Dating Safely Post-COVID: 6 Outdoor Date Ideas in Essex

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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!

Which of these date ideas would you choose? Have you visited any of these places?