A famously vibrant street-art scene, fascinating history and architecture, and gorgeous vistas make Bristol a trendy and cool destination. It is also for the incurable romantics, and there are plenty of romantic things to do in this iconic British city. From being locked together in escape rooms to enjoying a picnic in the park, Bristol makes for a great intimate sojourn for couples in love. The city also has a plethora of affordable Airbnbs and hotels with free parking for those who wish to explore but are on a budget! This list of the best romantic things to do in Bristol, the UK, will give you a healthy dose of inspiration on how to get amorous with your better half in this lovely city.
Quick rundown for 2024
Visiting Bristol for a romantic getaway? Here’s a lineup of what’s hot and happening in and around the city throughout the year:
- Events/Festivals: For experiences that make you high, prepare for the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which is launching later in the year from 8th August.
- Attractions: Immerse yourself in the world of Meridia at Wake The Tiger Amazement Park. With new rooms and experiences slated to launch this 2nd February, you and your loved one will have a splendid time!
- Arts and Culture: If you're curious about what's up with street art, then you should head to Upfest. The yearly event featuring today's top street art figures makes a highly anticipated return this summer.
- Live music: The countdown is on for this year's Bristol Pride festivities in July. Sashay your worries away and party with the city's thriving LGBTQ+ community! Another love-filled event that you can participate in, this time in May, is the Love Saves The Day where local and national acts set the stage ablaze with exhilarating performances.
1. Marvel at the view in Brandon Hill
One of the prettiest sights to behold in Bristol is Brandon Hill on Park Street. If you’re exploring the city centre, squeeze in a visit to this majestic park as it is only a short distance away. At the peak of the hill lies Cabot Tower, a grade II listed structure established in 1897 to memorialize Italian explorer John Cabot’s expedition from Briston to Newfoundland. Some other features of the public park are the nature reserve, wildflower meadow, and butterfly garden.
Brandon Hill
Address: Park St, Bristol BS1 5RR, United Kingdom
Website: Brandon Hill
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Make cute, imperfect pottery (from USD 66.0)
A hands-on activity that you may enjoy in Bristol is pottery making. You and your partner can get your creative juices flowing and make something truly quirky and somewhat unique. You can most certainly sign yourselves up for this pottery wheel beginners taster session hosted by Stuart. The two-hour fundamental class will get you familiarized with working a potter’s wheel, and then you’ll try it out on your own. Skills of all levels are welcome. After your workshop, you may leave your pieces at the studio for the firing process and have them mailed to you after.
Pottery Wheel beginners taster session
Duration: 2 hours
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3. Reflect on your day at Bristol Cathedral
If you’re looking for a quiet place to spend a reflective day in Bristol, there’s no better location to do it than at Bristol Cathedral, which was consecrated in 1148 after its founding in 1140. Regarded as a Grade I listed structure by Historic England, the cathedral features long Gothic windows with a pinnacled skyline. Not only is it where you can pay respects, but it is also one of the most beautiful attractions in the city. You could explore the picturesque vicinity with your loved one as well!
Bristol Cathedral
Address: College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ, United Kingdom
Website: Bristol Cathedral
4. Let your jaw drop at Clifton Observatory
With such a beautiful city offering plenty of mesmerizing sights like Bristol, it’s no wonder that a place like Clifton Observatory exists. Formerly a mill established in 1766, it is now regarded as a Grade II structure by Historic England. The viewing platform does not disappoint with its scenic vista, giving views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the city of Bristol itself. When on a romantic outing in Bristol, this attraction should definitely make your itinerary. Cozying up with your loved one, overlooking the rest of the world, sure sounds like a great deal.
Clifton Observatory
Address: Litfield Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT, United Kingdom
Website: Clifton Observatory
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
5. Wander hand in hand at Bristol Aquarium
If giant octopuses and sharks are your thing, then an offbeat but fantastic date idea in Bristol is wandering around Bristol Aquarium together. The aquarium is home to a host of usual and unusual marine life, including piranhas, pufferfish, seahorses, stingrays, and Amazonian fish, among others. However, what’s really cool about this place are the deck chairs in the greenhouse. On warm Bristol days when there are no children in the museum, the spot is perfect for relaxing and lounging about.
Bristol Aquarium
Address: Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
Website: Bristol Aquarium
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
6. Enjoy a picnic at Castle Park
Warm spring and summer days are perfect for picnics in the parks of Bristol, which has tons of choices when it comes to picnicking spots. What’s more, these locations make for great date ideas, a welcome change in today’s world where dates are mostly done in high-end restaurants and lounges. Castle Park is one of the most beautiful verdant spaces in Bristol, with grassy areas, silver birch trees, a sensory herb garden, and ruins of Bristol Castle and St. Peter’s Church.
Castle Park
Address: Broad Weir, Bristol BS1 3XB
Website: Castle Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Watch the sunset at Bristol Harbour
There are few activities more romantic than watching the sunset with your loved one at your side. And Bristol Harbour is certainly the place to be when the sun goes down. Start in the late afternoon and take a relaxing walk hand-in-hand around the area. You can then grab some snacks and beverages, sit on one of the many benches along the riverside, and watch as the sun sets on the horizon. Afterward, stop by one of the pubs nearby and enjoy an evening drink while marveling at the vibrant-colored buildings of Clifton.
These are just a few ways of enjoying precious moments in this part of Bristol. If a dash of fun is what you seek, then the Bristol Harbour Festival is one thing to get excited about. The highly anticipated summer event features a wider range of on-water activities, as well as endless culinary choices. Make sure to add this festival to your July 2024 itinerary!
Bristol Harbour
Address: Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SP
Website: Bristol Harbour
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Indulge in fine dining on Glassboat
Once a working barge, the now-upscale Glassboat restaurant floats on River Avon and serves well-thought-out French food in a gorgeous and classy setting. Topped by a glass rectangle, the venue features neutral, muted interiors with a nautical feel, complete with Navajo-style wall hangings. Some must-eat dishes here include French snails, moules, medium-rare ribeye steak with red wine, and desserts such as sorbet, chocolate mousse, and mini crème brûlée.
Make your date night even more special by trying out the Glassboat’s on-board bar, the 6 O'clock Gin. The unique pub serves a range of well-crafted drinks, such as the signature 6 O'clock gin and tonics. Bon appétit!
Glassboat
Address: Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB
Website: Glassboat
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
9. Watch a show at Bristol Hippodrome
One of the best attractions in Bristol is the famous Hippodrome theater, which showcases the best theatrical performances from all over the world. Apart from an annual pantomime, it is visited regularly by Welsh National Opera and also features shows from London’s West End. The grand theater is a great place to watch a production with your partner. So look up the schedule and plan a date night by booking a couple of tickets in advance. Finally, dress up to the hilt and arrive early for the show, sit back, and have a great time. This fun day out in Bristol for couples is something you’ll be talking about for a long time!
Bristol Hippodrome
Address: St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
Website: Bristol Hippodrome
10. Escape from a locked room at PuzzLair
If you and your partner are fans of puzzle-solving and mysteries and possess amazing teamwork, then you should definitely check out PuzzLair. The company’s Bristol outlet currently has six themed rooms that you can choose from. Solve the pulse-racing mystery and clues together and have some great fun trying to escape from a locked room!
PuzzLair 4D Room Escape Games
Address: 39 Midland Rd, Bristol BS2 0JT
Website: PuzzLair 4D Room Escape Games
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 10pm
11. Go on a "wild" date at Bristol Zoo Gardens
If you’re looking for an offbeat date in Bristol, and both you and your partner are animal lovers, then you should consider exploring Bristol Zoo. The spectacular zoological garden is home to more than 80 species, including a baby gorilla, Livingstone’s fruit bats, and pygmy hippos. In fact, Twilight World of Bristol Zoo is the first of its kind. The attraction is home to lots of indoor exhibits, including an aquarium, a reptile house, and an insect house. Plus, there is also a penguin enclosure, a seal enclosure, and several aviaries as well.
Bristol Zoo Gardens
Address: College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA
Website: Bristol Zoo Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
12. Attend a superb comedy magic show at Smoke & Mirrors (from USD 25.0)
If you and your partner enjoy watching comedy shows, then head over to this fantastic two-hour comedy magic show at Smoke & Mirrors, where two house magicians will keep you laughing and entertained all night long. Located in the heart of the theater district in Bristol, Smoke & Mirrors is known to serve the best ales, fine wines, and stonebaked pizzas. You and your companion will surely have a fun night out with amazing drinks, comedy gold, and completely enthralling and enchanting magic.
Bristol Comedy Magic Show with Pizza and Prosecco
Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
13. Climb aboard for a Bristol sightseeing cruise (from USD 8.0)
Unwind and see Bristol’s lovely sights by boat! Indulge in an 80-minute journey around Bristol Harbour, seeing sights like St. Mary Redcliffe Church and digging into some amazing food at Wapping Wharf. Walk hand in hand with your partner at St. Nicholas Indoor Market and guzzle a cold one at a bar on King Street. Flag down a boat whenever you want to get on and head over to the next destination. Although this fun date idea in Bristol is self-guided, the staff aboard is more than happy to give you travel tips about the best places to see in town.
Bristol: Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise
Duration: 1 day
14. Hop on a hot-air balloon (from USD 598.0)
What better way to catch the scenic panoramas of Bristol than from above? Climb aboard for a thrilling one-hour flight and watch the sunrise or sunset over the sparkling Bristol skyline. Take in bird’s-eye views of Queens Square, Bristol Cathedral, and Clifton Suspension Bridge, before spying on the lovely Bristol Harbour, Bristol University, and SS Great Britain. Post landing, celebrate your exciting flight with a personalized flight certificate and a glass of bubbly. This thing to do in Bristol for couples is one you’ll remember for quite some time!
Exclusive Hot Air Balloon Flight from Bath
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy lots of dating avenues in Bristol
The word “romance” might not immediately spring to mind when speaking of Bristol. However, the British city has more date-worthy spots than you think—from intimate restaurants to fun spaces that can result in sparkling conversations. Check out this list to plan your next date night (or day) in Bristol.
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