14 alternative ideas for Valentine’s Day

Need something to do this Valentine’s Day? Bristol has something for everyone – from gal-entines craft nights, to couples’ rock climbing, there’s plenty of options instead of a romantic meal for two.

For couples who want to try something other than a drink down the pub, Bristol has plenty of other ideas for lovebirds:

Rock climbing on Valentine’s Day at Bloc Climbing Centre

For £20, Bloc Climbing Centre are running Clip ‘n’ Climb sessions for couples. Challenge your partner at the climbing wall, race against the clock and complete timed challenges to see whose the boss in the relationship. You can find out more and book at www.clipnclimbbristol.co.uk

Challenge your partner to some fitness fun at Bloc Climbing Centre

Valentine’s Date Night at Bristol Aquarium

Enjoy the aquarium after the doors close, admiring the displays and array of marine creatures, with no children in sight.  Attendees must be 16 or over, and costs £25 for two people, tickets can be booked at www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

Valentine’s Day Special at the Afro-Latin Dance School

For something to get the blood flowing, try out the dance classes at the Afro-Latin Dance School. For Valentine’s Day, they are hosting three dance classes, including salsa and kizomba, with special guests attending the bachata dance class. All abilities are welcome, including those who are brand new to dancing. Tickets range from £5 to £10, and more details and links to booking can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/291824691460204

Special guests are on the bill at the dance school

Blow Your Own Valentine’s Day Ruby Bauble at Bristol Blue Glass

Bristol Blue Glass is a city institution and now there’s a chance to create a unique hanging decoration to take home or to give to a loved one. With free fizz, chocolates and plenty of Valentine’s Day offers, the day will run from 10am until 4.15pm at the Arnos Vale shop. One bauble costs £30 to blow, and two are £55.  All the details can be found at www.facebook.com/events/531734767314398

Blow a ruby red bauble at Bristol Blue Glass

Bumble presents: A Valentine’s Tea Party at Cox and Baloney Tea Room and Bar

Bumble and Datemakers are coming together to create a Valentine’s evening to remember. Head to the Cox and Baloney Tea Room and Bar for cocktails, cakes, miniature versions of Datemakers’ dates and a live DJ from Bumble. The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome, and more details can be found at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bumble-presents-a-valentines-tea-party-tickets-55762542265

Tea Dance at Cabot Circus

In a nod to years gone by when sweethearts would swing their partner left, rather than swipe right, Cabot Circus are hosting a nostalgic dance party. Soundtracked by The Kings and with dancers from Swing Dance Bristol, everyone, from first time movers to seasoned dancers, are welcome to the shopping centre and add a spring to their step. The event runs from 11am until 2pm and More details can be found at more details can be found at www.cabotcircus.com/events/valentines-day-tea-dance

The Kings will be serenading shoppers at Cabot Circus

For happily-single people, those who are searching for a soulmate, and even those who don’t enjoy the holiday, there’s something for everyone in the city this 14 February.

Anti-Valentine’s Dinner and Life Drawing at Sundial Kitchen

Three Sisters are hosting a pop up evening at the Sundial Kitchen. Perfect for those who don’t enjoy 14 February, join them for warm, tasty vegan food and an evening of life drawing. More details can be found on the website, or email [email protected] to book a space. Tickets are £20 and include materials and dinner.

Pal-entines Day at Loop and The Other Space

For those who prefer a sleepover and a hot chocolate to cocktails and dressing the the nines on Valentine’s Day, head down to Wapping Wharf on Thursday. The Other Space are hosting a relaxed, friendly evening in their Clubhouse. Loop will begin the evening with guided meditation, before The Other Space spoils attendees with bubbly drinks, cookies and other sweet treats, all whilst receiving a manicure.

De Winton Paper Co. will also be at the event, and there will be craft stations, discounts and offers on treatments avaialable. At the end of the night, guests will receive a bag of treats to take home. Find out more at www.otherspacebristol.com/store/palentines, tickets are £40.

Treat yourself and your friends this pal-entines day

Rubbish Dates with Bristol Waste Company

Bristol Waste Company are hosting a litter pick for Valentine’s Day, offering the chance to not only pick up a date, but help the environment at the same time.The event is at 12.30pm in Castle Park, its free to attend and  all equipment needed will be provided. All the details are at www.facebook.com/events/242123126721146

Galentines Late Night Pottery at Mini Potters Bristol

Forget partners, use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to hang out with friends and make something useful and beautiful at the same time. Mini Potters Bristol, based at Windmill Hill City Farm in south Bristol, are holding a pottery painting evening. For £20, paint a variety of ceramics, from teapots to plant pots, and get a glass of champagne as well. All details and links to booking can be found at www.facebook.com/events/1113615262146593

Make something functional and pretty with pals at Mini Potters Bristol

The Emporium of Loveliness at the Grain Barge

There’s nothing better than feeling like doing something good for the world. This 14 February, head down to the Grain Barge for The Emporium of Loveliness‘ first Bristol event. They’re selling a range of fashions and trinkets at bargain prices, and raising money for Empower The Gambia as well, a charity that link individuals and organisations to benefit the communities of rural Gambia through education and training. Details can be found at www.facebook.com/events/403814640159697

Feel good this 14 February and donate to a good cause at The Grain Barge

Anatomy Nights – A Matter of the Heart at The Greenbank

Take a scientific approach to understanding the heart, and head down to the Greenbank pub in Easton to hear about the history and function of the heart. The University of Bristol’s Centre for Applied Anatomy are taking part in Anatomy Nights, a nationwide campaign to teach people about the body, and will be teaching guests all about the organ and hosting a live dissection.

It goes without saying, that it might be a good idea to try the award-winning menu before the event begins. Tickets are £4 and the event starts at 6pm. Find out more at www.anatomynights.com

Interviews With Couples That Kill at Hen and Chicken

Paul Harrison spent nearly 40 years working for the FBI and worked out many notorious killers. Based on real-life encounters with killer couples such at Fred and Rose West and Henry Lee Lucas and Otis Toole, enjoy a drink at the Hen and Chicken whilst learning more about the shocking details of these crimes. The event starts at 7pm and tickets are £20. Brought to Bristol by Funzing Talks, more information and links to book tickets can be found at www.uk.funzing.com/funz/interviews-with-couples-that-kill-bristol-20825

The World’s Biggest Pelvic Floor Squeeze

Bristol based Natracare are encouraging self love this Valentine’s Day and bringing people everywhere together to attempy a world record breaking, stigma smash, and  getting women everywhere to collectively squeeze their pelvic floor muscles to raise awareness of bladder leakage, which can be solved through simple training. The event will be streamed through Facebook, find out how to get involved and view it live at www.facebook.com/events/859204481088285

Dynamo live in Bristol at Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

To bring some magic to Valentine’s Day, visit Dynamo at the intimate Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa for his new show, The Abandoned Room. When asked about the evening, he said: “I’m just a huge magic fan, I want to be able to show other people the amazing magic I’ve been able to see.” Tickets are priced between £80 and £155 and can be bought through www.seetickets.com/tour/the-abandoned-room-presents-dynamo

Dynamo is coming to Bristol to add some Valentine’s Day magic and mystery

Read more: 14 things to do in Bristol on Valentine’s Day