February is upon us. The short little month that pops up after January has finally finished holding court. With February comes Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or loathe it, you will be made aware of it. The big heart shaped balloons, chocolates and shiny cards are bobbing about in shops up and down the country. Easter eggs are also starting to creep into the corners of shelves too, but we will avert our gaze for now. In short, ‘LOVE’ has been sold and sugar-coated to us on a massive scale. With that, Valentine’s Day can make a cynic out of the most hopelessly romantic of us. Instead of pumping heart-shaped confetti at one single day, let us look to continuing to date and woo each other with the clumsy, adorable, earnest aplomb of frolicking spring lambs.
If the idea of a cinema, drinks or dinner date aren’t appealing to the adventurous and outdoorsy side to you, take a look at our list of great date ideas!
A Beautiful Picnic at Ringstead Beach near Weymouth
I once knew a girl who made picnicking its own art form. Whether it was her natural artistic nature or her French flare and love of good food, picnics have never been the same since. Now I always strive to produce beautiful picnics for loved ones. Stock up on delicious delights from The Purbeck Deli – a family run business that has been supplying gorgeous local produce for over thirty years. You can source a table cloth or blanket, napkins and cute vintage style cutlery from a charity shop. The beautiful Ringstead Beach near Weymouth, makes for a perfect picnic spot. Despite National Trust parking, this is a quieter beach with the most charming shingles and sparkling seas.
A Day Trip To Brownsea Island
Reopening from March 19th Brownsea Island will be welcoming back visitors this Spring. Book a ticket now for the most charming day-date. Take your beloved on an excursion worthy of The Famous Five. As fun as it can be to sit in the darkened corner of a bar and sip cocktails, do not underestimate the potency of a wholesome day-date.
This uniquely Dorset activity provides an opportunity for a day trip like no other. Arrive by boat and roam the island, follow the spring flower trails, spot the red squirrels, wildlife, unique views and a list of events curated for the Summer months. Sometimes a spot of old fashioned fun can feel a lot like old fashioned romance – which is, after all, timeless.
Swanage Steam Railway
Talk about old-fashioned fun – Swanage Railway is a surprisingly romantic option for a date. The nostalgic and vintage air of steam railway imbues it with inherent romanticism. Live out your Agatha Christie fantasies and hop aboard for a completely charming adventure and sensational Swanage experience. With tickets available to book from February the 19th and Events scheduled from March onwards, you can share a unique Dorset adventure. Taking passengers across Corfe Castle, the dramatic cliffs and scenic seas, you can sit back and delight in the view.
The Arcade
An Arcade is another retro choice for a romantic day out. However, they are by their very nature all about fun and amusement! That is exactly what a date should be. If you’re still in the early stages of dating, visiting an arcade is a great way to break the ice, put those jittery nerves and butterflies into something and be sweet and silly together. If your date is a fan of Retro movies and TV style shows like Stranger Things, then they will love a date at the arcade. Win them a tacky toy and every teenage-dream of dating will be realised. Even for long term couples, a trip to the Arcade offers up a bit of whimsy, a sprinkle of silly and the playfulness that all relationships need. Take a trip to K’s FUN WORLD in Swanage, then share some fish and chips on the pier afterwards – bliss.
The Climbing Centre
If you are stuck on things to do in Dorset, why not try the Project Climbing Centre? If you have previously enjoyed leaping across the inflatables atop the lakes at our outdoor wibit water park or charging through the mud trail, then a spot of indoor climbing could be just the ticket for you. When two adventure lovers meet, then adrenaline based activities are the best date ideas for you. Whether you two are a competitive couple or just like to test yourselves, climbing centres are great ways to keep fit, test your skills and have the most fun whilst exercising.
Paddle Boarding
If you are a fan of waterparks in England, then a water sport activity would suit you splendidly! Unlike some more high intensity water sports, paddleboarding is very social and provides the opportunities for adventure, to enjoying the outdoors and conversation. Experience Dorset from a whole other perspective – the sea. I was once offered a chance to go paddleboarding on a date and regret that I did not accept! We decided that we would be better off friends, but you really should have gone paddleboarding- it is fun, accessible, enjoyable exercise and a chance to enjoy the peace, beauty and joy of being on the water. Do not repeat my mistake and look at the paddleboarding menu provided by Land and Wave, Dorset. From coasteering, bush craft to paddleboarding, if you have enjoyed our assault course, then this will be a breeze.
The best day out in Dorset of them all has to be Dorset Adventure Park! You can select a gift card today for tomorrow’s adventures. The best dates are the ones full of fun, laughter, fresh air and adventure. Run hand in hand on top of the inflatable assault course or race each other through the mud trail – either way, it will be an absolutely unforgettable day out and the very best date.
Words by Olivia Lowry
