Ashford is a small village in the south of England, located in Kent. With a population of just over 8,000 people, it is a quaint, rural area which offers plenty of activities for an enjoyable first date. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll through the park or a more active outing, the town has something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Ashford parks and places for a walk on a first date
Ashford is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a number of parks and gardens, making it the perfect place for a romantic walk. The Memorial Gardens, located right in the centre of the village, are the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll with your date. This green space has plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view. Additionally, there are several other parks around the village, such as Challock Woods, which is located in the nearby village of Challock, or Priest Pond Gardens in the village of Great Chart. All of these offer plenty of paths and scenic spots for an enjoyable walk with your date.
2. Places for a coffee date in Ashford
A coffee date is a great way to get to know someone on a first date. In Ashford, there are several cafes and coffee shops that are great for this purpose. The Mocha Lounge is a popular spot with a relaxed atmosphere, serving a selection of speciality coffees and teas. Alternatively, the Fox and Hounds, a pub with an adjoining café, is a good choice if you are looking for some light snacks and drinks. Finally, for a slightly more intimate setting, there’s the Mumma’s Kitchen café which offers a variety of homemade cakes and pastries.
3. Ashford galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Ashford has plenty of cultural activities to enjoy on a first date. The Ashford Museum is a great place to visit, with a wide range of exhibits chronicling the town’s history. It is currently home to a special exhibition on the town’s origins and its involvement in the Second World War. Additionally, there are several art galleries in the area, including the Off Centre Gallery in Stowting and the Stour Gallery in Canterbury, both of which host regular exhibitions.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Ashford
For those looking for a livelier activity, Ashford has a range of venues where you can enjoy some live music or entertainment. The Haywain is a popular pub which hosts regular live music nights, making it the perfect choice for a date night. Alternatively, there is the Ashford International Hotel, which regularly hosts cabaret and comedy nights, or the Stour Centre which hosts a variety of theatre, music and comedy events.
5. Ashford pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
If you are looking for a more traditional first date, Ashford has plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from. The White Horse is a gastropub, serving traditional pub food and a range of drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. Alternatively, there is the King's Head, a traditional pub which also serves great food and beer, and the Spice Yarn, an Indian restaurant located in the centre of the village.
6. Other date ideas to try in Ashford
If you are looking for something completely different, why not take your date on a steam train ride. The Kent & East Sussex Railway runs from Tenterden, a few miles away from Ashford, to Bodiam Castle, a picturesque castle in the countryside. There are also a number of active activities available in the area, such as mountain biking, horse riding, or kayaking. Additionally, if you are looking for something a little less strenuous, you could take a boat ride around the picturesque Bewl Water, a large reservoir in the area.
