Castles galore, fairytale gardens and fine-dining restaurants, we could go on with a date destination for every day of the month, but instead of waxing lyrical about every heart-stopping, lovely location, we’re going to share some hidden gems

Penshurst Place & Gardens

It just wouldn’t be a romance in Kent without a visit to one of our many historic houses, would it? Reopening this month, Penhurst Place & Gardens is a romantic manor in the heart of the West Kent countryside. The medieval manor has long been a star of the screen with Mary Queen of Scots, Wolf Hall and The Other Boleyn Girl all set against the backdrop of this magnificent house. Outside, the gardens are a special place to wander hand in hand with your nearest and dearest, while the Porcupine Pantry is the perfect spot to grab a spot of lunch before lacing up your walking boots and exploring the wider estate.  penshurstplace.com

Simpsons’ Wine Estate

What says romance better than popping the cork on a bottle of sparkling wine? Popping open that very special Kentish wine after a visit to the winery and vineyard where it was crafted. Escape to the Elham Valley for an afternoon wandering Simpsons’ Roman Road Vineyard, learn about the vines planted and harvested here, before returning to the world-class winery for a taste in what goes into making award-winning wines. Of course, your tour will round off in the Glass House for a tasting overlooking the winery. Top off the day and pick up a bottle or two to take home from the Cellar Door. simpsonswine.com

Leeds Castle Lakeside Lodges

We know you’ll have heard of Leeds Castle, and it’s no surprise we’re adding it to our romantic locations list, but you may not have heard of their newest accommodation, their beautiful Lakeside Lodges. The exclusive lodges offer unrivalled views over the Great Water, each with their own private deck and outdoor bath. Relax under starry skies reflected in the water, before settling in for the night in your premium lodge. The next day, we recommend exploring the Leeds Castle estate, its 500 acres of gardens and those lavish 1930s interiors, just as they were in former owner Lady Baillie’s hosting hey days. leeds-castle.com/stay/lakeside-lodges

Frasers

Award-winning and in the heart of the Kent countryside, we’re bowled over by this next location. The restaurant at Frasers has a menu packed with fresh, seasonal produce, sourced from local artisan suppliers, bringing the taste of Kent to the table. Housed in a traditional oak framed barn, you and your love can wine and dine, overlooking panoramic views of the countryside. What makes us fall even more in love with this special restaurant is the fact that with such low food miles, this inspiring restaurant well and truly earns its many sustainable accolades. What’s more, diners can stay the night in one of the luxurious bedrooms on site, all set in beautiful period buildings. frasersegerton.co.uk

UK Electric Bike Centre

Romancing in Kent doesn’t all have to be wining and dining. Perfect for the outdoorsy couple, UK Electric Bike Centre in Headcorn offers electric bike hire and a choice of routes so you can explore the gorgeous Kent countryside on two wheels (with a little help, of course). Along Kent country lanes, the route will take you through enchanting Wealden villages, past half-timbered houses and plenty of country pubs for pit stops along the way. Your route will even pass by Biddenden Vineyard, so you can always round off your day with a tasting. Cheers. ukelectricbike.co.uk

Copper Rivet

Our next gem is Copper Rivet Distillery, one of the UK’s only farm to glass distilleries. Tour and experience the entire process that goes into crafting Copper Rivet’s vodka, gin and whisky, learn about the history of the distillery, and taste their spirits, before finishing off with a drink in The Pumproom. Book in for a meal in the restaurant, and we’d say you’ve got the ultimate taste of Kent date. copperrivetdistillery.com/tours

Bear Lodge Restaurant

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve will always be one to sweep us off our feet, and while we’re sure you’ll know all about the incredible accommodation and safari experiences on offer here, you may not yet have had a chance to visit one of the exceptional dining options, The Bear Lodge Restaurant. In a quiet corner of the reserve the Bear Lodge Restaurant has a brand-new menu and spectacular views across the reserve to the Kent coastline, not to mention it’s just a stone’s throw away from the spectacled bear habitat. 
aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/restaurants/bear-lodge-restaurant

Corkk

A visit to an English wine specialist in the heart of Canterbury in the shadow of the Cathedral, Corkk is a true romantic gem. Treat your wine lover to a tasting experience and enjoy the widest selection of English wines in Kent. Sample wines via the enomatic machines, paired with a platter of local cheeses, charcuterie or vegetarian options. As Corkk is blessed with their very own Master of Wines, one of only 400 in the world, you can rest assured these wines will provide the perfect tipple to toast your other half. corkk.co.uk

A romantic getaway

At this time of year there’s nothing better than cosying up with your valentine in a cottage by the coast. Coop’s Landing in Deal is one of the latest additions to the Keepers Cottages collection, located just yards away from Deal’s bustling high street. Perfect for two, plus a four-legged friend, put your feet up by the fire in the sitting room, after a day exploring Deal’s independent shops and cafes. Along the coast in creative Margate, Palm Bay is another romantic treat, with panoramic sea views from the sitting room, and a balcony overlooking the coast. Head to Margate’s cafes and quirky shops or soak up a little creativity and culture at Turner Contemporary, named after JMW Turner, who declared Margate’s skies “the loveliest in all Europe”. keeperscottages.co.uk

Kent Downs National Landscape

We know you’ve heard of this special spot, but when was the last time you took a stroll in one of our very own National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty)? Wrap up warm and discover ancient woodland, pretty villages and natural landscapes to sweep you off your feet. Pick up one of the North Downs Way Art Trail routes and you’ll find beautiful sculptures along the way, crafted by local artists, gorgeous views, and welcoming village pubs to warm with a glass of locally brewed beer and Kentish food.
kentdowns.org.uk

No42, Margate by GuestHouse

In the heart of Margate’s Old Town you’ll find a beautiful Victorian beach front boutique hotel with glorious panoramic views. No.42, Margate by GuestHouse offers 21 bedrooms, all decorated with a selection of pieces from talented local artists and designers, to reflect the art culture of this popular seaside town. Check into your stylish room, book in for one of the bespoke treatments – we recommend the Copper Cove treatment for two – and enjoy sipping and sampling in one of the four restaurants and bars devoted to serving up the best local food and drink. guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-42-margate

Balfour Winery Winemakers’ Kitchen
Yes, Balfour Winery has opened up a brand new restaurant and it’s right up there as one of Kent’s newest romantic retreats. With the phrase, “what grows together, goes together” running through the menu, Balfour’s Head Ched and Head Winemaker have worked together to craft a menu of perfect food and wine pairings. The produce is seasonal, the views over the vines are sensational and the wines are award-winning; what could be a more perfect celebration location? 
balfourwinery.com/visit/winemakers-kitchen