This year has been challenging on most levels. However, dating has become even more of a challenge. So with that in mind, today I am sharing some tips on socially distanced dating in Scotland. If you’re looking for suggestions for dating in Scotland while socially distancing, read on. Please note, this post is based on the Scottish social distancing guidelines from December 2020.

*This is a partnered post

Socially Distanced Dating In Scotland

The type of socially distanced date you can have will vary massively depending on what Level you are in. Scotland currently has 5 levels. Zero being the lowest and 4 being the highest. If you’re in level 0-3, you can meet a person from another household for a meal.

This means you have to stick to the two metre social distancing rule until you are seated in the restaurant. From this point, the one metre social distancing rule applies. Hospitality venues are closed in level 4, so you can’t meet for a meal in these areas.

You can, of course spend time together doing outdoor activities which allow you to maintain 2 metres distance. So why not head off and explore some Scottish scenery on your bikes?

Visiting each other’s homes

Scottish rules are very clear in that you should not be going into anyone’s home for non work reasons, if you don’t live (or bubble) with them. In Scotland, you can briefly enter someone’s home to gain access to their garden or use the toilet. This makes it easier to indulge in some home based socially distanced dating in Scotland, compared to England. So why not get the fire pit going and do some star gazing with your plus one.

Garden dating is something you can’t currently enjoy in England. This is because meeting in homes or gardens is banned there for anyone in tier 2 or 3. (Which is the majority of the country at present).

Socially Distanced Dating Options In Scottish Towns

The types of dates you can go on will vary from place to place, depending which level you are in. At present, Glasgow is at level 3, while the Scottish Borders are level 1. So Strathclyde dating will be very different from dating in Kelso, for example.

In Level 3 areas like Strathclyde, the risk level is classified as Very High. So all leisure and entertainment venues are closed. This includes places like cinemas, indoor bowling alleys, funfairs, snooker and pool halls, and casinos. Outdoor live events are also banned. This means you can’t have a Cinema or Theatre date in Level 3 areas.

Alternatively, in Level 1 areas like Kelso, more venues are available for you to take advantage of when planning a date. This includes funfairs, cinemas, snooker and pool halls and casinos, although nightclubs are still closed. Additionally, indoor and outdoor visitor attractions can also open. This means museums and libraries will also be at your disposal.

Planning A Date

In Scotland, travel rules are strict too, so bare this in mind if your date lives in a different area to you. The BBC say that:

There are so many amazing ideas for great dates during the warmer months. From walks along the beach, to picnics in the park. Dining al-fresco or watching the sun set from a hilltop. Yet it’s not quite that easy when it comes to planning dates in Winter. So with that in mind, today I’m sharing some Winter date ideas. Read on for some suggestions which may just impress your plus one.

*This is a partnered post.

Outdoor Winter Date Ideas

My first date with my ex husband involved us meeting on a cold January afternoon for a walk around a local lake. The weather was cool and crisp, and we got hot chocolate to go as we walked around the lake.

He’d told me I’d be fine in flat boots, but I really could have done with wearing my wellies or walking boots. We had a lovely stroll by the water, and enjoyed each other’s company. This was definitely a good date idea for a dry Winter’s day. Just make sure you’re both wearing appropriate footwear. For more Winter date ideas, carry on reading!

Rainy Day Date Ideas

Life in the UK means there’s loads of rain. Especially in the Winter. This makes it tricky to plan outdoor dates in advance. That doesn’t mean its impossible though. There’s loads of great places to go which are still amazing in Winter. For example, Manchester’s Cloud 23 offers views of the City from 23 storeys up. So it’s an incredible place to have a date, no matter what the season.

The Cinema or Theatre are also good ideas for a rainy day. Although they don’t strike me as particularly different from a “typical” date.

Road Trip

Alternatively, Wiltshire dating could involve a trip to Lover Village. That’s right – a village called “Lover” – it doesn’t get much more romantic than that! How cute would a loved up photo by the village sign be as your new profile picture on social media! (Assuming you’re ready to go public as a couple, of course).

Star Gazing

Cold Winter nights are usually amazing for star gazing. So why not light the fire pit, bundle up under loads of blankets and watch the stars from your garden?

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could always go for a drive to find somewhere away from the light pollution you find in towns. Pack a couple of camping chairs, some thick blankets and a flask of warm drinks, and take in the amazing light show that Mother Nature has created. Time it right, and you could even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Crisp Morning Walk

If you’re the kind of couple who are up and about early, why not grab a couple of coffees “to go” and take in some of your area’s natural beauty? A walk along the local riverbank or canal can be stunning on a crisp morning. Alternatively, head to your local park and feed the ducks, before grabbing breakfast together. Who says dates have to happen in the evening? In my experience, childcare is easier to find for a few hours during the day than it is in the evening.

Finally, for more Winter date ideas, why not check out these tips for dating over Christmas.