Things to do for couples in Essex

We have scoured Essex over the years on various date night and days. Take a look at date ideas in Essex for your next romantic date night.

White Hart Inn

Head to the White Hart Inn pub in Margaretting and enjoy a lovely date night in the garden in one of the lovely igloo pods on offer. Sip on drinks and dine inside the igloo that looks onto the pub garden and accompanying fields. You get table service from the pod, so you can sit back and relax. We recommend heading there at sunset for the best views.

You can view the pub here.

Galleywood Vineyards

Galleywood Vineyard and Winery offers a selection of things to do at the winery for the perfect date night. You can enjoy wine tasting or a vineyard tour, or head to the vineyard to dine on one of their select nights. Enjoy a a la carte menu or from spring 2024 enjoy one of the amazing pizza nights and enjoy wine and pizza with views of the vineyard.

You can view the vineyard here.

Source: Galleywood wines

The Anchor

The Anchor pub in Hullbridge is a gastro pub in all it’s glory. The modern well decorated pub has great views the river through large glass windows. Outside you can enjoy the views even closer by sitting on one of the many picnic benches or booking on the Oakpods for some private space for yourself. The menu is excellent and they offer themed food nights such as locally sourced seafood nights. In the summer chill in the garden and order food from the patio barbecue to watch the sun set over the river.

You can view the pub here.

Everyman Cinema Chelmsford

Located in Bond Street in Chelmsford above some excellent restaurants is Everyman Chelmsford. This luxury cinema offers sofa style seating that can be booked in 2-seater sofas for those on a romantic date night. You can purchase alcoholic drinks and wine to sip along whilst you watch the movie as well as try tasty snacks and full meals from the menu.

You can view the cinema here.

Source: Everyman Cinema

The Lounge Wine Bar Ingatestone

A relatively new find in Ingatestone, located on the high street is The Lounge Wine Bar. Pop inside the well decorated lounge bar and chill whilst you enjoy a wide selection of wines and a great selection of cheese and charcuterie boards.

Source: The Lounge Wine Bar Ingatestone

The Wine Cellar Chelmsford

The Wine Cellar in Chelmsford is a unique wine cellar fully brick built and entered down a flight of stairs into the cellar. The Wine Cellar has a full restaurant for those wanting to sit through a romantic meal and also a bar/lounge area for those looking to enjoy a bottle of wine.

Be on the look out for the special events such as wine tastings, bottomless brunches and live entertainment nights.

You can view The Wine Cellar here.

Source: Use your local

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Located in Leigh on Sea, Mad Dogs and English Gentleman is an award winning restaurant offering a unique experience. Each room is uniquely designed by the theme of the month or the season and 100% effort goes in transforming the rooms for the current themes. From Harry Potter to Alice in Wonderland there is a theme to suit everyone at one time or another. Enjoy the spectacular afternoon tea’s, a drinking table or a cocktail masterclass.

You can view the restaurant here.

Source: Mad Dogs and Englishmen

The Boatyard Dedham

The Boatyard Dedham offers a lovely culinary adventure in a relaxed environment with a a great view of the River Stour. The boatyard can be enjoyed during any season, choose to sit outside in the summer or enjoy the cosiness inside during the colder months. A great selection of meals are on offer including a great Sunday roast.

You can view the boatyard here.

Source: The Boatyard Dedham

The Boatyard Restaurant Old Leigh

Enjoy a great selection of meals including locally sourced fish with a view of Leigh on Sea. The inside of the restaurant is modernly decorated with floor to ceiling windows offering views of the sea. In the summer opt to sit outside on the deck to be closer to the view. View their calendar to look for entertainment nights.

You can view The Boatyard here.

Source: The Boatyard Leigh

Boom Battle Bar Chelmsford

For those looking for some fun as part of their date night, head over to Boom Battle Bar in Bond Street. This alternative bar has an activity for everyone. You can book pool tables, axe throwing, virtual darts, shuffleboard, beer or prosecco pong or karaoke. Book a time slot and session time and have fun going head to head with your date. If all of that is too much then just hang out at the bar area and order a drink and some small plates.

You can view the bar here.

Source: Trip Advisor

Puttshack Lakeside

If you want to have some fun on your date night, why not try out Puttshack at Lakeside Shopping Centre. Take part in the mini golf course, enjoy some tasty cocktails and small plates before or after your game.

You can view here.

Source: Visit Essex

Oyster Creek Kitchen

Be transported to European holiday vibes at Oyster Creek Kitchen. Dine inside or outside and enjoy the decoration and seating of your latest holiday. Enjoy seafood and lobster for the full vibe. Simple look across the road for views of Southend seafront.

You can view the restaurant here.

Source: Oyster Creek Kitchen

Bannatyne Kingsford Park

Head to Bannatyne Kinsford Park in Colchester for a relaxing date day or night. Choose fairly priced packages including facials and massages for the ultimate experience. All packages include use of the excellent facilities. The restaurant also offers a great menu and drink selection which you can enjoy in your robe.

You can view the spa here.

Alec’s restaurant

Alec’s is a high end fish restaurant in Brentwood. Enjoy a luxurious dining experience as yo feast on a excellent selection of fish dishes that will make your mouth water. Enjoy this with the wide selection of wines and cocktails on offer.

You can view the restaurant here.

Source: Alec’s Restaurant

Lifehouse Spa

Lighthouse Spa in Frinton-on-sea offers excellent twilight spa evenings. Enjoy full use of the facilities from 6pm and book any treatments you require and also dine in the excellent restaurant before retiring to the bar.

You can view the spa here.

Source: Booking.com

Smiths of Ongar

Smiths of Ongar is sustainable fish and seafood restaurant offering locally sourced fish and seafood. The luxurious restaurant has everything you need for an extra special date night if you are looking to spend a little extra.

You can view the restaurant here.

Source: Epping Forest

The Kings Oak

head to The Kings Oak gastro pub and wedding venue in Epping for the perfect summer date night. Chill round the pool, eat from the seafood and oyster bar or sip on drinks from the bar with the backdrop of Epping forest.

You can view the pub here.

Source: Hitched

Romford Dogs

If you are looking for a gambling activity then Romford Dogs in for you. Head out for a casual date night and eat and drink self service and betting or book the Paddock or Pavilion Restaurant to bet from your table and be served food a la carte.

You can view the race course here.

Glasshouse Retreat

For those looking for a super healthy date, then why not head to Glasshouse retreat. Chill in the natural pools and enjoy the sauna. Eat the healthy vegan foods and sip on smoothies.

You can view the spa here.

Source: Glasshouse Retreat

Southend Pier

Southend Pier is the world’s longest pleasure pier. Either enjoy the long walk down the pier or take the shuttle and enjoy the views from the restaurant at end. Enjoy casual food and drinks with a view of the sea. We recommend doing the walk at sunset for ultimate views.

You can view the pier here.

Source: Vodaphone

Lot 14 Theydon

This is one of Essex’s newest restaurants and definitely not one to be missed. Enjoy the very wide selection of locally sourced seafood with an ambient atmosphere. Lot 14 located in Theydon Bois is a romantic date night that should be on your list.

You can view the restaurant here.

Source: Lot 14

Adventure Island Southend

If you are an adrenaline junkie at heart, then head not further than Adventure Island Theme Park in Southend. Purchase twilight tickets that are cheaper after 6pm in the summer months and enjoy getting your blood racing as yo tackle the crazy rides with a view of the sea.

You can view the theme park here.

Source: Adventure Island

Chelmsford Race Course

Chelmsford is home to it’s very own race course. Head to Chelmsford Race Course and spend the day watching races and sipping on drinks. You can book a table at the race course restaurant and enjoy watching form your table. In the summer months the race course offers music nights to enjoy music, dancing and a race.

You can view the race course here.

Source: In your area

Southend Genting Casino

The Genting Casino in Westcliff, Southend offers a wide selection of gambling games and tables, perfect for a different date night. Explore the tables and machines while sipping on drinks for a very unique date night.

You can view the casino here.