Blandford is a historic town in Dorset, England. It dates back to the Iron Age, though it was the Normans who established it as a settlement at the outset of the 11th century. The town is situated in the lush rural landscape of the North Dorset Downs, close to the Blackmore Vale. Blandford is home to a beautiful Georgian market square, lined with quaint shops and restaurants, where one can spend some quality time with their date.
1. Blandford parks and places for a walk on a first date
Blandford offers a range of parks and places for a walk on a first date. The picturesque Stour Meadows, right in the heart of the town, is a great spot to take a romantic stroll or have a picnic while taking in the views of the stunning Blackmore Vale. There is also The Millstream, where visitors can take a peaceful walk by the river, past the beautiful old millhouse. Further afield, one can visit Kingsbury Water Park, a haven for wildlife and a great spot for a romantic walk.
2. Places for a coffee date in Blandford
For those looking for a coffee date, Blandford is home to a range of places that offer a great atmosphere for a date. The Antler & Bear is a quaint, cosy coffee shop with a great selection of coffee and cakes, where one can sit and chat for hours. Alternately, The Bakers Oven Café serves delicious coffee, cakes and light meals in a stylish and relaxed setting. For something unique, try the Vibez Café at the Town Hall, where visitors can enjoy coffee while listening to live music.
3. Blandford galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Blandford is home to a variety of galleries and museums which would make an ideal first date. For an interesting and educational evening, head to the Stour Valley Arts Centre, which hosts exhibitions of both local and international artists. Also, the town’s museum is a great place to explore the history of Blandford, and the local art gallery houses a range of paintings and sculptures for visitors to admire.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Blandford
For a fun evening together, Blandford offers a range of live music and entertainment. The Stour Valley Arts Centre hosts a variety of music concerts and performances, and the Quay Theatre, a Georgian theatre and concert hall, often puts on a range of shows. The town also has various pubs and bars that offer live music and entertainment, such as The White Hart and The Lamb & Flag.
5. Blandford pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Blandford has a wide selection of pubs, bars and restaurants for a perfect first date drink or food. The popular Lamb & Flag Inn offers a range of traditional pub grub and a cosy atmosphere in a charismatic 15th century building. For something different, The Town House serves delicious Italian cuisine in a unique setting, while The White Hart is the perfect spot to enjoy a range of craft beers and ales in the heart of the town.
6. Other date ideas to try in Blandford
Blandford has many other date ideas, from romantic meals to active adventures. For something a little bit different, why not try a wine-tasting session at the delightful Dorset Wine Cellar? To get the adrenaline going, why not try horse riding along the gorgeous bridleways of the nearby Blackmore Vale? Or, for something truly unique, there is the night-time Bat Trail, where visitors can explore the area with the help of a bat detector and listen to the fascinating nocturnal activities of the bats!
