a sweet treat after in the monument cafe.

4) Lee Valley Park

There’s plenty to see with your date at Lee Valley park from nature reserves, walking and cycling routes, to people watching at the white water centre, whilst enjoying a drink at the terrace bar and cafe. Take a look at my experience white water rafting at Lee Valley.

5) Hertford Union Canal

This canal walk is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll. Park at Hartham Common and take a walk into Hertford town, pass by Hertford Castle and grab drinks from the Hertford Coffee Lab (Try their incredible cinnamon swirl).

Enjoy a 2.5 mile walk alongside river Lea, passing several locks on the way until you reach Ware. Take a well deserved rest at the Waterside Inn and then either walk back, or you can catch the train one stop to Hertford East.

Unusual date ideas Hertfordshire

Every year I look forward to writing a bucket list of new local experiences I’d like to try, so I’m always very excited when I get to organise an usual date in Hertfordshire.

1) Rock climbing

Hertfordshire Sports Village offer rock climbing taster sessions on their 12 metre high wall every Sunday. You’ll need to pre-book. Classes last one hour.

2) Go Karting

go karting; active date ideas in hertfordshire

Rye House offer adult Karting on the weekends. It’s not your cheapest date idea, but exhilarating.

3) Ninja Warrior

If like me you grew up watching the Ninja Warrior TV show and would love the chance to run across balls and up a vertical wall, then why not invite your date to an active challenge at Ninja Warrior, Watford. Not for the light-hearted, but so much fun!

4) Axe Throwing

One of my favourite dates was at an Axe throwing centre in London, so I’m super excited that they’ve just opened a Boom Battle Bar in Stevenage. A date night of laughter and competition. Will you choose Axe throwing, Shuffleboard or show off your dart or pool skills?

5) Top Golf

Topgolf, based in Watford, offers a wide selection of games from crazy golf, to virtual Angry Birds. Eat, drink and play games on your date night, all in one location.

Dinner dates in Hertfordshire

5 tried and highly recommended restaurants in Hertfordshire for your perfect date night.

1) Los Reyes, Hitchin

Los Reyes is an award winning tapas restaurant based in Hitchin town centre. I visited in November 2022 and the service and food was outstanding. It’s nice to find a Spanish restaurant that doesn’t just offer your typical albondigas and tortilla. My date and I enjoyed air cured tuna and melt in your mouth lamb shoulder with anchovy and pomegranate. It’s a bit more expensive than your normal restaurant, but for a special occasion, I highly recommend it. You have to pre-book a couple of weeks in advance as they’re always full on the weekends.

2) The Florist, Watford

restaurant ideas for dates in Hertfordshire — The Florist Watford

The Florist Watford wins the prettiest restaurant award. I went there for brunch and was very impressed by their wide menu choice, staff support with our diet requirements and great food. The staff were friendly and the decor was just stunning. I was in my element taking photos in their pink phone box, against their flower ‘Born a wild child’ wall, and under their blossom tree. If you’re dating a real girly girl, they’re going to absolutely love this place.

3) Per Tutti, St Albans

I went to Per Tutti, a quaint little Italian restaurant based in St Albans city centre in late 2021, and was blown away by the food, wine, atmosphere, and my date. Not only was it one of the best Italian meals I’ve ever had, but my date literally whisked me off my feet as soon as we stepped outside. LOL. Certainly a date to remember.

4) The Tilbury, Datchworth

The Tilbury, based just outside Knebworth, is an award winning fine dining pub and restaurant. Offering classics, and innovative British cuisine. It has a warm and relaxed dining environment, is set in a pretty village, has great service and yummy food.

5) The Fox and Duck, Therfield

The beautiful Fox and Duck gastro-pub is based just outside Royston. Set on a green in Therfield, this rustic pub offer’s stunning home made food and is the perfect setting for a romantic date night for two.

Hertfordshire offers a plethora of romantic date options, catering to various preferences and budgets. From serene walks in historical sites to adrenaline-pumping activities and delightful dining experiences, there’s something for every couple. As you plan your next date, consider these curated suggestions, each promising a memorable time.

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