Date Night Ideas

Whether you manage one every week, every month or just once a year, a date night is incredibly important for couples trying to keep that spark alive. Luckily for those staying in Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding area, there are plenty of fun, original and exciting date night activities to choose from. Whether you want to take a romantic stroll in a 13th century castle, a spa day or an unforgettable open-air concert in the grounds of a Tudor mansion, we have just the thing for you.

A meal in a country pub

Ok, so a meal out may not be the most exciting way to kick off our list, but when you see the calibre of the pubs on offer, you’ll see why a visit to your Bury St Edmunds local is a must. Visit the cosy Cock Inn in the pretty village of Clare for great food and a great atmosphere, The Swan Inn near Lavenham for a traditional British welcome or The Beerhouse in Bury St Edmunds itself to sample their excellent selection of beers.

Staying in Bury St Edmunds, the historic 15th century Fox Inn serves a range of beers from the town's own brewery Greene King plus (and also boasts 6 boutique bedrooms if you want to make a night of it!). Having undergone refurbishment, the One Bull reopens it's doors on 1st February 2018, the menu boasts dishes made with fresh, local and seasonal produce with a range of sharing dishes to choose from - perfect for date night dining.

Before you dig in at your chosen public house, why not take a stroll through the beautiful Suffolk countryside? Walking routes can be found all across the county, making it easy to get out and explore. Check out these winter walk routes!

See the ghoulish side of Bury St Edmunds

If you want your other half to snuggle up close at night, you can book yourselves onto a ghostly Bury St Edmunds Macabre Tour and give them a fright. Your tour guide will take you to the locations of famous Bury murders, ghost sightings, executions and riots, beginning with the infamous Red Barn Murder. This is definitely not one for the faint hearted.

If that's given you a taste for the macabre, then pay a visit to Moyse's Hall Museum to see the Red Barn Murder exhibition which features an account of the bloody tale, binded by his skin having been removed after his death.

Stroll through the gardens

Covering an area of 36.2 acres, the beautiful Clare Country Park is home to the remains of a 13th century castle. Take your other half on a romantic walk through the pretty grounds before stopping off at the atmospheric café for a bite to eat.

If you can afford the time for a date day, then head to Ickworth House, Park and Gardens. Here you can stroll through the stunning manicured gardens, cycle through acres of parkland and book a day in the spa.

Home to an arboretum with eucalyptus, paperbark maple and Kentucky coffee trees, plus an oak tree shaped maze, the 200 acres of Suffolk countryside at Nowton Park are perfect for exploring with your other half.

Watch a Show

Bury St Edmunds is lucky enough to have a vibrant cultural scene and an excellent theatre. Plays and other performances are held in the space on a regular basis, making it easy to find the perfect show for you and your other half to enjoy.

Renowned for it's fantastic acoustics, The Apex boasts a diverse programme of live music and events; from classical concerts to pop, rock, jazz, blues, world, country and folk, plus comedy and dance performances. It's located within The Arc Shopping Centre, so if you fancy a pre or post concert meal, you're spoilt for choice!

Experience something new

A great way to bond and keep romance alive is to experience something new together! Check out The Stillery and book a place on one of their gin making workshops during which you will learn how gin is made, mix and craft your own and take a bottle home with you. Your unique recipe is then stored so that you can order your own gin again in future!

If you prefer a pint rather than a juniper berry, then you can see first hand how real beer is brewed at the Greene King Brewery. During your tour, you will be taken to the roof of the brewhouse where you can bask in the stunning views of the town and surrounding Suffolk countryside, before heading to the Beer Cafe to sample some of the cask ales.

For foodies, book one of the 'Date Night' cooking workshops at ICE Cook School. Working together as a pair you will cook, bake and eat with the guidance of their top chefs. The evening includes refreshments, a recipe pack and the dishes you make together to take home.

Whether you’re a resident of Bury St Edmunds or the surrounding villages, or planning a trip to the area on holiday in the near future, http://www.burystedmundsandbeyond.co.uk has all you need to plan your trip and date night!