Top 10 Romantic Date Suggestions for This Summer

The city of Bath is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the UK. With no shortage of intimate and historic attractions and pursuits within easy reach, it’s a fantastic place to live if you’re looking to spoil your loved one rotten during the summer holidays. If you’re in need of inspiration through the summer season, we’ve put together a hit-list of date suggestions to enjoy together in the Bath area, as well as towns and cities within easy reach. 

Take a flight from nearby Bristol for a short getaway 

The closest airport to Bath is Bristol Airport, only a 39-minute drive away. Domestic flights are more popular than ever, as a quick alternative to travelling by train. Thanks to the number of low-cost airlines at the moment, it’s easy to find cheap flights from Bristol to Edinburgh, especially when booking in advance. In less than two hours you could go from Bristol’s departure lounge to the tram from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre. 

Edinburgh is also one of the UK’s most romantic cities, with its majestic architecture, stunning cityscape and intimate hideaways perfect for couples. The city hosts a number of independent bookshops, such as Golden Hare Books and Argonaut Books, and if you want somewhere more romantic and intimate, there are restaurants like The Outsider and Edinburgh is the beautiful capital of Scotland and is steeped in history just like Bath, with its imposing castle and cobbled streets oozing with tradition, if you're interested in a UK getaway. 

Picnics at Prior Park Landscape Garden 

On the other hand, if you want to stay close to Bath, Prior Park Landscape Garden is a stunning National Trust Park located south of Bath city centre. Set within the Prior Park estate, this place costs just £9 per adult. The landscape garden is a tranquil place to unwind on a summer’s afternoon. Conceived by Ralph Allen in the early 18th century, the landscape garden winds its way around the estate, affording breathtaking views of Bath. 

There’s plenty to see and do within this National Trust estate. The Palladian Bridge is one of the most impressive architectural structures in the city. It happens to be one of four bridges designed by Italian architect Andrea Palladio in the mid-18th century. 

If you don’t want the faff of taking your own picnic, there’s always the Tea Shed to enjoy. Situated at the top of the garden, the Tea Shed serves refreshments and snacks at weekends. 

Unwind at Thermae Bath Spa 

The historic Thermae Bath Spa is one of the best day spas in the UK and it’s right here on your doorstep. It’s the only spa to benefit from access to the natural thermal waters of Bath. Its former hydropathic centre was reopened in the 2000s, given the demand for spa facilities and the tourist interest in the Roman Baths and the Pump Room. 

The New Royal Bath is a magnificent thermal spa, open for two-hour sessions at a cost of £40 per person Monday to Friday and £45 at weekends. Spaces per session are limited, so it’s always best to try and book well in advance. 

There’s also a Wellness Suite ideal for switching off and relaxing together. The Roman and Georgian Steam Rooms are particularly popular with their unique, opulent surroundings. 

Live shows at the Theatre Royal 

The Theatre Royal in Bath is a Grade II listed building and considered one of the most impressive examples of Georgian theatre design left standing. Situated in the heart of Bath city centre, it’s a great place to enjoy an evening of theatre, comedy, opera or even live dance. 

It has an intimate feel, given its 900-seat capacity, which makes it well-suited to live comedy and theatre productions. Unlike some older theatres, Bath’s Theatre Royal is now fully air-conditioned, making it a pleasant place to be, even with a full house. 

A quick glance at the ‘What’s On’ section of Theatre Royal’s official website shows upcoming performances of productions like Oliver! and Austen’s Arcadia, as well as appearances from the likes of Brian Cox and Rupert Everett. 

Stretch your legs in the picture-perfect Royal Victoria Park 

If you’re a couple that enjoys long walks, how does exploring 57 acres worth of lush, green parkland suit you? Royal Victoria Park is one of Bath’s most picturesque public parks and has been open for almost two centuries. The park is just a stone’s throw from the city centre. 

In terms of facilities, the park is still home to a magnificent botanical garden, as well as the Great Dell Aerial Walkway. It’s a dog-friendly park, so if you’re a couple with a canine companion it ticks all the right boxes. 

The botanical garden features nine acres worth of trees, shrubland and even scented walks guaranteed to stir the senses. There’s also a striking architectural replica of a Roman temple. 

Kick back with some popcorn and a movie at the intimate Little Theatre 

If you enjoy independent cinemas and arthouses, Bath’s Little Theatre is one of the finest examples of these in southwest England. It is a truly romantic place to kick back and enjoy either a Hollywood blockbuster or an indie arthouse movie together. 

The Little Theatre is almost a century old, dating back to 1935. It has two screens, as well as a cosy bar area, ideal for a post or pre-show drink. The venue has survived due to the generosity of local people and entrepreneurs, expanding to two screens in the late 1970s. 

Peak time adult tickets here start from £12.70, with off-peak and ‘Happy Mondays’ tickets starting from £10.90 and £8.20 respectively. Under 25s aged between 16 and 25 can pay just £4.99 per ticket providing they are members. 

Put on your walking boots and take the Bath Skyline as the sun sets 

This is the second National Trust attraction in the city that we recommend as a romantic location. The Bath Skyline walk is a three-mile circular walk, providing a unique perspective of Bath’s city centre. The Skyline walk is so impressive that it’s even secured World Heritage Site status. 

The full six-mile walk is said to last up to four hours, so should only be attempted by those with no or minimal physical impairments. There are 11 steps to look out for on your way clockwise around the Skyline walk. These include views of Sham Castle, Smallcombe Wood and Garden Cemetery and Richens Orchard. 

The Bath Skyline is another dog-friendly walkway and has café facilities for visitors, ideal for that much-needed refuelling pit stop halfway around. 

Book an exclusive punting experience on the River Avon 

Punting on vintage narrow boats is not a pastime reserved to the River Cam in Cambridge. In fact, Bath is well known for its own punting and canoeing pursuits along the River Avon. Bath Boating Station is the number-one location if you’re wanting to exclusively hire a punt for you and your beau. 

Boats can be hired for one or two-hour sessions along one of the most impressive stretches of the River Avon. A punt typically takes between three-to-five adults at a time, but you can pay extra to have someone row you up and down the Avon while you soak up the scenery together. 

There is a genuine Wind in the Willows feel to this part of the Avon and punting is always a highlight with locals and tourists alike. 

Enjoy a gastronomic experience to remember at The Ivy Bath Brasserie 

The Bath Brasserie is one of the most exclusive eateries in the city. It’s part of the world-renowned Ivy Collection, offering high-end, all-day dining to the people of Bath. It’s only a stone’s throw from the city centre on Milsom Street and comes highly recommended by thousands of previous diners. 

There are set menus for dining between Mon-Weds and Thurs-Fri, as well as a la carte menus for weekend and bank holiday diners. The a la carte menu contains a string of seasonal specials for light bites and main meals. There are seasonal drinks and cocktails on the menu too. 

The Ivy Bath Brasserie is a hugely inviting dining space, with oodles of natural light, high Georgian ceilings and cosy, intimate seating arrangements perfect for date nights. 

Feed your head for heights by climbing the Bath Abbey spire 

If you and your partner are adrenaline junkies, there’s no better way to get a unique perspective of Bath city centre than by climbing the 212 steps of Bath Abbey’s spire. Join one of the Abbey’s popular tours and you’ll see plenty of the city as well as the church itself. 

You’ll witness the Abbey’s iconic bells and the tour’s clock face along this 60-minute tour. You can also book romantic tower tours, allowing you to head to the top of the spire at sunset and enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz at the summit. Just note that the Abbey requires bookings at least a week in advance for its romantic tower tour package. 

After scouring through this starter for ten for romantic attractions in the Bath area – as well as those within easy reach like Edinburgh – it’s easy to see why so many couples are drawn to Bath as a city to live, work and play.