Ilminster is a small market town located in the south west of England, near the county of Somerset. It has a long history with the town centre featuring a rich mixture of Georgian houses and architectural structures. With an estimated population of around 2,500 people, Ilminster is the perfect place to take a leisurely walk around while enjoying its beautiful rolling hills, meadows, and stunning views.
1. Ilminster parks and places for a walk on a first date
For a romantic first date, there are many places around Ilminster to explore. For a leisurely walk, Ilminster offers a selection of parks and nearby areas such as: The Blackdown Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; East Lambrook Manor Gardens, featuring four acres of stunning Grade II listed gardens; and Ham Hill Country Park, boasting more than 700 acres of countryside.
2. Places for a coffee date in Ilminster
For coffee lovers, there are a number of coffee shops in Ilminster to choose from. These include the popular Café Saffron, offering an array of cakes and pastries, as well as a selection of speciality coffees; the independent Café Latino, serving artisan coffees and a selection of freshly-baked cakes; and the newly opened J's Coffee House. All are great for a relaxed coffee date.
3. Ilminster galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
If you're looking for a cultural date, Ilminster offers a number of galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit. The Ilminster Museum is a great choice, offering a wide range of artefacts and displays detailing the town's history. The Ilminster Arts Centre has a variety of art shows, exhibitions, and performances for the art-loving couple. The nearby town of Chard is home to the Chard Hall Gallery, a delightful art gallery with both contemporary and traditional artwork.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Ilminster
For music and entertainment lovers, Ilminster hosts a number of live music events throughout the year. These include outdoor events such as the Ilminster Summer Music Festival, the annual Ilminster Folk Festival, and the Ilminster Jazz Festival. The Ilminster Arts Centre holds regular live music events, featuring a wide range of genres. Additionally, the nearby town of Chard offers a variety of live music and entertainment events throughout the year, such as the Chard Jazz Festival and the Soul & Motown Festival.
5. Ilminster pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For a romantic dinner date, Ilminster boasts a selection of pubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. The popular Kings Arms Pub offers a choice of cask ales, lagers, and wines, with a traditional pub-style dinner menu. The Fourways Inn features a selection of ales, lagers, and ciders, as well as a range of freshly-prepared dishes. The newly opened Ilminster Café offers a relaxed bistro-style atmosphere and a range of freshly-cooked meals.
6. Other date ideas to try in Ilminster
If you're looking for something a little different, Ilminster offers a range of activities for the adventurous couple. These include horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving, and fishing. For a more relaxed activity, why not take a trip down the River Isle and explore the nearby lakes and waterways? Alternatively, a leisurely UK staycation is always an option, with a variety of quaint B&Bs, luxurious hotels, and holiday cottages to choose from.
