Let’s get struck by cupid, not the bank: A Bristol guide to a budget friendly Valentine’s

This Friday, you might be celebrating with your secret admirer, or planning a Galantine’s with your housemates. Either way, February 14th is fast approaching. The words “budget” and “Valentine” don’t seem to fit in the same sentence. In this economy, it is extremely hard for us students to show people how much we care. Options that don’t break our bank must be considered. So, here is a guide to doing Valentine’s on a student budget…. Or you could forget it and go to the Utopia traffic light party, whatever works.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean an expensive meal out, there are so many things to do in Bristol which are super cheap. Celebrating on the 13th/15th would give you access to student deals/discounts which wouldn’t be available on the day itself. Whether you’re going out or staying in, there is something for you which won’t involve an hefty Apple Pay notification.

Going out

If you are going out to eat, make the best use of discounts.

First Table allows you to book at restaurants early doors for 50 per cent off food, and usually you need to buy a drink with your meal.

Restaurants probably aren’t about to give up tables for 50 per cent off on Valentine’s day, but booking a night before or a belated vibe saves your pennies. First table features a huge range of cuisines and popular choices, so there is something for everyone.

DUSK is an app which allows you to collect and redeem points at bars all over the UK, you can sometimes snag a free drink too. Looking out for these on V-Day weekend would be a saving hack.

Most Read

Guys! A FOURTH Islander has quit Love Island All Stars and this is so messy

Retiring, religion and legal troubles: The Buffy cast members we probably won’t see back

Two Love Islanders have finally admitted they’re a couple after years of speculation

Tesco is doing 20 per cent off “the restaurant gift cards and Odeon gift cards, so you could save by getting one of these for your Valentine’s activities, whether that’s Bella Italia or going to see the new Bridget Jones film.

Vue cinema has super saver tickets for just £5.99 and Odeon has tickets for just £5. This is a perfect Galantine’s trip or even date night. Also, if you have a phone contract with Three, you can claim a £3 cinema ticket at Cineworld. These cinemas all have branches in Bristol.

NQ64 is an amazing place to be for a student, it has some amazing discounts all day, every day. It has £6 gamer themed cocktails, along with £4 pints and even £3 shots. The arcade bar also does 50 per cent off tokens for students. Better still, it has a two player special on Valentine’s with 40 game tokens and four drinks for £18 each.

You might not be in gamer mode, Hollywood Bowl in Cribbs Causeway is offering two games of bowling and a drink for £13.50 pp. If the thought of catching the bus ruins this idea for you, Lane7 still has space for one game of bowling at £12.50pp. I’d be careful not to outshine your competitor though. You know what they say, you’re either good at bowling or…

There seems to be this expectation that you and your partner have to spend the entirety of the day joint at the hip. God forbid you have uni or go to the gym. If you’re looking for daytime activity inspiration, Gail’s are currently offering a free drink when you sign up to their loyalty scheme. You can grab a coffee and take a stroll through Clifton village, what could be more romantic than ripping your trousers on the slide next to the suspension bridge?

The National Trust is also currently giving away free day passes and with so many of these sites around Bristol and Bath, it makes for a whimsical day out. Promenade through the gardens with your suitor or reenact a scene from Little Women, how poetic.

Staying in

In 2025 going out to eat is very expensive, but why does Valentine’s Day have to automatically mean going out? Opt for one of the many valentines dine in deals supermarkets are doing this year, these usually include three courses and a bottle of wine. M&S have one for £25 and Sainsbury’s is coming in at £18. Or, if you can get to Bedminster, Aldi’s valentines range can work out at as little as £5.97.

A fun date night activity could be a game where you and your fellow diner play rock paper scissor for each course (starter, main, side, dessert, drink…) and the winner choses for that round, you can add as many or as little components to this as you’d like, so it can really fit any budget. But may not fit the olive theory.

Primark has also released a gorgeous range of Valentine’s pyjamas. Matching pyjamas is a rite of passage for the uni girls house. So why not milk Galantine’s for all its worth and invest? Whether you’re matching with friends or just showing a bit of self-love, this is a February treat which screams budget friendly.

Happy Valentine’s!