Upgrade Date Night. Easy Ideas to Woo Your Other Half, Inspired by Dorset’s Most Beautiful Places
- Outbuildings
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
Ah, those all-important date nights. It can be hard to keep them fresh and original, especially if you’ve limited time to organise and plan something!
Our beautiful county of Dorset offers plenty of romantic things to do for couples after dark (and during the day) - and it doesn’t have to be a big gesture to feel special. Sometimes, one great meal, one beautiful view, and one peaceful place to stay is enough (yes, that is a hint).
Here are our top recommendations for date nights that aren’t stay-at-home but are simple, offline and made for two - not the mass market.
Date Night Ideas in Dorset
Moonlit walk on the coast
One of Dorset’s most romantic spots, in our humble opinion, is beautiful Lulworth Cove. This natural horseshoe-shaped cove was formed at the end of the last Ice Age. During the day, it’s stunning with its unique geology and clear waters. After dark, it takes on a completely different character. The crowds disappear, the water reflects the moonlight, and the curve of the bay feels almost theatrical.
It’s peaceful, intimate, and perfect for those chats that only seem to happen when everything else has gone quiet. We recommend a hand-in-hand stroll by the waters’ edge (wearing sensible footwear, naturally) followed by a drink at the nearby pub, The Weld Arms.
If you’re staying with us here at Outbuildings, Lulworth Cove is an hour’s drive away. Should you want something a little closer, there are more beautiful Jurassic Coast beaches on our doorstep, including West Bay and Lyme Regis.
Date Night Ideas in Dorset
Fish and chip supper with fizz
Simple, yes - but utterly fabulous. Pop a bottle of English fizzy wine (or something delightfully non-alcoholic) in your ice bag, along with a couple of plastic champagne flutes and a picnic blanket. Order traditional fish and chips from one of your favourite places (we go to Longs in Bridport for ours) and choose a spot with a view to enjoy them.
And boy, are there a lot of beauty spots in Dorset with a view that you’ll both remember. If you’ve the stamina, the top of Golden Cap is remarkable (although your chips might be cold by the time you’ve climbed it).
In West Bay - our nearest harbour and famous as the location for the ITV series Broadchurch - there are benches along the front with a lovely sea view.
Date Night Ideas in Dorset
Wild cooking with foraged garlic or fresh fish
A little left-field, yet totally doable (if you’re the outdoorsy sort). Pack up a little camping stove and some easy-to-cook ingredients (risotto and pasta are ideal), maybe a little wild garlic foraged safely and sustainably (if you’re in any doubt about foraging, book onto an event with Fore Adventure to skill up) and find a permitted public location where you can set up.
Naturally, you need to be sensible when you wild cook, but it can be a sublime experience - although you’ll need to do it before the sun sets! Alternatively, if you have more time and want a date day, head to Lyme Regis for a fishing trip followed by cooking up your catch on the beach.
Date Night Ideas in Dorset
4-course dinner date, sleepover and quirky cinema experience
It’s dinner and a movie, but not as you know it! Our Great (Date) Escape Package is a 1-night stay that’s a serious upgrade from the usual suspects. You’ll find our Farm Hotel just outside of Bridport in West Dorset - so we’re easy to get to from Bournemouth, Dorchester, Weymouth or Swanage.
We’ll welcome you both (plus your four-legged friend if they also need a date night) with a glass of local sparkling wine and show you to your room, cabin or hut. Then, when it’s time for dinner, head over to our chilled, intimate restaurant and bar, The Cart Shed, where you’ll enjoy a 4-course Chef’s Selections dinner for 2 (prepared by our extremely talented Head Chef, Ben).
You’ll also enjoy 3 blissful hours in our quirky and original Hay Barn Cinema, where you can watch a movie of your choice, snug under blankets, and eat hot popcorn and pick ‘n mix. The next morning, we’ll cook you a delicious Dorset breakfast - so you can start the day sunny-side up.
Of course, you’re also welcome to just come to The Car Shed for a fabulous meal and drinks - we’re open 7 days a week until 10 pm for non-residents. Get in touch, and we’ll book you in!
Happy romancing,
The Outbuildings Team
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