Get Creative with these Date Night Ideas in Bristol

Things to do during Half Term 2024

Looking for a romantic evening in Bristol? Check out our guide to the best restaurants, bars, and activities for a memorable date night in Bristol.

Are you looking for a special night out in Bristol? Look no further than our guide to the most enchanting restaurants, bars, and activities for the perfect date night. Bristol has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a cosy dinner in a candlelit restaurant, a fun night out at a trendy bar, or an adventurous activity to do together.

Places to go on a Date in Bristol

From strolling along the picturesque harbour to taking in a show at a local theatre, there's no shortage of ways to spend a romantic evening together in this vibrant city. So why wait? Start planning your perfect date night in Bristol today!

Indoor Date Ideas Bristol

If the weather is not on your side, such as wet weather, dark evenings or if you need to feel the air conditioning in the hot summer, you can still spend some time together. Whatever you choose, you're sure to have a memorable date.

Liven it up with some Live Music

Looking for fun things to do in Bristol at night? As the birthplace of legendary acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Rob Ellis, Tricky and IDLES, Bristol is well known for its rich music scene. Lover of acoustic tunes? Maybe more of a rock fanatic? Bristol has a whole catalogue of live music events for your date night, whatever your musical inclination is.

Love to Laugh?

Do you guys like a good giggle? If so, check out Smoke and Mirrors Comedy and Magic Bar in the city centre. It's one of the unusual things to do in Bristol that leaves you wanting more. The intimate 46-seater secret theatre is found behind a velvet curtain. With the feel of a speakeasy, you will be entertained with close-up magic, stand-up comedy, burlesque and live music.

Get Crazy… Golf

Head to the top of Cabot Circus, where Future Inn Bristol is based, for some goofy golfing with your date at Jungle Rumble. There are two 18-hole golf courses to choose from. The Jungle Course is a winding trail around rocky outcrops and deep forest which leads brave explorers through an active volcano, complete with lighting and sound effects. Or, the Secret Swamp course takes you on a trudge across the marsh to visit the tribal village hidden within.

Go Axe Throwing

You're bound to have a lot of fun hurling axes at Whistle Punks. Over 70 minutes, professional instructors will teach you how to throw an axe and hit the targets. Get competitive, and get the loser to buy the drinks and pizza afterwards!

Hit the Bullseye

For fun activities that will get you laughing and chatting on your date, head to Flight Club. This interactive darts tournament has different game options – so you don't have to be an expert. The décor is super quirky, and they have excellent cocktails, so you can stay at the bar and chat after the games are over.

Watch a Movie

A Bristol date night won't be a cliché at The Cube. It is a cinema with a difference. You won't be watching the latest Marvel movie; they focus on music, cabaret, amateur films, performance art and comedy.

Free Date Ideas Bristol

A date night doesn't have to be expensive. There are many opportunities in Bristol for you to have a fantastic time, get to know each other or reconnect without emptying your bank account.

Picnic by Clifton Suspension Bridge

One of the city's most iconic sights, Clifton Suspension Bridge, will have the wow factor for your date location. Enjoy spectacular views across the ancient Avon Gorge from Observatory Hill. If you're feeling adventurous, follow the footpaths to the top and zoom back down on the Rock Slide – which has been polished smooth over 100s of years. It's one of the most romantic places in Bristol.

Go on a Scenic Stroll

Bristol really is beautiful! Bristol is surrounded by rolling countryside, with woodland trails, coastal paths, majestic estates and magnificent views. Amble along the Harbourside together. Stroll along the docks and pop into some famous attractions along the way. You can stop for a drink in one of the restaurants or bars. Or check out these other wonderful walks in Bristol.

Discover the Street Art

You don't have to walk far in Bristol to discover cutting-edge graffiti art decorating the walls. Along narrow alleys, down side streets, across building walls, and boldly displayed on bridges. Many pieces are by the world-famous artist Banksy, who hails from Bristol. Download the free Banksy Bristol Trail to your phone and discover them together.

Climb Cabot Tower

As long as your date isn't afraid of heights, this is a great experience. Cabot Tower is in the gorgeous parkland of Brandon Hill near Park Street in the West End. It was built in 1897 to commemorate John Cabot's famous voyage from Bristol to North America four hundred years earlier. It's free to climb up the steep, twisting steps of the tower, which is open daily.

Get Arty

Heading to an art gallery or Bristol Museum has been the go-to date plan since… forever! So luckily, Bristol has some of the best art spaces in the country. You and your significant other can spend your day hopping from gallery to gallery, discussing the brilliant work on display. Romantic, right?

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Unusual Date Ideas Bristol

The city is fantastic if you're looking for fun activities with your partner! Whether they're an adventure seeker, film buffs or foodies, there are many things to keep you both entertained.

Go Stargazing

What could be more romantic than stargazing? Bristol's 3D Planetarium takes this to the next level. Found at We The Curious science museum, you can enjoy one of the guided tours of the stars. You'll hear stories of ancient stargazers, fly you to faraway galaxies and show you views from distant and newly discovered planets… It's out of this world!

Go a Little Wild

Experience nature and take your partner out on a wild day at the Wild Place Project. Here you can meet amazing animals from across the world. Including bears, giraffes, cheetahs, lemurs and more. There's also plenty of opportunity for outdoor adventures with 50 acres of woodland, gardens and meadows to explore. There will undoubtedly be plenty of conversation starters here if you're stuck for first-date chat.

Go for a Swim

Tucked away in the back streets of Clifton is the refurbished Victorian Lido in Bristol. Here you can have a luxurious, relaxing date. With a eucalyptus-scented steam room, Scandinavian-style sauna, outdoor hot tub, low chlorine open-air pool and spa treatment rooms. There are packages to combine a swim, massage and tasty meal in the poolside restaurant.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Love is in the air! One of the most romantic things to do in Bristol is to see it from up above. With Bristol Balloons, you can soar over the landmarks, and create unforgettable memories, before floating back down to Earth.

Or, each August, there's the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Over 130 balloons from across the globe can be seen at Ashton Court Estate. It's a sight unique to Bristol, and it's free! There are also great trade stands, fairground rides, live music and entertainment.

Take a Boat Trip

Ride the waves through the Floating Harbour up the River Avon. Bristol Packet Boat Trips even offer a Cream Tea Cruise. Along with taking in the views and sea air, you can dig into a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam, a slice of cake and a cup of tea or coffee.

Fun Places to Eat in Bristol

Bristol has fantastic restaurants, from breakfast to brunch, quick bites at lunch, and casual dining to fancy dinners.

Romantic Dining in Chophouse Restaurant

Chophouse Restaurant is ideal for getting you into a romantic mood with food. The team serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, or an evening a-la-carte menu. All produce is local, and the food is homemade on-site. Our set menu offers 3 courses for £26 from 5pm, or you could upgrade this to the Cocktail Experience.

A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands. Our regional selection includes Buttcombe, Bristol Harvey Cream and Bristol Rum. An extensive gin and mixer menu and 2 for £16 cocktails are also on offer.

Bookings can be made on 0117 304 1020 or chophouse@futureinns.co.uk. Alternatively, you can book online:

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Dishes on the menu in Chophouse Restaurant

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Have Dessert at Mrs Potts Chocolate House

After enjoying your meal, why not head to Mrs Potts Chocolate House for dessert? As the name suggests, everything on the menu has chocolate in it, from brownies to cookies and cakes. Have one each, or share the spoon!

The Love Inn

There couldn't be a more appropriately named bar for a date night. The Love Inn at Stokes Croft has DJs on the decks until near dawn, mixologists to shake up quirky cocktails, and the team serves a cracking Sunday roast.

Sample Street Food

The popular and historic St Nicholas Market, a short walk from Future Inn Bristol, is the ideal place to try many different dishes. Try spicy Szechuan noodles from Chilli Daddy, plump Japanese dumplings from Eatchu, or fill up on falafel from Eat a Pitta. That's just the start – with other stalls serving everything from Portuguese stew to Persian wraps, plus Indian curries, Italian pasta dishes and more - you can travel the world in just a few steps at St Nick's.

Fun Things to do in Bristol for Couples

Bristol is often labelled as cool and trendy. If you want to make the date night the best ever, you'll find plenty of different and fun things to do.

Her Majesty's Secret Service

Near Clifton Train Station is Her Majesty's Secret Service cocktail bar. You enter via a phone box into the main room! The modern décor of rich woods, high tables and stools or comfy sofas will make you feel completely relaxed here – even if you're on a nervous first date. There are maps with pins and strings, a gun cabinet, a secret door and delicious drinks.

Watch a Show

Bristol is home to the famous Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, showcasing the best theatrical performances from around the world. The Bristol Old Vic is the UK's longest continuously-running theatre, celebrating 250 years of success. The Tobacco Factory offers unique shows and has an excellent market. Whatever your date's taste in live entertainment, Bristol is sure to deliver. Book a couple of tickets in advance, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Get Locked In and Escape

At Cabot Circus, where Future Inn Bristol is based, you could try Escape Hunt Bristol. You will be "locked" in a room with a series of tests, puzzles and clues that, combined with teamwork, will allow the unlocking of the room's mystery and, hopefully, a successful escape. This is the perfect way to have a bit of fun and unwind.

Play Board Games

Sometimes the best icebreaker is a game, and Chance & Counters has all the board game fun you'll need on a date in Bristol. There are more than 850 games to choose from, and draught beer and cider to help you get better at the games. Be warned; it may bring out your competitive side!

Make Your Own Rum

You can enjoy a masterclass at Bristol Rum School, three rum cocktails and a spiced rum tasting. Then choose your spices, and distil your own 70cl bottle of rum before personalising the label and sealing the top with wax. An activity your date will remember for a long time.

Roller Disco

BUMP Roller Disco in Redcliffe could be a fun, quirky date idea. There is a DJ, there are bright lights, glitter, and it's a good laugh. Moreover, it's in town so there are plenty of opportunities to go out for a drink afterwards. They do adult evenings where tickets include skates, protection and entry.

Wine Tasting at KASK

KASK is an excellent, modern, and welcoming wine bar on North Street in Bedminster, and they offer wine-tasting nights, which could be a fantastic date night activity. They run two types of evenings- one is a wine and cheese tasting. The other is a fun evening called 'pour decisions' – their budget-friendly night, a low-key and fun way to sample many new flavours.

Bristol Date Ideas

Romantic Hotels in Bristol

Future Inn Bristol is an ideal base for the night, offering various bedroom types. Up the romance factor by booking a Superior King Room; the large bedroom comes with a King-sized bed and soft seating area, bath and shower room, as well as all the perks you can expect from a stay at Future Inns, including car parking for £9 per night, free Wi-Fi and a complimentary robe and slippers.

Book direct for the best rates guaranteed.

Make a Reservation

With our super flexible rates, you can book with confidence when staying at Future Inn Bristol. Book direct for the best rates guaranteed, with rooms from £67 per room per night. Plus, kids stay free!

Book your stay online or with our Reservations Team on 0117 304 1010 or check availability by emailing reservations.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.

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Future Inn Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

Bedrooms at Future Inn Bristol