The Great Sussex Way challenged us to find the best, affordable Valentine’s dates to celebrate with your loved one this year, and we couldn’t have asked for a better place! West Sussex is home to some truly incredible spots, but we’ve narrowed it down to our 11 favourite, budget-friendly date ideas for Valentine’s Day.
- Meet a herd of alpacas
- The perfect spot for when you can’t decide
- Go for a walk and celebrate with a glass of bubbles
- Relax and Recharge on Valentines Day
- Savour local drinks and beer
- Watch the planes take off and cars roar around
- Have a romantic dinner with a view
- Watch the sunset over West Sussex
- People watch in a cosy cafe
- Take a magical walk at night
- Spend a laid-back Valentines at the Langham Brewery
Meet a herd of alpacas
Back to Top of ListNow this truly is a unique date idea—and even more perfect for animal lovers! Our Back Garden offers two delightful alpaca experiences: an Alpaca Walking Tour (£70 for two) or a Meet and Greet (£20 for two). Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable and one-of-a-kind date.
While the Walking Tours are closed until March, they involve a two-hour experience where you can feed and walk the alpacas around the farm when available.
Meanwhile, the Meet and Greet sessions are still open and perfect for Valentine’s Day. They allow you an hour to meet, feed, and learn all about the adorable herd, offering a wonderful connection with these gentle creatures. After your adventure, treat yourselves to a sweet snack and a refreshing drink at the on-site café. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than meeting and hanging out with a charming herd of alpacas?
The perfect spot for when you can’t decide
Back to Top of ListIf you can’t decide where to eat this Valentine’s, treat yourselves to the perfect choice for date night. The Ghost at the Feast food hall, located in the heart of Chichester, offers something for every palate.
With eight vibrant street food kitchens serving cuisines from around the world, including Japanese, Jamaican, Mexican, burgers, Vietnamese street food, and more, there’s a flavour for everyone to enjoy. For a more intimate setting, The Farmyard restaurant provides a cozy and romantic dining experience.
Pair your meal with an array of drink options: sip on craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, or natural wines. With so many choices in one place, there really is something for everyone!
Go for a walk and celebrate with a glass of bubbles
Back to Top of ListFor those looking to explore the Chichester countryside this Valentine’s Day, this walk is perfect. Starting at the Village Hall Car Park in Boxgrove, the Windmill Trail will take you past the Tinwood Estate and through a tunnel of trees on Mill Lane. Finally, make the climb to the iconic Halnaker Windmill, where you can enjoy stunning countryside views.
On your way back, stop for a glass of sparkling wine at Tinwood Estate to toast your walk, or if that’s not your style, head to the Anglesey Arms in Boxgrove, after all, it’s Valentine’s Day!
Relax and Recharge on Valentines Day
Back to Top of ListFor a relaxing Valentine’s date, The Ritual Sauna Co. offers the perfect rejuvenating experience. Their charming wood-fired horse box sauna, located in picturesque spots around West Sussex such as Itchenor, Emsworth, and Chichester, provides the perfect opportunity to recharge and spend quality time together.
Each location features panoramic windows, allowing you to soak in stunning views as you unwind in the soothing warmth of the sauna. For a refreshing finish, you can choose between a cold plunge, shower, or invigorating bucket splash. At just £34 for two people, you can enjoy an hour-long communal sauna session (shared with a maximum of eight people). It’s the ideal way to relax and connect this Valentine’s Day!
Savour local drinks and beer
Back to Top of ListThe newly opened Little Monster By The Bay taproom and restaurant in Bracklesham Bay is the perfect spot for a relaxed and tasty Valentine’s date night. Known for its local craft beers, ciders, and other locally sourced drinks, it’s a haven for those who appreciate great local produce and good vibes.
The menu features a tempting selection of dishes, including fish tacos, pulled pork sliders, mac and cheese bites, halloumi and chorizo skewers, sharing plates, and more. With delicious food, fantastic drinks, and great music, Little Monster By The Bay is the perfect place to unwind and create a memorable Valentine’s celebration.
Watch the planes take off and cars roar around
Back to Top of ListThe perfect date spot for aviation and automotive enthusiasts, the Aerodrome Café at Goodwood offers sweeping views of the grass runway at Goodwood Aerodrome and the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Spend your Valentine’s Day cosied up in the warmth of the café, sipping a cup of coffee or tea and enjoying a delicious lunch. From one side, you can watch planes taking off from the runway and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a Spitfire taking to the skies. On the other side, you’ll have a front-row view of cars racing around the iconic circuit. Is there a better way to celebrate Valentine’s as an aviation and automotive enthusiast?
Goodwood Aerodrome Café | Goodwood, West Sussex
Have a romantic dinner with a view
Back to Top of ListIf you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot this Valentine’s Day, The Anchor Bleu in Bosham is the perfect choice. Nestled right on the water’s edge, it offers stunning views of the harbour and its gently bobbing boats. Enjoy a cosy Valentine’s date as the tide comes in, indulging in a classic pub menu featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced dishes, West Sussex wines, and pints of ale—all by the warmth of their roaring fire.
As a bonus, why not work up an appetite with a scenic 9km circular walk around the harbour and surrounding countryside? The Anchor Bleu truly is the ultimate romantic dinner destination for Valentine’s. route here.
Watch the sunset over West Sussex
Back to Top of ListWhy not spend Valentine’s Day watching the sunset over the stunning West Sussex countryside? St Roche’s Hill, also known as "The Trundle", offers one of the best viewpoints, with panoramic vistas stretching from Goodwood Racecourse across the rolling countryside, perfect for a romantic picnic as the sun sets.
Complete your picnic with a glass of one of West Sussex’s brilliant local sparkling wines and fresh produce for a truly special moment. For a cosier end to the evening, take a short trip to The Fox Goes Free pub, where you can relax with a drink by their inviting wood-burning fire. It’s an idyllic way to spend Valentine’s together.
People watch in a cosy cafe
Back to Top of ListThe Robins Nest Coffee Shop, an independent specialty coffee shop in the heart of Chichester, is the perfect choice for those seeking a laid-back Valentine’s Day. Known for its excellent coffee, homemade cakes, fresh salads, and delicious sandwiches, it offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
It’s a great spot for people-watching while enjoying a leisurely coffee and indulging in a tasty treat or two. Robins Nest Coffee Shop provides the ideal spot for a relaxed and memorable Valentine’s celebration.
Take a magical walk at night
Back to Top of ListTo celebrate Valentine’s Day and the South Downs National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, Rural Strides' Bathed in Moonbeams offers a magical 4-mile night walk. Starting in Cocking at 6pm, this enchanting walk is lit only by the moon and stars, making for a truly special and romantic evening.
As you stroll through the stunning countryside, you’ll experience the beauty of the South Downs under the night sky. It’s a unique and memorable way to celebrate Valentines but also our local countryside.
£12.26 for two tickets. Book tickets here.
Spend a laid-back Valentines at the Langham Brewery
Back to Top of ListFor a laid-back Valentine’s outing, why not visit the Langham Brewery Taproom Just outside the beautiful Petworth. This cosy spot is perfect for beer lovers, offering a wide selection of award-winning ales all brewed on-site.
You can relax in the taproom or soak up the views of the South Down countryside in the courtyard. Pair your beer or wine from Fairview wines with delicious local pizza from Faretti Pizzas. It’s a laid back and relaxed way to spend Valentine’s Day, sharing great local beer and food with even better company.