Amazing List Of Bristol Date Ideas from Xpress.com

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Bristol Date Ideas

Bristol is one of Englands best cities! That is a pretty big claim to make but with a city as amazing as Bristol, it's easy to say. In fact, rumour has it that blankets were invented in Bristol so it truly is one of the best cities! And of course, a city this great is bound to have some fantastic date ideas. Xpress has put together some of their fave date ideas so read on!

Bristol Nightlife History

The history of nightlife in Bristol dates back hundreds and hundreds of years. Since the first bars opened in the 1600s, Bristol has been home to everything from classic pubs to rave halls and everything in between. One particular popular kind of bar in Bristol is the speakeasy, which is a private, usually super secret, bar. Many of them have secret doors or special passwords to enter, making them super fun date spot options! Seriously, there are so many options for nightlife date ideas in Bristol that you won't even know where to get started!

Best Times And Days To Go Out In Bristol

Bristol is a bustling city where there is something going on nearly every night of the week. While it tends to be more quiet early in the week, that doesn't mean there isn't something fun to do on a Monday or Tuesday! In fact, many top restaurants have piles of meal and drink specials to entice people to go out earlier in the week. You may find that some bars close early on Sunday but otherwise every night of the week is fair game!

Bristol Date Ideas: Directory

We've put together a fantastic resource of some of the best bars, nightclubs, and date spots in Bristol. And if you need even more recommendations, check out this list of date ideas too!

Bristol Bars

Bristol is known for its incredible bars, so definitely make a point to visit one (or more!) when you go out in this city. There is a wide array of bars to chose from, many located in close proximity to each other so it's possible to visit more than one in a night! If you don't live in Bristol you'll have to plan more trips back to the city to check out all of the bars that the city has to offer.

Hausbar

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

52 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XP, UK

Website

Hausbar

Any Notes

Open 7 days a week

Brief Description

We're starting our date ideas list off with something unique! Hausbar is the original Bristol speakeasy. It's literally hiding beneath an Indian restaurant and you have to ring a doorbell to gain entry. It's worth all the mystery, though, because the liquor and spirits available at Hausbar are super special. You won't find drinks like these anywhere else in the city! They are known for their martinis so give one a try. The ambiance of Hausebar is luxurious and feels like something out of the musical Cabaret, with velvet cushions and low-lit lamps to make everything feel extra sexy. There isn't a strict dress code but you might want to dress up when you go. It is definitely one of the most unique Bristol date spots!

Queenshilling

Type

Gay Bar and Nightclub

Space

Bar and dance space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

9 Frogmore St, Bristol, BS1 5NA, UK

Website

Queenshilling

Any Notes

Cash and cards accepted

Brief Description

Queenshilling is Bristol's best and most popular gay bar and night club, putting it at the very top of our date ideas list. If you are looking for a safe, inclusive, and diverse space to take that special someone, look no further than Queenshilling. They have incredible drink specials, an amazing bar, and some of the best dance music in all of Bristol. Each night there is a special theme, like 80s Night or 90s Hip Hop Night. There is literally a night for everyone! Be sure to go to Queenshilling during one of there karaoke nights. The very best date spots include karaoke, don't you agree?

Hyde & Co

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge area

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

2 The Basement, Upper Byron Place, Bristol, BS8 1JY, UK

Website

Hyde & Co

Any Notes

Open 7 days a week

Brief Description

Bristol is full of unique date ideas, like Hyde & Co! This is another speakeasy style bar that is full of secrets. In fact, there is a hidden room hiding behind a secret bookshelf! It's another Bristol bar that isn't easy to get into but it is worth it when you do get inside. The ambiance is incredibly special, making it one of the prettiest Bristol date spots. Hyde & Co is known for their cocktails, but they also have beer on tap and offer spirits and wine. There is also a piano that guests are encouraged to play. So if you can play the piano definitely take the opportunity to impress your date! We recommend playing the classic "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys.

The Apple

Type

Traditional Bar

Space

Bar and outdoor space

Crowd

Young to Mature adult

Address

Welsh Back, Bristol, BS1 4SB, UK

Website

The Apple

Any Notes

Ciders only!

Brief Description

The Apple specializes in ciders, which makes it one of the more unique date ideas on our list. You really have to like cider to want to visit The Apple! Along with an amazing selection of ciders, The Apple offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. You don't have to get dressed up to go to this bar. You will, however, want to spend the whole day or evening here because it is just that amazing. And if you are visiting on a day that the weather is nice, be sure to sit outside in the gorgeous, massive patio area. How many other bar date spots can you think of that have patios larger than some houses? You have to see it to believe it!

The Grace Bristol

Type

Cocktail Bar and Pub

Space

Bar and outdoor space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

197 Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8BG, UK

Website

The Grace Bristol

Any Notes

Fully accessible; cash and cards accepted

Brief Description

The Grace is a new bar, but don't let that make you not want to visit! It's quickly becoming one of the best date ideas in all of Bristol. The Grace is known for it's fantastic outdoor patio that is great to sit out on during the day and at night. Along with an extensive drinks menu, including everything from wines to cocktails to craft beers, you can also order super delicious food at The Grace. Definitely try their artisan pizza! It is some of the best in the city. There are monthly special menus too, so you'll likely be going back to this spot again and again. If you like your Bristol date spots to be fun, relaxed, nice but not too fancy, definitely hit up The Grace.

Bristol Nightlife and Clubs

Bristol has a fun nightlife steeped in the music scene. If you aren't heading to a bar you should totally check out one of the great music venues in the city. Bristol is known for its live music venues and we can't recommend hitting up a gig or checking our a DJ as a fun date idea. What could be more fun than dancing the night away!

Thekla

Type

Nightclub

Space

Boat space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

East Mud Dock, The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB, UK

Website

Thekla

Any Notes

Literally on a boat

Brief Description

Yes, the Thekla is a nightclub on a boat! How many times can you say one of your date ideas has taken place on a boat? Probably not very often! For this reason, if you are ever in Bristol you must spend a night on the Thekla. The boat does stay docked, so you don't have to worry about it floating away! However, that doesn't make it any less special. This nightclub is known for it's incredible live music acts and DJ nights. Some of the world's best DJs have played at this club, like DJ Spins and DJ Blue Jam Spam. Thekla also has a regular pop music night called The Pop Confessional. For this reason, Thekla is one of our favourite date spots!

Blue Mountain Club

Type

Nightclub

Space

Lounge and dance space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

2 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3PR, UK

Website

Blue Mountain Club

Any Notes

Accessible and open 7 days a week

Brief Description

Blue Mountain Club has been the go-to rave spot for Bristol for decades. If you appreciate no-fuss and somewhat grungy date ideas, then this is the place for you! You definitely don't need to dress up when going to Blue Mountain Club, unless of course you want to deck out in rave gear! This nightclub is known for its house and trance music, with world class drum and bass DJs like DJ Dan gracing their stage. There are nightly drink specials so no matter which night you attend, you'll be able to have a great time. If you like your date spots to include heart-pounding music, a no-frills atmosphere, and overall unforgettable time, then look no further than Bristol's iconic Blue Mountain Club.

Timbuk2

Type

Nightclub

Space

Dance space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

22 Small Street, Bristol, BS1 1DW, UK

Website

Timbuk2

Any Notes

Cash only

Brief Description

Timbuk2 is another Bristol institution and has been around for decades. If you are looking for date ideas that are off the beaten path and not too trendy, definitely check out Timbuk2. The nightclub is known for its techno music and the in-house DJ is world renowned and is always playing all of the best techno hits. Timbuk2 also brings in electronic and techno acts from around the world so keep an eye on their events page for all of their special guests. If you are looking for great drink specials, definitely go on a Friday or Saturday as those are 2 for 1 shots nights! Sometimes the best date spots are the ones that include extra shots and techno music, wouldn't you agree?

The Love Inn

Type

Nightclub and Bar

Space

Lounge and dance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

84 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY, UK

Website

The Love Inn

Any Notes

Open until 4am on the weekends!

Brief Description

The Love Inn is one of the more special Bristol date ideas. It's a newer club that specializes in fantastic live music, from acoustic acts to banging DJ sets. There's a night for everyone no matter what your music tastes are, which makes this delightful, retro designed space one of the most popular date spots in the city. The menu is also worth checking out, particularly their specialty rum cocktails. You won't find any other bar or restaurant doing what The Love Inn does with rum! Seriously, you've never tasted anything like their rum drinks. We also recommend checking out their tasting menu, which is Indian inspired. The ambiance is also quite unique, with wood paneling and turquoise booth seats.

The Fleece

Type

Music Venue and Nightclub

Space

Live music and club space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

12 St Thomas Street, Bristol, BS1 6JJ, UK

Website

The Fleece

Any Notes

Best to purchase tickets in advance

Brief Description

For an extra special night out, instead of hitting up a bar or club, why not experience a great gig. The Fleece is Bristol's premiere live music venue, making it one of our top date ideas. Some date spots are great to drop into last minute but The Fleece is not one of them. They are so popular that tickets often sell out way in advance. So you might have to plan far in advance for this date but it will be worth it! Some of the bands that have played at The Fleece include The Killers, Every Time I Die, Biffy Clyro, Bloc Party, Frightened Rabbit, Hot Chip, Muse, Rancid, and The Strokes. Like we said, a night at The Fleece is worth the wait! Especially if it includes seeing your favourite band.

Bristol Date Spots

Along with great bars, night clubs, and music scene, Bristol also has fantastic attractions that make excellent date spots. From museums to cathedrals, you can find something special for anyone's tastes in Bristol. We encourage you to take time with your special someone and truly explore all that Bristol has to offer.

Brunel's SS Great Britain

Type

Specialty Museum

Space

Boat space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY, UK

Website

Brunel's SS Great Britain

Any Notes

Most floors are accessible; buy tickets in advance!

Brief Description

Well, if you are going to check out a nightclub on a boat, you might as well check out a museum on a boat! Sometimes the best date ideas are ones where you can learn a lot. Brunel's SS Great Britain has been voted one of the best museums in all of the UK! The museum is devoted to the ship SS Great Britain, which is one of the most famous ships in the world. At the museum you can see the ship and explore different rooms and learn about different passengers and the people who designed the ship. We absolutely love this museum, which is why it ranks high on our Bristol date spots list! Be prepared to get lost in the amazing history of this unique museum.

Oakham Treasures

Type

Specialty Museum

Space

Multi-room space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Oakham Farm, Portbury Lane, Portbury, Bristol BS20 7SP, UK

Website

Oakham Treasures

Any Notes

Full accessible, cash and card accepted

Brief Description

Maybe boats aren't your thing. That's okay! How about the history of farm equipment? That's what Oakham Treasures specializes in! There aren't many places where you can learn about the history of farming, which is why its one of our favourite date spots. The museum features some of the most extensive collections devoted to farming history in the entire world. You'll be absolutely amazed as you walk through. Who new farming history could be so interesting! There is also a great collection of vintage and historical grocery store items, sweet shop items, and chemist items. See how people shopped for food in the 1950s and even earlier! If you and your special someone love interesting Bristol date ideas, then definitely check out the Oakham Treasures museum.

Bristol Cathedral

Type

Cathedral

Space

Multi-room church space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

College Green, Bristol BS1 5TJ, UK

Website

Bristol Cathedral

Any Notes

Fully accessible, open seven days a week but check ahead for special closures

Brief Description

For something a little different—and more quiet!—definitely take time to visit the Bristol Cathedral. It is always one of our top choices for date ideas in the city. The cathedral is absolutely stunning and one of the most beautiful in the world. The architecture and stained glass windows will take your breath away. You are free to tour the cathedral on your own or with a guided tour. As far as date spots go, the Bristol Cathedral is one that shouldn't be missed! And it's located in a great spot that so that it's easy to grab a bite to eat or drink after taking in all of the beautiful history. Don't forget to bring a camera!

More Bristol Date Spots Information

There you have it! Some of the very best date spots that can be found in Bristol. We hope that you put aside a lot of time to be able to visit them all. You aren't going to want to skip a single one! And Bristol isn't the only UK city with an incredible dating and nightlife scene. Be sure to visit our London page for date ideas in that fine city.