There are so many great restaurants and bars to take dates to. I’m still enjoying touring London in what I would like to call “Around the City in 80 Dates” – I promise to divulge more once my research is complete! The causal factor of  my stormy relationship with this country is the weather and the unfortunate conditions it insists on imposing upon my daily life (and my hair). That said, when England enjoys that first day of truly stunning weather and I mean clear blue skies, brilliant sun and warmer temperatures there is nowhere in the world quite like it. The Saturday just gone was one such day.

Deciding to make the most of the sunshine, I arranged a date that had only existed in conversations during pub lunches whilst sheltering from crap conditions. Travelling out to Kent, I went to the grounds of Hever Castle. Formerly the digs of Henry VIII’s Anne Boleyn (yes, the one he had beheaded), the gardens have been dubbed as the most romantic gardens in the country. Before you start thinking that this sounds more like a day trip that would suit your Nan’s interests, give me a chance to explain why on a perfect day like Saturday, Hever Castle and other beautiful outdoor spaces like it, make for a brilliant date.

The Lake @ Hever Castle

I wasn’t too interested in going inside the castle. I thought the whole Anne Boleyn /Henry VIII adulterous behaviour resulting in chopping off of head, not to mention the loss of the castle in awkward dowry settlements and then being passed on to yet another ex wife in divorce settlements, carried too many bad omens for a date. The main attraction can be found outside. If the idea of starting a date sober is the thing of nightmares for you, fear not as there is a great pub where you can kick things off and get a bit of Dutch courage. The Henry VIII is located at the entrance and does a great lunch menu as well.

It takes about an hour or so to walk the perimeter of the lake and this is a perfect opportunity to get to know someone in a no pressure environment. More than this, by removing someone from their comfort zone and surprising their dating expectations, you might find in this the ideal moment to connect with your date. The very romantic scenery is also sure to inspire a positive mood and the best thing about it is the intimacy of how alone you are.

This is certainly not a new concept. New York’s famous Central Park has areas that have been specifically created by landscape architects to induce feelings of romance and connections with nature. Its no coincidence that thousands of people propose in the park every year (more specifically near Strawberry Fields, named after the famous Beatles’ song). The Romantics wrote poetry about the relationship between love nature and seduction so why not follow the lead of Byron and others like him and take advantage of the alluring outdoors to impress your date. Besides, everyone could do with a bit of fresh air every now and again.

If you don’t want to travel out to the countryside for the day (though I highly recommend it), London boasts some of Europe’s most beautiful parks and once you’ve taken a leisurely stroll around rose garden/lake/zoo?? you can always slip into a beer garden afterwards and enjoy the rest of the sunshine. A walk in the park.

Psst! Don’t forget about our next party…