Shaftesbury, located in Dorset, is an ancient hilltop town full of history and beauty. It is home to the iconic Gold Hill, an iconic steep hillside street. Other notable attractions include St. Peter’s Church, the Shaftesbury Abbey ruins, the Shaftesbury Castle, and the Gold Hill Museum. The area also hosts a range of charming boutiques, pubs, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal destination for a romantic first date.
1. Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
Shaftesbury is filled with stunning scenery and trails that are perfect for a romantic stroll on a first date. Head to Valley View Country Park to admire stunning views of the countryside and the surrounding hills. There is also a cafe and picnic area, so you can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you take in the scenery. For a more challenging walk, set off on the steep climb up Gold Hill to enjoy mesmerising views of the town. Keep things low-key on a stroll around Shaftesbury’s cobbled streets and admire the historic buildings.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Shaftesbury
Why not kick off your date with a cup of coffee or tea at one of Shaftesbury’s many charming cafes? Check out The Tea Pot for a classic British tea room with a twist, offering a range of teas, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. For something more contemporary, head to The Salon Café for a range of speciality coffee drinks. Alternatively, why not pop in to the established Shaftesbury High Street Café for an all-day breakfast, coffee, and homemade cakes.
3. Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
If you and your date are looking to explore the rich history of the area, you can take in some of Shaftesbury's galleries, museums and exhibitions. Visit the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Gardens to explore the archaeological remains of the 12th-century abbey. Take a look at the Gold Hill Museum, which gives visitors an insight into the unique history and people of the area. For a more modern experience, check out Shaftesbury Arts Centre to enjoy an array of exhibitions and galleries.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite your Date to in Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is home to a range of live music and entertainment, perfect for a romantic date night. Enjoy a live performance at Assembly Rooms, a popular venue for music, theatre, comedy, and more. Head to The Hub for live music from local and international acts. Alternatively, visit the Shaftesbury Fringe Festival and take in an eclectic mix of performances from an array of artists.
5. Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
If you and your date are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of town, why not book a romantic evening meal at The Plume of Feathers, one of Shaftesbury’s oldest pubs. Alternatively, head to The Lamb Inn, a traditional pub serving classic pub grub and real ales. For an authentic Italian experience, visit Lupo Italiano, offering an impressive menu of Italian dishes.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Shaftesbury
For a truly romantic date, why not visit The Saxon House, where you can look out onto the beautiful countryside from the balcony. Or explore the area on a classic vintage sidecar from Sedgehill Vintage Motorbike Tours and take in the sights and sounds of the countryside. If you and your date are feeling adventurous, take a trip to AdventureRidePark, where you can take part in a range of outdoor activities such as rock climbing and kayaking. For a truly memorable date, surprise your date with tickets to the renowned Shaftesbury Theatre Company’s production at the Olympia Theatre, which offers an impressive line up of theatrical performances.
