Tag: dating ideas

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Dating advice for entrepreneurs

Dating advice for entrepreneurs

You’re an entrepreneur. You live and breathe your business and this means going above and beyond – for 9-5 read 24/7. Even when you’re not in the office you are thinking about the business, your plans and your employees because your company is like your baby, to the point where it’s difficult to tell where the business ends and you begin.

But that can take its toll. You might ask “How can someone so successful, dedicated and organised be so unlucky in love?”.

The answer is time – between the long hours, meetings and keeping the business afloat, it’s hard to steal a moment for yourself, let alone set aside time for someone else. After all, building a successful business (or two, or ten) takes a lot of time and dedication.

But while you might be a very successful entrepreneur, you’re also a human being and it’s totally understandable that you want to create meaningful connections and find love outside of your business. You will ask, can an entrepreneur really have both? Of course, if you want to! Much like a business, you just need to put in a little planning and persistence.

So if you’re still feeling like dating as an entrepreneur is almost impossible, let us help you. Check out our expert advice below.

Be prepared to give a bit of time

Although it can feel hard when you’re already juggling so much, you need to get your priorities straight and decide whether dating is really important to you right now. If it is, then you need to be prepared to dedicate a bit of time to your journey, otherwise, it won’t work. You can sign up to dating sites and agencies to take some of the time and effort out of finding a partner, but ultimately if you’re not prepared to make the odd sacrifice and find time and space, then it will be much harder to find the right person.

Don’t just leave it to chance

When the balance between your work and your private life is nice and relaxed, it’s much easier to meet people naturally. You have time to socialise in your favourite bars, sit and grab a coffee from your favourite shop or even just bump into someone in the supermarket. But when you’re living and breathing your business you often don’t have that luxury and leaving love to chance could mean you end up waiting a long time. So it’s best to treat your dating journey like you would any venture, with careful planning and the right investment. 

Have a game plan

Before you dive in, think about the different ways you can approach the dating world, and which of them are going to work for you as an entrepreneur. There are plenty of options out there, from speed dating to dating apps, but many of them can take up an awful lot of your time. And that’s before you discover that anyone can sign up for a dating app, and you find yourself bombarded with messages from unsuitable matches and people who won’t complement your lifestyle.

Instead, we’d recommend you look for a more professional service such as a dating agency. Take Ignite Dating, for example. You’ll be assigned a dedicated matchmaker who will get to know you and they’ll understand your unique position. They can help you to find someone that will understand and work with your lifestyle and they will to search for suitable matches when you’re busy running your business. They can take the noise away and protect your most valuable asset – time.

Choose a confidential dating agency

If you do opt for a dating agency (and you should!!), think about choosing an agency that values confidentiality. As an entrepreneur, you may well be well known or recognised in your industry (or if not, you’ll want to be!) and so you want to keep your private life private. Using an agency that values confidentiality protects you from public online dating profiles and means you can avoid the swipe lottery of dating apps.

Keep an open mind

When you’re used to being in control it can be hard to let go and you might have a very specific way of doing things at work but when dating, even more than in business, you have to keep an open mind. There might be certain aspects you want in a partner that you’re really not willing to budge on but beyond that try not to rule people out just because they don’t immediately tick all your boxes.

This is another benefit of using a dating service, your matchmaker will get to know you and using their expertise will connect you with people they think will be a good match, and they’ll challenge you in the process. This can help you to keep an open mind, because this is what they do for a living and sometimes they’ll see something you don’t. And hey, sometimes it can be nice to branch out and find someone that isn’t your typical “type” – especially if your “type” hasn’t been working out for you so far…

Let your friends and family know you’re looking for love

It also pays to let your friends and family know that you’re looking for a relationship. After all, you never know who they might know. They might have connections that they think would be a good match for you. If you and your friends swim in similar circles (or even better, completely opposite circles) they might be able to introduce you to someone they think could complement you and would not be put off by the entrepreneur lifestyle. It’s far from a foolproof way of dating but the fact that they know you can give you that extra advantage.

Relax and leave work behind

When you do secure a date, it’s important that you’re able to make time, relax and leave the office behind. The first few dates can set the tone for your whole relationship. If you’re always distracted, talking about work or cancelling dates because you’re too busy, it’s unlikely you’re going to land yourself a lasting relationship. So remember, it’s a bit of give and take. If you’re serious about finding love you need to be prepared to leave work behind sometimes, even if it seems impossible to switch off at the start, but you need to give your date the time and attention they deserve.

Let us help

At Ignite Dating, we’ve worked with people from all walks of life, including many highly successful entrepreneurs and we understand that discretion and a tailored service is important to you. We also know you’re short on time which is why we give you access to your own matchmaker and they will be with you every step of the way to guide you on your journey and help you find the perfect match. They will ask all the right questions and use their years of knowledge in the industry to get to know you almost as well as your friends do, and really focus on getting the best out of you. That way, they can find you the best matches. 

Because everyone is different, we make sure that our services are tailored to your specific requirements and your matchmaker will always be working away behind the scenes to find great matches, even when you’re going about your business as usual. We offer a safe and discrete environment for you to meet like-minded individuals so you can feel safe that all your personal information is kept completely private.

If you’d like to know more, get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today.

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Date ideas to help you escape the city

Dating ideas for escaping the city

September marks the beginning of autumn; it’s the time when children return to school, the leaves begin to change and the air is filled with the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes. 

The city can be an exciting place to live, work, socialise and go out on dates, but every now and then it can feel a bit too busy or overwhelming and it can be nice to take a break and escape for a little while. This can be especially true when you’re dating someone new and
trying to get to know them away from all the hustle and bustle.

So if you’ve decided it’s time to swap the city for something a little different on your next date, we’ve got just what you need! In this guide, we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favourite alternatives when it comes to dating. But don’t worry, you won’t have to travel
too far, the UK has plenty of beautiful locations right on your doorstep for the perfect romantic date.

Read on to find out more about some of our top swaps and beautiful locations to help you escape the city on your next date.

Swap: London for
Brighton

OK, this one’s a little cheeky because Brighton is technically still a city, but its quirky shops, winding lanes and seaside charm can make you feel like you’re a world away from the busy pavements of London. By choosing to spend a day or night out in Brighton instead, you can swap the busy bars for quirky pubs and a walk down the Thames path for a stroll along
the seafront.

From shopping in Churchill Square to dining at the Marina or zip-lining past the pier, Brighton is a diverse and vibrant city where you’re sure to find something perfect to do on your date. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and if you want to stay for the night, the city is home to a range of romantic hotels and rustic B&Bs.

Brighton is also famed for its events and its music in particular, and there is usually something going on. Whether that’s the Brighton Festival throughout the whole of May, a stand-up comedy gig in a cosy pub or live performance in one of the many quirky music venues, entertainment is never far away. Though you might be just a stone’s throw from
London (an hour on the train or two if you drive), choosing this seaside city can make a welcome change for your date.

Swap: Manchester
for the Peak District

There are plenty of great places to go for a date in Manchester but sometimes you just need to get away! So why not swap the city for the beautiful Peak District instead? The national park is just 25 miles from Manchester and yet you’ll feel like you’re in an entirely different part of the country.

As you can imagine, the Peaks are a great location for outdoor activities, even if that’s just relaxing walk in the great outdoors. Then, after a long day exploring, you can cosy down in a small country pub for some delicious pub grub and a drink (or two).

If you and your date love long walks, hiking, cycling or even camping, then the Peaks is the ideal place for you. Not only is it great to get back to nature, but there are also lots of lovely towns and villages to be explored. And if camping’s not your style, there are also lots of B and B’s, cosy cottages or holiday stays you can rent out for the night (or a weekend if
you want to extend the date).

Swap: Birmingham
for the Cotswolds

Trade the bustle of Birmingham for the rolling hills and breathtaking panoramic views of the Cotswolds. About an hour and a half away by car, it won’t take you long to reach your chosen destination and there are a number of beautiful spots to choose from in the region. Made up of quaint little villages, towns, beautiful walking trails and even the birthplace
of Shakespeare, there’s plenty to see and do while you’re there – so you might want to make a weekend of it!

The Cotswolds also boasts some beautiful hotels, cottages and spas. So why not take it one step further and have a truly relaxing break from the city. Book yourselves in for a day at a local spa or wellness centre for a very indulgent date they won’t forget. 

Swap: Leeds for the
Dales

Another one of the UK’s great national parks, the Yorkshire Dales could be the perfect alternative to a date in Leeds city centre. If you’re looking for something different to do and you want to spend some time out in nature, the Dales offers countryside walking trails, castle ruins and even what remains of a 12th-century monastery.

If you want to see the best that nature has to offer you can enjoy the
natural wonder that is the Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale, take a guided tour through the White Scar Cave or explore the geographical splendour of Malham Cove. Or, if you love taking in a bit of the culture and history of our great nation, why not explore Bolton Castle or Fountains Abbey. It certainly makes a change from the bustling streets of Leeds and the
hustle of a night out at busy bars and restaurants.

That said, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy great food and drink in the Dales! From the Black Sheep Brewery to the Wensleydale Creamery and all the cosy country inns along the way, there’s plenty of hearty and traditional treats to try during your date.

Swap: Bristol for
Weston-super-Mare

Although Bristol is a city on the water it does not have its own beach. So if you fancy a change from the city and you love nothing more than an evening stroll on the sand, Weston-super-Mare could be a great alternative location for your next date.

This beautiful town in Somerset has an incredible stretch of sandy beaches, and whether you’re travelling by car or train, the journey should take you around 45 minutes, so you don’t have to go far to reach the sea. The classic seafront means you have the opportunity to swap the Michelin star restaurant for the traditional fish and chips or tea rooms by
the seaside, but if you fancy something a little classier, there are plenty of quality eateries and romantic bistros serving global cuisines.

Then at night, you can tuck yourself away in a cosy corner at one of the town’s local pubs, enjoy live music from local bands or even try your hand at singing yourself at one of the regular karaoke and open mic nights.

Finally, if you want to stay the night (or the weekend), there are plenty of options there too. You could choose a quaint B&B, luxury hotel or even go glamping if you fancy something a little different. If you love to be by the coast, then Weston-super-Mare should definitely be on the list to think about for your next date.

If you’re looking for love in the city but you still haven’t found the right person, let us help! Ignite Dating has hubs across the UK so we’re able to bring people together and help them find the perfect match. Not only this, but we love to share our top dating advice, so we can be with you every step of your dating journey. If you’d like to know more about our services and how we can help, get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today.

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Why September is a good time to start your dating journey

Why September is a good Month to Date

September marks the beginning of autumn; it’s the time when children return to school, the leaves begin to change and the air is filled with the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes. 

For many people, between the ‘back to school’ mentality and the changing of the seasons (plus the slight guilt of overindulging over the summer), September also ushers in a period of change. 

And more than that. It’s less than 4 months till Christmas – and as well as causing panic buying and gift anxiety, that can trigger many people to look more seriously for a partner to potentially share the festive season.

This is perhaps why the month has been dubbed ‘cuffing season’ (and not in a Christian Grey type way!!). It’s the time when many individuals feel ready to let go of their single status and find someone to settle down with. 

In fact, September is one of the best times to start looking for love and below we’ll look at four reasons why you should start dating this month and how a matchmaker can help you on your dating journey.   

1. Summer is drawing to a close 

As the long summer days begin to disappear, people look for new excitement and new things to look forward to in the upcoming colder months. More people decide to start their dating journey at this time than any other, meaning there are more potential partners out there also looking to take things more seriously.

2. Autumn is a romantic season 

Though it’s not quite woolly jumper season, the days get shorter and often the temperature begins to drop. This can leave people craving hearty meals, autumnal walks in the park and cosy nights at home in front of the fire (or at least the telly!). Autumn can be such a romantic time of year – so make the most of it!

3. Life changes pace 

Summer is a busy time for most people. Between summer holidays, days spent sunbathing in the park, family barbecues and having just one more pint in the pub garden, it can be hard to fit everything in!

By the time September rolls around we’re usually ready for a change of pace. Plans slow down and people aren’t as busy as they were, meaning they have more free time to dedicate to finding love.

4. Looking for love ahead of the winter 

Finally, people are more inclined to couple up in the colder months, looking for someone to keep them warm during the winter. This might date back to prehistoric days but it’s just as true now!

And as we’ve said, it’s also approaching the festive season and many like to have a partner to share this time of year. Starting your dating journey in September gives you the best chance of finding love for the winter and having someone to pull your cracker on Christmas Day!!

Start your dating journey this September with the help of a matchmaker 

It’s easy to see why September can be the best time to start dating, but before you panic that the clock is already ticking, let us help! By choosing a dedicated matchmaker, you can set yourself up for dating success.

Your matchmaker will get to know you and what you want in a partner, they will then deliver the best matches to you, taking the hard work out of dating.

At Ignite Dating, we love the change of pace that Autumn brings, which is why we are dedicated to using this time wisely to help you find the right partner, just in time for those cold winter months! If you’d like to know more about our services or our talented matchmakers, get in touch today.

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10 date ideas that are sure to impress

Dating ideas that impress

There’s no denying that we’ve all enjoyed a dinner date at Pizza Express, a long walk in the park or a drink in a sunny pub garden, but there are times when you really want to impress a date and a Sloppy Giuseppe and some dough balls just aren’t going to cut it!

When you’re looking to pull out all the stops, there’s no denying that things can get a little pricey. But if you’ve met someone you really like and you want to show them you care, well, sometimes a large gesture can be just what you need to win their heart. 

That said, we understand that planning a date can be nerve-wracking at the best of times, let alone when you’re hoping to make an impression. That’s why we thought we’d give you some inspiration by pulling together a list of some of our favourite romantic spots and exciting date ideas that are sure to impress.

1. Wine and dine them

For many of us, food is the way to our hearts, so consider wining and dining your partner at one of the UK’s finest restaurants and bars. If you want Michelin Star quality then consider somewhere like Bulrush Bristol, Adam’s, Birmingham or Sketch in London.

Alternatively, if you want more relaxed and beautiful rooftop vibes The Angelica, Leeds or Cloud 23, Manchester offer stunning views over some of the UK’s finest cities. It just depends where you’re located and how far you want to travel for your date.

2. Book a night away at a luxury hotel

Not an ideal first date (as it can seem a bit presumptuous) but once you’ve got to know your new love interest a bit better, why not book a romantic night away in a hotel. Choose your favourite city and book a luxury hotel to retire to after dinner and drinks.

Hotels like The Beaumont, London, The Cliveden, Berkshire and the Chewton Glen, Hampshire make for breathtaking stays. Think huge comfy beds, fluffy pillows, room service and a lie in the next day. What could be more romantic! 

3. Catch a concert or a show

Do you both love music, theatre or stand up comedy? Whatever it is that you enjoy the most, there are always thousands of shows going on across the country for you to choose from. So why not surprise your date with tickets to see their favourite band or book seats at a comedy gig so you can laugh the night away together. Whether you want something deep and meaningful like opera or relaxed and fun like a gig, catching a show can be a sure-fire way to impress – especially if you get them tickets to see someone they love!

4. Go on a wine or whisky tasting tour

If you and your date love a drink and you’re a bit of a connoisseur when it comes to whisky or wine, why not organise for the two of you to go on a tasting tour. Even if you don’t understand exactly what the tour guide is telling you, it’s always fun to learn new things whilst sipping on some of the finest tipples around.

For something truly sophisticated, visit the Cambridge Wine School or go on a wine trail in the South Downs. Or, if whisky is more your thing, the Lakes Distillery might be more your style (and of course, there are plenty of distillery tours to be had up in Scotland if you don’t mind travelling!). 

5. Book a mini-break

Again, not the best first date idea, but once you know each other a little better consider booking up a weekend break somewhere nice. You can go all out and catch a flight to Paris or choose a staycation somewhere in the UK. There are plenty of romantic cottages in Surrey and Hampshire or cosy little apartments in the Lake District, the Cotswolds and well, the list goes on! You could go for a trendy urban apartment in the heart of London or Manchester, or if you want to get back to nature choose somewhere like the New Forest in Hampshire or the Yorkshire Dales for a proper taste of the British countryside.

6. Hit the skies

It might seem a bit extravagant but there’s no denying it’s one date they’ll never forget. Why not take to the skies, booking up a helicopter ride across the city or taking off in a hot air balloon over the countryside.

There are a number of service providers out there such as Into the Blue and Balloons Over Britain, but just be sure to check whether they’re afraid of heights first… otherwise, this could be one magical date idea that backfires.

7. Take to the water

If the skies aren’t your thing, then take to the water and book up a boat for the day. You can choose to take a tour and have someone skipper the boat for you, or if you know your way around a yacht, sail away just the two of you. What’s more luxurious than drinking wine as you sit in the sun and look out over the waves. UK providers like Yacht Charters offer a range of skippered and private hire.

8. Splurge on a day of shopping and dining

Travel to your favourite shopping spot and spend the day splurging on both of you. And once you’ve had a long day on your feet trailing the shops, you’re sure to have worked up quite an appetite so book yourself in for a nice meal at a local restaurant afterwards. A day of retail therapy is great for anyone and will certainly have your date smiling.

9. See your favourite sporting event

This one will depend on whether your date is into sports or not, but if you both share a common interest or even team, then why not get tickets to see a match. Whether that’s football, boxing, rugby, golf or anything else!

Just be sure they like it as much as you, otherwise this might not be the fun and romantic gesture you hoped it would be!!

10. Get pampered at the spa

And last but certainly not least, why not treat your date to a day (and maybe even a night) at the spa. Think hot tubs, couples massages, drinking champagne by the pool and an entire day of ultimate relaxation. You might want to book up some treatments beforehand and even organise a lunch, dinner or afternoon tea while you’re there. Nothing is sure to impress and have them feeling cosy and romantic quite like a trip to the spa and good food – and the great news is the UK has plenty of luxurious locations to choose from!

And while it’s likely you’ll have a spa nearby, if you want to pull out all the stops, why not book something special like Lime Wood in Hampshire, The Scarlett in Cornwall or The Gainsborough Bath Spa in Bath. A bit of research can throw up a list of some of the best spas across the country.

There you go – 10 fabulous dates. Just remember we can only provide the ideas – the rest is up to you!!

Planning an impressive date can feel like a great deal of pressure, especially if you’re willing to splash the cash, but want to make sure you’re organising something your date will truly love. At Ignite Dating, we take the time to get to know you, so we can match you with like-minded individuals. That way, you’ll have a good idea about what they like, whether that’s a trip to the spa or a football match at home! If you’d like to know more about our services, get in touch today.

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9 Things Matchmakers Can Do For You

In the era of dating apps and social media, you might think matchmaking is a bit of an outdated profession. But nothing could be further from the truth! Tinder is all well and good in the early stages of your dating life, but many quickly become bored with the casual hookups, fake accounts and deciding whether to swipe right on someone based on just 500 characters or less.

In fact, when you’re looking for a long-term partner, someone you can share a genuine connection with, dating apps can be a real let down. That’s why many hopeful singles will retire their profiles and turn to dating agencies to help them find true love instead.

There are a huge number of benefits to using matchmakers, in particular that they take their time to get to know you so they can help you find someone who complements your lifestyle and shares your dreams. But if you’re still not sure why you should outsource your dating life to a professional, here are nine things a matchmaker can do for you.

1. They work while you do

Gone are the days when you only had your evenings and weekends to spend flicking through dating apps or trying to meet someone in your favourite bar. Matchmakers are dedicated professionals, working tirelessly to find you the perfect partner. While you work, do your grocery shopping, go to the dentist or spend time with friends, they’ll be working hard for you.

2. They use their emotional intelligence to help you find the right match

Being a successful matchmaker is all about being emotionally intelligent and having a sixth sense about people. This is very often a skill they are born with and not something that can be taught or learnt. Matchmakers can use this intuition to quickly decide if two people are likely to work well together – particularly impressive given how unpredictable and mysterious love can be. This saves you time, effort and awkward dates with people who really aren’t right for you, protecting you from the stress and heartache that can accompany dating.

3. They act like a life coach and therapist

When you’re working with a matchmaker you’ll quickly find they become a friend and life coach as well. This is because looking for love can be a tiring, emotional and sometimes long journey and you need someone who is there to support you and encourage you to keep going, even after a particularly rubbish date or when a relationship doesn’t quite work out.

They are the perfect combination of life coach, therapist and matchmaker. They listen to you and really get to know you. They give you a chance to talk about past relationships and then they motivate you to stay positive and strong, knowing that it can take time but you will eventually find the right person.

4. They run the background checks

Another huge benefit of using a matchmaker is that they will run background checks. Sadly, apps like Tinder have become a prime location for fraudulent accounts and cybercriminals looking to scam the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Not only this but with no background checks, people can be whoever they want to be  – even if that means they tell some pretty big lies in their bio.

Matchmakers can run ID and background checks to make sure every individual you meet is legitimate and is who they say they are. This gives you an increased sense of security and also means you aren’t going to be disappointed by meeting someone who wasn’t at all what you expected.

5. They get to know what you want

One of the most important things a matchmaker will do is spend some time really getting to know you. If they hope to use their skills to find your perfect match, they first need to know more about who you are and what it is you want from a partner – and this includes even the smallest details. You’ll be surprised how even the tiniest bit of information about yourself can help them to find you a partner with similar interests, ambitions and aspirations, hugely important when you’re looking for a long-term relationship.

6. They help you to learn about yourself

One of the greatest and most surprising benefits of using a matchmaker is that they can help you to learn so much about yourself. You might think you know exactly what you want in a partner, but after a few conversations with your matchmaker (and perhaps an unsuccessful date or two), you might find that they’ve asked some interesting questions and you begin to re-evaluate what it is you want from a relationship.

They can also give you more confidence and help you to relax. When you’re dating, it can be an additional stress worrying about whether someone likes you back or if there is a common romantic interest. Using a matchmaker can help to make this much clearer and after a while, even though dates may not always work out, you’ll come to feel better about the fact that they obviously weren’t right for you.

Ultimately, most people find the whole process of using a matchmaker eye-opening and they actually learn a lot about themselves. This can then help them to have more successful and fulfilling relationships overall, and more fun and less stress on the journey.

7. They will be honest with you

It’s not always their favourite part of the job but matchmakers will always be honest with you – because they have to be if they want to help you find the right person! Although it’s not always nice to hear either, if you’ve been on a date and the other person didn’t feel a connection, they’ll let you know right away. This way you can move on and begin meeting with other potential partners who may feel more of a spark.

They can also help to take some of the mystery and anxiety out of dating. Sitting by your phone for days waiting for a reply or wondering why your last date completely ghosted you is never fun. By being honest, your matchmaker will keep you motivated and on track to finding true love.

8. They give you a more personal experience

Dating apps, blind dates or speed dating sessions can feel very shallow and sometimes very cold and impersonal. By choosing to work with a matchmaker they’ll give you a much more personal and enjoyable dating journey.

After all, anyone can hide behind their keyboard and spend hours swiping right on dating apps, but this is often dissatisfying and can leave people feeling bitter or depressed about the dating world. Joining up with a matchmaker can help to turn this around and get you excited about dating again.

9. They can help you find love

Last but certainly not least, perhaps the most obvious benefit of all, matchmakers can help you to find true love. Using their skills, emotional intelligence and time, they can help you to find the perfect partner. And trust us, once you’ve signed up you’ll be forever glad you put your love life in their very capable hands.

At Ignite Dating, our expert matchmakers use a mixture of Myers Briggs personality profiling, intuition and their expertise to match you with potential partners. We offer support and absolute discretion when presenting you with matches and your dedicated matchmaker will work closely with you to get a better understanding of what it is you want from a partner. They will then present you with carefully selected and vetted matches so you can begin your journey to finding true love. Join us today.

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Dating ideas in Hampshire

Dating ideas in Hampshire

Whether you live in Hampshire and the surrounding areas or you just fancied a change of scenery, this gorgeous county can be the ideal location for your next date. The perfect blend of cities, coastlines and sweeping countrysides, you’re sure to find something that you’ll both love. You can spend days exploring the national parks or dine out in the ancient capital of England, and there are plenty of romantic settings to set the mood for your big date.

So if you’re looking for inspiration for the perfect date in Hampshire, look no further. Below are six ideas for beautiful days out and romantic evenings full of fine dining and entertainment.

1. Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Are you a gin enthusiast? Then why not take a guided tour around the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Whitchurch. You’ll be shown around the distillery and taken on a sensory experience in the Botanical Dry Room, before enjoying a complimentary drink in the Mill Bar. This could be the perfect way to set the tone for your evening, before heading off into the night (perhaps to drink more gin!).

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Hampshire

2. Catch a show at the Anvil

The Anvil Arts in Basingstoke has hosted a huge range of famous guests over the years. So whether you like stand up comedy, music, drama or even dance, you’re sure to find something to keep you both entertained for the evening.

3. New Forest National Park

Enjoy a day (or even a weekend) exploring the New Forest National Park. Home to a number of quaint little towns and villages, plus plenty of beautiful walking routes, you’ll be spoilt for choice on your date. Here you can make the most of nature. So why not sit and have a picnic as you watch the wildlife go by or, if you’re keen cyclists or feeling a bit more active, grab your bikes and go for a ride around one of the many forest routes.

New Forest Hampshire

4. Dine out in Winchester

Did you know that Winchester used to be the capital of England? It’s no wonder then that this historic town can make for a very interesting and romantic night out. Along its cobbled streets are a number of delicious places to stop for dinner, from cosy pubs to Michelin starred restaurants. The tricky part is deciding where to go!

5. Spinnaker tower and Gunwharf Quays

Why not arrange a day out in Portsmouth, culminating in an evening of food and drink. Kickstart the day by visiting the 170-metre Spinnaker Tower and enjoying breathtaking views from the top. After this, you can enjoy a bit of shopping, eating and drinking around Gunwharf Quays, a beautiful waterfront outlet with over 30 bars and restaurants to choose from.

Spinnaker Tower Gunwharf Portsmouth

6. Beaulieu

If you’re looking for something a little different, Beaulieu is a beautiful small village in the New Forest. Home to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey, a monorail and beautiful grounds and gardens, you can plan a fun and relaxing day out at this award-winning village.

If you’re looking for love in Hampshire, we can help! At Ignite Dating, we’ll take our time to get to know you and what you want from a partner, so we can help you find your perfect match. Join us today and soon it could be you organising a date at one of the romantic venues listed above.