Coming up with a date plan – especially for a first date – can be a nervous time as you want to get it right. The good thing about Bristol is that there is a lot of variation when it comes to things to do and so there will be something for everyone. Whether you both enjoy activities which will get your adrenaline going or prefer something more relaxed and slow-paced, you will be sure to find something to make your date one to remember. Here are 20 of the best date night ideas in Bristol.
1. Go bowling at The Lanes
Address: 22 Nelson St, Bristol BS1 2LE
If your perfect idea of a date is to have some fun, then head to The Lanes. The Lanes offer a great choice of drinks and freshly made pizzas for you to indulge on whilst playing a game. The Lanes is no ordinary bowling alley as they also have Karaoke booths for you to sing your hearts out, and at night the venue changes into a club. So if you want a lively and activity date night, The Lanes is recommended.
2. Navigate your way through an escape room at Escape Hunt
Address: Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3BX
Why not test your teamwork by discovering clues and solving problems in an escape room? Located in Cabot Circus, at Escape Hunt you have five different themed escape rooms to choose from. These include a doctor who, WWII, samurai and a Blackbeard inspired room. Muddling your way through one of these escape rooms will be a great icebreaker to get stuck into for those on a first date and will help to bring you closer together as you get to know each other more.
3. Play some laser tag at Laser Fusion
Address: Silver St, Bristol BS1 2AG
If you are both keen sporting enthusiasts, then laser tag is a great activity which will guarantee you have an active adrenaline-pumping date. At Laser Fusion, you can decide if you want to collaborate and play for the same team, or if you are feeling a bit more competitive, to battle it out and join opposing teams. Whichever you select, you will be sure to immerse yourselves in the world of adventure where there is excitement around every corner.
4. Watch a performance at the theatre
For a date night filled with the arts, music and drama, you can never go wrong with going to the theatre. At Bristol, you are certainly spoilt for choice. You could go to the well-renowned theatres including the Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Hippodrome to enjoy performances such as The Lion King presented by professionals from the West End. Or if you both prefer exploring the more local choices showcasing independent plays, then try The Wardrobe theatre
5. Enjoy a film at The Cube
Address: Dove St S, Avon, Bristol BS2 8JD
It is no secret that going to the cinema is a classic date idea. In no way am I suggesting that there is anything wrong with that – everyone loves a good film. However, why not spice up the usual cinema date by going to The Cube. Hidden away just off Stokes Croft, The Cube is a small cinema run solely by volunteers, giving a homely feel. The cinema puts on independent and international films as well as hosting live music and comedy performances. With tickets as low as £5 and even £2 on Tuesdays, it will prove to be a great cheap date night.
6. Play some golf at Pirate Bay Adventure Golf
Address: Common Mead Ln, Hambrook, Winterbourne, Bristol BS16 1QQ
If you like your dates to be on the playful side but fancy something less competitive and more laidback, then play some adventure golf at Pirate Bay Adventure Golf. As the name implies, Pirate Bay Adventure Golf allows you to work your way around an 18-hole pirate-themed golf course filled with various obstacles. The course is all outdoors and so make sure you go when the weather is nice. Another thing to note is that at night, the course is light up, so you don’t have to worry about a time restriction; so you can both enjoy your date till the late hours of the night.
7. Visit the M Shed museum
Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Rd, Bristol BS1 4RN
If you both appreciate history and have an interest in visiting exhibitions, then go and hit up the M Shed. Originally a 1950s transit shed, M Shed was transformed into a museum showcasing over 2000 years of Bristol’s history. You can cure your curious minds together by learning more about Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, its experiences in the world wars and the culture that made Bristol what it is today. What’s more, the entry is completely free! If you are also into your photography, I also recommend visiting the wildlife photography exhibition M Shed host every year. It is only put on for a limited amount of time, so make sure to be quick.
8. Immerse yourselves amongst sea creatures at the Aquarium
Address: Anchor Rd, Bristol BS1 5TT
Planning a date which will allow you both to escape the busy city? The Bristol Aquarium will allow you to just that. Despite being located bang in the middle of the city centre, the Bristol Aquarium will immediately transport you away and make you forget that you are surrounded by a bustling city. As you both make your way down the aquarium’s narrow tunnels, it will be a great opportunity to get close whilst spotting the various sea creatures swimming over you.
This Valentines, discover the intriguing mating habits of the Angler fish, the unique courtship battles of flatworms, and the surprising behaviours of dolphins in a way that’s not typically showcased in aquariums when there’s kids around. As you explore these fascinating animal facts, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at their open bar. Indulge in sparkling beverages while wandering through the exhibits, or savour ocean-inspired cocktails and mocktails crafted by Espensen Spirit.
You can also experience their Urban Jungle in a whole new light at night, with mood lighting casting an enchanting glow over the foliage. For an extra touch of romance, they have a special ‘Message in a Bottle’ feature too.
9. Take a trip to Cribbs Causeway
Fancy going on a shopping trip together but are bored of going to Cabot Circus? Then make a short trip to Cribbs Causeway. A much larger shopping centre, Cribbs Causeway is further out of the city centre but has a lot more shops and food choices on offer. The easiest way to get there is to ride the number 1 or 1 bus from Tyndall’s Park.
10. Explore St Nicholas Market
Address: The Corn Exchange, Corn St, Bristol BS1 1JQ
For a more casual date night, why not explore St Nicholas Market. The market is home to stalls selling anything from antiques and jewellery to artwork. So if you both love intricate and collectable goods, go and hut for some hidden gems together. After your search, you can also indulge in some food from the various stalls in the market’s glass arcade. You can enjoy anything from Chinese, Persian, Japanese and Caribbean. St Nicholas Market is also lit up beautifully at night to give a wholesome atmosphere.
11. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Moltobuono
Address: 59 Park St, Bristol BS1 5NU
For those wanting to plan a classic dinner out, Moltobuono is highly recommended. An Italian restaurant run by an Italian family, the recipes on its menu has been handed down by generations; allowing you to indulge on authentic home-cooked Italian dishes. The appeal of Moltobuono is not just its delicious menu, but how the restaurant is decorated. The interior has been beautifully decked with greenery and fairy lights to create a romantic feel. At Moltobuono you will be sure to enjoy a dreamy dinner date to remember.
12. Dig into a burger at the Hub Box
Address: 113 Whiteladies Rd, Redland, Bristol BS8 2PB
If you’re both looking to dine out but would prefer somewhere more causal, try Hub Box. Hub Box serves the best and juiciest burgers which you can get stuck right into. For those non-meat eaters out there, do not threat as their menu is also extensive with non-meat options. Although burgers can be considered a messy and therefore, unlikely choice for a date meal, Hub Box is too delicious to resist. Their cocktail menu is also great, with many twists on classic cocktails.
13. Have some dessert at Mrs Potts Chocolate House
Address: 20 Park St, Bristol BS1 5JA
After enjoying your meal, why not head to Mrs Potts Chocolate House and have some dessert. Mrs Potts is a café specialising in chocolate, with their menu consisting of anything from chocolate brownies and cookie sandwiches to chocolate cake or a simple hot chocolate – what more could you want? At Mrs Potts, you can even customise your desert with more chocolate sauce of your choice for free! Again, Mrs Potts has plenty of vegan options so anyone can go and bond on their love for chocolate together.
14. Drink up at the Brozen Bar
Address: 43 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1T
If you’re the type of person who likes to get to know someone over a drink, then hit up the Brozen Bar. Hidden behind the busy city centre, the Brozen Bar might not be the first bar everyone thinks of going to. So why am I suggesting you go to the Brozen Bar instead of the hundreds of other choices in Bristol? The bar is completely unique as its cocktails are made with liquid nitrogen, meaning that you can enjoy your drink in the form of sorbet or gelato. I can guarantee you that if you decide to go to the Brozen Bar, you will experience an unforgettable date.
15. Discover Banksy’s artwork
Those couples who appreciate art will know that Bristol is the perfect city to explore; in particular street art. Home to the famous artist Banksy, his work can be seen all around the city. So why not go on a walking tour and discover his best pieces which includes ‘the girl with the pierced eardrum’ and ‘well-hung lover’? Not only will you get to admire the artwork, but it will be a great opportunity to explore the city together.
16. Visit the Clifton Observatory
Address: Litfield Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT
The ultimate romantic spot in Bristol has to be the Clifton Observatory. Climb to the top of the Observatory, and you will both be overwhelmed with a beautiful view of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and a panoramic view of the city. What’s more, in the evening you can watch the sunset over the Suspension Bridge to give a lovely feel to the date.
17. Have a picnic on The Clifton Downs
If you’re a student on a budget, then you cannot always afford to spend a lot of money on a date. So if you need to save some cash but still want to have a great time, having a picnic on The Downs is the perfect cheap date idea. Situated out on the edge of the city, rolling around The Downs will allow you both to appreciate each others company in a calming atmosphere.
18. Ride one of Bristol Balloons hot air balloons
Address: 23-51 Winterstoke Rd, Bristol BS3 2NP
With Bristol being famous for its hot air balloons, be sure to ride one so that you can proudly say that you had a date completely unique to Bristol. With Bristol Balloons, you can book to ride a hot air balloon on any day that the weather is good. A great way to enjoy the scenery of Bristol and its surrounding towns and cities, it will be an unforgettable experience.
19. Take a boat trip around the Harbourside with Bristol Ferry Boats
Address: 44 The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB
Another very ‘Bristol’ date idea is to go on a boat trip around the Harbourside. Hop onto a Bristol Ferry Boat any day of the year you fancy and enjoy a tour of Bristol’s most notorious landmarks, including the SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge. The boats stop at 17 different destinations across Bristol, allowing you to get off wherever you like and continue to explore new areas of the city together.
20. Visit the Christmas Markets
Address: 25 Bond St S, Penn St, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 3BX / 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX
When the special Christmas season rolls around, what better way is there to get in the festive spirit than to go on a festive date to the Christmas markets with that special someone? There are always many markets dotted around the city, with the main two being at Cabot Circus and by the Harbourside. Both have numerous stalls serving food and drink as well as small gifts for you to take away as a souvenir. The Harbourside Christmas market even has fairground games and a Ferris Wheel for you both to have some fun competition and get intimate.
It is clear to say that dating in Bristol will never be dull or limited for choice. With so many varied activities on offer, you will never need to repeat your previous date idea and will be able to ensure that your dates are perfectly tailored to you and your date.
