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Regardless of whether you’re single and looking for love or already in a relationship, dating post-COVID is going to be different and will require different planning and preparation. My boyfriend and I started doing more date nights this year and even something as simple as going out for a meal or going to the pub had to be booked and planned in advance to avoid crowds and to ensure we were COVID-safe.
We will hopefully ease out of the pandemic situation in the coming year, thanks to the vaccine and research but until then, we still need to be on our guard and staying as safe as possible. And where dating is concerned, that still very much applies. Meeting people for dates across the country will definitely be different for the time being. You might have to consider:
- Having a virtual date
- Having a socially distant date
- Taking further precautions + establishing further safety measures
- Alter your date locations
Wherever you are in the UK, up North in Scotland or down the South West in the Devon dating scene, the most important thing is you stay safe. I’m in Essex and there are a ton of amazing outdoor date ideas in this county. So for anyone on the Essex dating scene, here are some more COVID safe considerations for your dates right now:
Colchester Zoo
I adore Colchester Zoo. I’ve been going since I was a little girl and it’s one of my favourite day out locations. My boyfriend and I have been a fair few times as well and although we hadn’t really considered them dates at the time, it was a lovely way to spend time with each other. Colchester Zoo have great COVID measures too so you’ll feel really safe going on your date there.
Hopefield Animal Sanctury
Have you noticed I like animals? Hopefield Animal Sanctury is a great little place to visit and you’re supporting such an amazing charity at the same time. Hopefield have been caring for sick and unwanted animals since 1983 and have grown phenomenally over the years. They have a cute little tearoom and a ton of animals to see across their land.
Moby Dick Adventure Golf
If you’re after a bit more of an active outdoor, COVID-safe date idea (but not TOO active), then this might be a great option for you! The Moby Dick Adventure Golf is a super fun crazy golf course with incredibly scenery and design. It’s opposite the Moby Dick pub as well, so if it’s safe to do so, it’s in the perfect location to go for a bite to eat and a drink after your game.
Adventure Island
Adventure Island in Southend is one of my favourite places ever. Again, another one I’ve been going to since I was a kid and continue to visit to this day (although not due the COVID pandemic). If you’re after a more thrill-seeking date idea, then Adventure Island might be for you. Rollercoasters, crazy golf, dodgems and more, Adventure Island is a super fun day out and date idea post-COVID.
Southend-on-Sea
In fact, Southend-on-Sea in general is a pretty great date idea as there is so much to do to cater to all needs. Fish and chips, Adventure Island, ice cream, arcades, shopping and more. Although this option might be safer when things are getting back to “normal”, it’s still a good thing to keep in mind for any future dates!
Dedham Vale Boat Trip
And finally, something a little more relaxing but a wonderful COVID safer date option. Located in Colchester, Dedham Vale has cute little rowing boats available for hire for a leisurely row along the River Stour. This is a pretty romantic date idea – as long as you don’t fall in!
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Oh my goodness growing up in Essex these are all of my childhood memories! I’ve just bought a house there and will be moving out of London in a couple of months so saving this for ideas xxx
Awh that’s lovely to hear! Maybe we could meet up sometime when it’s safe to do so! Always nice to find other bloggers in Essex!
These are some lovely ideas. I love going to animal sanctuaries for a date.
Same. Hopefield is so lovely!
I love the idea of an animal sanctuary, outside dates are definitely the way forward! xx
Totally!
Great ideas – I’ve never been to Essex x
These are all amazing ideas! We’ve definitely had to try and get a bit more creative during this lockdown so we don’t just have to stay in or keep going to the same places! I’d love to go to the zoo soon xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Same. I really miss the zoo!
I haven’t visited any of these, because I live in Ireland but no matter what the weather, I’m happy to visit the beach x
Beautylymin
These are wonderful ideas for a date during covid!!! I am sure I can find similar places to go to in Montreal with my boyfriend 😍😍
You likely could! I prefer outdoor days out anyway!
These are some fab ideas, they sound so fun! Thanks for sharing.
Tash – A Girl with a View
Thank you 🙂
These are some great ideas for dating safely post Covid! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you 🙂
I can imagine dating at this moment in time is super hard! Hadn’t thought about what it must be like xx
I know right!
The last one of hiring rowing boats sounds like such a lovely idea, definitely nice to get some alone time with your other half and enjoy nature at the same time. I also love going to zoos too, quite an active one to do as well.. I always find my feet are aching after walking round a zoo all day hehe. xx
Ah same! I’ve definitely regretted my shoe choices sometimes when I’ve been to the zoo before haha xxx
Great date ideas here! And anything to do with animals is always a winner xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Absolutely agree!
Anything involving animals is a yes in my book! Now we just need Covid to go away!
Yes, totally agree!
Great post, I can’t wait to be able to have real out of the house dates. I went to the zoo on one of my first official dates with my fiance and it was the best day!
Rosie
https://www.loverosiee.co.uk
Awww how cute!
I love this ideas! Hopefield is definitley on my list now as well, I love anything rescue animals and tea 😍
Nicola | nicoladaletraining.com
It’s such a lovely day out!
Going to the Zoo for a date is one of the most fun things I’ve ever done, for a date x
Agree it’s great x