From its gently meandering waterways to its beautiful ruins and cosy candlelight bars, Bristol can easily be imagined as a romantic place. Ahead of this year's Valentine's day, we took a look at the city through rose-tinted glasses to offer some romantic suggestions. Even if you don’t celebrate the big "V" (or missed it) these romantic hotspots will never go out of date...
Explore the rolling hills of Ashton Court Estate or Blaise Castle
Bristol has plenty of roaming parks and picturesque estates to stroll through, hand in hand with your Valentine. Ashton Court Estate is a delightful escape from the city, offering not only beautiful walks amongst herds of resident deer but a gorgeous stately home and tearoom too. A little further afield, but still not far from the city centre, Blaise Castle Estate in Henbury is well worth the trip. Visitors can explore the 19th-century mansion and folly castle, which is mentioned in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. But if you're too distracted to take in the history, a walk around the grounds and a stop at its café alone might do the trick.
Where? Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9JN. Blaise Castle Estate, Kings Weston Road, Lawrence Weston.
Sip drinks at Under the Stars by the Harbourside
Bristol’s Harbourside is a pretty romantic location in its own right and ambling along the water whilst taking in the scenic backdrops would be a lovely date. Why not make your Valentine’s day that extra bit special by stopping at Under the Stars, a boat anchored near the city centre that has been transformed into bar and restaurant? Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of the nightlife around the harbour on the boat’s open top deck and watch the world go by, hopefully under the stars of a clear night’s sky.
Where? Under the Stars, The Architecture Centre, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol BS1 4QA. Check the website for winter opening times.
Dine at The White Lion with the best view of the Bristol
The swanky White Lion bar boasts one of the best views in the city with its terrace overlooking the Avon Gorge and Bristol’s iconic Suspension Bridge. The terrace, belonging to Clifton’s Avon Gorge Hotel, is a beautifully romantic spot all year round, whether basking in the sunshine or cuddled up under heaters on a chilled February day and is particularly romantic enjoyed whilst the sun goes down. Relax with a drink and a plate of their delicious selection of upmarket pub classics such as gourmet scotch eggs or sausage and mash. Delicious washed down with a nice glass of red!
Where? White Lion Bar, Avon Gorge Hotel, Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4LD. Opening times: Monday - Saturday 12pm - 11pm, Sunday 12pm - 10.30pm. To book: 01179738955.
Dive into one of Bristol's Secret Cocktail Bars
One of our favourite prohibition-style cocktail bars in the city is Stock Exchange Cocktail Club. Located on St Nicholas Street in the heart of Bristol and hidden below an Indian restaurant @oldindiarestaurant, head down the steps into a charming speakeasy oasis.
We have no doubt that SECC's candlelit setting and competent menu of well-executed cocktails will give your evening the touch of refined glamour it deserves! Happy Valentines to all!
Where? Hidden below Old India, St Nicholas St., Bristol.