
Putting the romance back into relationships after what feels like an age under lockdown restrictions can only be described as Groundhog Day. Saint Valentine is coming to town – and it’s the perfect opportunity to spice things up a little. Whether it’s taking date night to the next level or taking part in a fun event – we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate this Valentine’s Day in Bristol.
1. Take a romantic stroll together
If two years worth of lockdown walks hasn’t put you off, why not head to the great outdoors for a romantic stroll? It’s one of the few free things to do in Bristol for Valentine’s Day, after all! With a plethora of pretty parks and city walks, not only is it great for mental health purposes, but it’s also a good way to catch up away from your phones, laptops and the TV. Why not check out these romantic spots whilst on your stroll?
2.Listen to romantic favourites at this special Valentine’s candlelight concert

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” Well, at this candlelight concert in Bristol you can enjoy an evening dedicated to the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Listen to a selection of romantic classical favourites composed by the likes of Tchaikovsky and Puccini, with the beautiful surroundings of Clifton Observatory bathed in candlelight. You don’t need to know all things classical music to enjoy the evening; simply sit back and savour the stunning pieces you’ll hear. Grab your tickets to this candlelight concert here.
3. See wonderful species of fish come out at night with this Valentine’s event

Explore Bristol Aquarium like never before with this exclusive evening experience which will see the Bristol venue illuminated. Walk through the aquarium’s displays with a beverage in hand and enjoy the weird and wonderful facts about the fish that can only be brought out in the evenings. This Valentine’s Day event will take place on both February 11 and February 14, 6pm -9pm, with last entry at 8pm. Bristol Aquarium will also be offering a ‘Message in a Bottle’ experience allowing visitors the chance to surprise their loved one with a personalised and romantic letter that will be sunk to the bottom of the aquarium’s Amazon tank and pulled out for you to read to each other.
4. Embark on a romantic tour of Bristol
Explore the most romantic spots in Bristol with your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Who needs the Eiffel Tower or gondola rides around Venice when you’ve got the variety of charming locations to be found just a stroll away. Following a professional guide, you’ll be shown the best places to have a date, the most Insta-worthy settings to take some smitten shots together and learn of some historical love stories that unfolded in the streets, parks and buildings. Find tickets here.
5. Fall crazy in love at bowling venue Lane 7

Share the love and treat your Valentine to a night of bowling at Lane 7, where not only can players bowl til their heart’s content but also play darts, pool, beer pong, shuffleboard and arcade games plus tuck into delicious drinks and food. One of the most ‘Instagrammable’ settings in the city, Lane 7 has also been decorated with neon lighting ready to light up our social media feeds. Prepare to be bowled over by this date night destination and your date. Book your bowling lane here.
6. Bake sweet Portuguese custard tarts together
Looking for the perfect, romantic activity? Get your pinnys on and tune into a live pastel de nata masterclass, with a special date scheduled especially for Valentine’s Day. The class is hosted by pastry chef João, an expert in Portuguese custard tarts, who’ll be taking participants step-by-step in the process from start to finish. You’ll be able to cook along for the duration, and he’ll be sharing some of his pro tips along the way, too. Get tickets here.
7. Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay at Aztec Hotel & Spa

After multiple Valentine’s Day being stuck inside our homes, why not venture elsewhere for a little escape? This romantic hotel just outside of Bristol is offering the ultimate lovers night-in experience that’s fancy enough to sweep many off their feet. The package from Aztec Hotel & Spa offers a stay from £99 per person for two nights as well as a chilled bottle of house Champagne within a signature room upon arrival. Sounds irresistible, right? But there’s more! You will also receive an indulgent gift bag filled with Caudalie products, plus access to the spa facilities.
8. Unleash your competitive side playing The Fat Big Quiz Of Love
You might feel obligated to do some sweeping romantic gesture this Valentine’s Day, but sometimes the best things happen inside your four walls. This Fat Big Quiz of Love will especially be a hit if you’ve both got a competitive streak; a virtual interactive game where you can stay home, tune into a live video stream and put your knowledge of the world of love to the test through 10 rounds of interactive questions. The format is inspired by the hit show Big Fat Quiz Of The Year so if you’ve seen that and both found yourself shouting the answers through the screen at Jimmy Carr, then this quiz will be right up your street. Plus, it takes place on February 12, so if it leaves you extra lovestruck you’ll still be able to go out on Valentine’s Day itself.
9. Go on a tasting journey at Klosterhaus

Klosterhaus in Bristol has created a Valentine’s Day menu to delight and fall in love with, which is being served exclusively on February 14. The fine-dining restaurant at Cabot Circus will be serving up a fabulous four-course menu with a welcome glass of sparkling rosé on arrival to enjoy with your special someone. Take a truly delicious journey, starting with Wye Valley smoked salmon tartare, later followed by the likes of seared duck breast with poached rhubarb, rhubarb gel, spiced duck leg croquette, buttered kale and blackberries jus, then rounded off with divine desserts like vanilla and rose panna cotta. Book your table here.
10. Set sail for a romantic paddle down the harbourside

You and your loved one can try something new this Valentine’s Day by experiencing one of the UK’s fastest-growing water sports and see Bristol from a brand new perspective. Explore the exciting waterways of Bristol Harbourside, whilst learning the basics of stand-up paddleboarding. During this paddleboarding taster session, you’ll learn how to paddle forwards, backwards and turn, while both kneeling and standing. Make a splash (and some memories) by booking this water sports experience.
11. Hear classic jazz tunes by Frank Sinatra in a beautiful candlelit setting

This Valentine’s Day you can enjoy an evening featuring some of the most noteworthy tunes by the jazz legend who knows a thing about romance (after all, he has an album named after it), Frank Sinatra. Cosy up with your date and listen to famous hits by Frank Sinatra like ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ and ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ performed by a talented jazz band. The evening will see the iconic Paintworks transformed into an intimate jazz club which will also be bathed in candlelight to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Book your tickets here.
12. Enjoy a private sushi-making session together

Sack off the bedroom for the kitchen this Valentine’s, and learn to roll sushi like an absolute pro. Not only will you end up with some pretty delicious grub to enjoy afterwards, but its also the perfect opportunity to do something pretty unique in the comfort of your own home – all guided by your own private sushi master. The class includes a kit delivered beforehand, and you can book in whenever suits for your 1-to-1 lesson. Book here.