If you're looking for something different to do on your next date, give SoGlos's alphabet dating challenge a try, with an A to Z of fun activities for Gloucestershire couples.
There are 26 alphabet-themed ideas to keep things fresh, so step outside your comfort zone and do something new next time you're planning to treat your special someone.
Afternoon tea
Enjoy an indulgent afternoon with your date, sipping endless cups of tea and tucking into delicate sandwiches, pastries and cakes at one of Gloucestershire's gorgeous hotels. Add on a glass of Champagne or two, to make it an extra special experience!
From the five-star surroundings of Ellenborough Park to a Japanese-inspired tea ceremony at KIBOU, see SoGlos's hand-picked list of 20 places to go for afternoon tea in Gloucestershire for inspiration.
Brewery tour
If love is brewing in Gloucestershire, take your beau on a brewery tour and say cheers to date night.
From sipping delicious organic ales at Stroud Brewery; enjoying a pint by the waterside at Gloucester Brewery down at the docks; to sampling craft beer in the Cotswolds countryside at Cotswold Brew Co, check out SoGlos's pick of places to go on a brewery tour in Gloucestershire. Not a beer fan? Take a tour and masterclass at Dunkertons Organic Cider, instead!
Clay pigeon shooting
Outdoorsy couples can get competitive with a date day at Ian Coley Sporting near Andoversford, just outside Cheltenham.
Known for being one of the best shooting grounds in the country, couples can choose to 'pay and play' with either 25 or 50 shots each and Ian Coley will provide the rest — including tuition, guns, clays and protective gear. It's suitable for complete beginners, too!
Driving range
Whether you're a great golfer, an occasional putter or just fancy doing something active together, a trip to the driving range is a fun way for sporty couples to test their swing.
Brickhampton Court Golf Complex near Gloucester is one of the finest driving ranges in the county, offering 35 balls for £5.50 or 100 balls for £11 for non-members. With Nineteen at Brickhampton serving pizza, burgers and barbecue, there's no excuse not to stay for lunch either.
Exhibition
Culture-loving couples are spoiled for choice with museums and art galleries in Gloucestershire, showcasing everything from paintings, sculptures and photography to historical artefacts.
Marvel at the International Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Gloucester; come face to face with Roman and Iron Age remains at the Corinium Museum; see incredible animals from all over the world at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at Nature in Art; discover the fascinating processes and artists behind the crafts on display at New Brewery Arts; or wander through the woods admiring the impressive artwork at Cotswold Sculpture Park.
Food
Gloucestershire is absolutely overflowing with amazing restaurants, so foodie couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to dinner dates.
With classic French cuisine, cosy Cotswold pubs and Michelin-starred fine dining to vibrant Sri Lankan street food, metre-long pizzas and Greek mezze to share, it might not be the most original date night idea, but it's a good one! Check out SoGlos's plethora of Food & Drink hot lists to find your next dinner destination.
Go Ape
Take your next date to new heights with a visit to Go Ape in the Forest of Dean — with courses at Forestry England's Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike sites.
Choose to compete or collaborate as you tackle the high ropes course, taking in the lush forest views as you go, then cosy up with a coffee at the Beechenhurst Cafe once you're back on the ground.
Hiking
Pack a picnic, lace up your boots and head off on a hike in Gloucestershire for a wonderful way to spend some quality time together.
Climb to the top of Cleeve Hill at sunset for awe-inspiring views over Cheltenham; see if you can spot the Malverns from the top of Robinswood Hill on a clear day; or head over the border to Broadway Tower for breath-taking views over the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Ice cream parlour
Play it cool and take your date to an ice cream parlour where you can both enjoy a sweet treat.
Take a drive out to Wholly Gelato (believe us, it's worth it!) where you can indulge in award-winning ice cream and meet the cows that make the milk; grab a cone at Gloucestershire institution Winstones up on the picturesque Rodborough Common for ice cream with a view; or try one of the indulgent desserts at Tewkesbury's Ice Cream Cottage, which offers vegan ice creams, too. Need more inspo? Check out Gloucestershire's tastiest ice creams.
Jazz Festival
Music fans won't want to miss soaking in the buzz at the festival village and taking in some of the finest jazz, soul and blues musicians on the planet when Cheltenham Jazz Festival returns to town in May.
The 2024 line-up features artistic curator Gregory Porter; pop star Will Young; Ivor Novello-winning singer Laura Mvula; the inimitable Rufus Wainwright; and music legends Tony Hadley and Van Morrison, as well as Jazz Fest favourites Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, Guy Barker's Big Band, Kansas Smitty's and the BBC Concert Orchestra. There's a whole programme of free entertainment, too, so jazz up date night and remember your dancing shoes!
Kayaking
Hop into a double seat canoe and take to some of Gloucestershire's glorious waterways for a serene sightseeing date.
Paddle down the Cotswold canals around Stroud to spot the area's diverse wildlife, or for a truly awe-inspiring trip, canoe or kayak down the slow running waters of the River Wye to take in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley from a whole new angle.
Live music
As Shakespeare said, 'if music be the food of love, play on!' Give your date a memorable experience seeing your favourite bands play live in Gloucestershire.
It's not just world-class jazz you can enjoy in the county, music fans can rock out at 'Britain's coolest festival' 2000trees, catch rising stars at Barn on the Farm, see live music in amongst the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum, listen to spectacular choral music at Three Choirs Festival and get swept away by the drama of Longborough Festival Opera - plus there's regular gigs at The Sub Rooms in Stroud and Gloucester Guildhall.
Massage
For a truly blissful bonding experience, head to one of Gloucestershire's stunning spa hotels and have a couples' massage.
With options from essential oils to hot stones, couples can lay side-by-side, hold hands and just relax, before slipping into a fluffy robe and slippers to chill out beside the pool. Let SoGlos inspire you with 11 of the best luxury spa experiences in the county.
National Trust
With landscaped gardens full of secluded spots to steal a kiss, to stately homes that look like they belong in a Jane Austen romance novel, take your date on a trip to one of Gloucestershire's National Trust sites for a romantic day out.
For winter dates, wrap up warm and take in the snowdrops at Snowshill Manor and Garden, while the plants and flowers at Hidcote Manor Garden are especially delightful during the summer.
Outdoor cinema
Whether you're cuddling up close to watch a rom com or hiding under the blankets during the scary bits of a horror film, a trip to an outdoor cinema night in Gloucestershire makes for an incredible summer date.
The Alfresco Film Company brings its big screen to venues all over the county, from luxury hotels like Cowley Manor, historic sites like Llanthony Secunda Priory in Gloucester to pretty parks like The Bathurst Estate in Cirencester — and it even hosts poolside screenings at Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham.
Paint and sip
Show your love your creative side and with a date night at one of The Paint Club's Paint and Sip parties in Gloucestershire.
Suitable for absolute beginners and keen painters alike, try your hand at painting everything from landscapes to animals with a drink in hand, at venues including The Bottle of Sauce in Cheltenham, Stroud Brewery and Egypt Mill in Nailsworth.
Quiz night
Impress your date with your encyclopaedic knowledge of trivia at a Gloucestershire pub quiz.
Whether you're aiming to walk away arm in arm with the jackpot, or just have some fun over a few drinks, it's a great way to get to know each other and prevent any awkward silences — with pubs like Tank in Gloucester, The Pilot Inn in Hardwicke, The Exmouth Arms in Cheltenham, The Crown Inn Minchinhampton and plenty more hosting regular quiz nights. Stroud Brewery hosts a board game night, too, if trivia isn't your thing.
Rugby
Wrap up warm, grab a pint and cosy up next to your date to cheer on Gloucester Rugby's Cherry and Whites at Kingsholm stadium, with matches taking place throughout the year.
Whether you join die-hard supporters in The Shed or snuggle up in the stands, couples can expect an electrifying atmosphere both on and off the pitch.
Swimming
From romantic sunset swims to soaking up the summer heat by the poolside, Gloucestershire is home to outdoor pools aplenty, including the heated Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, the spring-fed Stroud Lido at Stratford Park, Bathurst Pool in Lydney and Cirencester Open Air Pool.
There are also a plethora of spectacular spas in the county boasting saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs, too, for a real treat — with Ellenborough Park, Calcot Manor and Barnsley House having outdoor pools, while Hatherley Manor, Elan Spa at The Greenway Hotel and Tewkesbury Park all offer indoor pools.
Theatre
Going to the theatre can be such a special experience that's perfect for a showstopping date. Gloucestershire's theatres play host to everything from West End musicals, touring plays, ballet, opera and even world-premieres, with the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, Barn Theatre in Cirencester and The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury all providing an excellent night out.
Keep an eye out for alfresco productions during the summer months, too, like Tuckwell Amphitheatre's annual open-air theatre festival, which brings audiences everything from Shakespeare to George Bernard Shaw in a stunning starlit setting.
Underground caving
Show your lover how deep your feelings run with a subterranean date at Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean.
Marvel at the natural rock formations, see pretty light installations and learn about the history of the Forest of Dean's mines — or if you're an adventurous couple, have a go at deep-level caving, crawling and scrambling through caverns that stretch down 200 feet underground. Just remember to leave your vanity at the entrance as you'll be kitted out in overalls, wellies, helmets and head torches!
Vineyard tour
Some of the best wine in the world is produced right here in Gloucestershire, so a vineyard tour and tasting is the perfect date for wine buffs. Head to Woodchester Valley Vineyard near Stroud to explore how its award-winning wines are grown and produced, before taking a seat in the tasting room to give them a try.
The Cotswold vineyard also hosts fun events, like its famous Fizz and Chips nights where it pairs a sparkling wine tasting with fish and chips from local legend, Simpsons. Pop into the Cellar Door shop to pick up a bottle or two to take home, or if you don't fancy being the designated driver, Woodchester Valley also offers overnight accommodation which overlooks the vineyard.
Walk the Cotswold Way
Stretching 102 miles from Chipping Campden down to Bath, the Cotswold Way provides a perfect opportunity for committed couples to take on a challenge together.
The walking route offers incredible views over the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and plenty of sights to see, from the Devil's Chimney and Neolithic monument Belas Knap, to Sudeley Castle and Hailes Abbey. Plus it's dotted with cosy Cotswold pubs where you can refuel, warm up by a roaring log fire or even stay overnight. See 11 of the most beautiful walks in Gloucestershire for more scenic walks to enjoy in the county, too.
X marks the spot
X isn't the easiest letter to find a date idea for... Thankfully, couples in Gloucestershire can have a go at target practice with an axe throwing experience where X marks the spot.
Spend the evening unleashing your inner Viking at Axe Play in Gloucester or Eat Sleep Axe in Cheltenham, where you can pair your axe throwing experience with an escape room, too.
Yurt staycation
Cuddle up next to a log fire, toast marshmallows and spend a romantic night under the stars with your significant other on a Gloucestershire glamping break.
Think fairy lights, wood burning stoves, outdoor baths and spectacular views, with SoGlos rounding up 15 sustainable staycations that are perfect for a couples' getaway.
Zoo
Animal-loving couples will be in their element at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens in Burford, making friends with its resident rhinos, giraffes, lions, lemurs and zebras before taking a romantic stroll through the pretty gardens.
For an extra special date idea, it also offers Keeper for a Day experiences where visitors can spend a whole day feeding and caring for the animals; as well as animal adoptions which make for an adorable gift for your special someone.
