Think of Bristol and most people around the country might suggest it’s quirky, edgy, creative or rebellious, but few people would say it was a particularly romantic city. But now Bristol can lay claim to be the Paris of England, thanks to a slightly surprising announcement by Premier Inn.
For the purple-branded budget hotel chain has named Bristol as the number one romantic getaway destination in the British Isles. The basis for this reinterpretation of Bristol as the city of love this Valentine’s Day is quite simple - more people have booked a room in Bristol for a getaway for February 14 than anywhere else in the country.
Premier Inn did take London out of that equation - obviously there are dozens more Premier Inns there and people are constantly visiting the city from all over the world. But among all the other towns and cities in the islands, outside of the capital of the UK, where hotel room bookings spike for February 14, Bristol has the most rooms booked than any other.
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For the record, Cardiff is first loser, finishing in second place in Premier Inn’s most romantic UK destinations outside of London, with Edinburgh, Manchester, Norwich, Dublin and Newcastle trailing far back as places with little romance at all.
“Advanced room booking numbers show the top UK hot spots this Valentine’s Day and is hoped the list will inspire people looking to arrange a last-minute break for their loved one,” said a Premier Inn spokesperson. “Bristol has taken first place, as the nation’s number one romantic destination this Valentines - perhaps enticed by the opportunity for a romantic stroll on Clifton Suspension Bridge, a visit to Blaise Castle Estate or even a romantic hot air balloon ride, taking in all of beautiful Bristol,” she added, rather optimistically.
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