Travel

Days Out in Kent for Couples (A Local’s Guide in 2026)

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As a Kent girl born and bred, I’m always on the look out for interesting things to do in my home county. Kent offers a little bit of everything – countryside, coast, great restaurants and attractions. Plus it is under an hour away from the bright lights of London. Even the days where I am bored, I remind myself that I am lucky to have all of this on my doorstep. So if you’re looking for some date ideas then here are my top recommendations for days out in Kent for couples.

Days out in Kent for couples

Garden View at Port Lympne
Garden View at Port Lympne

Breweries, Gin Tasting and Vineyards

If there’s one thing you can’t do with kids in tow, it’s something boozy. There are many great vineyards dotted about Kent but if wine isn’t your tipple of choice then there’s beer and gin too!

Curious Brewery

Located in Ashford, The Curious Brewery are known for their award winning beers and ciders. You can opt for a brewery tour and tasting or if you just want to get to the booze part, book a table at the Curious Taproom and Restaurant for a drink and a meal.

  • Location: Ashford Town Centre, 5 minutes walk from Ashford International Train Station.
  • Info: Closed Sundays and Mondays.
  • Stay nearby: Hampton By Hilton Ashford International is directly opposite the Curious Brewery so perfectly located for tipsy travellers.

Copper Rivet Distillery

The Copper Rivet Distillery is one of the UK’s only places where you can see the entire process of making gin, whisky and vodka side by side. As we are gin drinkers we opted for a gin tipple after our tour and even purchased a bottle to take home. Located in Chatham Historic Dockyard, there are plenty of places nearby to enjoy a bite to eat after your tour. Or you could even visit the Historic Dockyard itself.

  • Location: Leviathan Way, Chatham Dockyard.
  • Info: See Copper Rivet website for opening times.
  • Stay nearby: The Ship and Trades is a riverside pub and hotel, less than 10 minutes walk from the distillery.
Dates at a brewery and gin distillery
Left: Curious Brewery, Right: Copper Rivet

Balfour Winery

Kent is home to a fair few vineyards and I have been fortunate enough to visit a couple of them on days blessed with sunshine. The Balfour Winery in Staplehurst have a glorious decking area overlooking the vineyard and although they are open all year round, there’s nothing like sipping wine and nibbling a sharing platter with the summer sun on your skin.

Chapel Down

Another vineyard I would recommend is Chapel Down in Tenterden. When we visited here we enjoyed a meal in The Swan restaurant after our tour and tasting. But if you like a bit of cheese with your wine, then Chapel Down also offer a cheese and wine experience which sounds like a fabulous day out in Kent for couples.

Wine tasting in Kent
Left: Balfour Winery, Right: Chapel Down

Best Castles in Kent

There is a lot of history preserved in Kent, apparently it is the oldest county in England! And Kent’s history is alive and well through its spectacular castles.

Leeds Castle

I have been to Leeds Castle more times than I care to count. Located just outside Leeds village on the outskirts of Maidstone, Leeds Castle has a history spanning over 900 years. You can walk the beautiful grounds, explore the castle itself, get lost in the maze or enjoy a round of mini golf. You can even stay at Leeds Castle and pretend to be royalty!

Scotney Castle

Although not grand and showy in a traditional sense, Scotney Castle is worth including for the budding photographers. A National Trust property, Scotney Castle is a ruined medieval castle surrounded by a moat. The grounds boast 780 acres of parkland, a mansion house and walled garden. You simply can’t take a bad photograph here. Enjoy a romantic stroll around the gardens and stop by the tearoom for a delicious cake.

  • Location: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells.
  • Top Tip: Pre-booking is essential if you are driving due to current car parking works.
Castles in Kent - Leeds Castle with its waterfall and Scotney Castle with its moat.
Left: Leeds Castle, Right: Scotney Castle

Dover Castle

Perched high above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle is your typical mighty castle on a hill. While other castles offer picturesque fairytale experiences, this one brings the big guns, quite literally. You can wander the Great Tower to explore the regal medieval world of King Henry II, followed by visiting the underground tunnels used in the Second World War. As the gateway to England from the Channel, this fortress was England’s frontline defence for centuries.

  • Location: Castle Hill, Dover.
  • Top Tip: The area is quite hilly so bear this in mind if you have mobility issues.
  • Tickets: Purchase your tickets through GetYourGuide.

Coastal Walks in Kent

If you’re more of a beach babe than a countryside lover, then you can head down to the coast. Pick a sunny day and indulge in the British tradition of a fish and chip dinner while the sea air whips through your hair.

Whitstable

Everyone knows and loves Whitstable but I’m here to let you in on a little secret. Head to nearby Seasalter, the quieter, more tranquil cousin of Whitstable. Park up and then take a stroll along the pebble beach rather than contend with the busy car parks in central Whitstable. Reward yourself with a seafood lunch or a drink in a pub (The Old Neptune is very popular) once you reach Whitstable. If you fancy a treat, then I recommend Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium for a delicious and creative dessert.

  • Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for street art by Catman – Whitstable’s very own Banksy!
Fishing boat with Whitstable Oyster Co written on it and Whitstable beach and houses in the background.
Enjoy a stroll from Seasalter to Whitstable

Folkestone

Folkestone is a firm favourite of mine. I recommend taking a walk up the Creative Quarter to browse the independent shops, maybe stop for a coffee at one of the cafes or tapas at El Cortador. Wander down to the harbour arm and if the sun is shining, sip something cold at The Pilot Beach Bar. On weekends and bank holidays there are live music performances and The Marketplace stalls are usually open for shopping.

Boats in Folkestone Harbour
Folkestone Harbour

Afternoon Teas in Kent

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than indulging in an afternoon tea and what a lovely way to spend an afternoon with a loved one!

Chilston Park Hotel

Who doesn’t want to have afternoon tea in a 17th century manor house? Think grand staircases, antique furniture and 77 acres of parkland. Afternoon tea is a relaxed affair taking place in The Marble Lounge, with typical sandwiches, scones and sweets on offer. And if you want to make a weekend of it, consider visiting nearby Leeds Castle and staying in one of Chilston Park Hotel’s historical suites.

Port Lympne Reserve

Port Lympne is a Kent safari park and a wonderful setting for an afternoon tea. I’ve been to Port Lympne many times (I even had my hen do here) but only fairly recently enjoyed their afternoon tea. Work up an appetite spotting the various animals in the park and learning about the conservation efforts. Afternoon tea is served at the mansion within landscaped gardens.

  • Location: Lympne, Hythe.
  • Info: Prebooking is essential for afternoon tea. A valid admission ticket, annual pass, or short break booking is also required.
  • Book your entry tickets here: lovetovisit.com (note: afternoon tea needs to be booked separately).
Afternoon tea in Kent
Left: Igloos at Oad Street, Right: Barbie afternoon tea at The Lane

Oad Street Food and Crafts

Somewhere I have repeatedly been to for afternoon tea as well as brunch is Oad Street Food and Crafts. You can choose to sit in either the main restaurant or pay a little extra for a pod – a particularly nice idea if you are dining as a group.

The Lane

The afternoon teas at The Lane are fabulously quirky. Although at present they are focussing on more seasonal themes, in the past they have looked towards pop culture for inspiration. I enjoyed a Peter Rabbit themed tea at Easter time and a pretty pink and girly Barbie themed tea on another occasion.

  • Location: South Court, Deal.

Spa Days in Kent for Couples

If you’re in need of some relaxation, then a spa day is the answer. Spas vary greatly in packages and quality but it’s always great if you can team it up with an overnight stay or an afternoon tea and make a proper day/night of it.

Hythe Imperial

I actually took my mum on a spa break to Hythe Imperial Hotel for her 60th birthday. We had a lovely afternoon tea with the family, followed by a walk along the seafront. Then we spent some time in the spa, had a treatment and an overnight stay. They very sweetly gave my mum a little dessert plate with Happy Birthday on it too.

  • Location: Princes Parade, Hythe

Eastwell Manor

If you’re looking for a romantic stay with your significant other, then Champneys Eastwell Manor is the one. Set in a charming country house built between 1540 and 1550, it has had many owners, including royalty. So treat yourself like the Queen that you are with an overnight stay or a full spa day/weekend.

Pool at Eastwell Manor
Eastwell Manor swimming pool

Quirky Things to do in Kent

Of course, I had to include a few slightly more unusual days out in Kent for couples.

Escape Rooms in Kent

Escape Rooms had a bit of surge in popularity in recent years and I’ve tried a fair few myself. The quality does vary a bit but there are some excellent escape rooms in Kent. I recommend Clue Cracker Games in Tunbridge Wells – their Temple Quest game is probably the best escape room I have done. For the Medway area, Mythologic Escape Rooms Arabian Nights was particularly fun.

Alpaca Trekking

If you’ve never done it before, alpaca trekking is a lot of fun! I’ve done it a few times, both in Kent and other parts of England and if you love animals then taking an alpaca for a group walk is definitely a must try activity. I would recommend Kenward Place in Yalding or Capstone Farm Alpacas in Gillingham to get up close to these cuties.

Alpaca selfie
This might be the greatest selfie I’ve ever taken (location Kenward Place)

Punting in Canterbury

Canterbury is a popular city to visit in Kent due to its history, arts and culture. If you’re looking for a romantic date idea then I suggest punting on the River Stour. Glide through the lovely landscaped Westgate Gardens and take in the view of Canterbury from the water.

Punting in Canterbury is a perfect day out in Kent for couples
Punting in Canterbury

Final Thoughts on Days out in Kent for Couples

All of these activities are tried and tested by me and make for ideal days out in Kent for couples. If you need a little more date inspiration, then check out my Alphabet Dating series.

For more United Kingdom content, see some of my other posts:

Author

  • Hayley is the blogger behind Quirky Little Planet travel blog. Residing in the county of Kent in South East England, she has been blogging for over 10 years and travelling for even longer. Having been to over 25 countries, Hayley writes about her personal experiences and places she has been, particularly if they are a little unique or offbeat. As a new mum, she is now navigating the magical and chaotic world of family travel.