South West England
Date ideas in Bristol
Updated
Bristol is a harbour city, and the old docks wind right through the middle of it, lined with museums, cinemas, restaurants and bars, with little ferries hopping between them. Up the hill there's Clifton, the gorge and Brunel's bridge, and over the bridge there's proper woodland. The museums are free, the street art is everywhere, and the food scene punches well above its size. These are our picks.
Our picks in Bristol
Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Observatory
Clifton Down, Clifton
Address: Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, Bridge Road, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Romantic
Walk across Brunel's bridge high above the Avon Gorge, then visit the old observatory on the downs for its Victorian camera obscura and the tunnel down to a viewing platform in the cliff face.
Why it's a good date: The bridge is free to walk and it's the best view in Bristol, especially at sunset. The camera obscura is a lovely bit of Victorian magic to share in the dark.
Photo: Lacu Schienred, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
SS Great Britain
Great Western Dockyard, Harbourside
Address: Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol BS1 6TY- Culture
- Mid-price
- Rainy day
Explore Brunel's great iron steamship in the dry dock where she was built, from the cabins and dining saloon on board to the hull under the glass 'sea' around her.
Why it's a good date: It's hands-on and full of stories, and walking under the hull is a proper wow.
Photo: Nortix08, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
A ferry round the harbour
Ferry stops around the Harbourside
Address: City Centre ferry landing, Canons Road, Bristol BS1 5TX- Activity
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Romantic
Hop on one of the little yellow-and-blue ferries and putter round the Floating Harbour, past the old warehouses, the SS Great Britain and the colourful houses of Cliftonwood.
Why it's a good date: The easiest way to see the city, and it doubles as a lift between the rest of your date. Hop off for lunch and catch the next one back.
Photo: Neil Owen, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
M Shed
Princes Wharf, Harbourside
Address: Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Wander the free museum of Bristol's life and people in an old transit shed on the docks, with the harbour's working cranes lined up outside.
Why it's a good date: Free, fascinating and right on the water, with a great view from the top floor. It's a short stroll from Wapping Wharf when you're ready to eat.
Photo: Eirian Evans, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queen's Road, top of Park Street
Address: Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1RL- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
Spend an afternoon in the grand museum at the top of Park Street, with Egyptian tombs, fossils, Bristol blue glass and galleries of paintings under one roof.
Why it's a good date: It's free, there's something for each of you, and it's handy for a coffee on Park Street or a walk up to Cabot Tower afterwards.
Photo: Elliott Brown from Birmingham, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower
Brandon Hill, off Park Street
Address: Brandon Hill, Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR- Outdoors
- Free
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Climb the slopes of Bristol's oldest park, then the narrow spiral stairs of Cabot Tower to the little balconies at the top.
Why it's a good date: A free view over the whole city and the harbour, two minutes from the shops. Bring a coffee and stay for the sunset on the grass.
Photo: Meemo-cat, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Leigh Woods
North Road, across the Suspension Bridge
Address: Leigh Woods, North Road, Bristol BS8 3QB- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Active
Cross the Suspension Bridge and walk into the old woodland on the far side of the gorge, with paths to an Iron Age hill fort and views back to the bridge.
Why it's a good date: Five minutes from Clifton and it feels miles from anywhere, especially in autumn. Pair it with the bridge for a whole afternoon outside.
Photo: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Arnos Vale
Bath Road, Brislington
Address: Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Bristol BS4 3EW- Outdoors
- Free
- Culture
Wander the winding paths of a Victorian garden cemetery on a wooded hillside, past ivy-covered tombs, old chapels and the city glimpsed through the trees.
Why it's a good date: Peaceful, beautiful and a bit atmospheric, more woodland walk than graveyard. Take your time and see where the paths lead.
Photo: Eirian Evans, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Street art in Stokes Croft
Stokes Croft, north of Broadmead
Address: Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QP- Activity
- Outdoors
- Free
- Culture
Walk up Stokes Croft and the streets around it, Bristol's most colourful neighbourhood, where nearly every wall is a mural and new pieces go up all the time.
Why it's a good date: Free, a bit different every time, and there are plenty of cafés and bars to stop in along the way. Each of you pick a favourite wall.
St Nicholas Market
Corn Street, Old City
Address: Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1JQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Wander the old covered market by Corn Street, with its glass-roofed arcade of street-food stalls, and eat your way around the world for lunch.
Why it's a good date: Each of you chooses a stall and you swap halfway. Have a look round the little shops in the market afterwards.
Photo: Colin Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Wapping Wharf
Gaol Ferry Steps, Harbourside
Address: Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RW- Restaurant
- Mid-price
- Foodie
- Cheap and cheerful
Eat at one of the small independent restaurants in the shipping containers on the harbour, from tacos and pizza to small plates, then sit out by the water.
Why it's a good date: Lots of good food in one spot, so you can choose when you get there. M Shed and the SS Great Britain are both a short stroll away.
Photo: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Watershed
Canons Road, Harbourside
Address: 1 Canons Road, Bristol BS1 5TX- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
- Culture
Catch an independent film at the harbourside cinema, then grab a drink in its café-bar overlooking the water.
Why it's a good date: Small screens, good films and a view of the harbour from the bar. An easy, relaxed date in the middle of town.
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
Bristol Old Vic
King Street, Old City
Address: King Street, Bristol BS1 4ED- Event
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Big night
- Culture
See a play at the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world, a Georgian auditorium with its galleries curving round the stage.
Why it's a good date: Watching a show somewhere this old and this intimate is something special. King Street's pubs are right outside for afterwards.
Photo: Rob Brewer, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
The Milk Thistle
Quay Head House, Colston Avenue
Address: Quay Head House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 1EB- Bar
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
- Romantic
- Cosy
Ring the bell at an unmarked door and step into a dark, plush prohibition-style cocktail bar on Colston Avenue.
Why it's a good date: It feels like a secret, and it's made for sitting close and talking. Book ahead at weekends.
Lido Bristol
Oakfield Place, Clifton
Address: Oakfield Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2BJ- Activity
- A treat
- Romantic
- Active
Swim in the heated outdoor pool of a restored Victorian lido in Clifton, warm up in the sauna and hot tub, then eat in the restaurant overlooking the water.
Why it's a good date: Steam rising off the water on a cold day is pure magic. Book a swim-and-eat package so the whole date is sorted.
Bulrush
Cotham Road South, Cotham
Address: 21 Cotham Road South, Bristol BS6 5TZ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Foodie
Book the tasting menu at the Michelin-starred neighbourhood restaurant in Cotham, with inventive, seasonal cooking in a relaxed room.
Why it's a good date: The one to save for an anniversary: serious food without the stuffiness. Book well ahead.
The Canteen
Stokes Croft
Address: The Canteen, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QY- Restaurant
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share seasonal vegetarian plates at the big, friendly bar and kitchen in Hamilton House, then stay on for the free live music.
Why it's a good date: The menu changes with the seasons and there's a band most nights, so dinner turns into a proper night out without costing much. Walk up the Croft afterwards to see the street art.
Thali Montpelier
York Road, Montpelier
Address: Thali Montpelier, 12 York Road, Bristol BS6 5QE- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Order a thali each and share the little bowls of curry, dal and pickles at Bristol's original thali spot, tucked away on a Montpelier side street.
Why it's a good date: A Bristol favourite for over twenty years, with a warm, colourful room and generous plates. It's dinner only and gets busy at weekends, so book ahead.
Rice & Things
Cheltenham Road, Montpelier
Address: Rice & Things, 120 Cheltenham Road, Bristol BS6 5RW- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Tuck into home-style Jamaican cooking at the long-running family restaurant on Cheltenham Road, with curries, stews and rice and peas.
Why it's a good date: Big, comforting plates and a friendly welcome, for very little money. It's a short walk from the Stokes Croft murals, so make an afternoon of it.
Biblos
Stokes Croft
Address: Biblos, 62 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3QU- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Grab a table at the Stokes Croft original for big Middle Eastern wraps and mezze, with plenty for vegans and veggies.
Why it's a good date: Filling and cheerful, and right in the middle of the Croft's bars and street art, so it's a good start to a night out.
Chilli Daddy
Baldwin Street, Old City
Address: Chilli Daddy, 45-47 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1RA- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Share fiery Sichuan noodles and dumplings at the little restaurant on Baldwin Street, from the team that started with a stall in St Nick's.
Why it's a good date: Proper Sichuan heat at a very kind price. Ask for a milder level if one of you isn't keen on spice, then walk down to the harbour.
Pizzarova
Gloucester Road, Bishopston
Address: Pizzarova, 289 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8NY- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
Share a sourdough pizza at the Bristol-grown pizzeria on Gloucester Road, the city's long strip of independent shops.
Why it's a good date: Good pizza that's easy on the wallet. Have a browse along Gloucester Road first and end up here for dinner.
Tobacco Factory Sunday Market
Raleigh Road, Southville
Address: Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Bristol BS3 1TF- Restaurant
- Outdoors
- Cheap and cheerful
- Foodie
Wander the Sunday market outside the old Tobacco Factory and graze the street-food stalls, bakers and local producers.
Why it's a good date: A relaxed Sunday with a neighbourhood feel. Pick a stall each and share, then wander along North Street for a coffee or a drink.
Pieminister Broad Quay
Broad Quay, City Centre
Address: Pieminister, 7 Broad Quay, Bristol BS1 4DA- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- Cheap and cheerful
- Cosy
Have pie and mash with gravy at the home-town branch of the Bristol pie makers, in an old building by the harbour.
Why it's a good date: Warming and good value, which makes it a good stop on a cold day. It's a few steps from the water, so walk off dinner along the harbour.
Wilsons
Chandos Road, Redland
Address: Wilsons, 24 Chandos Road, Bristol BS6 6PF- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book the tasting menu at the small Michelin-starred restaurant on Chandos Road, with much of the produce grown on its own smallholding.
Why it's a good date: Thoughtful, seasonal cooking in a tiny, relaxed room, and many say it's the best meal in Bristol. It books up weeks ahead, so plan early for a weekend.
Adelina Yard
Queen Quay, Welsh Back
Address: Adelina Yard, 3 Queen Quay, Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SL- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Settle in for a tasting menu of modern, seasonal cooking at the chef-owned restaurant on the quayside by Bristol Bridge.
Why it's a good date: A small, rustic room run by the couple who cook for you. Ask for a table at the back by the water, or sit at the chef's table to watch the kitchen.
1 York Place
York Place, Clifton
Address: 1 York Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AH- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book a table at the Clifton bistro for generous European cooking, with dishes made for sharing and a long wine list.
Why it's a good date: It's tucked into Clifton's Georgian lanes, with window tables upstairs and a more intimate room downstairs. Walk to the Suspension Bridge before or after.
littlefrench
North View, Westbury Park
Address: littlefrench, 2B North View, Bristol BS6 7QB- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Romantic
- Cosy
Share rustic French cooking from a menu that changes every day, at the family-run bistro in Westbury Park.
Why it's a good date: Warm and lively, the kind of place that feels like a treat without any fuss. Ask for a booth by the kitchen when you book.
Dongnae
Chandos Road, Redland
Address: Dongnae, 5-7 Chandos Road, Bristol BS6 6PG- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Book the Korean set menu at the charming Chandos Road restaurant, with charcoal-grilled dishes and house-made condiments.
Why it's a good date: Something a bit different for a special night, with warm service and plenty of small dishes to share between you.
Chef's Table
Avon Crescent, Hotwells
Address: Chef's Table, 1a Avon Crescent, Bristol BS1 6XQ- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Romantic
Choose the tasting menu at the small, personally run restaurant by the Cumberland Basin, and save room for the cheese and dessert trolleys.
Why it's a good date: An old-fashioned sense of occasion in two cosy rooms near the docks. Take the harbour ferry or walk along the water to get there.
Pasture
Portwall Lane, Redcliffe
Address: Pasture, 2 Portwall Lane, Bristol BS1 6NB- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Foodie
- Big night
Share a dry-aged West Country steak cooked over fire at the buzzy steakhouse opposite St Mary Redcliffe.
Why it's a good date: Loud and glamorous, which suits a celebration, with much of the beef and produce from the owners' own farm. Book ahead for Friday and Saturday.
The Ox
Corn Street, Old City
Address: The Ox, 43 Corn Street, Bristol BS1 1HT- Restaurant
- Rain-proof ☔
- A treat
- Big night
- Romantic
Head down into the wood-panelled old bank vault under Corn Street for charcoal-grilled steak and a cocktail.
Why it's a good date: Dark and plush, and a little bit secret, which makes it a fun one for a celebration. St Nick's and the Old City's bars are right on the doorstep.
Dates in Bristol: quick answers
What are good rainy-day dates in Bristol?
M Shed and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery are both free and indoors, the SS Great Britain is mostly under cover, and St Nicholas Market has a roof over its food stalls. Finish with a film at the Watershed or a play at the Bristol Old Vic.
Are there free date ideas in Bristol?
Lots. Walking across the Clifton Suspension Bridge is free, and so are M Shed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Cabot Tower, Leigh Woods, Arnos Vale and the street art of Stokes Croft.
Where should we go for cocktails on a date in Bristol?
The Milk Thistle on Colston Avenue is a prohibition-style bar behind an unmarked door: ring the bell, and book at weekends. The harbourside has plenty of relaxed bars by the water too.
Where can we go for a day out from Bristol?
Bath is fifteen minutes away by train, and Cardiff under an hour. Closer to home, cross the Suspension Bridge into Leigh Woods.
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