Valentine's Day | date ideas and gifts for couples that love being outdoors!

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean a three-course meal in a busy restaurant (who have put their prices up for that weekend only) or a gift you don’t really need.  I think the best kind of romantic day is one that creates memories, a shared experience and allows time to connect whilst having fun. 

If you fancy swapping chocolate and over-priced flowers for exercise, here are some simple, fun, very doable active date ideas for couples - things like tennis, padel, golf and other outdoor activities you can tailor to your fitness level, budget and confidence.  

​This blog post contains paid for links.

Get out for a walk together on Valentine's Day this year

Beginner friendly tennis date (with coffee)

You don’t need to be Wimbledon-ready for this to be fun. Book an hour on a local court, agree in advance that you’re keeping it light, and play mini tennis (shorter court with gentler rallies). The goal isn’t winning, it’s laughing when the ball goes anywhere except where you intended.

Start with a 10-minute warm-up rally.
Play a silly challenge 'first ten rallies' or 'hit the cone'.
Then reward yourselves with coffee and a pastry somewhere afterwards.

You'll need comfortable trainers with a good grip (court shoes if you have them), breathable layers for the cooler February days, a light jacket for before and after, and don't forget your water bottles!  How about a love themed water bottle as a gift?

Padel is a fabulous 'couples' social sport date

If tennis feels intimidating, then padel is the perfect alternative. It’s easier to pick up, it’s social, and because the court is smaller (with walls in play), you get more rallies and fewer out moments!

Book a couples beginner session.
Or join a social evening with others.
If you are more competitive then make it a 'best of three' and then for a drink after!

You'll need trainers with lateral support, padel involves quick side steps, leggings or joggers or breathable trousers, a thin base layer and a mid layer, plus a hair tie and cap if you are playing outdoors.  A good pair of tennis shoes would make a fabulous gift and adidas have a very pretty pink and cream pair I love.

A relaxed golf date with hot chocolate or a glass of wine!

A full 18 holes can feel like a big too much and can be cold and it's not fun in the rain, but a driving range is a brilliant alternative.  It's casual, you can chat, laugh and it suits all abilities.  Or find a virtual golf centre, like the one near me, The Bourne End Golf Hub and play some of the best courses from around the world inside in the cosy warmth with a drink in hand!

Buy a bucket each and do a closest to target challenge.
Take turns filming a couple of swings for the laughs after!
End with a hot chocolate or a glass of wine!
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If you are outside at a driving range you'll need warm layers, a base layer, a fleece and an insulated gilet or jacket, gloves and a hat or headband, as well as comfortable trainers (you don't need full golf shoes).  If you choose a virtual round of golf, then opt for summer style golf outfits and hire clubs!  I spotted this really stylish baseball cap in the Valentine's Gifts at adidas but they have lots of other fabulous gift ideas too.

A scenic walk with lunch at the pub after

Sometimes the simplest plan is the best one: a walk somewhere beautiful, finished off with a pub lunch - park, walk to the pub, enjoy lunch, then wander slowly back.

Or you could do a sunrise walk with breakfast after, find a new route with a viewpoint at the end, bring a flask and share a warm drink, make it a mini-photo walk and look out for new things to record on your camera.  

Remember to wear sturdy outdoor shoes, a breathable base layer, a warm mid-layer and a waterproof jacket, you'll need a warm hat and gloves and a cross-body bag or backpack.  ​

An active picnic!

Go for a walk then choose somewhere sheltered to share a picnic after, if you are walking along the seafront it might be a covered bench, or if you are in the countryside it might be a sheltered spot under the trees, and if all else fails there is the car with the boot or doors open!

Pack a flask of tea or coffee, some pastries or sandwiches, a small blanket and don't forget baby wipes and a bag for the rubbish.

You'll need warm layers, and a jacket with pockets for essentials.  This is a lovely idea if you are both easing back into fitness.

Try something new together without the pressure

It might be a tennis or padel lesson, or a round of golf (real or virtual), or a new walking location (jump in the car and head to your nearest seaside town) or how about doing an outdoor bootcamp together!?

Doing something new side by side is a great way to connect and feel romantic without the pressure of expectation.

What to wear for your 'active date'

Remember the 3-layer rule:

Base layer - a breathable top you feel comfortable in.
Mid-layer - a fleece or half-zip that you can move in.
Outer layer - lightweight, waterproof / windproof jacket.

Then add leggings or joggers that don't dig in or restrict movement.

The right shoes, choose comfort and grip, then if you are doing tennis or padel pick trainers that feel stable side to side.

Finally choose some fun accessories, a hat, cap or headband, a sporty jacket, a fun sweatshirt (mid-layer) and warm socks!

Gift a seasonal bouquet of flowers throughout the year - not when they are overpriced on Valentine's Day! These are from Marlow Cottage Garden Flowers.

​Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be extravagant to be romantic and fun.  A shared hour or two, a morning in the fresh air, a fun activity and a simple gift, all create together time and removes the need to follow the crowd - it doesn't even need to be on the 14th February - how about gifting your activity alongside a seasonal bouquet of flowers from a local florist the following weekend?

Love
Michelle xx

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​Disclaimer: this blog post contains paid for links.