Long, dark evenings, dinner by candlelight, meandering country walks – there’s something truly romantic about autumn. It got me thinking of fun autumn date ideas to try and tick off before winter hibernation sets in. I don’t know about you, but for me there’s only a small window between loving that autumn magic and hygge and then dreading the winter darkness.

The fun thing about all of these date ideas is that they’d also work perfectly for group dates or even just friend dates – spread the love people!

Board Game night

You can do this at home but I prefer to decamp to a favourite old-man pub that’s well-stocked with board games. Being cosy and warm with your favourite beverage and one of your favourite humans on a cold, dark night feels pretty special, and a good board game ramps up the nostalgia factor.

To make things interesting suggest that the loser buys the next round or even dinner – there’s nothing like getting competitive with your date. 😉

Build a blanket fort

I would argue that you can, and should, do this any time of the year but there’s definitely something more cosy and magical about doing it when the nights are drawing in. Grab all your pillows, lay a duvet on the floor and construct some kind of covering with sheets – I often find a combo of chairs and clothes pegs holding sheets to various surfaces works well. 🙂

Then grab a drink, some snacks, watch a classic movie and snuggle in for a movie marathon.

Bonus points for excessive fairy lights and all your cosiest blankets.

Candlelit Dinner

You can do this all year round but there’s something about Autumn that makes me want to take time to prepare and really enjoy delicious home-cooked meals. Maybe it’s because we’re nearing hibernation season so my body’s craving comfort food and slow living. It’s so nice to plan and prepare a meal together and there’s nothing nicer than turning your dining table into a restaurant, eating by candlelight and savouring each others’ company.

Baking date

If dinner’s not really your thing (I hate having dinner on early dates – far too much pressure!) then how about a baking date? It’s low key, casual and fun! Most people enjoy baking even if they don’t do it very often or don’t think they’re very good at it. Make a feast of sweet or savoury treats and then enjoy them together, perhaps in your blanket fort? 😉

Pumpkin Carving

This is ideal as Halloween prep, show off your creative sides by carving his and hers pumpkins together.

Go for an Autumn walk

This is my go-to Autumn activity. Just last weekend my Mr and I (slipped that news in there subtly didn’t I? 😉 ) spent the day at Westonbirt Arboretum which is just down the road from us. Autumn is the best time of year to get outside, enjoy the colours and kick up the leaves. It’s the perfect excuse to layer up in your cosiest knits and get out into the fresh air, I love taking advantage of the bright, clear days to blow away the cobwebs. It’s also the ideal Autumn date as you can just wander and talk without any distractions.