It is that time of year again when the shops are filled with hearts and chocolates and the restaurants are booking up fast. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day again! But how about some outdoor Valentine’s Date ideas?
If, like us, the idea of being crammed into a restaurant or buying and giving a load of stuff that will inevitably be given to charity at some point then you will more than likely prefer the idea of an outdoor date. Rather than spending money on things that you don’t really need, spend with the person you love. To give you a head start, here are some great ideas to get you started.
A Breakfast Picnic
Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year and the likelihood of you both being in work is pretty high, so why not start the day on a romantic note by preparing a delicious breakfast picnic that you can enjoy in a park on your way to work (or the back garden/balcony/*add your own outside seating place*) before heading into work.
Not only is it a fun thing to do but it is something you can fit into a busy schedule. We love doing breakfast picnics before work (yes, even in the winter!) as it is cheaper than going to a cafe (meaning we have more money for trips) and gives us some quality time together to start the day.
You don’t even have to make the food into heart shapes either!
Check out my food blog for some fun (veggie) picnic recipes
A stroll along the canal
How about leaving work a little bit early and making the most of the remaining daylight by taking a stroll own the canal. There are plenty of places to sit and take in the view as well as enjoy the stillness and tranquility that is around in the colder months. It is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of town as well as keeping things cheap and meaningful.
Just having that quality time together in the fresh air with beautiful views is more than enough to create a lovely romantic feel to the date.
Play at being tourists
As you might already know, this is one of my favourite things to do and kind of what my blog is based on. There is so much in the city, village, town or wherever you might live that you haven’t seen before or take for granted. Playing at being tourists means that you see the city with new eyes, looking up and discovering new things. It is like creating a mini holiday in your own home town.
It is simple to do too. Just grab your other half and head into your area, take routes you have never walked before, explore the points of interest and read the plaques on the walls. Wandering the town, city or village where you live, wrapped up warm with the hand of your partner is an exciting way to spend the evening and you’ll learn about your area too! Just like you would if you were visiting a new place on holiday.
Get to the play area
On the note of playing why not head to a local play area and let your inner child free (obviously as long as children don’t want to play) by swinging on the swings, zooming on the zip slide and climbing the climbing frame. Having a jolly good laugh with your other half is a great way to enjoy Valentine’s Day together!
If you’re around in Manchester city centre (maybe on your tourist escapades) then head to the Cathedral where you will be able to have some fun on the crocodile, seesaw and agility ropes.
A trip on the tram
Forget about using the tram as a commuter vehicle, why not head to the tram stop, pick a place you have never been to before and head out on a surprise adventure! I personally love taking the tram/train/bus to somewhere new as it feels like more of a holiday than a mini trip. Plus you get to sit closely, hold hands and watch the world go by.
Then at your destination you have the chance to explore together, get lost together and just enjoy the experience of something new together. You never know, you might spark ideas for a holiday or trip along the way too.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
If you are luck enough to have the day off, or you’re planning for weekend romantic trips, how about heading out for some outdoor fun and art at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It is under an hour to drive to and a perfect place for a picnic in the car. Wandering around the woodland, exploring the sculptures and taking in the expansive Yorkshire views is just the thing for a romantic day holiday that isn’t too far from home either.
And who could resist slopping around in wellies and rain coats if the weather is a little rainy! Remember to take a flask and some afternoon treats to enjoy while you snuggle and warm back up again in the car before heading home.
Head out to some National Trust
We are so incredibly lucky in Manchester to have so many amazing National trust properties on our doorsteps. How about taking some time off to go and explore one of them. The other year, Lyme Park was offering a glass of fizz to anyone who visited on Valentine’s day in the wedding dress! (Not sure whether they still offer that!)
I think there is just something so lovely and romantic at the best of times about National Trust properties as they seem so steeped in history and love that they just ooze loveliness!
Watching the sun set
As the sun is still setting pretty early at the moment, why not find the perfect spot for watching the sun set. Dunham Massey gets a great view of the setting sun, both from inside the park and in the car park too if you’re a bit chilly after your walk.
There are plenty of places within the city to catch it too. For somewhere a little off beat, then climb to the top of Shudehill car park and enjoy the views over the city while the orange glow engulfs the city and brings it into darkness.
It just goes to show that it is possible to have romantic outside dates for Valentine’s day that don’t cost the earth or your bank balance and is actually rich in experience and memory making instead. Rather than squashing into that over crowded, over priced restaurant this Valentine’s day, give one of my ideas a go or create your own romantic outside adventure.
Let’s collect moments not things!
Are you a fan of outdoor dates? Have you done any of my ideas before?
Share your outdoor Valentine’s date ideas in the comments below too!