Love is in the air this month so I’ve scoured Suffolk for the best date ideas to keep all of you romantics happy. If you’re hoping to show your significant other just how much they mean to you this Valentines day (or any other day for that matter), why not take some inspiration from my date night ideas below. We can all plan a traditional dinner date but these ideas are something a little different. There should be plenty of plenty of date night possibilities for every type of couple…. And if you end up winning over that special someone…..I promise I’ll let you take all the credit!
Tackle an Escape Room
If you and your partner are even a little bit competitive then an escape room makes for a brilliant date night idea. In Suffolk there are a few to choose from and it makes for a great way to spend time together. Whether you’re established couple or just getting to know each other puzzling your way out of an escape room is a great way to find out more about each other’s strengths, weaknesses and what makes them tick!
For escape room novices, the idea is that you find yourselves ‘trapped’ in a room or series of rooms. You and your group have to solve a set of clues to win your freedom with a set time.
Jenni at Suffolk Escape Rooms (Saxmundham) says they’re a great idea for a date, suitable for teams of 2-8 people. Their escape experience would be good for up to 4 couples “Although if puzzles are your thing it shouldn’t put you off booking as a couple. In fact, we recently had a couple do our escape room as a 10th anniversary activity!”
Cocktail O’Clock
For some reason heading out for cocktails seems so much more romantic than drinking a beer or a glass of wine. For most people drinking cocktails is a sign of celebration or indulgence and what better time for that than on a date with the one you love?
The Northgate in Bury St Edmunds are cocktail specialists and their fruity ‘rhubarbarian’ has got V-day written all over it!
The Forge in Ipswich have a fantastic cocktail menu and weeknights 4pm-7pm they’re £4.50 each.
Witness a starling murmuration
For me one of the all-time most romantic songs is ‘starlings’ by Elbow. It never fails to get me a little misty eyed. The melody is based on the wonderful, natural phenomenon of a starling murmuration. This can be seen in a few locations along the Suffolk Coast during winter months (Oct-March) around sunset. As the birds prepare to roost they perform a stunning display of collective movement. Even if you’re not a fan of the song; witnessing a murmuration 1st hand is a really special treat.
For the most up to date information on where to see a starling murmuration visit starlings in the UK.
Walk your pooch to the pub
A dog is a great addition to any date. They’re energetic, engaging and, though not great conversationalist themselves, help to stem any awkward silences.
Since it’s too early in the year for picnics in the sunshine and lazy strolls by the sea, a brisk dog walk through the countryside is perfect. This is especially the case if followed up with a visit to a dog-friendly pub with a cosy fire.
The Kings Head Inn, Orford, Grundisburgh Dog, Sweffling White Horse are all dog-friendly pubs, in stunning locations with a glorious fire burning in winter. The Turks Head in Hasketon even had a handy list of walks on its website, allowing you to plan you route towards the bar.
Whether it’s a first date or you’ve known each other for years hopefully these date ideas will get you out and exploring different parts of Suffolk together.
The rhubarbarian! 😍😍😍