Looking for date ideas in Bristol that aren’t just going to the nearest pub or out to dinner? Yeah, we thought so.
There’s a time and a place for treating your partner to a low-key coffee or a pint, but since you’re here, you might as well look at what other options you have.
Although it’s rarely thought of as a romantic city, Bristol is actually a treasure trove of experiences for lovebirds looking to craft unforgettable memories.
Whether this is your first date or 500th, we’ve compiled a list of 15 Bristol date ideas that’ll impress your partner without you needing to step outside of the city’s metaphorical walls.
Ready to go on the best date of your life? Read on to find out the best date ideas in Bristol!
And just so you know - nobody paid us to be listed here. They’re just our recommendations to you so you can find the best places and things to do in Bristol.
The Best Bristol Date Ideas (According to Us!)
Take Your Partner On an Urban Adventure with a Bristol Treasure Hunt
Looking for Bristol date ideas that work just as well for a first date as for a Golden anniversary celebration? Look no further!
This treasure hunt gets you out and about, scavenging around Bristol city centre for hidden gems and following cryptic clues on a quest to uncover Bristol’s many secrets. From Medieval arches to mural-lined streets, you'll navigate the city's historic streets and hidden corners like a pair of detective geniuses.
Bond, laugh at each other’s wild guesses and insist you know Bristol better than them - it’s all part of the fun, right?
Visit Clifton Observatory and Watch The Sunset over Avon Gorge
Next up, one of the most classic Bristol date ideas: a trip to Clifton Observatory.
We know what you’re thinking: every Bristolian has been here a million times before - but there’s more than one good reason to make it your next date venue.
Unlike the time you headed there with your mates or to see the incredible Bristol Balloon Fiesta, you’ll be walking here maybe hand-in-hand with your partner to see nature’s most spectacular show.
You might also not know that plenty of events are held at Clifton Observatory throughout the year, from romantic Valentine’s Day dinners to Afternoon Tea, sound baths and Paint and Sip sessions, there’s loads of fun to be had with some of the best views of the Gorge this side of the Avon.
Have a Picnic in Temple Gardens
You don’t need a reason to keep your date location low-key or inexpensive, but if you’re looking for either of those bonuses, keep reading.
Temple Gardens is one of my favourite places to go when I just want a bit of peace and quiet and it’s absolutely ideal for a laid-back picnic date in the heart of Bristol.
Not only do you get to see a mainstay of Bristol’s historic landmarks totally free of charge, but you can also use the surrounding green space to while away a few hours in the company of your loved one.
If you time it right (just a bit before sundown works for me), you’ll get to see the church ruins aglow with the last of the evening light. Spread a blanket, unpack your hamper of goodies, and let nature take over the rest.
Get Competitive at Lane7 Bristol
Like to get competitive or do you have a partner that does? Head to Lane7.
Lane7 turns a date night into a playful competition with its array of games from bowling to darts, shooting pods, beer pong, and more. The perfect spot to challenge your partner to a friendly contest and maybe even wager a bet on who buys the next round of drinks, Lane7 has all of the fun and games held under the same roof (which makes your life a lot easier).
Let the games begin, and may the best partner win!
Find Out What’s On at the Trinity Centre
I’m lucky enough to have snagged tickets at a few incredible gigs at the Trinity Centre - and yes, my partner and I had an amazing time.
This former late-Georgian church was converted into a community arts centre back in the ‘70s and since then has been leased from Bristol City Council by Trinity Community Arts LTD, a registered Bristol Charity.
These days, you can find all sorts of things squeezed into its extensive programme, including workshops, classes, gigs, cultural events, and theatre. Tickets do tend to sell out quite quickly to popular music acts but the relatively small size of the venue keeps shows feeling intimate and exciting (perfect if one of your favourite artists decides to grace the stage!).
Fun Date Ideas Bristol
Enjoy a Night of Stand up Comedy at The Room Above
Truly, the perfect antidote to staving off boring activities on a date is laughter - and sometimes, that’s best left to a professional.
Ironically, in Bristol we take our sense of humour seriously (we’re very proud of our comedy pedigree, at least), so it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of great comedic acts hanging around town.
You’ll find stand-up shows all over the city, (quite a few pubs hold them) but my favourite place to catch a stand-up act is with The Room Above on St Michael’s Hill. Tickets are fairly cheap and the laughs just keep coming - check out what’s on or take your chances at the door.
Give Stand Up Paddle Boarding a Go with All Aboard Watersports
They say the secret to a good life (and relationship) is all about finding balance. If you fancy doing that quite literally, why not give stand up paddleboarding a go?
Whether you glide gracefully or spend more time in the water than on it, you’re guaranteed laughs and an unforgettable experience. If you or your partner is into sports, this is a great way to spend time together if you don’t mind getting a little wet (accidents do happen, after all).
A fantastic way to see Bristol Docks from the water and do something active but enjoyable together, stand up paddle boarding is the perfect Bristol date idea for anyone who finds sitting down a bore.
Get a Dose of Fresh Country Air at Ashton Court
When in doubt, go to Ashton Court.
One of the best things about living in Bristol is the access to the gorgeous countryside around us, and even if you’re a real urbanite, it can be nice to ring the changes now and again.
Ashton Court's sprawling estate is the ideal setting for couples craving a break from the urban hustle. Walk, cycle, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery together - it’s a breath of fresh air (quite literally) for your relationship, offering both the charm of ancient woodland and deer-grazed grasslands.
Get Cultured at The Royal Photographic Society Exhibition at Paintworks
The best date ideas Bristol can provide are ones where you do something memorable and fun together without breaking the bank. And if that sounds like your kind of thing, we recommend visiting The Royal Photographic Society (the RPS) at Paintworks.
A brilliant opportunity to get cultured and explore fascinating exhibitions that might just spark a shared passion, the RPS is free to visit and a blast for all who enter.
Whether you think you’re interested in photography or not, there’s much more to this techy art form than meets the eye. Founded way back in the 1850s, a visit to the RPS exhibition at Paintworks is guaranteed to intrigue you.
Play a Game (or four) at Chance and Counters, Bristol’s Top Board Games Café
When you want some fun Bristol date ideas that combine relaxed entertainment with an activity, head to Chance & Counters.
With shelves bursting with every board game imaginable, Chance & Counters is a place to challenge your partner's strategic mind or their ability to cooperate during a co-op game. If you like classic games like Cluedo or Monopoly, they’ve got you covered - but don’t be afraid to give a new one a try.
I recently got very into a game called Camel Up that, unfortunately, my partner beats me at every time. Still love and always look for it at board games cafés, though!
Head Underground for Cocktails at Her Majesty’s Secret Service
There’s something quite romantic about sneaking about in secret places on a date, and if that’s your vibe, I recommend HMSS (Her Majesty’s Secret Service).
It sounds like something from a Bond film but in reality, it’s so much more than that. It’s a very cosy and tucked away “secret” bar in Clifton - right next to the railway station, so the location itself isn’t all that coveted!
The cocktail menu is incredible (I’m all aboard for a Breakfast Martini) and the interiors are low-lit and have a warm feel to them and best of all - you get a nice space to spend time with your partner without the rowdiness of a traditional pub.
Cute Date Ideas in Bristol
See a Magic Show at Smoke & Mirrors Theatre Pub
If you’re looking for Bristol date ideas that add a touch of “magic”, this one’s for you.
Standing outside of Smoke and Mirrors on Denmark Street, you’d never guess that this was anything other than a cosy pub. Step inside, however, and you’d realise you’ve already been taken in by magical illusion number one!
This quirky Bristol pub triples as a pub, comedy venue and - wait for it - magician’s theatre! Behind its classic pub exterior lies a 1920s-themed theatre where you can see close-up magic (roaming magicians show you a trick or two at your table), burlesque, or comedy.
Hire a Private Cinema For Two at 20th Century Flicks
Did you know that there’s still a video shop open in Bristol? I have to confess - until fairly recently, it had totally passed me by. And now that I know about it, I want everyone to know about it.
As far as cute Bristol date ideas go, a visit to 20th Century Flicks has got to be up there.
Tucked away on Christmas Steps, 20th Century Flicks is an incredible video shop that is home to not one but two tiny cinemas. When you book, you get to pick a film from their extensive collection of films and enjoy a cosy, uninterrupted viewing experience. The cinemas are so tiny that it’ll be just you and your date invited to the viewing (unless you want to invite along a third wheel, of course), giving you total privacy and a space to enjoy a classic film in peace.
The ultimate romantic gesture for film lovers, 20th Century Flicks allows you both to escape into a cinematic world of your own choosing.
Give Pottery a Go at Fishponds Pottery
No, this isn’t some weird recreation of the film Ghost - this is your chance to unleash your creative sides with a pottery workshop!
Whether you’re sculpting something abstract or attempting a masterpiece, a visit to Fishponds Pottery will supply you with a hands-on date that’s sure to be filled with fun, mess, and maybe a little bit of friendly competition.
Plus, you’ll have a tangible reminder of your date to take home, successful or not!
Watch an Iconic Film at an Iconic Bristol Location with The Bristol Film Festival
Need some Bristol date ideas to impress a film-buff? We’ve got you.
Contrary to what you might think, the Bristol Film Festival lasts all year round and offers up some incredible chances to catch a classic movie in unconventional (yet iconic) venues around the city.
From ancient caves to historic ships, it’s a chance to see your favourite movies in a new light. A perfect date idea for those who love cinema and adventure, it’s sure to be a night to remember (and, of course, you get extra points for picking a movie you both love!).
Discover More Things to Do in Bristol
So there you have it, 15 + date ideas in Bristol for you to try!
Want to find more things to do in Bristol? Of course you do!
Discover Bristol’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our Bristol treasure and scavenger hunts, exploration games or walking tours.
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or whoever to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around Bristol’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated pubs, cafés and restaurants and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard.
CityDays gives you total freedom to start and finish whenever you like, take extra breaks if you want or need them, and it’s suitable for people of all ages.
You’re also guaranteed your money back if you don’t have an amazing time - although our previous reviews speak for themselves: we’re rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.95/5 on Google Reviews!