Hoddesdon is a small town in the English county of Hertfordshire, not far from the bustling cosmopolitan city of London. As the name suggests, it is located on the banks of the River Lea and is surrounded by attractive villages and beautiful countryside. There is a wealth of activities to enjoy in the area, from riverside walks and visits to nearby towns, to visiting galleries and taking part in live music events.
1. Hoddesdon Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
If you want to add some outdoor activity to your date, then Hoddesdon has plenty of parks and places to enjoy a stroll. The town is bordered by Hartham Common and Rye Meads Nature Reserve, giving you easy access to countryside and riverbank walks. Lea Valley Regional Park is also close by and offers plenty of attractive scenery and riverside paths to wander. The 90-acre Rye House Woods are also ideal for a peaceful walk, with plenty of wildlife to observe.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Hoddesdon
If you’d prefer to enjoy a coffee date, then there are plenty of places to sip a latte and get to know each other better. Hoddesdon’s bustling Town Centre is home to the independent coffee shop Mirage and the trendy Tea & Tonic, both offering delicious drinks and scrumptious cakes and snacks. If you’re after something a bit more unique then why not try the award-winning Tea Palace in nearby Broxbourne, a hidden gem with an impressive selection of teas and coffees.
3. Hoddesdon Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
A date in Hoddesdon can also be an educational one. The town is home to the Hertfordshire County Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts and exhibitions on the county’s history. Hoddesdon also hosts regular art exhibitions, such as the annual ‘Hoddesdon Open’ where you can browse local artwork, as well as regular galleries showcasing impressive pieces.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Hoddesdon
For music-lovers, Hoddesdon has plenty of live entertainment to offer. Why not take your date to the local pub, The White Lion, for their regular open-mic series and live bands? Or if you’re a fan of the classics, then The Cuckoo’s Nest is the perfect spot to listen to jazz and swing. And if you’re looking for something a bit different, then why not try the esoteric music and spoken word at the Hoddesdon’s Mystic Music Club?
5. Hoddesdon Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
Hoddesdon has a wealth of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from if you’d like to enjoy a first date drink or meal. The Albion is a popular and quirky pub, serving up excellent food and a great selection of local ales. For a more formal setting, the vegetarian restaurant Garden Kitchen is a great choice for a tasty and healthy meal. Or if you’re after something a bit more casual then why not head to one of the gypsy wagons in the centre of town, serving up delicious burgers and beers in a unique setting.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Hoddesdon
If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, then Hoddesdon has plenty of exciting date ideas to explore. For a fun and creative date, try one of the many pottery painting and ceramics classes in the area. Or if the weather is good, you could hire a kayak or canoe and explore the River Lea. And if you’re looking for something more relaxed, then why not take a stroll around the huge indoor market, with over 100 stalls selling all kinds of goodies, from antiques to fresh local produce.
