Ramp Up The Romance: Garden Date Night Ideas

As the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, romance fills the air and date nights start to change from binging Netflix under a blanket to enjoying the outdoor sun and participating in fun activities. Going for a few drinks, watching your favourite film in the cinema, or playing a round of crazy golf in the sun are all great date activities that are sure to boost the romantic mood. However, we believe one of the best places for a dreamy date night is closer to home than you may think - your garden! 

Your garden provides a private place where you and your partner can fully relax and spend some much-needed quality time together, meaning you can fully focus on each other and ramp up the romance however you’d like. With everything you need right at your fingertips and no closing times to worry about, the opportunities are truly endless. Not to mention, you’ll be saving money in the process! This blog will provide you with an array of garden date ideas that are suitable for every cutesy couple. So, if you’re ready to delight your significant other with a date night dreams are made of, read on!

Snuggling up under the stars is one of the most romantic settings of all, and camping in your garden is a great way to use the space you have to treat that special someone in your life. It’s simple to set up and fairly affordable, plus there's a whole range of extra elements you can add to your environment to make it a date night like no other.

To make the most out of your outdoor date night, you’ll want to get yourself a roomy tent that’ll comfortably fit both you and your partner - plus room for some food, drinks and maybe games to play while relaxing together. Of course, you’ll need to kit out the inside to make it as cosy and comfortable as possible. Grab some blankets and cushions to keep you snug, and string up some battery-powered fairy lights to set the warm, romantic mood. 

If you aren’t able to source a tent, don't worry! Just use your duvet and pillows and camp out under the constellations. We recommend doing this in early August when the infamous summer meteor shower is at its peak. Who knows, you may spot some Disney-worthy shooting stars - it’ll certainly be an experience you’ll never forget!

If you’re more of a glamper and feel like splashing out for a truly luxurious camping date night, why not invest in a garden daybed that’ll provide comfort all night long? That way, you won’t have to worry about squeezing into a tight tent and you can bask under the magnificent moonlight with a little extra shelter. Not only for nighttime, daybeds are also perfect for lazy afternoons in the steamy summer sun, so fire up the BBQ and prepare for the ultimate al fresco dinner date!

A garden dinner date - be that a cute picnic or an at-home al fresco dining experience - is a novel option if you want to treat your partner to dinner without the added expense. Picture the scene: it’s a hot summer's evening, you’ve laid out a picnic blanket, poured some ice-cold drinks, and packed a picnic hamper full of tasty treats and tipples to dazzle your date. To spruce up the area and keep it looking pretty, add some flowers from around your garden - the small gestures can make the biggest impact, after all! 

For the picnic, why not have a couple’s baking session before the evening and make some tasty homemade treats? Cakes, biscuits and sausage rolls are all picnic staples and always go down a treat - plus, they'll taste all the better knowing you made them! Of course, you’ll need some crockery, so grab yourself some plates and cutlery or go for the full al fresco theme and stock up on some disposable tableware. If bubbles are your bag, prepare some champagne flutes for an added touch of sophistication. Alternatively, if you favour fruity concoctions, pick up a pitcher and show off your cocktail making mastery - the choice is yours!

For a more formal al fresco dining experience, why not set up on your patio or decking and indulge in some fine dining from home? A quality set of garden furniture will go a long way to mimicking that restaurant experience, so make sure you’ve got a smart dining table and chairs ready for the big night. Add a parasole to block out those heavy rays of sun or, more likely, the rain! That way, you won’t have to take your date night indoors if the weather takes a turn for the worst. 

For after dinner drinks, why not settle down and snuggle up on a swinging chair under the stars? Or, if you’re after a more exotic feel that’s reminiscent of tropical getaways, add a hammock or two to your garden and unwind over a coconut-infused cocktail. Either way, you’ll need a comfy space for a long lie down after your tasty, filling homemade meal - so make the most of the balmy evenings and relax in the great outdoors!

For a steamy date that’s sure to get the blood pumping, look no further than an evening in a hot tub. Once upon a time, hot tubs were limited to the more affluent among us but, thanks to inflatable varieties, they’re now more accessible (and affordable!) than ever! Pop the champagne, grab your Bluetooth speaker (with a romantic playlist prepared in advance, naturally), and prepare for a night of luxury. 

To set the mood, light some outdoor candles and place them around the hot tub. This’ll transform the atmosphere and make you feel as though you’re relaxing in a spa while indulging in luxury. Of course, you’ll want to wrap up warm after you step out if it’s a chilly night, so to further the spa vibe, get yourselves some cosy bathrobes and fluffy towels. Then, end the date night snuggling up in your warm robes basking in the ambient silence of the star-filled sky.

So, there we have it, a selection of date ideas that you can carry out in the comfort and privacy of your own back garden. From al fresco dining to a mellow night spent under the stars, there’s an abundance of ways you can ramp up the romance without having to splash the cash on an expensive evening out!

The beauty of these ideas is that they can all be done over and over again with just a few tweaks and additions to keep them fresh and exciting - you’ll never be at a loss of things to do again! Plus, once you’ve stocked up on these garden essentials, you’ll be fully prepared for date nights whenever you fancy. Why not surprise that special someone in your life with a midweek date in the sunset when they come in from work? Your partner is sure to appreciate the extra thought, care and effort you put into it. 

If this blog has sparked your interest and you’re looking for even more things to do in your garden, check out our selection of outdoor living blogs here. Or, if you want to stock up on some brand new garden furniture to make the most out of your outdoor space, take a look at some of our dedicated buyer’s guides. Whatever you get up to when the balmy evenings arrive, one thing’s for certain: a romantic summer in the sun awaits!