Cockenzie and Port Seton are both small villages in East Lothian, Scotland. Located just two miles apart, the villages overlook the Firth of Forth and offer stunning views. There are plenty of places to explore, with the beaches, parks and marina all providing excellent opportunities to take a walk and get to know each other on a first date.
1. Places for a walk on a first date
If you’re looking for a romantic walk, Cockenzie and Port Seton have some beautiful spots. Start at Cockenzie Harbour and take a stroll along the beach, then wander up to Castle Park for some stunning views. From there, take a leisurely stroll past the dragonfly pond, the ancient church and the old Cockenzie power station. Then make your way over to the picturesque Port Seton harbour and enjoy a walk along the seafront. The beaches in the area are also great for an afternoon stroll.
2. Places for a coffee date in Cockenzie and Port Seton
If you’d prefer a more relaxed date, then why not try meeting up for a coffee in either of the two villages? Cockenzie has several cafes to choose from, including the Harbour Cafe, which offers great views and delicious homemade food. There is also the Cosy Cafe and the Port Seton Cafe in Port Seton, both of which offer great food and a relaxed atmosphere.
3. Cockenzie and Port Seton galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Both Cockenzie and Port Seton are home to some interesting galleries, museums and exhibitions. At the Cockenzie and Port Seton Visitor Centre visitors can explore local history in the exhibits, including the 19th-century Cockenzie Harbour Master’s office, the original harbour-master’s lantern, and the ‘Harbour Trails’, which explore the maritime history of the area. The John Gray Centre, located in Port Seton, also offers a great selection of local history exhibitions and events.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Cockenzie and Port Seton
The area also has plenty of live music and entertainment to enjoy. In Cockenzie, the Harbour Music Hall offers regular gigs and music events, while The Port Seton Centre often puts on live shows and concerts. Alternatively, visit the Cockenzie and Port Seton Music Festival, which takes place annually in August, and enjoy the wide range of performances on offer.
5. Cockenzie and Port Seton pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Finally, Cockenzie and Port Seton have plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars to choose from for a first date drink or meal. For drinks, Head for the Hills is a great spot for craft beer and cocktails, while the Pilot Inn pub offers a more relaxed drinking atmosphere. For dinner, why not try The Sea Bar and Kitchen in Port Seton, which has a fantastic seafood menu, or The Rope and Anchor in Cockenzie, which offers traditional Scottish pub food.
6. Other date ideas to try in Cockenzie and Port Seton
If you’re looking to try something a little different on your first date, Cockenzie and Port Seton also have plenty of other date ideas. Take a boat trip and explore the Firth of Forth, or why not try a sailing class together? There are also plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in, such as kayaking, fishing, or even horse-riding. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a ghost tour of the area to uncover its spooky past!
