So you have a date set up! The question remains, where are you planning on taking your date?
There are loads of romantic spots in Sussex and to help you pick the perfect spot we have shorlisted our favourites...
1 Ashdown Forest, Nutley – Take a romantic stroll across the picturesque Ashdown Forest, you could stop and play a game of pooh sticks or try hide and seek at friends clump. If you want to extend the date go for a spot of afternoon tea at the nearby, quaint Duddleswell Tearooms, or for a more upmarket choice dine at Ashdown Park Hotel, where you could even make it an overnight stay.
2 Brighton Pier – It might seem tacky, but Brighton Pier is in fact a very romantic setting, with candyfloss, fairground rides and views of the sea, how about fish and chips for two on the beach now that’s true romance.
3 Groombridge Place – Pride and Prejudice is an iconic novel of romance, and Groombridge Place happens to have been one of the locations for the most recent film version of the novel. Whilst playing host to the Bennett’s family home, Groombridge Place also has charming landscaped gardens and an enchanted forest, which although slightly touristy, has giant swings perfect for couples.
4 Grand Hotel, Eastbourne – Enjoy a romantic seaside stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. The hotel is steeped in history and glamour, playing host to guests like Winston Churchill and many royal figures. The setting of Eastbourne combines the grandeur of this hotel with the quaint romance of a seaside holiday.
5 Wakehurst Place, Ardingly – The beautiful gardens of Wakehurst place are effortlessly romantic and make the perfect setting for a date. The gardens look amazing throughout the seasons, though as Wakehurst is home to the largest Christmas tree in the UK, it becomes a very romantic winter wonderland.
6 Bar Du Chocolat, Choccy Woccy Doo Dah, Brighton – Chocolate and romance have always mixed well, and Bar Du Chocolat of Choccy Woccy Doo Dah takes this to the extreme. Romance and passion are fervent here, with rich chocolate themes and options tailored to couples, such as the ‘decadent chocolate lovers banquet’. Situated in the heart of the Brighton Lanes, Choccy Woccy Doo Dah has charm, romance but most importantly chocolate!
7 Sweet Memories of Arundel – Sharing a bag of traditional sweets from ‘Sweet Memories’ of Arundel will conjure up good old fashioned romance, whilst walking round the charming town of Arundel will only enhance the atmosphere.
8 Long Man of Wilmington – A bit of caveman romance here, the Long Man of Wilmington on the South Downs has been thought to be a symbol of fertility and passion and surely represents natural romance. Its South Downs location means it offers truly breathtaking views and a wild Cathy and Heathcliff vibe, though it’s slightly more south than Yorkshire!
9 Camber Sands, Rye – The most scenic beach in the Sussex area, it makes for the perfect ‘walk on the beach’ setting, with golden sands and the sea lapping against your toes – what more could you ask for?
10 Blackboys Inn – This is a historic village pub, with a unique but undoubtedly romantic ambience. The food is delicious and the purple room makes for a passionate setting, whilst the covered Moroccan themed area outside is perfect for a date on a summer’s evening.
11 The Bluebell Railway, Isfield – Romance with style, enjoy a leisurely ride on the historic Bluebell Railway, relaxing in your own secluded, first class booth – think Orient Express. The railway is currently laying on a lounge car service of afternoon tea, which departs from Sheffield Park, another romantic Sussex location.
12 Boating in Barcombe Mills – Hire a rowing boat for two and feel the romance of the waterfront, then why not moor up your boat and take in a drink or two at the delightful Anchor Pub, simple but classic romance.
13 15th Century Bookshop, Lewes – Find a whole host of old romantic novels and second hand books with loving inscriptions at the 15th Century Bookshop, then look around the romantic town of Lewes, you never know what you’ll find here!
14 Casablanca Jazz Club, Brighton – There is nothing more romantic than dancing the night away and Casablanca Jazz Club caters to all dance styles in its cool Brighton venue from samba to soul disco.
15 La Bodega Restaurant and Tapas Bar, Crawley – This charming Spanish restaurant evokes the authentic Mediterranean romance of flamenco senoritas and courageous matadors. Enjoy some delicious tapas by candlelight.
16 Bodiam Castle – The grandeur and charm of Bodiam Castle conjures romantic fantasies of damsels in distress and brave knights to their rescue.
17 Arlington Reservoir, Polegate – The reservoir is a place of complete tranquillity, though for the more active among us, why not try a spot of couples fishing and a picnic by the water.
18 Cycle along the Cuckoo Trail – The cuckoo trail is a charming bike trail that is perfect for a couples bike ride, why not make it extra romantic and hire a tandem!
19 Ice Cream Sundaes at Macaris, Worthing – Share an indulgent ice cream sundae for two at Macaris restaurant established in 1959, whilst looking over views of Worthing Marina.
20 Cocktails at Blanch House, Brighton – The absolutely outstanding cocktails offered at Blanch House hotel bar, combined with its stylish setting, make it the height of classy, lavish romance, the perfect cocktails for two.
21 Charleston, Firle – The country house that housed many a romance, playing host to the infamous Bloomsbury Group. The idyllic setting of the house makes for a tranquil atmosphere, whilst the eclectic interior of the house, which was known for its scandalous inhabitants, will appeal to the more eccentric romantics among us.
22 Earnley Butterflies and Gardens near Chichester – The opulence of seeing a host of butterflies, with such fragility and beauty is surely a romantic sight when shared.
23 Glyndebourne Opera House – Take in dinner and an opera performance at Glyndebourne. With a romantic countryside setting, combined with the classic glamour of an evening at the opera, it makes for a perfect date.
24 Hailsham Pavilion Cinema – This lovingly restored cinema captures the true romance of the movies and old Hollywood glamour. It makes going to see a film a real occasion that is thoroughly romantic.
25 Maximum Diner, Uckfield – This tiny tex mex diner in Uckfield, has secluded booths and undiscovered charm, as well as tasty food that is perfect for sharing.