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Romantic things to do in Bristol
The best of romantic Bristol for couples
One of England’s most vibrant cities, Bristol effortlessly blends its rich maritime history with a contemporary, cosmopolitan scene. It’s an ideal destination for couples, as there are plenty of romantic things to see and do here. You can walk around the stunning Bristol Cathedral and admire the details of its centuries-old interior, or enjoy a sundowner by the harbourside. As you gaze across the high-top views of the city from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, retreat to Ashton Court Estate or buy each other a gift at St Nicholas Market, there’s no doubting you’ll feel suitably charmed – by both your partner and the city!
In collaboration with
Rough Guides
1. Treat each other at St Nicholas Market
Set in the compact Old City area of Bristol, St Nicholas Market features over 60 traders offering an array of independent goods: the Exchange and covered markets sell clothing, jewellery and general gifts, while the Glass Arcade is perfect for pit-stop snacks. Treat your loved one so they never forget your romantic trip to Bristol!
The Old City is one of the most charming areas of the city, so if you’re looking for a hotel in Bristol, you couldn’t pick a more scenic place!
Best for: Shoppers
Don’t forget: There’s also a Bristol Indies’ Market which focuses on arts and crafts.
2. Watch the world go by at the harbourside
The harbourside is home to a decent cluster of restaurants and bars, and one of the most romantic things to do in Bristol is to simply get an outside table and take in your surroundings: watch the boats bobbing in the harbour, listen to the breeze ripple over the water, and soak up the ambience of this sophisticated area.
Best for: People-watchers
Don’t forget: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at No.1 Harbourside.
3. Gaze in awe at Bristol Cathedral
Located on College Green, the 12th century-founded Bristol Cathedral makes for a picturesque stop-off, whether you want to chill out on the park outside or head inside for a free guided tour. As you take in the German-style hall-church, decorated Gothic style features and late Norman architecture, you can’t help but feel romantic in this historic, quaint atmosphere.
Best for: Architecture fans
Don’t forget: There’s a thousand-year-old sculpture in the south transept which dates back to Saxon ages.
4. Enjoy a picnic in Queen Square
For a splash of elegance, head to Queen Square, which is distinguished by its equestrian statue of William III. Some of the city’s wealthiest merchants owned the Georgian homes that flank the square here, and as such makes for a scenic setting for a stroll or picnic. The sections of green park are lined with stone paths that culminate at the centre; this is great for a 360-view of the small square. Be sure to also cosy up under the trees that separate the square from the houses.
Best for: Picnickers
Don’t forget: At no.37, a plaque explains how the first American Consulate in Britain was established here in 1792.
5. Get up, up and away in Clifton
One of the best things to do in Bristol – as well as one of the most romantic – is to take a stroll across the 245ft-high Clifton Suspension Bridge. Pause for a moment when you’re halfway across to take in the blissfully green views either side and ahead of you, interspersed with the great river below and specks of buildings around. Continue onto the Clifton Observatory, set on a former Iron Age hillfort, for some of the best city-wide views in the country.
Best for: Panoramic views
Don’t forget: Head down to the Giant’s Cave, whose viewing platform looks onto the Suspension Bridge and the gorge below it.
6. Visit the Georgian House Museum
There’s something about historic houses that demands romance: maybe it’s the style, patterns or nostalgia for a by-gone era. And there’s no doubting that the Georgian era was one of the most sophisticatedly stylish. Couples will fare well at the Georgian House Museum, then, with its restored rooms venturing into a time long past. Spanning six storeys, it’s the former home of local sugar merchant John Pinney, and is complete with period furniture.
Best for: Those with a penchant for stylish history.
Don’t forget: The basement displays a stone cold-water plunge bath.
7. Explore Ashton Court Estate
In the west of the city sits Ashton Court Estate, a Victorian mansion set amid gorgeous landscaped grounds. As you and your partner stroll around some of the 850 acres of parkland and grassland, keep an eye out for deer! The mansion itself is now an arts venue, and there’s also a Victorian-themed cafe in the stables courtyard.
Best for: Those looking for a retreat.
Don’t forget: Get competitive with your partner by playing pitch-and-putt golf, or follow a mountain-bike trail.
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