By Andy, founder
A drink in the pub is fine. But Essex has miles of coast, a pier over a mile long and a Norman castle, and a first date with something to do takes the pressure off: you're side by side, there's always something to talk about, and it's easy to end early if the spark isn't there. Here are twelve ideas from around the county.
Out in the open
1. Walk Southend Pier
Southend Pier stretches well over a mile into the Thames estuary. Walk out and take the little pier train back, or the other way round. There's a café at the end, and plenty of time to talk.
2. Cockles in Old Leigh
The cockle sheds and cobbles of Old Leigh are a world away from the seafront. Grab a pot of cockles, sit by the water, then walk along the front to Chalkwell.
3. Flatford to Dedham in Constable Country
The riverside path along the Stour links Flatford Mill and Dedham, right in the landscape John Constable painted. In summer you can hire a rowing boat at Dedham.
4. A walk in Epping Forest
Ancient woodland on London's doorstep. Start at High Beach, pick a trail, and finish with a cup of tea at the visitor centre.
5. Oysters on Mersea Island
West Mersea is famous for its oysters, and the huts by the water are the place to try them. Check the tide times before you go: the causeway on to the island floods at high tide.
Culture and a bit of shelter
6. Colchester Castle and Castle Park
The Norman castle, built on Roman foundations, has a museum inside and a big park round it. Walk the Roman wall afterwards and you'll never run out of things to talk about.
7. Audley End and Saffron Walden
The grand house and gardens at Audley End are just outside Saffron Walden, a pretty market town with plenty of tearooms for afterwards.
8. Hylands Park, Chelmsford
A handsome house and hundreds of acres of parkland on the edge of Chelmsford. A gentle walk round the grounds is about as relaxed as a first date gets.
9. Firstsite, Colchester
Colchester's contemporary art gallery is free to visit, so there's no pressure to stay if it's not your thing. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker.
10. RHS Garden Hyde Hall
East of Chelmsford, the RHS garden has something to see in every season, with big views over the Essex countryside and a café for a proper chat.
Keep it simple
11. Tea and scones in Tiptree
The village near Colchester is famous for its jam, and a pot of tea with scones is a lovely, low-key way to spend an afternoon.
12. Walton-on-the-Naze
Beach huts, a pier, and the Naze Tower on the cliffs above. Walk along the beach, climb the tower if it's open, and finish with fish and chips.
A few tips before you go
- Choose somewhere public for the first meeting, and make your own way there.
- Let a friend know where you're going and when you expect to be back.
- Check tide times, weather and opening times before you set off.
- Keep the first date short. If it goes well, you'll have a reason for a second.
For more on meeting safely, read our guide to dating safely. And if you haven't met anyone to take on these dates yet, see who's near you.
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