By Andy, founder
Winter in Bristol is dark and chilly, but it has its own charm: frosty mornings on the Downs, the harbour lit up after dark and a warm welcome by the fire. If you've been waiting for the right moment to meet someone, the quieter months are a good time to start.
Out in the weather
Take a frosty walk on Clifton Down
A bright, cold morning on the Downs, with the Suspension Bridge in the distance, is one of the best things about a Bristol winter. Walking side by side takes the pressure off, and it's easy to extend if it's going well.
Blow away the cobwebs at Ashton Court
A walk through the parkland at Ashton Court on a clear winter's day is bracing and beautiful. Follow it with a hot drink somewhere warm. Check the weather first and wrap up well.
Wander along the Harbourside
The Floating Harbour is at its prettiest as the light fades, with the lights on the water. A short walk with a hot chocolate is a lovely way to spend an hour together.
Warm and cosy
Find a fireside pub
From Clifton and Redland to Bedminster and the villages around the city, there are plenty of old pubs with a fire and a quiet corner. For a first date, a weekday afternoon is ideal: calm, unhurried and easy to leave after one drink if you'd like to.
Visit a museum or gallery
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and M Shed are both good places to spend a cold afternoon. Talking about what you're looking at is a natural icebreaker, and it's warm and dry inside. Check opening times before you go.
Share a proper afternoon tea
A tearoom on a cold afternoon is hard to beat. Add a slice of cake, and you've got something to talk about straight away.
Festive and seasonal
Each winter the city centre and nearby Bath light up for Christmas. Check this year's listings for what's on before you plan around it. A stroll with a hot chocolate makes a lovely early date, and it's busy enough to feel relaxed.
A few winter tips
- Check opening times. Many places keep shorter hours in winter, so check before you go.
- Plan for the dark. It's dark by four o'clock in December, so a lunchtime date is often easier.
- Check the roads. Icy weather can disrupt trains and buses, so have a plan B.
- Dress for the weather. Nobody is at their best cold and soaked.
- Stay safe. Meet somewhere public and make your own way there. Our guide to dating safely has more.
Looking for more ideas? Our first date ideas in Bristol work all year round.
- date-ideas
- winter
- bristol
