Everyone’s looking for that special someone at this romantic time of year, but being by yourself isn’t so bad. If there are three people you should love before anyone else: it’s me, myself and I. So instead of finding a hot date, why not take yourself out for the day instead? But whether you’re trying to get to know yourself, or just want to kill some time, check out these brilliant things to do alone in Bristol.
1. Go to an art gallery
You don’t want to stand out when you’re alone in Bristol. At an art gallery, you can spend hours disappearing into crowds as you soak up a bit of culture – you never know, you might learn a thing or two about yourself. Check out these incredible art exhibitions happening in Bristol.
2. Climb this century-old tower
Offering the most unbelievable, panoramic views of Bristol, you can see for miles from the top of Cabot Tower. Soaking in city life and Bristol’s history all at once. People-watching is the ultimate solo date, so just look down on the surrounding Brandon Hill is full of park dwellers below. You’ll have to tackle its narrow, spiralling 108 steps first, however, a task best faced alone.
3. Go on a self-guided pub crawl
The thought of doing things alone can feel daunting, but you won’t feel alone with this self-guided pub crawl. Using this audio tour of the Old City, you can explore the oldest parts of Bristol and uncover the best places to grab a beer and a bite to eat – including Bristol’s oldest pub, The Hatchet Inn[/trackLink]. Along the way, you’ll learn all sorts of fun facts, like how the city began and happened to the now ruinous Bristol Castle. Who doesn’t love a bit of random pub trivia?
4. Grab a bite to eat at St Nick’s
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Credit: Albert Pego, Shutterstock[/caption] Unless you’re incredibly confident – and if that’s the case, good for you, check out these [trackLink link_url="https://secretbristol.com/best-restaurants-bristol/"]brilliant restaurants – eating alone can be a bit awkward. But you still have to eat! One of the best options in Bristol to get around this weirdness is by going to St Nicholas’ Market. These street food stalls full of quick/cheap bites are ideal when you’re on your own, while still not missing out on flavour – Eatchu, Eat A Pitta and Matina are some of our favourites.
5. Read a book in a cafe
Slipping into a cosy cafe and disappearing into a good book is our personal favour thing to do alone. Travel whole worlds, or learn all of life’s secrets, without talking to anyone. Just pick up a good book from one of Bristol’s many brilliant bookshops. If you want to keep your literary solo date alive, head out on this book lovers’ guide to Bristol – from The Llandoger Trow to Royal York Crescent.
6. Go swimming in Bristol’s oldest heated pool
No one can bother you when you’re swimming. ‘Nuff said. But if you want to treat yourself with things to do alone, splurge on Bristol’s oldest heated pool where the water is consistently heated to 22-25°C. You can pre-book a two-hour session at Bristol Lido – which includes the pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub – from £25.
7. Hide in an independent cinema
Wherever you are in the country, no matter the time of day, for decades going to the cinema has remained among the best things to do alone. Nothing has beaten, nothing likely will. Bristol’s big cinemas are sadly closing left, right and centre, but our city’s independents are still going strong. Slip onto the back row of Watershed, The Cube or Everyman.
8. Grab some peace and quiet at Arnos Vale
Life can be overwhelming. A change in scenery, a bit of fresh air, and finding somewhere peaceful to be alone in a busy city like Bristol is a must for mental health. Arnos Vale Cemetery – set in a leafy 45-acre landscape dotted with classical buildings, historic monuments, leafy walks and wildflowers – is one of Britain’s best examples of a Victorian garden cemetery and perfectly peaceful. Check out more peaceful places in Bristol for a rare moment of stillness here.