Asked to make recommendations for a pair of  young French lovebirds heading to Bristol, I initially drew a blank. Having only lived here as a married gal with children I haven’t really looked at Bristol from this vantage point.

So, it was fun to imagine it as a romantic destination for young love. And, of course, it turns out to have wonderful romantic possibilities …

Where to stay?

These are the places that came recommended when I cast enquiries into the sea of Bristol friends and acquaintances …

If you want to be in the thick of Bristolian buzz …

… down by the fun, history and beauty of Harbourside, on the doorstep of the best galleries and museums, the old town St Nicholas’ market, here are a couple of options:

• a place to yourself, home from home, try a beautiful serviced apartment West India House.  Located in a stunning Grade II listed Edwardian on Bristol’s beautiful cobbled streets of Welsh Back and overlooking Bristol’s serene riverside. And only a fifteen minute walk from Temple Meads station. From £90 a night.

Or,

• a lovely boutique B&B experience try the Brooks Guest Hotel

 

If you prefer to stay further up the hill look up the stylish Berkely Square Hotel at the top of elegant Park Street which descends to Centre and Harbourside. It is a situated on a lovely Georgian square garden, just off the Triangle . Close to enjoyable shopping quarters, the City museum, old university building, St George’s concert hall and the joys of the green space on Brandon Hill, you are immersed in all that is  lovely about Bristol as soon as you step outside . . .

Venturing further north again, a venue away from the hustle and bustle is No. 38 Clifton Downs – luxury townhouse accommodation.  Overlooking the expansive green of the Clifton Downs on one side and the rooftops running down to central Bristol on the other, this would be a place to feel ‘space’ without being too far from the ‘main action’. It is only a short romantic walk to pretty Clifton with its bars, cafes, restaurants, stalls and boutiques, and Brunel’s famous, awe-inspiring Suspension bridge. So, much to recommend this for a slightly slower, possibly more contemplative pace to romance in Bristol . . .

Romantic lodgings sorted . . .

What to do?

Nicked from a handy website with a page called ‘‘Romantic things to do in Bristol’’ complete with enticing pics and all … obligatory balloon rides and gazing at views from the Suspension Bridge inluded and more …

Although I could not be classed as ‘young’ anymore, I realise I have experienced a few ‘romantic’ moments during my 4 years in Bristol so far without even really trying – at the The Lido, the Watershed, Bristol Old Vic, Colston Hall, the Tobacco Factory and The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road.

There is much potential for romance in Bristol … whether young or old!